Import Game Watch: E.X. Troopers

It's time to go back to Japan for more upcoming games that they will be playing. This one is from the Nintendo 3DS and I'm really excited about this one. The game is called "E.X. Troopers." Here is a brief description from Play-Asia.com

Become an Ex Trooper, pilot Vital Suits to take down hostile forces. Bren Turner is a rookie in the academy. When the Vital Suit he was piloting with his tutor is attacked by a mysterious force, he has no choice but to go to war. Yet, that attack is just the beginning.

Bren can wield a main weapon and a sub weapon. Each can shoot a number of bullets. During reloading times, you are next to vulnerable, so make good use of your weapons and position yourself in the battles properly to make sure that your enemies can't take advantage of you. 

 Characters also has a Jet Pack. Use it to accelerate, break out of a circle of enemies or zoom near to a boss to shoot him at point blank. T-ENG is a very important energy source in the game. Store them up and trigger it when the forces of your enemies become overwhelming.

Here is the trailer from Tokyo Game Show and some stills from Play-Asia.com. The game will be released November 22nd 2012. I'm so envious of anybody with a Japanese 3DS.

Trailer

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn

The new Halo webseries is here.  This is a prequel to the upcoming Halo 4.

Episode 1
Thomas Lasky came to Corbulo Academy of Military Science with his mother and brother's impressive military careers hanging over his head. Haunted by ghosts from his past, he has serious doubts about the war he's expected to fight. As fellow cadet Chyler Silva tries to help him find his place at the academy, tensions with other squad members approach the breaking point.

Wrath Of The Ninja Review

In the year 1580, a man named Lord Nobunaga Oda sends hoards of unholy armies across Japan, slaying all who stand in their way. A young ninja escapes her villages' destruction with a short sword, one of the three mystical weapons that can end Oda's rule. During her quest, she is joined by two other ninjas who wield the other two weapons of legend, the sacred sword and spear.

Curicon Launches Free Collectors Marketplace At New York Comic Con

Curicon is thrilled to announce the launch of the no-fee social marketplace for collectors. The new online marketplace has been designed with collectors in mind and will match buyers with sellers using the site’s central library system, containing over 229,000 collectibles.

To mark the launch of the no-fee online marketplace, Curicon will be at Booth #102 for the entire weekend of New York Comic Con, giving away free New York Comic Con Exclusive collectible Curicon cards to anybody who plays and wins our simple trivia game.

There are only 2,000 Exclusive Curicon NYCCC 2012 cards in existence and they will be limited to one per person, on a first-come-first-served basis. The Curicon cards are made from brushed aluminium steel and they are the first Curicon card made exclusively for a convention.

Over the course of the weekend, we will have special guests dropping by the booth and some awesome new comics to give away.

A Good Day To Die Hard Teaser Trailer

Bruce Willis is back as John McClane in "A Good Day To Die Hard" I know what a title. The new teaser trailer was released. I like it so far. When John McClane's son Jack gets into trouble while in Russia, McClane travels to Moscow to help him out, only to get caught up in a terrorist plot involving the circumstances behind his son's arrest.

Voltron Returns To New York Comic Con

WHAT:  VOLTRON: FORM BLAZING FUN! The Defender of the Universe returns to New York Comic Con with "Head Geek" Jeremy Corray hosting an engaging panel that celebrates Voltron® memories and includes some brand-new announcements! Writer Brian "Smitty" Smith (The Stuff of Legend) joins Artist Jacob Chabot (X-Babies, Mighty Skullboy Army) on stage to talk about the creation of their Voltron Force® comics from VIZ Media that are based on the hit Nicktoons animated TV show. The panel also features a preview of new issues of the Voltron comic lines, based on the classic series from Writer Brandon Thomas, Artist N. Steven Harris and Russ Manning Award-nominated Artist Craig Cermak! Updates on the live action movie produced by Atlas Entertainment (The Dark Knight Rises), Relativity (Cowboys and Aliens,Immortals) and Kickstart Productions (Wanted) will be announced, and Mattel's Scott Neitlich (MattyCollector.com) will raffle off a giant Voltron Classics Black Lion that YOU could win!

Join us and "Form the Head" with Voltron at NYCC!

 

WHO:         Super fans, artists, writers and producers from the entire Voltron universe. Panel speakers include:

·         From World Events Productions, Bob Koplar, Vice President, and Jeremy Corray, Creative Director

·         From VIZ Media, Traci Todd, Senior Editor, Children’s Publishing

·         For Mattel—Scott Neitlich, Marketing Manager

·         Brian “Smitty” Smith—Writer, Voltron Force comic

·         Jacob Chabot—Artist, Voltron Force comic

WHEN:      Panel – Sunday, October 14^th from 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. EDT

              

WHERE:    New York Comic Con, Room 1A21

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW YORK COMIC CON

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, returns to New York City for the 2012 New York Comic Con with an array of events, special booth appearances, insightful panel discussions and promotional giveaways. New York Comic Con takes place October 11^th-14^th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. VIZ Media will be located in Booth 2042.

New York Comic Con is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture convention and plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. More information on New York Comic Con is available at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

VIZ Media is pleased to welcome Masakazu Katsura, TIGER & BUNNY character designer and creator of manga hits VIDEO GIRL AI, I”S, ZETMAN and more. Mr. Katsura will appear at a special signing session at the VIZ Media booth on Saturday, October 13^th, at 4:30PM, along with Sunrise Studio Producer Yasuo Miyakawa. Mr. Katsura and Mr. Miyakawa will speak on the Tiger & Bunny: Insider’s Panel, held in at 6:30PM the same day in Room 1A23, where fans can find out what it was like to make the anime.

The VIZ Media booth will be a must-visit attraction for digital manga and anime fans at the convention.Visitors can test drive the VIZ Manga digital manga platform on a laptop through VIZManga.com, as well as through the VIZ Manga App for iPad™, iPod™ touch, Android Nexus 7 tablet and Android smartphone. Fans that download the FREE VIZ Manga App will receive an exclusive full-color 27”x39” BLEACH poster!  Besides being able to read the latest Bleach volumes on the go, fans can choose from over 850 volumes of pure manga goodness, including Bakuman Vol. 15, Blue Exorcist Vol. 8 and much, much more. 

Visitors can also sample the latest issues of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, North America’s preeminent weekly digital manga magazine, on an assortment of Android- and Mac OS-based devices. Each new digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA treats manga fans in North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popularWEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine. Attendees that sign-up for a WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA annual membership will receive a rare Slifer the Sky Dragon YU-GI-OH! trading card.

The SHONEN JUMP Alpha team will also host two additional events. A special offsite will be held on Friday, October 12^th from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Kinokuniya Bookstore, located at 1073 Avenue of the Americas (between 40^th & 41^st Streets). Mingle with other fans of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, catch the debut of the SJ Alpha 2013 yearbook, and meet special guest Masakazu Katsura and the staff of SJ Alpha. Finally, the team will speak on the SHONEN JUMP ALPHA Panel on Saturday October 13^th, from 7:45pm-8:45pm, in Room 1A23. TEAMJUMP will have awesome announcements, and Katsura-sensei will again make a special appearance.

Throughout the convention, VIZ Media will celebrate the launch of Neon Alley, a new 24-hour anime channel debuting across the United States and Canada exclusively on the PlayStation^® Network and the PlayStation^® 3 system on October 2^nd. Neon Alley will feature the world’s best titles, dubbed in English and uncut, and presented in HD when available. Neon Alley is the first platform designed to be studio agnostic, and programming will include exclusive premieres and blockbusters from VIZ Media, as well as content from Aniplex, FUNimation, NTV, Taiseng, Anime News Network and more. Fans that sign up for a Neon Alley subscription during the show (limited time one week free offer, and only $6.99 per month thereafter) will receive a special Neon Alley tote bag.

VIZ Media invites younger anime and manga fans to join in the fun at the booth for special guest appearances and VIZ Kids giveaways! On Friday, October 12^th, meet some of the creative staff behind the new VOLTRON FORCE original graphic novel, series writer Brian Smith and artist Jacob Chabot, at 10:30amto meet fans and sign posters. Fans can also meet the creative staff behind the recently debuted REDAKAI graphic novel, inspired by the popular Cartoon Network animated series and the innovative trading card game developed by Spin Master. Writer Mike Raicht will appear at the booth on Friday October 12^th at 3:30pm, and artist Zach Turner will appear at Sunday October 14^th at 1:30pm to meet fans and sign posters of the graphic novel.

Other fun free VIZ Media convention giveaways will include samplers from the VIZ Kids imprint; mini-samplers of BLUE EXORCIST, the newly released LOVELESS, and the upcoming STROBE EDGE; full-color LOVELESS postcards; Neon Alley wristbands, and more. Fans can also sign up for the VIZ Media newsletter and be entered for a chance to win a NOOK Color or a NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND manga box set.

Finally, the annual VIZ Media Panel will be on Sunday October 14^th at 12:15pm in Room 1A12. Get the scoop on Neon Alley, VIZ Manga, and your favorite manga and anime! Also get the latest updates and exciting news on new acquisitions, upcoming releases, and upcoming projects.

SQUARE ENIX UNVEILS PLANS FOR NEW YORK COMIC CON 2012

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced details of its presence at New York Comic Con (NYCC), taking place at booth 1802 at the Javits Center Thursday, October 11 through Sunday, October 14.

NYCC attendees will be able to go hands-on with the award-winning Square Enix lineup, including upcoming titles HITMAN®: ABSOLUTION™ and TOMB RAIDER®, as well as a first look at DLC for the recently released open-world cop drama Sleeping Dogs™:

• HITMAN: ABSOLUTION – In the last public showing before the game’s November 20 release, NYCC attendees will be able to play the demo at the Square Enix booth and meet the IO Interactive development team at a special panel featuring a live playthrough and Q&A:

• When: Saturday, October 13: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
• Where: Room 1A10, Javits Center
• Who: Christian Elverdam (gameplay director, IO Interactive), Hakan Abrak (lead producer, IO Interactive)

• Sleeping Dogs – Fresh off its triumphant launch, the critically acclaimed open-world undercover cop drama will be playable on the show floor. The main attraction comes on Sunday when members of the United Front Games development team will reveal a brand-new content expansion for the game:

• When: Sunday, October 14: 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
• Where: Room 1A23, Javits Center
• Who: Mike Skupa (lead designer, UFG), Dan Sochan (producer, UFG), Justin Bullard (cinematics producer, UFG), Lee Singleton (GM, Square Enix London Studios)

• TOMB RAIDER – In addition to being able to get hands-on time with the game, New York Comic Con attendees will have the opportunity to test their archery skills at the TOMB RAIDERArchery Experience. Each participant will let three arrows fly at their own individual TOMB RAIDER themed shooting target which they can then take as a memory of the event. Those lucky archers who hit a bull-eye will receive a limited edition TOMB RAIDER lithograph. The Archery Experience is being supervised by the New Jersey School of Archery.

• When: Thursday, October 11: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
             Friday, October 12: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
             Saturday, October 13: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM*
  *first hour on Saturday reserved for TOMB RAIDER community and media guests
             Sunday, October 14: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Where: North Pavilion Walkway NC 106, Javits Center

Also taking place during the convention will be a series of charity auctions, the proceeds of which will go to Child’s Play (www.childsplaycharity.org). Fan works, signed lithographs and original hand-drawn art by project leads have been gathered from Square Enix properties including Sleeping Dogs, DEUS EX®: Human Revolution™, HITMAN: ABSOLUTION andTOMB RAIDER to contribute to the cause. The auctions will run through Sunday, October 12. Visit the Child’s Play eBay store (supported through eBay Giving Works) to bid.

Along with the panels, Square Enix fans will have several opportunities to take home fun and unique items during the show. With contests, interactive activities and more, NYCC attendees will have multiple chances to win amazing prizes.

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION PHOTO SNIPING CONTEST
Upload your best photo sniping image to be entered for a chance to win a custom HITMAN: ABSOLUTION console. Runners up will receive miniature figures of Agent 47, and HITMAN-themed ties and tie clips. Participants can upload their photo entries at hitman.com/photosnipeor by the photo-sniping app on the HITMAN Facebook page.

MEMBERS SWEEPSTAKES
Attendees can sign up to become a Square Enix Member for a chance to win prizes.

Marvel Celebrates New York Comic Con With Exclusive Items

Marvel is bringing the biggest creators and announcements to this year’s New York Comic Con (Oct 11-14), but there’s a surprise: this year, all-new, exclusive Marvel items will be for sale only at the Marvel booth (#1838)!

Marvel and New York City have always shared a special relationship. And, in celebration of New York Comic Con, Marvel has designed a small number of exclusive products specifically for this show. These items have been produced in limited quantities and will only be available for purchase* at the Marvel booth (#1838) while supplies last. This is your only chance to own these once-in-a-lifetime souvenirs straight from the House of Ideas!

Marvel Exclusive NYCC 2012 ‘Battle of New York’ T-Shirt

(Price: $20.00 each, Sizes S-XXL)

We know you saw and loved Marvel’s The Avengers blockbuster film, but now you can show the world you survived the big screen Super Hero battle that still has your jaws on the floor! Available in sizes S-XXL (while supplies last), this limited-edition t-shirt featuring art by Matt Ferguson lets your friends know that you were there when the Avengers assembled for the first time and that you did Survive The Battle Of New York. You can purchase this t-shirt exclusively at the Marvel booth (#1838), but sizes will go quickly!

Marvel Exclusive NYCC 2012 ‘Avengers Album’ T-Shirt

(Price: $20.00 each, Sizes S-XXL)

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have assembled to save the world…and record a hit single? That’s the case in this all-new, limited-edition t-shirt featuring art by Joey Spiotto and available in sizes S-XXL (while supplies last). If you’ve ever wanted to bust a move to an Avengers’ hit single or dance like the Hulk, this is the shirt for you(#1838)!

Marvel Exclusive Avengers VS. X-Men #12 - NYCC 2012 Avengers Variant

(Price: $10.00 each)

The conclusion to this year’s biggest comic book event is here and features a special variant cover by superstar Fantastic Four artist Ryan Stegman. There’s no better way to show your allegiance for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes than to purchase the limited-edition Avengers VS X-Men #12 – NYCC 2012 Avengers Variant at the Marvel booth (#1838).

Marvel Exclusive Avengers VS. X-Men #12 – NYCC 2012 X-Men Variant

(Price: $10.00 each)

Also, the Marvel booth will feature a special variant cover by superstar Ultimate Comics Ultimates artist Billy Tan. Tired of being hated and feared by a world you’re sworn to protect? Then you better show your support for the X-Men by purchasing the limited-edition Avengers VS X-Men #12 – NYCC 2012 X-Men Variant at the Marvel booth (#1838).

Marvel Exclusive NYCC 2012 Rocket Raccoon Mug by Joe Quesada

(Price: $12.00 each)

Everyone wants a good cup o’ joe, but some mornings you just need a drink that’s out of this world! Get ready to protect the Marvel Universe with this limited-edition coffee mug featuring Guardians of the Galaxy favorite Rocket Raccoon, as depicted by Marvel Chief Creative Officer & superstar artist, Joe Quesada, in an all-new piece of art!  

Marvel Exclusive NYCC 2012 Spider-Man Lithograph

(Price: $10.00 each)

Celebrate the World’s Greatest Super Hero with this limited-edition lithograph featuring a top secret piece of art by one of Marvel’s superstar artists. There’s never been a bigger year for the Spider-Man and this is your chance to own an exclusive piece of commemorative memorabilia! This litho will have a very limited production, so swing on over to the Marvel booth (#1838) and get one now, before they are completely sold out!

Can’t make it to the convention? Follow along with the Marvel Events App and at events.marvel.com, the best way to get exclusive videos, real-time announcements from the convention floor and up-to-the-minute panel, in-booth, and signing schedules of all your favorite Marvel creators!

(Sigh) Still Waiting For HighSchool Of The Dead Season 2....But till then..

HighSchool of the Dead Cosplay!

Hey Otakus and Geeks fans, if you feel the same way I do, it's taking forever to get  Highschool of the Dead season 2. I know they are currently writing the manga and planning season 2, but C'mon let's get a move on. (Sigh) until then here are some creative cosplay pics that I found that will have to hold us over. Enjoy!!

P.S. To the creators of H.O.T.D..... HURRY UP!!! 

 Rei Miyamoto, Saeko Busujima, Saya Takagi






 








 
 Saeko Busujima












                                                                                    Cosplay  Saeko Busujima

  Saya Takagi










                                                                                                                                                                    Saya Takagi Cosplay

 Rei Miyamoto

                                      



                                                                         Rei   Miyamoto Cosplay

  Takashi Komuro, Rei Miyamoto, Saeko Busujima, Saya Takag, Kohta Hirano, Shizuka Marikawa Cosplay

Shizuka Marikawa

                                                Shizuka Marikawa Cosplay

VIZ Media Debuts Neon Alley On The Playstation Network

VIZ Media, the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, anime and graphic novels in North America, announced the launch of Neon Alley, a 24-hour anime channel featuring the world’s best titles (dubbed in English and uncut), exclusively on the PlayStation^®Network and the PlayStation^®3 (PS3™) system.

“The Neon Alley premiere on PlayStation 3 is a landmark event for anime fans,” said Ken Sasaki, President and Chief Executive Officer for VIZ Media.  “Neon Alley combines the appointment viewing and joy of discovery of traditional broadcast TV with the ease of subscribing to a dedicated anime channel. Fans will find all of their favorite series alongside the best of the best new series they didn’t even know they were missing!”

Starting today, the Neon Alley application can be downloaded from PlayStation Network for the PS3 system. The subscription-based service will be available for a low $6.99 per month.  For a limited time only, starting today, a one-week free trial will be available for fans who sign up at NeonAlley.com.

Neon Alley’s schedule includes a mix of action, adventure, sci-fi, supernatural, fantasy, and horror anime, uncut and dubbed into English, and presented in HD (when available). At launch, Neon Alley will premiere weekly exclusive episodes of BLUE EXORCIST, INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, and TIGER & BUNNY. Fans can catch their favorite blockbuster anime from the beginning, including DEATH NOTE, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, ONE PIECE, VAMPIRE KNIGHT and more. The critically acclaimed BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I - THE EGG OF THE KING will also debut in October. Future premieres include LAGRANGE: THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE and ZETMAN. Viewers can easily find out what’s showing on Neon Alley with an electronic program guide showing the schedule for the week ahead.

Neon Alley is the first platform designed to be studio agnostic, featuring titles from other anime producers and content distributors, including Aniplex, FUNimation, NTV, Taiseng, Anime News Network, and Empire Distribution. Members can also share real-time thoughts and status updates using social media technology from Tout (Tout.com), some of which will air on the network. Neon Alley will continue to unveil more of its programming lineup, special offers, new acquisitions and other partnerships throughout the next several months.

                                                                                                                                                                   

For more information on Neon Alley and to register for updates, please visit www.NeonAlley.com.

For more information on VIZ Media, visit www.viz.com.  

Lenni Reviews: Zombie Cat: The Tale of a Decomposing Kitty

(Image Source)

With the recent success of “Go The F*ck To Sleep” I did expect a bunch more ‘kids books for adults’ to come out. For good or ill, there’s a market for these and since they amuse the hell out of me, I am proud to present a review of Zombie Cat by Isabel Atherton and Bethany Straker.

    One day, Tiddles is just chilling with his kitty friends when a nuclear power plant spill infects some field mice. One bites Tiddles and he awakens as Zombie Cat! It’s a cute story with decent art. The rendering of a decaying zombie cat was detailed enough to turn my stomach yet some gore is skipped. The scene where a pack of zombie cats attack a little girl is thankfully obscured. Still, this is not for the super squeemish or the very young. Unless you want to explain to your young child why Tiddles wants to eat his owner.

    I would recommend this book to older kids (say 15+ or a 12 year old with a decent sense of humor) who are into zombies or to adults like me who like a little gore with their cute every so often. If you like zombies, kitties, and silly, gory comics, you’ll enjoy this quick little tome.

 

Anime Contents Expo 2013 To Proceed

Anime Contents Expo 2013 (ACE 2013) is scheduled to be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 30 and 31, 2013, at Makuhari Messe. Following intense discussions regarding whether to hold the event, the members of the Executive Committee eventually decided to do so for two reasons. The first is to respond to the enthusiasm displayed by the 41,628 people who attended ACE 2012. 

The second is to provide an opportunity for even more exciting encounters between visitors and animated works. We intend to scale up and make this event more enjoyable in every way than the previous  event.  The  hall  space  will  be  expanded  to  make  room  for even more visitors. We hope you will look forward and visit this special event. Come take your spot in animation’s vanguard!


The purpose of this event is to give fans the opportunity to enjoy cutting-edge anime and related content through various activities, including exhibitions, on-stage performances, and displays of for-sale merchandise.  

Anime Contents Expo 2013 Overview
Name；Anime Contents Expo 2013 
Date；9:00-17:00,March 30(Saturday)&31(Sunday),2013 
Venue；Makuhari Messe Halls 1-2-3-4  
(2-1, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba-ken,261-0023)  
Organizer；Anime Contents Expo executive committee 
Tickets；1,500 yen per day (three years old or more charged)  
Features；Corporate booths (featuring exhibitions and for-sale merchandise),     
on-stage performances, cosplay zone, food, etc. 

Note: Please submit applications to exhibit from Monday, October 15 through Friday, November 30. 
Tickets；Tickets will go on sale in early February 2013. 
Official website；http://www.animecontentsexpo.jp/index.html
Official twitter；@ACE_Makuhari (hash tag: #ace_makuhari) 
Executive office；Anime Contents Expo Executive Office 

Geeks Who Do Music Interview With MikeFly

It's been a while since I did a Geeks Who Do Music post. Consider this getting back on track. A while back we feature artist MikeFly for geeks who do music /www.otakusandgeeks.com/akusandgeeks.com/2011/12/geeks-who-do-music-3-mike-fly.html. Today we have an interview with him.

Geeks Who Do Music Interview With MikeFly

OtakusandGeeks.com: Let’s talk about your music origins. How did you fall in love with Hip Hop?

MikeFly: I fell in love with Hip-Hop when I first heard “Eminem”. I just remember listening and thinking how creative and entertaining his songs were. I always listened to music mostly different variations of rock but when I heard Em his lyrics always drew me in and he always said something to catch my attention. My listening to Em lead to me listening and studying more hip-hop artist and the culture itself.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Who are some of your musical influences?

MikeFly: The biggest influence, who is my favorite artist ever is The Notorious B.I.G, but I draw musical inspiration from alot of artist like Nirvana, Queen, Lupe Fiasco, Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, Tupac, Michael Jackson, Outkast and Kanye West.

OtakusandGeeks.com:  How do you choose your subject matter for your songs? Is there any particular thought process you go through?

MikeFly: I usually just go off of my instinct, unless its something personal I feel like I have to get off my chest. My process is very simple I go completely off of the vibes I get when I hear a beat and base the concept off how it makes me feel.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Since this is Geeks Who Do Music. Tell us what type of geek you are and when did you really go fully into your geeky ways?

MikeFly: I love anime, reading manga, video games, drawing, and anything dealing with mythology weather it be Japanese, Egyptian, or Greek. I was always a geek after I saw my first anime and got my first gaming system. Over time I became a super hardcore gamer, and a full-fledged otaku. I’m at every convention in my city and I'm always playing some type of videogame.

OtakusandGeeks.com:  You make a lot of geeky references in your music to Final Fantasy to Kingdom Hearts. How do you choose which reference will go into one song?

MikeFly:  The thing with Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts is that the characters backgrounds are so detailed and deep, you can’t help but relate to one of them. I choose based on the feel of the song, and I try to make a characters emotions show in my music. Like if you listen to 16-Bit Romance you can kind of imagine Cloud and Tifa, Zack and Aerith, Sora and Kairi, Tidus and Yuna or Squall and Rinoa together as you listen to the song.

OtakusandGeeks.com:  Tell us about your upcoming projects.

MikeFly: I’m releasing my sophomore project Liberation: The Moon Reader  on October, 5th. The project was inspired by Final Fantasy Crisis Core, Gurren Lagann, and Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool. It’s basically about the moon's orbit around the earth as it records the events that happen in the world, and a boy has the unique ability the see these recordings and illustrate them threw song. It has a lot of production from different producers of different styles. It’s really creative and unique and I’m certain the people will enjoy it.

OtakusandGeeks.com: What music albums are you currently listening too?

MikeFly: Like always I’m listening to Nirvana’s Nevermind album, and As Cruel as School Children by Gym Class Heroes. Also Lupe Fiasco’s Food And Liquor II and The Cool.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Who would you love to collaborate with to do a song?

MikeFly: I would love to do a song with Utada Hikaru! Her voice is just so amazing, and her songs have so much emotions in them, she’s so awesome.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Since you’re an Otaku. What is your top 5 favorite Animes?

MikeFly: Only 5? lol Well 1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, 2. One Piece, 3. Gurren Lagann,  4. Code Geass, and 5. Future Diaries.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Finally you have the floor. Any final words?

MikeFly: First and foremost I really want to thank you guys for the interview I really appreciate it. I want to thank my listeners and fans for all their love and support! Liberation: The Moon Reader drops  October 5th and will be available on my bandcamp. Make sure you go to http://mikeflytherebel.bandcamp.com/ to hear all my previous works. 

Anime Blast Of Tempest Coming To Crunchyroll

Hey Otakus here is some news from our friends at Aniplex & Crunchyroll. Anime Rules!!!!

Aniplex of America announces the new anime series Blast of Tempest will be streaming on Crunchyroll. This brand new animated murder-mystery is one of the highly anticipated series of this fall. A couple hours after its broadcast in Japan, Blast of Tempest will be available for streaming in the following territories: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The 1st episode will premiere at 10:00am PST on Thursday, October 4th for Crunchyroll premium members. Free members will be able to view Blast of Tempestone week after initial broadcast on Crunchyroll (www.crunchyroll.com/zetsuen). 

A synopsis of Blast of Tempest: The Kusaribe family is a family of sorcerers under the protection of the “Tree of Origins”. Their princess, Hakaze Kusaribe, was the greatest sorceress of their family. But Samon Kusaribe, a member of their family seeking to resurrect the “Tree of World's End”, a tree that 
opposes the “Tree of Origins” and controls the power of destruction, stuffs her into a barrel, and banishes her to a deserted island. From the deserted island, she sends a message out to sea, which is picked up by Mahiro Fuwa, a young boy who's sworn vengeance upon the criminal who killed his little sister, Aika. Mahiro agrees to help Hakaze under the condition that she find Aika's killer with her magic. But once Mahiro's best friend and Aika's lover, Yoshino Takigawa is rescued from danger, he too gets dragged into this tale of revenge. More information about  Blast of Tempest can be found at: 
http://www.aniplexusa.com/blastoftempest/

“Blast of Tempest is an exciting new title for Aniplex and I hope many viewers will enjoy this dark murder-mystery. We’re happy to see that fans in several different countries will be able to watch this series immediately after its airing in Japan” says Hideki Goto, the president of Animation Business of Aniplex of America. “Blast of Tempest is another example how we continue to strive to provide fans with access to more anime content immediately as possible.”

Marvel Reveals New Art Covers For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Marvel Entertainment and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® are proud to reveal the complete lineup of all-new covers and the original advertorial that will be released in October to commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month of October, the world’s most popular super heroes—Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Wolverine and more—will be featured on all-new variant covers with special pink-colored costumes available exclusively at comic shops*.

Additionally, Marvel is proud to unveil a special one page advertorial running throughout its super hero comics in October to raise awareness of breast cancer in men. This advertorial will also be featured on www.marvel.com and distributed via social media channels.

“It’s rewarding to see the partnership between Marvel and Susan G. Komen For The Cure produce such exciting art to raise awareness about the risk of breast cancer to both women and men,” said Dan Buckley, Publisher & President of the Print, Animation & Digital Divisions, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. “We hope that all our fans take a moment this month to educate themselves on the ways to fight—and reduce-- this risk of this disease by checking out the free resources Komen has to offer.”

The following comic books, on-sale in October, will feature special Susan G. Komen variant covers:

·         AVENGERS #31 KOMEN VARIANT by Pasqual Ferry & Chris Sotomayor [on sale 10/10]

·         CAPTAIN AMERICA #18 KOMEN VARIANT  by Dale Keown & Frank D’Armata [on sale 10/10]

·         CAPTAIN MARVEL #5 KOMEN VARIANT by Joe Quiñones [on sale 10/107]

·         FANTASTIC FOUR #611 KOMEN VARIANT by John Tyler Christopher [on sale 10/10]

·         INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #526 KOMEN VARIANT by Paul Renaud [on sale 10/10]

·         THE MIGHTY THOR #21 KOMEN VARIANT by Mike Perkins & Sonia Oback [on sale 10/17]

·         UNCANNY X-MEN #20 KOMEN VARIANT  by David Marquez & Chris Sotomayor [on sale 10/17]

·         WOLVERINE #315 KOMEN VARIANT by Ben Ang & Edgar Delgado [on sale 10/24]

“Komen is thrilled to partner with Marvel Entertainment in the fight against breast cancer this October,” said Dorothy Jones, VP, Marketing at Komen. “This partnership will allow us to share critical information with this important audience, empowering them to take positive action for their breast health and for the women they love.”

Stay tuned to Marvel.com for more news on this initiative from Marvel Entertainment

To learn more about the fight against breast cancer and how you can support Komen, please visit Komen.org

J-Rock Band GLAY Concert Film To Premiere In NYC

Hey J-Rock/J-Pop fans living in NYC here is some cool news for you.

Live Viewing Japan, a distribution company focused on bringing Japanese entertainment media to an international audience, brings a new live-concert film performance to U.S. movie theatres as it presents GLAY: STADIUM LIVE 2012 THE SUITE ROOM in OSAKA NAGAI STADIUM. The 3-hour film incorporates footage filmed during a blistering live performance by the bestselling J-rock band that took place this past summer in Osaka, Japan and attracted more than 100,000 people.

GLAY: STADIUM LIVE 2012 THE SUITE ROOM in OSAKA NAGAI STADIUM will have its U.S. theatrical premiere in New York City on Friday, October 12^th at 8:30pm at the Big Cinemas Manhattan Theatre, located at 239 East 59th Street (between 2^nd and 3^rd Ave). Advance tickets are $20.00 and are available at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/279390. Additional U.S. cities will be announced shortly.

As an added incentive, the first 20 people to show up for the GLAY concert film in New York City will also receive a special commemorative GLAY notebook that was originally only given to concert goers that bought a GLAY CD at one of the band’s live shows.

GLAY’s original 4-hour live performance took place on July 28^th and 29^th and was adapted into the special 3-hour concert film, depicting the best moments of the legendary performance on July 29^th and featuring many of the band’s greatest hits. Additional information on this special event can be found at: http://www.liveviewing.jp/glay-screenings/.

Since their debut in 1994, GLAY has led the music scene in Japan to become one of the best-selling rock acts in the country and has also garnered a substantial worldwide following. To-date, the 4-piece band has released an astounding 45 singles and has sold more than 40 million albums in Japan alone.

“GLAY is a truly amazing band to see live and we know U.S. rock and Visual Kei fans won’t want to miss this very special theatrical premiere,” says Live Viewing Japan Executive Director Hiroki Kotani. “Drawing from a prolific career that spans nearly 20 years, GLAY has impressed millions with their powerful and dynamic live shows. We look forward to existing fans being captivated by the GLAY’s music and also to the group finding new U.S. fans through the power of this new concert film that Live Viewing Japan is pleased to present.”

The band name “GLAY” is a deliberate misspelling of the word “gray”, which represents the style of music the members wanted to play; a mixture between rock (black) and pop (white). Takuro, the band’s founder and leader, writes most of Glay's songs and music and is an ardent Beatles fan and the group’s music is heavily influenced by English as well as American rock fans. Although GLAY primarily composes songs in the rock genre, they have also written songs in styles ranging from reggae to gospel. Due to their musical diversity, beautiful lyrics and wonderful melodies, the band has emerged as one of the most successful and well known bands in Japan, and most of Asia. The members of GLAY are also heavily involved in a variety of social and charitable causes.

GLAY is also known its massive live shows. On July 31^st 1999, the band held a huge show called “GLAY EXPO '99 SURVIVAL” in Chiba, Japan that became the largest single concert event ever held in the country, attracting over 200,000 people. GLAY EXPO 2001 “GLOBAL COMMUNICATION” was held at 3 venues and presented to over 280,000 people while GLAY EXPO 2004, held at Universal Studios Japan™ drew more than 100,000.

About Live Viewing Japan:

Live Viewing Japan is a Japanese-based media distribution company focused on bringing a variety of entertainment properties to a global theatre-going audience. More information on the company and its projects is available at: www.liveviewing.jp.

Everyday Lolita ... This is JUST the Intro!

As we all know, I am a Lolita to the core! Well, minus the cursing, grills, tattoos ... look! You get the point. My favorite style of fashion is Lolita, hands down. As such, I travel and tattoo Lolita and get asked about the style & fashion a lot.

Recently, I've met a hand full of loli's explaining that they'd love to dress everyday or at least most days. However, the top cocerns are
A). dressing Lolita for the workplace
B). dressing on a budget

Here is my responses to that ...
there's NO EXCUSE! If you want to dress Lolita, there's moooore than enough ways!

Sometimes this gets concerning to me because what girl would limit themselves from playing dress up in an otherwise semi-drab society, right?!

What's your take on dressing Lolita ... or ANY subculture style, for that matter? How often do you dress and would you wear it to work? Is it budget saavy or a "I gotta plan my life" sort-a-thing?

This post is JUST the beginning. I've been doing hella research and trying different looks and snapping many many pictures to give sufficient example of what can happen when it comes to being an everyday Lolita.

 For now, enjoy some of my FAVORITE Lolita warnings ... & next week, let's get to work! We'll be sure to take a thorough look at Exhibit A: dressing Lolita for the workplace.

  

    

and of course, Oscar Wilde has some FAMOUS words to live by!

Just a FEW quickies ... 

Lolita posts and follow-ups to the Everyday Lolita series will NOT be posted during our NYCC coverage. (but there WILL be some Lolita posts related to NYCC)

Be sure to join us on our new Otaku Time Tumblr, for quick geeky & fashion posts. You can submit & share ANYTHING you'd like with the Otakus & Geeks crew!

If there's EVER anything you'd like to see covered, fashion or art related ... or if you just want to send a kind note, be sure to shoot me an email at imani@otakusandgeeks.com >^.*<

Til next time ...
~je t'adore!
<3 IKB