SuBlime Launches New Manga Series Blue Morning

SuBlime delivers an intriguing new series about aristocratic drama and the intricate relationship between the loyal butler of a noble family and a young heir he is duty-bounty to look after in the print debut of BLUE MORNING, by creator Shoko Hidaka. The new manga (graphic novel) series launched on May 14th, is rated M’ for Mature Audiences, and will carry an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN.

At only ten years of age, Akihito Kuze suddenly inherits the Kuze viscountship after his father’s death. The family's capable butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, takes over the task of raising the boy, serving as his tutor and mentor. However, the handsome and intelligent Katsuragi, well respected even among the aristocracy, remains cool towards his charge. Akihito finds himself relentlessly drawn to Katsuragi, frustrated by the distance between them and driven to discover the reasons why.

“Young Akihito Kuze is destined for nobility, but he first must learn to navigate and grapple with what his butler Katsuragi and society want in a person of high position and what Akihito wants for himself,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “As Akihito stands on the brink of manhood, he realizes he is in love. Fans won’t want to miss the tender drama of BLUE MORNING about the conflicts between what duty demands and what the heart desires!”

Yaoi manga creator Shoko Hidaka’s previously published English-language releases include Restart and Not Enough Time. Her works have also been published in French and German.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.

Batman: Arkham Origins Teaser Trailer

Warner Bros release the teaser trailer to the upcoming Batman Arkham Origins. Check it out below. The full trailer will be up on May 20th. Batman: Arkham Origins is the next installment in the blockbuster Batman: Arkham videogame franchise. Developed by WB Games Montréal, the game features an expanded Gotham City and introduces an original prequel storyline set several years before the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, the first two critically acclaimed games of the franchise. Taking place before the rise of Gotham City's most dangerous criminals, the game showcases a young and unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, players will meet many important characters for the first time and forge key relationships.

Teaser Trailer

Colorful Review

There is no secret that I' am a huge fan of anime and manga that are in the slice of life genre. There comes a time when you come across a piece of work that not only makes you think, but also makes you feel emotionally invested that you forget you're watching an anime. "Colorful" is one of those anime's that is truly a must watch film.

Synopsis: Upon reaching the train station to death, a dejected soul is informed that he is 'lucky' and will have another chance at life. He is placed in the body of a 14-year-old boy named Makoto Kobayashi, who has just committed suicide. Watched over by a neutral spirit named Purapura, the soul must figure out what his greatest sin and mistake in his former life was before his time limit in Makoto's body runs out. He also has a number of other lesser duties he must complete, such as understanding what led Makoto to commit suicide in the first place and learning how to enjoy his second chance at life.

Story: "Colorful" has a wonderful concept filled with a few central core themes that drives the protagonist story along. Themes of bullying, suicide, a take on the afterlife and the importance of a support system. Growing up one of the most important life lessons I learn is "You're only as strong as your support system." In other words you might be a strong human being, but you still need a strong foundation around you to keep you strong. Without that support around you, life will be a little more difficult. When watching the character of Makoto and seeing him get bully and then eventually taking his own life, it made me think of how important that having a support system is.  

Colorful Trailer

The movie does a phenomenal job of making you invest in Makoto and his world. Makoto has the typical formula an outcast. He's quiet, not liked at school, has no friends and feels that no one understands him. The great thing about Makoto character and the entire movie is the mystery. Throughout the movie the soul that takes over Makoto's body is trying to figure out what it did, what spark Makoto to kill himself. Surrounded by a strong well written supporting cast that have interesting side stories of their own, like Hiroka Kuwabara who story can be a movie of her own. For the sake of not giving spoilers I won't get into details, however I would like to say I wish they explore her character a little bit more to understand why she did what she did.  With a running time of only 2 hours I wish it was 2 hours and 30 mins to give the support cast more screen time. That is how great this story, it's theme and characters will grab you and make you want more. My only complaints about the story is it gets a little dry when Makoto is developing relationships with key characters, thankfully it doesn't last very long. 

Voice Acting: The English voice cast did a very good job. Greg Ayers plays Makoto very well, he delivers a performance in his voice that really brings the vulnerability, insecurity of Makoto to life. Luci Christian as the mysterious Purapura was my favorite performance. Her character is witty, but serious and deep and I love her calm, upbeat but serious tone she did for the character. Other voice actors such as Chris Patton, Brittney Karbowski and Emily Neves all give great performances.

Music & Animation: The music is a composition of my piano and strings which is very easy to listen too. The soundtrack is composed by Ko Otani and it has some memorable tracks, but it falls a little bit short as it gets to be the standard dramatic ost you expect from a drama anime. The animation however is beautiful. One of the aspects I love is the background of the film, because the background is clearly a painting which fits well into Makoto character since he is an artist. Rarely you will see a anime film where the background has a relationship in some part to a character. The choice to use a painting type background brought me more into the setting. 

Final Grade A-/****1/2 Stars: "Colorful" is a truly a gem that you must have in your collection or witness. The story touches on many subjects that everyone can relate to one way or another, whether it's family relationships, bullying, insecurity, trying to find yourself and your purpose. This movie has a lot of heart and most importantly a lot of soul. It's not the experience that makes it great, at the end it makes you really think about your own life and most importantly raises some questions. This movie truly shines bright.

Lenni Reviews: Sidney Sheldon's The Tides Of Memory by Tilly Bagshane

(Image Source)

Political dramas aren’t really my thing. Real politics are dramatic enough and I find their considerable lack of elves, dragons, or space ships terribly disturbing. But while such books aren’t in my book queue, I cracked this book open with an equally open mind.

The novel follows Alexia De Vere, wife of Teddy De Vere and ruthless political darling of the United Kingdom’s conservative party. As the newly appointed Home Secretary (a position I hadda look up because I wasn’t exactly sure what a Home Secretary does), her hard ball stance on illegal immigrants and sentencing laws has earned her a sizable number of enemies. So, one can hardly be surprised when bodies start piling up around her.

Bagshane has some tight writing here and the characters are believable to the point where you can be annoyed by them. I had trouble identifying with Alexia not because she wasn’t written well, but because she’s a spoiled rich woman who seems to have nine lives when her mistakes come to bite her in the ass. I was curious about the outcome and it kept me reading to the end but didn’t keep me up late or anything. It’s pure and fun escapism, enough to keep me turning the pages and I’m an admitted avoider of thrillers and mysteries.

This book wasn’t good enough for me to go chasing down the other books by the same author(s) but it was a fun ride while it lasted. If you’re in to light political thrillers with a twisting plot and a fair amount of drama, you won’t be disappointed.

Five Great & Not So Great Moms In Anime

Happy Mother's Day to all the otaku and geeky mothers of the world. Today we will look at five anime moms some good and some not so motherly, but nether the less these moms were present in there children's lives. Since parents in anime usually are non existent or barely around we wanted to showcase the moms that are least around. Here are five anime moms.

Chi Chi (Dragonball Z)

When I think of a great mom in anime the first one that came to my mind was Chi Chi. Chi Chi is the type of mom who pushes her kids to be the best and to succeed. Especially when it comes to Gohan the only thing on Chi Chi mind was Gohan's education. She wanted Gohan to be a scientist and didn't want him risking his life all the time like Goku. Chi Chi also is a mother who will defend her children and family if need be and is very skilled in fighting if she needs to defend herself. Caring, protective and a mom that we salute.

Atsuko (Yu Yu Hakusho)

"Oh great mother of the year." -Sarcastically said by Yusuke Urameshi. Atsuko will definitely not be a contender for mother of the year. Atsuko is a mother that we rarely get to see in anime. She's a mother that is troubled has her own demons to face and all of this actually affects the way her child Yusuke acts. Atsuko is a mess, she parties too much, drinks too much and smokes too much and basically doesn't really care about Yusuke when we first meet her. However after Yusuke dies and comes back, we see Atsuko start to step it up a little as a parent. She tries to make sure Yusuke goes to school, makes sure he is eating well and not getting into too much trouble, however some of the old habits are hard to kill as Atsuko will still from time to time not be around. She's not a perfect mom, but at least she is present and tries from time to time.

Delia Ketchum (Pokemon)

When your mom let's you leave the house at the age of ten to explore the world and follow your dreams, you have a very cool mom. Some will say that Delia Ketchum is the worst mom there is letting her son travel by himself at a young age. However I have to disagree Delia is not stupid. She keeps tabs on Ash all the time. She calls him, he has to check in with her from time to time. Delia is always there to encourage, motivate and inspire Ash to do his best and with a support system that Delia provides, there is no doubt that Ash will be the best Pokemon master someday.

Emiko Niwa (D.N. Angel)

Emiko is a mother that is very blunt and straight to the point. She is a mother that has a very unique family history and she tries to keep that history in tact with her son Daisuke. Emiko tends to embarrass Daisuke all the time with her antics of revealing things to him in public, or setting obstacles courses that can actually kill him in the name of training. But deep down you have a woman who loves her son and wants him to succeed. Emiko is a very cool mother to have, once you get pass the fact that she can be a little crazy.

Eureka (Eureka Seven)

Granted Maurice, Maeter and Linck are not Eureka's birth children, but she did take them in after killing they family members. Eureka felt guilty when she realized what she done so she takes it upon herself to raise the three kids. As a woman still growing herself Eureka has a hard time learning how to discipline the kids until Renton comes along and shows her how. Eureka is caring, compassionate and willing to risk everything to protect these kids and regardless of what she did to the real parents, she surely did make up for it by stepping up and taking them in.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Director Hideaki Anno Stars in New Studio Ghibli Film

Hideaki Anno director of the anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion" will star in the new Studio Ghibli film "Kaze Tachinu"(The Wind Rises) This will be Hideaki first time doing a voice over role. He starts as the main protagonist in the film which will debut in Japan on July 20th. The film takes a look at the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II. Anime Rules!!!

Final Fantasy X-2 HD Screenshots

Square Enix recently released some new screenshots for the HD remaster of Final Fantasy X-2. This game is looking to be an HD remaster that you might want to check out. The variety of screenshots shows that each of the main character models have been reworked to offer more facial expressions in the game. The textures of the surrounding environment and backgrounds were also carefully redrawn for the FINAL FANTASY X-2 HD Remaster. Finally, the resolution of Yuna’s concert performance (a pre-render movie) has been increased for the HD version.

Adult Swim Announces New Series/Pilots

Today Adult Swim announced there new shows and returning shows for the upcoming season. I'am happy to see that Robot Chicken DC Special is getting a sequel and Boondocks is getting season 4. Mike Tyson Mysteries sounds interesting, check out the official slate below. 

New original series and specials:

·         RICK AND MORTY – Rick and Morty is about a genius inventor grandfather and his less than genius grandson, and the journeys in life they share. From Dan Harmon (Community, Channel 101) and Justin Roiland. Animated half-hour.

·         MR. PICKLES – In Mr. Pickles, the urban sprawl of modern society pollutes the old-fashioned town where the Goodman family lives with their lovable pet dog, Mr. Pickles, a deviant border collie with a secret satanic streak. From creators Will Carsola and Dave Stewart (Funny Or Die Presents Nick Swardson's Pretend Time). Animated quarter-hour.


·         MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES - In the new animated comedy series Mike Tyson Mysteries, Mike Tyson is taking the fight from the boxing ring to the streets… by solving mysteries! Armed with a magical tattoo on his face and a trusty associate by his side — a talking pigeon — if you have a problem that needs solving, Iron Mike is in your corner. The series incorporates live-action appearances featuring Mighty Mike himself, and the gloves come off as the former heavyweight champ and his fowl-mouthed partner gear up for weekly adventures as they put unsolved mysteries — like how to defeat a super computer at chess or why a famous author/werewolf can’t finish his novel — down for the count. Animated quarter-hour from Warner Bros Animation.

·         KING STAR KING – King Star King features a punk rock, modern day he-man who falls from the realm of the gods to land as a fry cook in a slummy waffle joint. King Star King must regain his memory to defeat the evil (and adorable) Spring Bunny and rescue his love, the megababe Princess Snow White. Only then will King Star King regain his rightful place in the heavens. From artist JJ Villard (Monsters Vs. Aliens). Animated quarter-hour.

·         YOUR PRETTY FACE IS GOING TO HELL – This new live-action series from Adult Swim is a workplace comedy about Gary, an associate demon, as he attempts to capture souls on earth in order to climb the corporate ladder of the underworld. Gary hopes to advance in Hell, but he may be too stupid, lazy and kind-hearted to realize his dreams of promotion. Meanwhile, Gary’s intern Claude is more talented, more devious and will do whatever it takes to impress Satan. A Williams Street production, the show is created and directed by Dave Willis (Squidbillies, Aqua Teen Hunger Force) and Casper Kelly (Squidbillies, Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law, Stroker & Hoop).  The series is currently presenting premiere episodes on Thursday nights at Midnight ET/PT on Adult Swim. Live-action quarter-hour.

·         ROBOT CHICKEN DC COMICS SPECIAL II – Faster than a speeding bullet! Well, maybe not but quality takes time. Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, in partnership with DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, will premiere a sequel to their acclaimed Annie Award-winning Robot Chicken DC Comics Special in 2014. Robot Chicken DC Comics Special II brings you the awesomeness of the DC Comics universe of characters as only Robot Chicken can, with amazing guest stars and the stop-motion sketch comedy you've come to love after six seasons of the popular Adult Swim series. Executive producers for the second Robot Chicken DC Comics Special include Stoopid Monkey's Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, Warner Bros. Animation's Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs Sam Register, and Stoopid Buddy Stoodios' John Harvatine IV and Eric Towner.

·         METALOCALPYSE: THE DOOM STAR REQUIEM – In Metalocalypse: The Doom Star Requiem, we pick up directly after the abduction of Dethklok guitarist Toki Wartooth in the season 4 finale. With his life in danger his only salvation can come from the four most selfish human celebrities on earth—his bandmates, extreme metal band DETHKLOK. Will they be able to get past their own egos to help someone besides themselves? Find out in this one-hour heavy metal rock opera special with a completely original score. Created by Brendon Small, Metalocalypse: The Doom Star Requiem airs in October. Animated one-hour special.

·         HOT PACKAGE – Premiering in October on Adult Swim, Hot Package is a live-action fictional Canadian entertainment news program in vein of "Entertainment Tonight," "EXTRA," or "E! News.” Hot Package is created by and stars Derrick Beckles (TV Carnage), produced by Abso Lutely, with Derrick Beckles and Dave Kneebone as executive producers. Live-action quarter-hour.

Pilots:
Aaron McGruder Pilots –Two new live-action pilots from the creator of The Boondocks. Live-action quarter-hour and half-hour.
Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories: Zach’s Haunted House - Tim, Eric and Zach are elated to learn their grandfather has left them each $1,000 in his will. However, there's a catch. In order to collect the money, they must live in his haunted mansion for the rest of their lives. Are the three of them up for it? This Halloween special is written, directed and stars Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim (Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!) with Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover). Live-action half-hour.
Ghostbags – These three frat guys were douchebags while they lived, but now that they've died in a horrible car accident, absolutely nothing has changed. Created by Hayes Davenport (Eastbound and Down) and Guy Endore-Kaiser (Allen Gregory). Animated quarter-hour.
Hole to Hole - Hole to Hole follows the fabulous exploits of Ashleigh and Amelia Dangerhole, America’s sexiest billionaire detectives in a parody of ‘80s detective shows. From Pam Brady (South Park, Neighbors from Hell) and Arden Myrin (MADtv, Chelsea Lately). Live-action quarter-hour.
Filthy Sexy Teen$ – Filthy Sexy Teen$ follows the exploits of a group of teens (and one high school principal) as they attempt to climb the social ladder by any means possible, even if they have to use sex, lies, and murder to get there. It won't be easy in a school where everyone has a dark secret, and one mysterious teen is out to expose every one of them. Created by Curtis Gwinn (Walking Dead), Paul Scheer (The League, Human Giant) and Jonathan Stern (Childrens Hospital, Burning Love). Live-action quarter-hour.
Team Unicorn – Team Unicorn is a modern send-up of Saturday morning kids’ shows featuring a team of four sexy, culture-obsessed heroines who present darkly ironic twists on 80's cartoon tropes. From the creators of Robot Chicken. Live action/animation mix, quarter-hour.
Übermansion – From Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and the creators of Robot Chicken comes Übermansion, a glimpse into the mundane humanity of six superheroes all living in the same mansion. Created by Zeb Wells and Matthew Senreich, executive produced by Wells, Senreich, Seth Green, John Harvatine IV, Eric Towner and Bryan Cranston. Animated quarter-hour.
Untitled Cruise Ship Project – The corrupt employees of a trashy cruise ship are piloted into danger by their insane Scandinavian captain.  Created by Matt Harrigan (Space Ghost Coast to Coast). Live-action quarter-hour.

Returning series:
AQUA TV SHOW SHOW
BLACK DYNAMITE
THE BOONDOCKS
CHILDRENS HOSPITAL
CHECK IT OUT! WITH DR. STEVE BRULE
CHINA, IL
EAGLEHEART
THE ERIC ANDRE SHOW
THE GREATEST EVENT IN TELEVISION HISTORY
THE HEART, SHE HOLLER
INFOMERCIALS
LOITER SQUAD
NTSF:SD:SUV::
ROBOT CHICKEN

Nickelodeon Announces Spongebob Squarepants Global Film Competition

Nickelodeon, one of the world’s leading recognized entertainment brands for kids and families, today announced the first-ever global SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired short film competition, SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes. SpongeBob fans and filmmakers of all ages from around the world are invited to create original, SpongeBob-inspired short films for a chance to win a cash prize and trip for four people to a screening event in Hollywood, Calif.    The call for entries opened, Monday, May 6, and will run through Friday, June 28. Entries can be submitted in two categories (under 18 years of age, and 18 and over) to www.SpongeBobSquareShorts.com.

“SpongeBob is a global icon and beloved by people of all ages,” said Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer, Nickelodeon Group.  “We’re excited to launch a competition that lets fans around the world create compelling short films that showcase the positivity and optimism that SpongeBob brings to audiences everywhere.”

Films submitted to the SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes competition should be themed around SpongeBob, his world and/or his friends, while celebrating his endearing attributes: humor, overflowing happiness and persistent positivity. The short films can be live-action, animation, stop-motion, etc. and should run no longer than three (3) minutes.  Videos will be judged on originality & creativity, incorporation of SpongeBob’s attributes, and overall appeal.

Following the entry period, finalists will be selected by a panel of judges, and the top 10 in each of the two categories will be announced on Thursday, July 18 as finalists. From July 18 through Friday, August 2, fans will have the chance to vote for their favorite of the finalists at www.SpongeBobSquareShorts.com.. The winner from each category will be announced in August.  For additional details on the submission process and official rules, please visit www.SpongeBobSquareShorts.com..  

42% of Japanese “Otaku

Otaku are once again pondering statistics showing that of over 130,000 Japanese questioned, some 40% consider themselves “otaku,” with an even higher proportion – 62% – of teenagers saying the same.

When 137,734 Japanese were asked “do you consider yourself an otaku when it comes to a particular area?”, 42.2% answered they thought they were.
Admissions solicited from those who confessed ranged from a love of games or sports to soaps and seiyuu.

The statistics for those reckoning themselves otaku were further broken down by gender – with 45.7% of the admitted otaku being men and 38.1% women (what the remainder were is not specified) – and age:

Teens: 62.0%
Twenties: 55.6%
Thirties: 46.4%
Forties: 44.8%
Fifties: 36.7%
Sixties: 26.9%
Seventies: 23.1%
Eighties: 23.3%

Although “otaku” carries a generally negative if not highly discriminatory nuance and even in Japanese is strongly associated with stereotypical male anime fans or the idol otaku even they despise, it would appear the term still carries enough of its nuance of the earnest hobbyist, ardent fan or well-versed expert for it to be easily admitted to.
Just what proportion of those owning up to being “otaku” would also fit into the definition of “creepy otaku” is far from clear – although it seems extremely unlikely more than a fraction would have owned up to it had it been so worded.

Amongst actual creepy otaku there has been some resistance to so many commoners appropriating their label – the usual complaints being along the lines of “these are just brats posing as otaku” and “their definition of ‘anime otaku’ may just be ‘liking anime’ so it’s no wonder.”


Source: SanKaku Complex.com

Shoko-tan Live with Aya Hirano: My Dream Came True!

 

Scandal seiyuu Aya Hirano and serial cat molester Shoko-tan have teamed up in a “dream combo” (or nightmare combo according to some), in what Shoko-tan ecstatically calls a “dream come true.”

The pair certainly make a cute couple, with Shoko-tan joining Hirano (“Aya is a goddess!”) for a rendition of “godknows”:

 

 And with singer Nanase Aikawa as well (who has sunk to providing the theme song for Square Enix’s latest browser RPG masterpiece):

Tomodachi ga Sukunai Live Action Movie Due

A live action movie version of Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai set for a 2014 release is reportedly in production, causing some profoundly mixed feelings amongst the show’s many fans.

The news – widely picked up but quite unconfirmed – comes by way of Ryukoku University’s announcement of extras being recruited for location filming of the project.

Genuine or not, as perhaps the most unlikely light novel to live action movie adaptation yet, the news is garnering a mixed reaction, with the usual cries of “gensaku rape!” being joined by those who could just see it working out with the right cast (possibly a problem for poor Niku):

Marvel Now! - X-Men #1 First Look

Storm, Rogue, Jubilee, Kitty Pryde, Rachel Grey, Rogue & Psylocke redefine what it means to be a Child of the Atom in X-Men #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series by the blockbuster creative team of writer Brian Wood (Ultimate Comics X-Men) and artist Oliver Coipel (Avengers VS. X-Men)! An old enemy shows up at the X-Men’s door, seeking asylum from an ancient evil come back to Earth. Meanwhile, Jubilee has come home, and she’s brought with her an orphaned baby who might hold the key to the Earth’s survival…or its destruction! With an imminent alien invasion and an eons-spanning war between brother and sister around the corner, Storm steps up and puts together a team to protect the child and stop a new threat that could destroy all life in the Marvel Universe! Each issue of X-Men includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app (for iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Touch® & Android devices). This May, Wood and Coipel take X-Men in an all-new, all-different direction in X-Men #1!

BERSERK PREMIERE AT NEW PEOPLE & ON NEON ALLEY ON MAY 11th

VIZ Media reminds anime fans of the upcoming special double-feature theatrical presentation of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and the exclusive North American premiere of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY taking place on Saturday, May 11th at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the dynamic Japanese pop culture entertainment venue in San Francisco’s Japantown at 1746 Post St. Two double-feature screenings (presented with dubbed English dialogue) are scheduled for 3:00pm and 8:00pm.

VIZ Media also invites Neon Alley members nationwide to catch back-to-back airings of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY taking place the same day at the same times – Saturday, May 11th – at 3:00pm and 8:00pm PST. More details and sign-up information are available at: www.neonalley.com.

Tickets to the NEW PEOPLE Cinema double-feature are $25.00 each and are available online at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/films/films-5-2013/. A special galley exhibit featuring original BERSERK production art from Studio 4ºC will also be showcased in the theatre lobby. Upon arrival, each ticketholder will also receive an exclusive gift pack that features exclusive BERSERK promotional collectables including a tote bag, fan, beverage koozie, bookmarks, and more.

A variety of other exclusive BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC memorabilia – including collectable figures, a special art book, cell phone charms, and Japanese theatrical pamphlets autographed by Studio 4ºC CEO Eiko Tanaka – will be given away to lucky winners who attend the screenings at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema premiere. Neon Alley viewers will also have a chance to watch and win one of 50 one-of-a-kind pieces of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC production art available exclusively during the premiere event. Please visit www.facebook.com/neonalleynetwork for more details on the special giveaway items. 

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING follows lone mercenary Guts as he travels the land where a hundred-year-old war is taking place. His ferocity and ability to take down enemies attracts the attention of Griffith, leader of the mercenary group “The Band of the Hawk,” and Guts is recruited to the unit. Thanks to their continued victories on the battlefield, the bond between Guts and Griffith deepens, but despite all their success, Guts begins to question his reasons for fighting for Griffith’s dream. Unknown to Guts, this unyielding dream is about to bestow a horrible fate on them both.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY picks up the story as Guts believed, for three years, that his mission was to pursue Griffith’s dream together with him. But in order to become Griffith’s equal and truly be called his friend, Guts realizes he will have to leave the Band of the Hawk. At the same time, a bloody battle to capture the impenetrable Fortress of Doldrey from the Empire of Chuder is about to begin. The Band of the Hawk will face an army 30,000 strong!
For more information on the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy, please visit the official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BerserkFilm.

Interview With Butch Hartman Creator Of The Fairly Odd Parents

We had a chat with Butch Hartman creator of the "Fairly Odd Parents." Butch talks about the origins of the show, season 9, introducing a new character and the evolution of characters. Be sure to catch season 9 of the "Fairy Odd Parents" on Nickelodeon starting Saturday May 4th at 9:30 a.m. (ET/PT)

OtakusandGeeks.com: Before we begin we just want to congratulate you on the show and its success. How does it feel to have a show that is in its 9th season?

Super duper awesome, of course! How many people even get to have ONE season of a show, let alone NINE? I’m truly blessed, thankful and thrilled!

OtakusandGeeks.com: How did the idea of The Fairly OddParents come up? Do you remember the exact moment you met Timmy Turner and his fairy friends?

I do - it was October 1997 and I was working on Johnny Bravo at Cartoon Network with a guy named Seth MacFarlane. The first season of Johnny Bravo was over and it was unclear whether there would be a 2nd season so we –the entire staff – were let go.  I realized I had to create a show of my own because I was tired of being subject to the whims of others.

I wanted to do a show about a character that could travel from place to place easily so I thought that “science” would be a good way to accomplish that. But Dexter’s Laboratory had already launched so I thought “magic” would be a good approach.  After that, everything else started falling into place.  I decided to make the show about a little boy with a fairy godmother. Since I had never seen a fairy god FATHER before, I decided to add one to the mix. The next thing I knew, Cosmo, Wanda and Timmy Turner were born. So, in a nutshell, the idea arose out of the need for employment!

OtakusandGeeks.com: Coming up with new story ideas has to be a challenge after nine seasons.  What are some the creative challenges, if any, you’ve faced? How have you been able to keep the series fresh?

Creative challenges are always there but, as a cartoonist who also writes, I realize the importance of good storytelling. I have an amazing group of writers who are always trying to throw new things into the mix. Bottom line: Never get lazy! 

OtakusandGeeks.com: This season you are introducing an all new character “Sparky.” What can you tell us about him and how he will interact with the rest of the characters on the show?

Sparky is a magical talking fairy dog with magic “dog” powers. He can make fire hydrants appear out of thin air and poof up cats to chase! He’s also a character with a past. He’s been everywhere and done everything. For example, when Timmy has to go to Mexico, Sparky says he “knows a guy who can set them up with passports.”

OtakusandGeeks.com: How has Timmy Turner evolved over time?

I think he’s become smarter. He is truly the nucleus of the show and the character that is most like me. He’s a kid who is smarter than all the insane adults around him, which is why he needs his fairy godparents. Timmy is the one character who always says what everyone is thinking. He’s definitely risen to the level of Cosmo and Wanda. At first he was just there to wish for things and give the fairies something to do. But now we can write entire stories around him with very little help form any other outside characters.

OtakusandGeeks.com: You wear many hats – you are creator, writer and sometime even a voice over performer on the series.  How do you balance all these roles?

I am able to balance it all because I enjoy it all. Seriously, there’s not one aspect of my job I dislike. I get to write, draw and produce cartoons every single day. What could be better than that? But, if it’s a practical answer you’re looking for, it all comes down to time management. Doing each thing one little piece at a time each and every day.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Sometimes show creators inject some of their own real-life personality into the characters they develop.  Is there a character on the show that is a reflection of you?

Yes! Most of them have a twinge of my personality infused in them, but Dr. Rip Studwell – the Fairy Doctor who is also a soap opera actor – is probably the one who most closely resembles me. In fact, the character designers saw to it that he even looks like a much younger version of me!

OtakusandGeeks.com: One thing we love about the show throughout the years is Timmy’s crush on Trixie.  Are we going to see any Trixie and Timmy interaction this season?

Trixie is a great character that means a lot to the show and to Timmy so I’m hoping they interact this season.  If there’s a great Trixie story out there that we haven’t done, then we’re up for it. Got any ideas?

OtakusandGeeks.com: Do you have a favorite character on the show?

I have a bunch! But I think the ones I turn to the most – the ones the writers and I like working with the most – are Timmy’s Dad, Mr. Crocker and Cosmo. Always guaranteed a laugh with them.

OtakusandGeeks.com: What can we expect from Cosmo and Wanda this season? How has their relationship grown over the years?

For one thing, Cosmo and Wanda have not only adopted Timmy as their fairy god kid, but they’ve also had a baby of their own! Poof was an amazing addition to the show and, even though he only speaks in two word sentences, “Poof Poof,” he has definitely added a level of fun to the series. But I think Cosmo and Wanda have grown in the fact that they continue to love each other no matter what insanity threatens to tear them apart.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Finally, what would you wish for if you had your own fairy god parents?

More time to make more episodes of The Fairly OddParents!

Interview With Matt Taylor Voice Of Sparky In The Fairly Odd Parents

We had a chat with voice actor Matt Taylor about his new role as "Sparky" in the upcoming season 9 show of "Fairly Odd Parents." Matt talks about what was it like to play Spark, how he found the voice and many more. 

OtakusandGeeks.com: What can you tell us about Sparky and what it’s like to voice this role?

I love Sparky! Sparky, to me, has an infinite capacity for fun and the magical ability to keep the fun coming. And he loves, loves, loves Timmy! What I love about voicing Sparky is his slightly unusual past with so many owners. He's been around, but still very innocent. So I get to play a really good character who still has a bit of mystery about him. It keeps Sparky from being too one dimensional and boring. You never know what's coming with him.

 OtakusandGeeks.com: How did you find Sparky’s voice?  Did it take a while to figure out, or did you know right away how you wanted him to sound?

Actually, in this case, Butch Hartman knew what he wanted from the outset. So for Sparky in particular the voice was easier to find. He told me he was looking for something like Rick Moranis' character in Ghostbusters. So I did watch his scenes and honed my impression to the best I could. Luckily, it was good enough for Butch!

OtakusandGeeks.com: How did you land the role as Sparky?  You’ve work with Butch Hartman, The Fairly OddParents series creator, on another of his projects T.U.F.F. Puppy.  Did you have to audition or did he approach you to voice Sparky?

While I have worked with Butch on T.U.F.F. Puppy, I had to audition for Sparky just like everyone else. In all honesty, I think it did help that Butch knew me and knew what I bring to a character. Fortunately, it was what he wanted. Also, Butch is very loyal. He's worked with some of the same amazing actors for years, like the awesome Daran Norris and Grey DeLisle and the one and only Rob Paulsen.

OtakusandGeeks.com: When you go in for your voice record sessions, are you alone or is the entire cast in the studio with you? What is that experience like?

This is the part where I sound like I've been prompted in my answer, but I haven't! It's honestly the best job ever! The whole cast records together. We also have Butch directing us and the writers are there as well, coming up with additions to the script on the fly as we record. We record two pages at a time. Then we do a second pass, then on to the next two pages. Sometimes this can take a while as (and this is absolutely true) we laugh so hard at a performance, we just have to stop. We're all laughing so hard. Also, I would be remiss if I didn't give HUGE credit to the ridiculously talented writers on FOP who make the funny we say every episode. They are brilliantly funny and incredibly generous.

OtakusandGeeks.com: What was like working with this talented cast?

Oh, the banter in between pages is as fun as the read itself. All the actors on this show are hilarious personally. We riff non-stop between takes. There's nothing like sitting next to the genius Carlos Alazraqui as he riffs in whatever character's in his head and just goes off. Or Jeff Bennett's 1,000 voices. Unbelievable fun.

OtakusandGeeks.com: How is voicing Sparky different than the other roles you play?

For me, it's actually more challenging. Sparky's a sweet guy through and through. So keeping him interesting and funny in such an insane cast of characters is something I always keep in the forefront of my thoughts when performing Sparky. Verminious Snaptrap on T.U.F.F Puppy is actually easier. He's insane. Absolutely nuts, with a silly mean streak a mile wide. So I just unleash my inner lunatic for him. Sparky makes me work harder, but it's ultimately better work I do.

OtakusandGeeks.com: What would you wish for if you had your own fairy god parents?

The cornball (but absolutely true) answer is good health for my parents. They mean the world to me. The other wish? For Sparky and FOP to go on for as long as possible. Like I said before…. best job EVER!!!

Swimming Anime "Free" Coming July 2013

A new anime is coming in July that will be based on the sport of Swimming. It's created by Kyoto Animation and the title is called "Free." This will have hot anime guys I'm looking forward to it. Here is the official details from the official website and a trailer. 

The "Nanase far", being exposed to "water" - it was like to "swim". When I was a child, "Nanase far", "Tachibana Makoto", "Matsuoka Rin," "Hazuki Nagisa" went to the same swimming club at the end the winner of the tournament in the elementary school before graduation, they will continue to be to the way different. Before much of the time passed before long, had spent idly high school life, suddenly, Rin appears. Rin to challenge the game to much, show the overwhelming strength. It is not finished in this state. And, Nagisa and Makoto get together again, and draws the "Ryugasaki Rei" a new, established a rock skipping high school swimming club. Far, Makoto, Nagisa, and Rei, and phosphorus. Of male high school students lively, this tells the story of the bond between youth and swimming. The broadcast will start ABC Asahi Broadcasting Corporation, TOKYO MX, TV Aichi, in BS11 from July 2013! The delivery schedule Nico Nico Douga, also on ABC video club!

Pokemon Prom Proposal

For seniors in high school the prom is around the corner. It's like the biggest event in your high school career, for some it's a grand experience and a night of first times, for others its a heart breaking experience that stays with them forever. For me it was I don't care because I didn't go to mine. Instead I was playing basketball and gaming with the fellas. However one prom proposal is circling the net that I had to share. Prom proposal are becoming like marriage proposals these days. Guys are getting more and more creative on how to ask a girl out to the prom. This guy knew the key to a girl's heart and way a girl can't say no is through Pokemon. Check it out as he is dressed as Ash Ketchum and  ask out his date to be to the prom. 

Shibaful Creates I-Phone Yoyogai Park Case

This was something interesting that I saw when I came across it. Company Shibaful has created an I-Phone case that is very unique. The company I-Phone case is based on parks, not theme parks but the actual nature grassy element of the parks. Check out the video and some pics for more details.
Source - Diginfo.TV

Lenni Reviews: The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury

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I love you guys. No, really, I do. And you better love me, too, for reading this book when I had a feeling it would be just like the first one.

Road to Woodbury suffers from the same problems as Rise of the Governor; uneven writing, cliche zombie tropes, thin characters; the works. Now, if you want to read this book or haven’t read the comics (which really, if you haven’t dafuq you doing here?), there will be spoilers for both in the review because I just can't properly express what bothered me about the book without giving away some details.

I’m serious.

Spoilers here.

Last chance...

Alright, here we go.

This novel follows Lilly Caul as she tries to survive the aftermath of the plague and ends up in Woodbury. At least the title here is accurate; there is a road and Lilly uses it to get to Woodbury and does so WAAAYYY earlier in this book than the Governor became the Governor in the first book. When Lilly gets there, she is instantly aware there is something rotten in Woodbury (bonus points if you get my Shakespeare reference). The Governor is in full on evil fuckwit mode and creepy from word one. How the wimpy asthmatic from the end of Rise of the Governor vanished is never told. But there he is in all his murdery, rape-y, heads-in-fish tank-y glory as if he was plucked from the comic, NOT from the first book.

So, there’s a time lapse. Lenni can be down with that. But not a single character drops a clue the man was anything other than complete evil from the moment he was put in charge. I get the feeling I arrive in Woodbury like this:

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And also, he spends exactly two random pages having a sob session over the monster he has become. It was out of place. All of a sudden, he spends two pages out of 288 to lament how he has become a monster like his brother, Philip, in order to survive, despite the fact he hadda kill his brother and thereby Philip didn’t survive. He literally pauses to cry about being a murdering fuckwit then immediately goes back to being a murdering fuckwit. It was completely out of place and I didn’t feel any sympathy for him. I was annoyed and just wanted him to go back to killing things to make it stop.

Lilly despises him from the start (like Michonne does in the show) and wants out. She hatches a plot to kill him, it fails because: zombies. Then inexplicably, the Governor does NOT kill her like he did pretty much anyone else who looked at him funny and she vows she’s gonna kill him one day. You heard me right: The villain who tortured Michonne for biting his ear off, keeps his zombie niece (or "daughter" in the show) as a pet, does a crappy job of chopping Tyreese's head off, and kills people on a whim for the lulz lets Lilly live after she conspired to kill him and failed. Does not compute!

My other problem with this? At no point in the comic does Lilly seem to outright object to anything that happens till she finds out she’s shot a fleeing woman with her infant (Lori and Judith). And I went back to the comics and checked. Twice.

To sum up my issue: the entire book, Lilly despises the Governor and can’t want to kill him yet in the comics, she had no problem rolling up to the prison at his side. And if she was just going along for the ride for the chance to kill him, it STILL doesn’t jive because she spends the entire novel whining about the deaths of innocent people. She’s got a lot of collateral damage on her hands if the whole plot was to somehow kill the Governor in the prison. It doesn't make sense to me how "Lilly" who failed to kill the Governor in the novel and "Lilly" who killed Lori and her baby are the same woman.

I am no perfect writer. I am sure there are cliches, typos, grammar mistakes and dangling plot points in my books but something like this was like a flood light to the eyes. If you're going to transmit your property to another medium and say it's a prequel, not an alternate universe, at least have it make sense.

I didn’t want to throw the book this time but it did give me a headache. On the plus side, it read faster than the first book and the descriptions of zombie mauling and oozing, decayed flesh are enough to make you grimace. But at $24.99, I expect better. No, I DEMAND better. Because the collected comics come in at $14.99 for the volumes, $34.99 for the big books, and $59.99 for the compendiums, there needs to be more bang for my buck. More happens in any of those comics to warrant the prices than in the hardcover novels.

Well, at least it’s over and there won’t be another one.

Aww, shit...