Walt Disney Japan Announces Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers

/
The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. announced today that it will produce the first Japanese Marvel animated television series targeted at boys. Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers is based on Marvel’s most popular team of Super Heroes, The Avengers and will premiere nationwide on terrestrial television in spring 2014.
Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers will be produced by Nerima-ku, Tokyo-based Toei Animation Co., Ltd., which has produced multiple successful animated series for kids in Japan. Taito-ku, Tokyo-based Bandai Co., Ltd., which has a highly successful track record with major titles, will be responsible for character merchandising. The three companies will collaborate in creating a fully localized Japanese series as well as providing a lineup of attractive products and merchandise targeting the boys market.
The story will revolve around how The Avengers – Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Hulk together with the help of Spider-Man and a group of teens, will harness their respective fighting skills and superhuman powers to foil Loki’s scheme to take over the world.
 
 

Interview With Lorne Balfe (Composer of Beyond: Two Souls)

/
OtakusandGeeks.com: "Beyond: Two Souls" is your latest videogame soundtrack. Can you tell us on how you came abroad to work on this project?

Lorne Balfe: David Cage contacted Hans and myself over a year and a half ago about Beyond. What I found intriguing was the first thing David said to me about the game was that the last thing he wanted was "game music!” David has a wonderful passion for games that is rare to find. He wants to push the boundaries. David is hard to please and this makes being a composer fun!

OtakusandGeeks.com: What is the difference between working on a videogame soundtrack compared to working on a film?

Lorne Balfe: There isn't a difference. The music has to help contribute to telling a story. The only difference I can think of is the sheer mass amount of music required. In a film, I will tend to write about an hour and fifteen minutes of music. On Beyond, I think I wrote over four hours of music.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Is it more challenging or a little bit easier trying to find the sound for a videogame as opposed to finding the right sound for a film?

Lorne Balfe: They are both as equally as difficult. I spent months trying to write the Jodie’s theme for Beyond. David was very clear with want he wanted. The music for her had to reflect her life and the obstacles she faced in her life. The back-story and the character of Jodie was just the same as any film's character I have ever worked on.

OtakusandGeeks.com: You have collaborated with Hans Zimmer on many projects such as The Dark Knight Rises, The Bible and many more. What is like working with him?

Lorne Balfe: It is a truly unique experience. The guy is a genius! Apart from being one of the best composers in the industry, he is a great storyteller. He understands film more than most directors. He has worked on every genre of film, television, and games. I worked for Hans for 8 years and learning from him was a privileged experience. He understands the filmmaker and can translate what they want.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Can you tell us the process of scoring a videogame? What is usually the first few steps you take approaching a project?

Lorne Balfe: It is the same process as a film. You begin with a lot of talking. You have to fully understand where the director is coming from. You can’t just simply write a theme. One has to understand the characters and plot to fully understand the musical vocabulary.

OtakusandGeeks.com: "Beyond: Two Souls" has a very cinematic approach in the ways of storytelling, the way it looks and the way it's played. After hearing parts of the soundtrack it feels like a soundtrack that you would hear in a movie thriller mystery. Is that how you wanted to approach the soundtrack?

Lorne Balfe: I never thought of it that way. I wrote music that represented what was on the screen and the development of Jodie's life. She faces many obstacles and the music had to represent this.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Is there any form of entertainment that you would love to compose music for but haven't?

Lorne Balfe: I would love the challenge of a ballet or an actual orchestral commission but would most likely freeze in fear over the challenge!

OtakusandGeeks.com: Since you have composed music for some of the biggest titles in videogames we have to ask do you play videogames? If so what games are you currently playing?

Lorne Balfe: In 24 hours I plan to play Beyond, and not leave the house until I finish it!
Unlike a film, I never fully see how the project comes together.

OtakusandGeeks.com: What will be your next project?

Lorne Balfe: I have recently finished a fantastic film called Blackwood starring Ed Stoppard and Sophia Myles that is about to premiere at the London Film Festival!

The Cosplayers of New York Comic Con Part 6

/
We are still not done with the showcasing the cosplayers that we saw. Here are some more cosplayer goodness. Remember to check out our friend Young Jeohn site (http://photos.YoungFromNewYork.com) and check out our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OtakusandGeeksBlog for more pictures that were not featured here.













Interview With WWE Superstar Kane

/
At New York Comic Con 2013 we had a chat with WWE Superstar Kane about his upcoming movie "See No Evil 2." We talk about acting, difference between his character compare to horror icons and many more. 

 OtakusandGeeks.com: With being in the ring and having to do things live all the time. How different is it to be filming a movie that takes multiple takes?

Kane: With a live audience you're able to feed off the energy from the crowd which you don't get on the movie set. In an live setting you're very interactive with the audience which gives us an instant set of gratification because if we do something good the live audience reactions, if it's not good we're like oh man that wasn't good. In film you have to generate the same emotion or do the same emotion slightly different in this take is difficult. I guess that's the art of acting and I have a lot respect for actors after doing it a couple of times.

 OtakusandGeeks.com: What made you return back to the role of Jacob?

Kane: I really wanted the opportunity of working with the Soska's Sisters. After working with them I'm a huge fan of theirs. They know the art of film making and I learned a lot of them. I wanted to try acting again because acting is fun and we have a great experience crew which made it really great. 

 OtakusandGeeks.com: How has Jacob character change or progressed from the previous film?

Kane: I think we add more personality in this one to give the audience more attachment to him. In the first movie Jacob was really a sympathetic character his mother was the bad guy. In this one however I don't think he's quite sympathetic but you do get moments where you get a glimpse into his mind and the workings that is going on in his head.

 OtakusandGeeks.com: How does Jacob separate from other slasher icons like Freddy or Jason?

 Kane: What's cool about Freddy is he's a smart alec and that's what make him unique. What separate Jacob is his personality and he has a little more depth to his character than Jason or Michael Myers he's a bit more human with the exception of Freddy. Plus Jacob is bigger and more physically stronger he's like a hybrid of Freddy and Jason.

 OtakusandGeeks.com: Being Kane everyday did it help for the role of Jacob? Was it hard to separate the characters?

Kane: Jacob and Kane are definitely separate characters so it was easy to separate the two. However with Jacob it wasn't easy at times because there was particular scene that was pretty brutal to do.

 OtakusandGeeks.com: Any stories working on the set?

Kane: The film is shot in Vancouver in a mental institution which was shutdown. Everybody in the crew had a ghost story about this place. There is a creepy tunnel in the location we were filming, so we decided to go down and I started taking pictures hoping to find orbs hoping to see something, but truthfully I didn't want to see anything. We might of see something that actually would've scared Kane. 

 OtakusandGeeks.com: Would you like to do more films in the movie?

 Glenn Jacobs (Kane): Maybe it is a lot of fun. Maybe a romantic comedy as weird as that sounds.

                                Kane during our interview



Lenni Reviews: Street Fighter Origins: Akuma

/

Written by Chris Sarracini and illustrated by Joe Ng, this story follows a young Akuma through his childhood and along the journey to becoming a terror of the Street Fighter underground. There are a few holes in the story, such as exactly how Akuma (or anyone, really) learned to throw chi energy blasts at people, or how his brother, Goken, learned to fight; but you are given some decent insight as to why and how Akuma became seduced by the Dark Hadou.

Joe Ng's art is stunning. Every page is detailed and there are bonus character design pages at the end of the story. You can tell great care was taken to get the feel of the game into the comic and Ng succeeds in doing so.

I would recommend this book to any fan of the game or of Akuma in particular. You may wish (as I did) that it was a bit longer, but you still come away with more back story on how he came to be. Akuma's not even my favorite and I still felt emotionally attached. Pick this one up, you won't be disappointed.  
Can't get enough of Lenni's writing? See more here.

The Cosplayers of New York Comic Con 2013 Part 5

/
We are still not done with the showcasing the cosplayers that we saw. Here are some more cosplayer goodness. Remember to check out our friend Young Jeohn site (http://photos.YoungFromNewYork.com) and check out our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OtakusandGeeksBlog for more pictures that were not featured here.











The Cosplayers Of New York Comic Con 2013 Part 4

/
We are not done with the showcasing the cosplayers that we saw. Here are some more cosplayer goodness. Remember to check out our friend Young Jeohn site (http://photos.YoungFromNewYork.com) and check out our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OtakusandGeeksBlog for more pictures that were not featured here.












Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD Remix Announced + Trailer

/
At D23 Expo Japan that it has officially begun development for KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX. A follow up to the recently released KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX, the title is slated for release next year in the Americas. Adding further depth and detail to the KINGDOM HEARTS series, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX is a fully remastered HD compilation of the PlayStation ®2 computer entertainment system title KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system title KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX. Both, previously exclusive to the Japanese market, will be available for the first time in the Americas for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Theatrical cut-scenes from the Nintendo DS™ title KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded will also be included in the compilation. Picking up after KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX, players will be able to continue on their adventures with Sora, Donald Duck and Goofy, and also explore the origins of the KINGDOM HEARTS series with characters Terra, Aqua and Ventus – all with gorgeous high-definition visuals and enhanced gameplay mechanics. KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX will provide fans with the chance to replay the games of the celebrated franchise, and also lead into the highly anticipated KINGDOM HEARTS III,


Interview With Will.I.Am & Brian David Johnson

/
This year at New York Comic Con. I had the pleasure of chatting with artist Will.I.Am and Brian David Johnson about a new graphic novel they will release entitled "Wizards and Robots." We talk about the process of the comic, technology and more.

                         Justin, Brian David Johnson and Will.I.Am

 OtakusandGeeks.com: How did this project of Wizards & Robots come about?

Will.I.Am: This project is two years in the making it started in my living room on Halloween.  I called Brian David Johnson and was like I have this idea and I want to know what you think. You know Brian he has already wrote and published books on his own. I ask him if I came to him with an idea would you be interested and he said yeah.  Two months later I told him the idea of “Wizards & Robots” and we kept writing and it turned into a trilogy.  Here we are two years from that time with metallic robotic figurine, an artifact, a book and a bible before the graphic novel comes out. It was important for me to build a world first because most people in my world, they will just come here and launch a graphic novel. However it was important for us to allow people to really see detail, so that’s why we made an artifact and a detail bible based on the characters that way people can see what we are geeking about. I’m really happy that we were able to accomplish this on our own, there is no studio, no companies just two guys.

                                Metallic Robot from Wizards & Robots


OtakusandGeeks.com: Can you give us a brief synopsis of the story?

Will.I.Am: Well I don’t want to spoil the whole story *laughs*

Brian David Johnson:  It’s about these robots from the future that traveled back in time to do battle with these ancient wizards. The robots come back to have war in our time in the modern era.  It’s based on their technology and their spells are based on real robotics and real quantum physics.

OtakusandGeeks.com: How exciting is this for you?

Will.I.Am: It's really exciting with the concept because we were doing an interview on the tomorrow project at Intel, and he was talking about robotics and stuff he was doing and the growth that microprocessors will have. What I heard worried me that a phone or appliances will be more intelligent than a seven year old forty years from now, because we are not educating our kids in inner cities, so you mean to tell me that a phone in 2013 forty years from now can outperformed my seven year old niece. In today's world this is almost possible. However we still have to input request to a computer now but forty years from now it will think on it's own. Thinking of that I was like wow darn it I want to do more things to inspire kids in inner cities to educate themselves and see themselves in different fields than just entertainment and sports. There is other places to escape other places to build in and tools to use to turn and change your reality. 

OtakusandGeeks.com: How difficult was it to creating a universe that's expanding into a trilogy?

Will.I.Am: It took a lot to think of how to approach it because it started from science fact that most folks probably aren't aware of. Then putting a world around factual things regardless whether they are here now. The math tells you that this will be possible, however today's technology doesn't allow us to do these things now. When you're dealing with factual things based on mathematics you can create worlds that won't be fantasy for fantasy sake.

Brian David Johnson: The story actually has it's basis in science. In theoretical physics there is a thing called a thought experiment which was exactly what Will and I were doing. If you could do time travel what would it look like? If you could do spells that was using quantum mechanics what would look like? It's literally just the theoretical thought experiment but it has wizards and robots which is awesome. 

OtakusandGeeks.com: When will Wizards and Robots be released?

Brian David Johnson: March 2014 and the prequel will released online soon.

 OtakusandGeeks.com: Since you're entering the comic realm. We have to know who is your favorite comic book character?

 Will.I.Am: John Wraith *laughs*

 Brain David Johnson: I'm old school I like the classics Spider-Man, Captain America those are the ones that inspire me.

 Be sure to look out for Wizards and Robots in March of 2014. More details will be released later.
http://wizardsandrobots.tumblr.com



The Cosplayers Of New York Comic Con 2013 Part 3

/
We are not done with the showcasing the cosplayers that we saw. Here are some more cosplayer goodness. Remember to check out our friend Young Jeohn site (http://photos.YoungFromNewYork.com) and check out our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OtakusandGeeksBlog for more pictures that were not featured here.














Interview With Michael Kantor

/
We had a chat with Michael Kantor the director of the new documentary "Superheroes: A Never Ending Battle." We talk about the process of the film, superheroes and more. You can check out our review /www.otakusandgeeks.com/akusandgeeks.com/2013/10/superhero-never-ending-battle-review.html

 OtakusandGeeks.com: Can you tell us about how this project came about?  

 Michael Kantor: While producing Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America for PBS, I interviewed Gerard Jones, who handed me his fascinating book, Men of Tomorrow that explored the creation of the comic book industry.  My co-writer Laurence Maslon had been a comic book fiend as a kid -- he almost became a professional artist -- and we reached out to the National Endowment for the Arts with a grant proposal.  When the NEA offered us production funding, we immediately flew up, up, and away!
 
OtakusandGeeks.com: How long have you been a filmmaker and when did you catch the film bug?  

 Michael Kantor: I was trained as a theater director, -- I have an MFA in that, and did some work professionally, but I learned how to make a documentary from Stephen Ives.  Steve was working with Ken Burns on a doc on Charles Lindbergh, and then a history of the American West, and I joined the team, and worked my way up to producer.
   
 OtakusandGeeks.com: What is the difference from making a documentary opposed to directing a TV Show?    

 Michael Kantor: I've never directed a sitcom, or a one camera drama, but I've seen them filmed.  Documentaries obviously can't play fast and loose with the facts, but on the other hand you aren't as tied to the actors.  If an actor comes late to work, or it rains, that can really mess with your production schedule on a TV show shot on location.
   
 OtakusandGeeks.com: How important was this project for you and when did you first fall in love with Superheroes?  

 Michael Kantor: I've now made three series about major American cultural contributions -- the Broadway musical, American comedy, and superheroes.  I like to let the major talents speak for themselves about their own experiences -- I'm sort of the chronicler who makes sure that everyone can see and celebrate what they did.
   
 OtakusandGeeks.com: Superheroes have made a major impact around the world and to so many people. What impact has superheroes had on you?    

 Michael Kantor: Superheroes and their creators inspire me.  I'm not big on all the violence and the battles, but I like the idea that these characters have a highly refined moral code.  We could use a little more of that in today's society.
   
 OtakusandGeeks.com: What we love about the documentary is that it didn't just focus on one particular company's impact on the industry. This documentary showed the history of comics from the beginning of Superman to the impact that comic book movies have today. How long did it take to complete the project and can you tell us about the research process?  

 Michael Kantor: The film took five years to make, and we are grateful to both Marvel, DC and Image Comics among others for their support.
        
OtakusandGeeks.com: Can you tell us some of your favorite comic book writers?  

 Michael Kantor: Grant Morrison, Mark Waid, Geoff Johns, Gerry Conway
        
OtakusandGeeks.com: There is always a debate on whether comic books can be consider literature or not. What is your take on that debate? Are comic books a form of  literature? 

 Michael Kantor: I'm not sure how literature is defined.  Is that a qualification regarding the writing? Comic books are definitely art, and like the Broadway musical or jazz or film, its a collaborative art form, so I'm not sure it makes sense to single out the writing alone.  Are feature film scripts literature?  Is the libretto from a Broadway show literature? Is a collection of Woody Allen stories literature?  What about a collection of his jokes?  What about one great joke?  I don't think there is a dividing line.  I do think Stan Lee should be recognized with a Kennedy Center honor for his contributions to American culture.
OtakusandGeeks.com: What would like people to take away from this documentary?  

 Michael Kantor: We don't want any parents to ever throw away their kids comic books ever again!

 

The Cosplayers Of New York Comic Con 2013 Part 2

/
We are not done with the showcasing the cosplayers that we saw on day 1. Here are some more cosplayer goodness. Remember to check out our friend Young Jeohn site (http://photos.YoungFromNewYork.com) and check out our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OtakusandGeeksBlog for more pictures that were not featured here.











The Cosplayers Of New York Comic Con 2013 Part 1

/
New York Comic Con has arrived and day one happen on Thursday October 10th. We saw some plenty of great cosplaying and we saw some really cool stuff as well. Here is some of the highlights that we saw on day one. Photos was taken by our good friend Young Jeohn (http://photos.YoungFromNewYork.com) and you can check out his site that is on the pictures. For more pics of Day 1 visit our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/OtakusandGeeksBlog






















NYCC: Almost Human and The 100 Pilots Panel

/

Hey Otakus and Geeks fans, today was the first day of New York Comic Con 2013 and they did not disappoint! The next four days we will be posting news, photos, and special events of the day. Today we attended the Pilots Panel for two shows coming this November and January, Almost Human and The 100. Both Pilots were amazing and something viewers should defiantly check out. Here is a synopsis about each show and opinion about the pilots.


Almost Human



In the year 2048, technology has run amok and spun crime out of control, leading the police department to partner each human cop with an MX-43 android (or “synthetic”) — but Detective John Kennex (Urban), upon waking from a 17-month coma, is having none of that. Still, rules are rules, so he is paired with a decommissioned, “more human” model, the DRN (Ealy) — but just call him “Dorian

Thoughts on The Pilot: The pilot episode was great! I have to admit when I first saw the preview I said "Here we go A.I. feeling emotions show." But I was WRONG!!! The episode starts off with action, suspense, drama and keeps it going the entire time. The mystery about John Kennex (Urban) past memories, the criminal syndicate he is hunting, and why his DNR partner (Early) was decommissioned, is going to make a great first season. I don't want to give too much away so check it out November 4th on Fox.




 Karl Urban



Michael Early








The 100



In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland... before it's too late.

 Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.

 Thoughts on The Pilot: What happens when you mix Lord of the Fly's, Future Tech, and a great story....... A Better version of After Earth (LOL). What you get is the new CW show The 100. I never saw a preview or heard of the show and was entertained till the end of the episode. The series is based on a book of the same name, the first in a series by Kass Morgan, and developed by Jason Rothenberg. The story starts fast and keeps going. 100 young teens drop on a planet and left to their own devices... you know where this is going. This might become a viewer favorite. The 100 airs January 1 2014.


by Sean Tucker




 

Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D Autograph Signing at New York Comic Con

/
New York Comic Con is here—and it’s your chance to meet the stars of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in an exclusive signing event! Come by the Marvel booth (#1354) when the doors open on Saturday, October 12th and line up for your chance to get a special ticket to the super spy team of FitzSimmons fromMarvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. at noon! That’s right, meet Iain De Caestecker (Agent Leo Fitz) and Elizabeth Henstridge (Agent Jemma Simmons) in their only signing event of the season, along with series Executive Producer and Head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb! This special event is your only chance to get your favorite piece of S.H.I.E.L.D. merchandise signed by Loeb, De Caestecker and Henstridge!
Then, don’t miss the biggest panel of New York Comic Con at theMarvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC panel at 5pm at the Main Stage (1-D). Join Jeph Loeb, Iain De Caestecker and Elizabeth Henstridge for your first look at new footage from the series and access to exclusive news before anyone else!

Plus, all weekend, visit the Marvel booth for a chance to (almost) touch Lola! That’s right- the iconic vehicle of Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) will be on display for the first time ever to the public and this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to see- and be photographed with- a piece of Marvel history! Fans can pick up an exclusiveMarvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. mini-poster (while supplies last) in the Marvel Booth to show their support for everyone’s favorite elite international agents.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,the first live-action television series from the House of Ideas, airsTUESDAYS, 8|7c on the ABC Television Network. This dynamic, action-packed one-hour drama brings back Agent Phil Coulson to lead a team of highly skilled agents with one mission: To investigate the new, the strange and the unknown around the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary.
Can’t make it to the convention? Follow along on the Marvel Events App & 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!
 
 

Sword Art Online Watch and Win Contest on Toonami

/
This month, Sword Art Online fans will be treated to something special. Aniplex of America has just announced they will be hosting a special Sword Art Online “Watch and Win” contest on Adult Swim’s Toonami™. Viewers will have the opportunity to win a wide variety of prizes including Sword Art Online Blu-ray sets and DVDs. Other prizes include Sword Art Online Weib Schwarz trial decks from Bushiroad. Three special grand prize winners will receive a brand new 3D Personal Viewer courtesy of Sony Electronics.

The New Sony 3D Personal Viewers will let fans submerge themselves into the world of Sword
Art Online as if they were Kirito and Asuna. With the Sony 3D Personal Viewers fans can
experience entertainment in a brand new way. This is a special opportunity to win some great
prizes while watching Sword Art Online.

To enter, viewers would need to tune in and watch Sword Art Online on Toonami™ Saturday
Nights at 2:00am EST/PST on October 20th
immediately after the show. Viewers will then enter the keyword on the entry form on the Sword
Art Online Contest Page (www.aniplexusa.com/contest). Be sure to watch Sword Art Online on
Toonami™ and don’t miss your chance to watch and win from Aniplex of America!

Adult Swim’s Toonami™ is not sponsoring this contest. For complete details about the Sword
Art Online Watch and Win Contest, please go to AniplexUSA.com/contest and 27th
and look for the keyword shown.

Prizes

VIZ Media New York Comic Con Panels & Special Events

/
Hey Otakus here is a the schedule for VIZ Media for the upcoming New York Comic Con 2013. Anime Rules!!!!
 
VIZ Media New York Comic Con Panels & Special Events Include:
Friday October 11th
3:00PM – 4:00PM Panel: Weekly Shonen Jump Podcast –
Live Recording! (Room 1A23)
Meet the team behind the English-language edition of Weekly Shonen Jump and be part of a live podcast recording! Bring your toughest SJ questions for the editors and your own manga knowledge for a chance to win some awesome prizes in our trivia challenge!
4:15PM – 5:15PM Panel: VIZ Media (Room 1A15)
Join the VIZ Media staff for a presentation all about the latest in manga and anime! We'll be talking about the latest news, upcoming releases and other cool announcements from our publishing and animation teams.
5:30PM – 6:30PM Panel: RANMA ½ (Room 1A23)
From the legendary manga creator, Rumiko Takahashi, RANMA ½ is the manga and anime series that ignited a passion for these mediums in North America. With its wacky hi-jinks and crazy comedic action, the characters and stories of RANMA have resonated with generations of fans. Join the VIZ Media manga and anime teams as they discuss the history of this legendary title and the process of re-launching the new Right-to-Left manga editions as well as releasing the anime series for the first time on Blu-ray and digital.
Saturday October 12th
2:30PM – 3:30PM UGLYDOLL Signing & Photo Op
(VIZ Media Booth #1944)
Meet UGLYDOLL® artist Ian McGinty and Uglydoll Big Toe at the VIZ Media booth and get an exclusively signed free poster!
4:15PM – 5:15PM Panel: Writing for Kids of All Ages: Perfect Square
(Room 1A15)
Perfect Square is dedicated to delivering “squarely perfect storytelling” for kids and kids at heart. That means any age comics reader can enjoy new content with beloved characters starting with the youngest readers to the most seasoned true comics fan. Discussing the importance of what it means to make age-appropriate comics that everyone can enjoy are the highly-acclaimed writers for Perfect Square including Brian Smith (writer VOLTRON FORCE, MONSUNO, MAX STEEL; former DC & Marvel editor), former Marvel editors Sebastian Girner (writer MONSUNO) and Cory Levine (writer MONSUNO, BEN 10: OMNIVERSE), B. Clay Moore (writer MAX STEEL, BEN 10: OMNIVERSE), Jacob Chabot (writer/artist HELLO KITTY), Corin Howell (writer/artist BEN 10: OMNIVERSE) and Tom Pinchuk (writer MAX STEEL). The panel will be moderated by Perfect Square’s editorial team: Beth Kawasaki, Joel Enos and Traci Todd.
8:00PM – 9:00PM Panel: VIZ Anime, Featuring Neon Alley
(Room 1A15)
This panel is all about anime! Learn about the latest and greatest projects, announcements and releases from the VIZ animation team as well as what's in store for our 24/7 streaming anime channel, Neon Alley.
Sunday October 13th
12:15PM – 1:15PM Panel: ALL YOU NEED IS KILL: Adapting An
Adaptation (Room 1A15)
First came author Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s mind-bending novel, which is published by VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint in the U.S. Now ALL YOU NEED IS KILL delivers a double-whammy of being adapted both into a major motion picture (Edge of Tomorrow starring Tom Cruise) and a full-length graphic novel edition. Join the VIZ Media editorial team behind the novel and comic to learn how it all came together and what’s next for this science fiction juggernaut.
Anime Screenings
Thursday October 10th
6:45PM – 7:45PM Screening: RANMA ½ (Room 1A06)
Catch the classic martial arts action adventure comedy that has thrilled generations of anime Fans! Ranma Saotome never thought a martial arts training mission to China would turn out like this! Due to an unfortunate accident at the cursed Chinese training ground Jusenkyo, when Ranma and his father get splashed with cold water, papa turns into a giant panda and male Ranma becomes a buxom young woman! Hot water reverses the effect, but only until the next time! Constantly chased by battle-happy martial artists and lovesick suitors of both sexes, what's a half-boy, half-girl martial artist to do?
Saturday October 12th
7:45PM – 9:45PM Film Premiere: BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC III – THE ADVENT (Room 1A22)
Watch the dubbed epic conclusion to the dark medieval fantasy movie trilogy BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC! It’s been a year since Griffith’s imprisonment by the Kingdom of Midland. Once praised as the saviors of the Midland, The Band of the Hawk has been on the run and is on the brink of breaking apart. Much to everyone’s surprise, Guts returns to the Hawks and the search for Griffith begins!