kawii Events and Fashion Contest At J-Pop Summit 2014

Japan’s unique “Harajuku culture” has evolved into “kawaii” culture, which focuses on ever-evolving new forms of “cute” couture and is having tremendous impact on international pop/rock music and fashion. “kawaii” is a word often used to comment on style and fashion and has become part of the daily vernacular of the youth culture of many countries.

This year’s kawaii!! events are supported by Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and presented as the first collaboration with the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Project, a new initiative developed by ASOBISYSTEM, a prominent entertainment company based in Harajuku, Tokyo widely known for managing pop icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, to promote a wider range of Japanese pop culture on an even bigger, more global level. Additional information on the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON initiative is available at: http://moshimoshi-nippon.jp/en.

Also returning will be the J-POP SUMMIT kawai!! Pop-Up Shop. A colorful kawaii!! fashion boutique stocked with a wide selection of unique items from some of the hottest labels imported straight from Tokyo will be open inside NEW PEOPLE (MARUQ on Mezzanine Floor). NEW PEOPLE is the renowned Japanese pop culture entertainment complex located at 1746 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94115 in the heart of the city’s Japantown district. More details on are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/harajuku-kawaii.

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Presents KAWAii!! Events & Special Programming
KAWAii!! FASHION CONTEST

Saturday, July 19^th, 1:00pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown

This year, the J-POP SUMMIT will hold a special fashion contest where contestants can show off their own kawaii fashion style! The Festival welcome Una, Ayumi Seto, Akira and Misa Kimura as judges! The winner will receive kawaii!! an assortment of premiums including “Aymmy in the batty girls’ products. Additional information on this event is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/harajuku-kawaii.

“AYMMY IN THE BATTY GIRLS” FASHION SHOW
Saturday, July 19^th, 1:00pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
Models Ayumi Seto, Misa Kimura, Una and join others from Bay Area to showcase the colorful summer collection from Seto’s brand new fashion line, “Aymmy in the batty girls.” Many of the same outfits featured in the show will be available to purchase at kawaii!! Pop-Up Store located inside the NEW PEOPLE building (Mezzanine Level).

AKIRA LIVE PERFORMANCE
Saturday, July 19^th, 1:00pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
J-POP SUMMIT fans can catch Akira, a popular model and singer in a special solo live set. She notably debuted as a model for "KERA,” a popular gothic fashion magazine, and quickly became one of the top models in Japan. Akira is also a pop singer and her debut single, "Aoki Tsuki Michite," is featured as the ending theme of the popular anime series, Black Butler ~ Book of Circus. Her music and striking gothic-androgynous style have captured legions of fans both in Japan and internationally and her debut album is slated to release on July 30^th. For more information please visit: Akira.

UNA LIVE PERFORMANCE
Saturday, July 19^th, 6:30pm-8:30pm, J-POP LIVE at UNION SQUARE
Sunday, July 20^th, 12:45pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
Una is a charismatic model well-known in the Harajuku scene for her unique and edgy fashion style. She launched pop music career with her first single “Juicy Juicy” last year and went on to release digital mini album, “True of Lights/Danse Danse.” Una participated in “U-EXPRESS LIVE 2014″ in Saitama and appeared with Katy Perry, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and released her newest “BOOM BOOM BOOM,” in April. She brings her danceable groove to J-POP SUMMIT for a special concert performance not to be missed! For more details, please visit: UNA.

AYUMI SETO AUTOGRAPH & PHOTO SESSION
Saturday, July 19^th, 3:00pm, NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine
Sunday, July 20^th, 2:00pm, NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine
Ayumi Seto, a fashion model and designer of her own new brand, “Aymmy in the batty girls,” will hold a special autograph/photo session on both days of J-POP SUMMIT! Each day, the first 50 customers to purchase “Aymmy in the batty girls” products during festival will receive a pass! For more information, please visit: Ayumi Seto.

KAWAii!! POP-UP SHOP AT NEW PEOPLE
Saturday, July 19^th & Sunday, July 20^th, 11:00am-6:00pm
NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine
Visit NEW PEOPLE’s retail store, located inside the MARUQ boutique the venue’s Mezzanine Floor, will offer exclusive lines of fashion apparel, designs and accessories imported strait from Tokyo! Don’t miss the new summer collections of “Aymmy in the batty girls,” a new fashion brand inspired by a unique mix of 60s and 70s Americana popular culture, punk and rock fashion designed by model Ayumi Seto.

KAWAii!! MEET-UP AREA Presented By MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON
Saturday, July 19^th & Sunday, July 20^th, 11:00am-6:00pm
KAWAii!! TENT, Post Street, Japantown
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON will host a special tents located on Post St. in the heart of the J-POP SUMMIT Festival action where Kawaii fans can gather and meet! Get special info about the latest Kawaii trends, check out new merchandise, and meet other fans and models! More information will be updated at: www.j-pop.com/2014/harajuku-kawaii.

This year, the J-POP SUMMIT offers a wide variety of programming including FREE live concerts by top J-Pop and J-Rock artists on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown and also at the special “J-POP LIVE at UNION SQUARE” concert on the evening of Saturday, July 19^th in San Francisco’s historic downtown commercial intersection. J-POP SUMMIT will also present a variety of special Guest of Honor appearances, sake-tasting and fine foods events at the POP GOURMET Food Festival, and first-run theatrical film premieres at NEW PEOPLE Cinema that launch the second annual Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF). Complete details on key events and major attractions are available at: http://www.j-pop.com and www.JFFSF.org.

Stay tuned for additional J-POP SUMMIT Guest of Honor, programming and event announcements!

Gotham Pilot Review

With the success of Arrow on the CW, DC has been extremely proactive about creating new television series based on other DC Super Heroes. Batman seemed to be the next logical choice, but how? With the success of the Dark Knight Films and anticipation for Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice how could they search for another actor to play Batman?

Gotham, a new pilot airing this Fall on Fox, follows Jim Gordon as he  starts his career with Gotham PD. The series begins two weeks after Gordon’s first day. The pilot jumps right in with his first big case, the murder of Gotham’s most influential couple, Thomas and Martha Wayne. Their death becomes catalyst for mayhem, deceit and destruction to thrive in Gotham, and is the spark that ignites Bruce’s obsession with justice.

Ben Mckenzie, best known for The O.C., is wonderful as Jim Gordon. Gordon is one of the only members of Gotham PD who is committed unwaveringly to doing what’s right. Mckenzie gives Gordon the tough skin he needs to survive in an organization as corrupt as the police force of Gotham has become with the heart and passionate determination we expect from Detective Gordon.

Other familiar faces include Detective Harvey Bullock played by Donal Logue, most recently a recurring character on Law and Order: SVU. Logue effortlessly captures Bullock’s nonchalant contentment for the way things are run in Gotham and his pompous attitude of imperviousness but misses opportunities to showcase the often jovial way Bullock copes with confrontation. Sean Pertwee, despite his lack of screen time in the pilot, is a very level headed Alfred. Last but certainly not least David Mazouz taking on the role of Bruce Wayne. As far as the pilot goes Mazouz adds both understated nuances and purposeful statements that make it plain Bruce’s journey to becoming Batman is a direct result of his parents death.

The main focus of Gotham however will not be Bruce Wayne. The plan is to focus each episode on the origin stories of our favorite Batman villains. Robin Taylor is outstanding as Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin. Camren Bicondova plays Selina Kyle, and nails the feline physicality of the future Catwoman but doesn’t speak in the pilot. We also get a quick glimpse of Cory Michael Smith as Edward Nygma, later known as The Riddler. Poison Ivy played by Clare Foley has been included in teaser clips on Fox’s Website.

All in all director Danny Cannon does a tremendous job in creating the dark corrupt Gotham fans have grown to love. He gives them characters truly based on the future villains along with the ever so popular procedural layout successful shows cling to. Gotham will air this fall at 8 PM on Mondays only on Fox.

Final Score: 9/10

Don't Be Surprised To See Super Cena Win The Titles

 So as we get closer to the Money In The Bank PPV, we know that a new champion means headlining SummerSlam. While this would be an ideal time to build a new star (there are 3 in this match that fill that description: Bray Wyatt, Cesaro, Roman Reigns), My money is Super Cena winning the straps. Why? Because Brock Lesnar is coming to take the championship in August. I think any true wrestling fan knew that inevitability was on the way. But why Cena, because he's their bread and butter. They need a strong program to headline the summer. They feel Cena is their biggest draw and rumors have already started saying Brock doesn't mind fighting Cena.

My personal favorite of the 3 is Cesaro but would love to see Reigns get the win. So much momentum behind him. Bray Wyatt taking the title now I don't think is possible because of storyline disalignment. Cesaro is intriguing because they wanted to do a Cesaro-Lesnar program with Paul Heyman at the center. I think that would be great as Cesaro's push looks to be derailed a little for whatever reason so thats why I don't see this happening either. Bringing it back to Reighns, I feel like he will be against HHH at SummerSlam so I would count him out too.

Of the reamining, Randy Orton and Alberto Del Rio have no appeal with Lesnar so they are out as well. That leaves Sheamus as the wildcard here. It will be interesting to see if he drops the US title before the PPV. If so, that will further my speculation that they are highly considering going this route. But with all that said, I still think it will be Cena getting the win. Its a safe move on their part. I don't agree with it and neither will most but the hopeful light at the end of the tunnel will be seeing Brock take the starp from him. I'm a Brock fan as you can see regardless of his part-time status.

Convention Review: Anime Mid-Atlantic

  Anime Mid-Atlantic was one of the best experiences I had at a convention. AMA is a very small convention, smaller than Nekocon, but I believe that because it was small, I got the most out of it.  
      The panels were great. I went to Uncle Yo's panel called "Uncle Yo's One Night Stands." No its not what you are thinking at first glance. The panel was basically about which anime that can help a person get into anime who wasn't completely into the genre. It was very informative and also very funny. Uncle Yo did it again and it was well worth it. Since the con was small, there were not as many panels that I was interested in. Most of the panels I wanted to go to took place late at night. I had to drive far to get to the con, so having a late night panel escapade was not going to happen. However, my friend went to one that was a Hetalia panel and she enjoyed it. I also went to many voice acting panels such as two panels with Christopher Smith one about auditioning for voice acting  and one where we talked about vilians and why we gravitate towards them. Of course I went to another voice acting panel where it was a Q and A and a voice acting reading of an old Batman comic which was priceless.
      I took pictures of cosplayers and "window" shopped in the dealers' room and artist alley before the time to do my first ever interview....by myself.   Before the interview however, I had to go to opening ceremonies since right after that we needed to rush into a room where the interview would be conducted. As part of the opening ceremonies the voice actors and guests danced to the song "Happy" by Pharrell which was awesome. Then it was time for the interview and it was better than I hoped. It was fun , random, awesome, and it was an honor to be in the same room as such kind and talented people.
      The artist alley was not bad. In fact I went to one stand multiple times that was run by one of the artist's family members (for the cutest Pokemon charms and a beautiful Princess Mononoke poster. Check out her deviantart and tumbler here. Her website will be coming out in July http://chiou.deviantart.com/ and http://chiouart.tumblr.com/). The dealer's room was not bad either. I did get some items like a charm bracelet, an Usa-chan backpack (Honey's bunny from Ouran High School Host Club), a poster and Pokemon charms and an Attack on Titan cape complete with a hood. Plus I go my friend a Sesshomaru traveling mug. This happened in a span of two days, Saturday and Sunday. Also on Sunday I got the board game "Werewolf" which I can't wait to play with eight to twenty-four of my friends. Which means that only eight would play since I do not have twenty-four friends.

My Favorite Cosplay^-^

      The cosplay was so good and creative. All of the pictures are on our Facebook page as on the site. I wish I can sow but alas I have some practicing and a lot of fabric to buy. Everyone did an awesome job and I wish all cosplayers luck on their future cosplay.
     Overall it was a very fun convention and I can't wait to go again next summer. Check out the interview I did with J Michael Tatum, Chris Cason and Kyle Hebert and listen to how I giggle my way through the interview. /www.otakusandgeeks.com/akusandgeeks.com/2014/06/interview-with-kyle-hebert-j-michael.html AMA Rules!!!!!!!!!

Sailor Moon Returns With New Anime Series July 5th

Great new Sailor Moon fans the girls are back. This is something I will be keeping my eye on. It's like the Toonami era all over again. Check out the official press release of the soon to be series "Sailor Moon Crystal." Anime Rules!!!!

SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL – on July 5th on Hulu and Neon Alley. The series, which reboots the beloved shojo fantasy action property, debuts simultaneously in North America at the same time as its online streaming premiere in Japan, making a true simultaneous release. Future new episodes (subtitled) will debut in North America and Japan the first and third Saturday of each month. Based on Naoko Takeuchi’s legendary manga (graphic novel) series, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL (rated ‘TV-PG’), retells the story of Sailor Moon as she searches for her fellow Sailor Guardians and the Legendary Silver Crystal to stop the dark forces of Queen Beryl. Visit www.NeonAlley.com and Hulu.com/sailor-moon-crystal for more information; the trailer may also be viewed at http://www.hulu.com/watch/651047 and http://youtu.be/I0B5gnKvHKQ. SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL will be available through NeonAlley.com, VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. Episodes will also be available on the free, ad-supported Hulu and Hulu Plus subscription service, where users can watch on a variety of devices including Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 (PS3®) or PlayStation®4 (PS4™) systems Roku, Chromecast, and mobile devices. A full list of Hulu and Hulu Plus-enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices

A Few Reasons The Wyatt Family Must Win At Money In The Bank

Money In The Bank is ten days away and it's shaping to be one hell of a pay per view. Tons of superstars are looking to finally set their stamp in the WWE. Chances are we will see Ambrose vs Rollins, Reigns will be in a ladder match with season veterans. While I will be keeping my eye out for The S.H.I.E.L.D and Rollins matches. There is one team that I have my eye on and I feel needs a big push. The Wyatt Family has been in a long feud with John Cena. The feud didn't turn out the way The Wyatt Family had planned. Cena ended up overcoming the odds and the Wyatt Family didn't really get too much out of the feud. Today I wanted to list a few reasons why I feel the Wyatt Family must win at Money In The Bank.

1. Cena Feud Did Not Establish The Wyatt Family As Top Heels
Yes I know that The Wyatt Family is top heels out of wrestlers in the locker room. Let's be honest the real top heels in the WWE is Triple H and Stephanie of "The Authority." While many say that the Cena feud help elevate Bray Wyatt, I feel that him not coming out on top hurt him. How can you establish yourself as a top heel if you can't beat the top babyface? Bray Wyatt's lost at "Extreme Rules" made The Wyatt momentum hit a low for a while. Hardcore fans really don't believe he can be a threat if he couldn't stop John Cena. A win at Money In The Bank will establish The Wyatt Family as the dominate force in the WWE. If Luke Harper and Erick Rowan win the tag titles and Bray wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, this will give The Wyatt's an edge but will lead to interesting storylines, which leads to our second reason.

2. Interesting Storylines
Imagine if The Wyatt Family has all the main titles in their possession. All the babyfaces and heels will be gunning for them. Bray Wyatt's message can finally come to fruition and Harper and Rowan will gain a major push. With The Wyatt Family in power this can lead to some new stables, great feuds and big set up for the return of Daniel Bryan. This can also lead to the expansion of The Wyatt Family as superstars fall prey to Bray's belief and ideals.

3. Daniel Bryan
Even though his title reign was cut short due to his injury, Daniel Bryan needs a strong heel to face when he returns. Dirt sheets claim that Brock Lesnar will be the man Bryan will eventually face. However I think Bray Wyatt is the perfect choice for Daniel Bryan. Watch the chemistry Bray and Daniel had in their match at the Royal Rumble in January. The match was amazing and deserving of being a top contender for match of 2014. I would love to see The Wyatt Family rule until Survivor Series and have a strong showdown with a healthy Daniel Bryan. Bryan has not had a proper heel battle beside Kane, and the big red machine might be looking to retire soon. Bryan needs a good heel to complement him and Bray and The Wyatt Family is up for the job.

4. The Wyatt's Are The Most Interesting Characters We've Seen In WWE For A While
The WWE is trying to find it's footing with all their new talent. Guys like The S.H.I.E.L.D, The Wyatt Family and Ziggler all have bright futures ahead. Well Ziggler needs to get his push but that is another article. Out of all the superstars The Wyatt Family are the most interesting. They remind us of those classic villains who will stop at nothing to fulfill their ideals and beliefs. Bray Wyatt brings a legitimate creepy factor in his promos, his in ring work and something a lot of superstars are not. Bray Wyatt and The Family are BELIEVABLE! Having the eater of worlds actually become that will be beneficial not just to The Wyatt but the WWE in general.

J-Pop Teen Idol Group Tokyo Girls Launches Crowdfunding Project

Here is news from the J-Pop  Summit 2014.

In conjunction with their upcoming appearance at the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival and J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE concert appearance, the Japanese teen pop idol group – Tokyo Girls’ Style – has launched a crowd-funding project dubbed “Let’s All Join Hands to Make Sunflowers Bloom Girls’ Style in San Francisco.”

The fundraiser’s proceeds will help finance a special Tokyo Girls’ Style TV documentary, co-produced with SPACE SHOWER TV Plus, which will document the group’s monumental first-ever U.S. concert with full of Sunflowers at Union Square in San Francisco downtown, as well as present interviews and other special J-POP SUMMIT Festival appearances.

Tokyo Girls’ Style will appear as Guests of Honor for a series of live performances and special personal appearances at the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, one of the nation’s largest celebrations of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film. The 5-member all-girl dance and vocal group will perform live in concert along with other top pop artists from Japan on the evening of Saturday, July 19th as part of the “J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE,” taking place in city’s downtown Union Square area, and also will perform live on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on the afternoon of Sunday, July 20th. Full J-POP SUMMIT Festival details and updates are available at: www.j-pop.com.

Replica sunflowers will be distributed to concertgoers attending the special J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE Saturday evening performance and Tokyo Girls’ Style will ask the audience to wave them in unison when they sing an English version of their hit song "Himawari to Hoshikuzu" (Sunflowers and Stardust), enveloping the entire area in a sea of sunflowers and summer color. The performance will be captured for a live music video for the documentary.
Pledge “Seeds” start at only $19.00 and Tokyo Girls’ Style will personally thank contributors with a variety of premium items including exclusive behind the scenes performance and backstage photographs, DVDs of the San Francisco concert, and an array of personally autographed items and more. Fans can visit the official J-POP SUMMIT Media Sponsor – Tokyo Girls Update – at: http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/crowd/en/single.php?project_id=286 for additional information on the Tokyo Girls’ Style Sunflower crowd-funding project.

“Tokyo Girls’ Style is one of the hottest pop idol Kawaii groups in Japan and their upbeat songs and dance-driven live show will add an exciting component to the line-up of amazing pop artists we will present this year,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-POP SUMMIT Festival Committee. “Music, fashion and film are among the most popular aspects of Japanese pop culture and Tokyo Girls’ Style will exemplify all three throughout the J-POP SUMMIT Festival. We are honored to present the group’s U.S. debut and look forward to fans of all ages giving them a warm welcome on-stage for the concert, on the big-screen for their film premieres and also in-person at the special artist meet-and-greet!”
 
The smash hit group Tokyo Girls’ Style formed in 2010 and has become a major new force in the bustling Japanese pop music scene. Consisting of 5 teenagers - Ayano Konishi, Miyu Yamabe, Hitomi Arai, Yuri Nakae and Mei Shoji – the group, whose member’s average age was only 15 when they formed, was signed to Avex and released four debut singles within their first year. Tokyo Girls’ Style has gone on to captivate millions of avid fans across Japan with a hook-driven funk and disco sound that is infused with a glossy urban appeal. As of 2012, the group was the youngest female acts to ever headline a concert at Tokyo’s most famous Budokan live hall, has released several hit records in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and also performed live shows in Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Additional information on Tokyo Girls’ Style is available at: http://tokyogirlsstyle.jp/tokyogirlsstyle_en. Fans can also catch their music videos on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/TokyoGirlsStyle.

Tomb Raider # 5: Eyes in the Heavens Review

Between the announcement of the new Tomb Raider game, Rise of the Tomb Raider, coming out in 2015 and the whispers of a possible reboot of the Tomb Raider Movies, what better time to release a comic series where the storyline picks up right where the most recent game leaves off.

Gail Simone, the writer, does a fantastic job of seamlessly placing flashbacks throughout the series to ensure that readers who have not played the game aren’t lost. Follow Lara as she returns to the island of Yamatai in the Devil’s Triangles to save her dearest friend Sam who has been kidnapped because four artifact were removed from Yamatai on their last visit. After four issues filled with gun fights, confusion, incoherently mumbled prophecies and lots of exposition the reader finally gets the true adventure expected of the infamous Tomb Raider and everything begins to connect and fall into place.

“Four Guardians, Four Calamities, Four Pieces to build his horse. The Circle has to be broken” The ill-fated statement made by Jonah in the first issue is starting to make sense. The leader of Sam’s captors, Matsu-Sama,  explains that he is not Solarii, but a group that worships the Solarii and seeks to resurrect Matthias the sole disciple to Himiko, the sun queen of the Solarii. The four guardians are  Matsu-Sama, his two daughters who are beautifully illustrated as statuesque Makara Lara finds in the second issue, and a mystery guardian yet to be revealed. As Matsu explains how they need Lara’s blood to bring Matthias back, Lara, while scaling a mountain on the outskirts of Yamatai, realizes that the ‘four calamities’ are linked to the four element. First there was the flood in the desert where it hadn’t rained in a hundred years. The second was when the fire on the ship and the last an avalanche the almost kills Lara.  Luckily after an ominous warning from Alex, her doomed comrade, “Beware the Fourth Guardian,” a stranger with a familiar face pulls Lara from the water. The man who saved Lara from her first encounter with Matsu-Sama… Serendipity or treachery?

Well looks like readers will have to wait for the next issue to figure out that last Guardian and the final calamity.  

Final Score: 7.5/10

Gamer's Tavern Episode 2: E3 2014

On episode 2 of Gamer's Tavern, Justin and Keenan keep with their annual traditional and discuss the E3 convention. They talk about their likes and dislikes, what games they are excited for and Keenan gives his rant on EA. If you missed the three major conferences check out the press conferences below. 
 Microsoft E3 Press Conference 2014 Sony E3 Press Conference 2014 Nintendo Direct Press Conference 2014

Special Edition NYC 2014 Review

Special Edition NYC is a brand new comic book convention at Jacob Javitz Center. This convention is purely for the comic book fans, the artist and writers of the industry. I really enjoyed this con. There is no celebs, no one trying to promote anything but comic books and the industry of comics. For it's first year the convention didn't cover the entire comic con like NYCC. However I found this smaller convention to be more intimate for the guest and it worked. The con feature some great artist in alley, great cosplayers and some really cool panels strictly on comics. I attended the Marvel Panel entitle "Young Guns" which showcase Marvel's rising artist. We we're shown glimpse of  upcoming story arcs from Ultimate Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy and many more. The panels we're in depth and I really learned a lot from people who work for companies like Marvel and DC. 

Joker Poster Justin Purchased At Special Edition: NYC

The artist alley was great! I will say that I only brought one item from there, but if I didn't have a big move coming up I would have gone for broke. Fair pricing at the artist alley, and the guest artist and writers were a thrill to see. Overall this con has a promising future ahead. I can see them expanding on this too a wider scale in the Javits center. I wish there was more panels and more activities but it's just year one. This is a convention I will keep my eye out for. Check out my walkthrough of the convention below.

The Cosplayers of Special Edition NYC 2014

Check out some of the cool cosplayers that I saw on my time at Special Edition NYC. Don't forget to check out my review of the convention here (link).

Honest Game Trailers: Final Fantasy VII

From Squaresoft, the company that doesn’t understand the meaning of the word final, comes the best installment of the legendary series… that you’ve actually played. Final Fantasy VII. Check out the new Honest Game Trailers from the good folks at Smosh Games and Screen Junkies.

DreamWorks​TV Launches on YouTube

Today DreamWorks launched all new content of webseries on Youtube. This new channel DreamWorksTV will be showcase animation and live action content. Check out the trailer and the line up of the new channel below.

Live Action:
• OMG – A live-action sketch comedy series featuring up and coming kid comedians.
 •Record Setter Kids – Hosted by YouTube star JennXPenn, features kids from all  over the country who come up with wacky records to break.
•Prank My Parents – Kids get a chance to play tricks on their parents in this fun hidden-camera series where kids make all the rules.
 
Animation:
• Jimmy Blue Shorts – This animated sketch comedy created by Zach Aufdemberg and produced by Oddbot is hosted by talking jean shorts.
 •Gorillaville – This punny slapstick comedy by Ron Yavnieli centers around three gorillas who wreak havoc, perpetually disturbing the peace in their otherwise idyllic wildlife preserve.
 •Report Card – “Let’s get newsie” with a top flight anchor team of cardboard cut-ups in a stop-motion series created by Jimbo Matison.
•Public Pool – Everything happens at the Puddleton Public Pool. Teenagers!  Musclemen!  Wimps!  Inflatable Rafts!  Bad Swimwear! It’s all fodder for fun in this irreverent ensemble comedy by David Fremont (Liquid TV).
 •Fifi Cat Therapist – Have a seat on the couch and tell all to Fifi, cat therapist extraordinaire.  This sassy house-cat tells it like it is to neighborhood animals seeking advice in this animated comedy by Mike Blum (Lilo & Stitch).
Additional series include Watch This, curated “best-of-the web” shorts, as well as RetroToons, highlights from the Classic Media library.  New original series will be launched throughout the summer

The Cosplayers of Anime Mid Atlantic 2014

This past weekend I went to Anime Mid Atlantic Convention. I had a blast! I had the honor of interviewing voice actors Kyle Hebert, J. Michael Tatum and Chris Cason. However the convention wasn't all interviews and panels. I also encountered some cosplayers. Here are some of the cosplayers I saw at AMA. Enjoy. Anime Rules!!!! More pictures can be seen at our Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/OtakusandGeeksBlog)

Interview With Kyle Hebert, J. Michael Tatum and Chris Cason

I had the pleasure of interviewing three amazing voice actors Kyle Hebert, J. Michael Tatum and Chris Cason at Anime Mid Altantic. We chatted about voice acting, how did they get into anime and many more. Just to name a few here are some characters each voice actor has played. Kyle Hebert has played many characters such as Gohan (Dragonball Z), Makoto Takei (Fruits Basket), Karasu (Yu Yu Hakusho). J. Michael Tatum has played Sebastian (Black Butler), Kyoya Ootori (Ouran High School Host Club), France (Hetalia). Chris Cason Mr. Popo (Dragonball Z), Gluttony (Full Metal Alchemist), Tarau (SGT. Frog). Anime Rules!!!!

Interview With Gary Di Raffaele and Steve Borst (Creators of Nickelodeon Show "Breadwinners)

We had a chat with the creators Gary Di Raffaele and Steve Borst of Nickelodeon's new hit show "Breadwinners." Breadwinners recently premiere it's second season on June 14th 2014. We chat with Gary and Steve on how the show came about, what is in store for season two and more. Listen to the interview below and don't forget to check out Breadwinners on Nickelodeon.

Steve Borst, Justin (Otakus and Geeks) & Gary Di Raffaele

Marvel Entertainment Unviel Cast Members For Marvel Universe Live

Check out the press release regarding the new Marvel LIVE show:

After scouring the country to find the best of the best in live action performers with an amazing array of disciplines and skills, Feld Entertainment, Inc., the worldwide leader in live touring family events, today reveals the final cast of more than 50 performers ready to bring its most ambitious live event experience to life inMarvel Universe LIVE!. Debuting this July in Tampa, FL, before having its world premiere at New York City’s Barclays Center on Wednesday, August 13,the show will be the most physically demanding in Feld Entertainment’s storied history and will stop in 85 cities nationwide.

Featuring the most Marvel characters ever in one production,Marvel Universe LIVE! will be headlined by a cast trained in everything from martial arts to motocross in order to bring the Marvel Universe to the live action arena. Supported by a unique blend of aerial stunts, pyrotechnics and state-of-the-art special effects, the performers will bring an epic live action experience right in front of audiences’ eyes every time.

After an intensive eight month cross-country casting process that took place in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando and Ellenton, Florida, with hundreds of hopefuls representing the United States, Mexico, Hungary, France, United Kingdom, Russia, and Japan showing off their considerable skills, the finalensemble is set. When the spotlight finally shines, spectators will see some of the world’s most gifted athletes and performers including professional snow-skater and three-time X Games champ Phil Smage (Captain America), WMX Pro National champion and two-time X Games winner Ashley Fiolek (Hydra Agent), and 2012 X Games Silver Medalist Louise Forsley (Black Widow). To depict the superlative athleticism of some of Marvel’s most renowned heroes, Feld Entertainment also has signed martial arts expert and AAU Junior Olympics/National Champion Kirk Jenkins (Wolverine) and long-time American Ninja Warrior professional course tester Eric Foster (Hawkeye).

"From the beginning we knew that to pull off a show of this magnitude we had to have a cast that was the closest thing we could find to real life Super Heroes," said Shanda Sawyer, director of Marvel Universe LIVE! "These are intense roles that require performers who are experts in their fields with the ability to take those skills and apply them to a number of meticulously crafted sequences, all designed to push the limits of anything the audience has ever seen in an arena show of this caliber – and they need to do this day in and day out."

Marvel Universe LIVEwill captivate audiences with an authentic and original story that brings more than 25 Marvel characters together on one epic quest. The story is framed around the battle over the Cosmic Cube, the source of ultimate power and one of the most feared and coveted treasures in the Marvel Universe, that has been shattered into pieces by the mighty Thor in order to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. With the pieces scattered across the globe, Thor’s villainous brother, Loki, devises a scheme to clone its powers, inciting a threat that could not only decimate Earth but also obliterate the Universe.

Rigor Mortis Review

Rigor Mortis is a new horror installment directed by Juno Mak. It stars Anthony Chan, Siu-Ho Chin, Kara Hui, Richard Ng, Hoi-Pang Lo, Hee Chang Paw. The film is about a washed-up actor, desperate and suicidal, moves into a haunted apartment building where supernatural creatures, ghost hunters, taoist exorcists, and the souls of the undead walk among his neighbors. Does this film pack the scars and thrills? Or this is a film clearly not renting?

Hatsune Miku Designer KEI Coming To J-Pop Summit 2014

If you have been following us on Twitter then you know I will be attending this year's J-Pop Summit. Today the festival announced that Hatsune Miku designer KEI will be a guest of honor. You can read the official details below. I will keep you posted on more developments on J-Pop Summit 2014.

Character designer KEI will appear in-person in the Kinokuniya booth beginning at 1:00pm on both Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th to have special autograph session for the fans who purchase his illustrated art books, Hatsune Miku Project DIVA F or Hatsune Miku Project DIVA F 2ndOn both days, the first 100 people to purchase either title also will have the opportunity to autograph by KEI. Fans will also receive a free Hatsune Miku poster as a special gift with purchase. 

Kill La Kill OST Review

There is a reason that "Kill La Kill" is one of the hottest anime's right now. Not only does the anime have great characters, an interesting story but along with all those ingredients Hiroyuki Sawano has composed one hell of a soundtrack. "Kill La Kill" OST is pack with different styles of music for fans. It has a mixture of rock, pop, classical and even some dance/house tracks. You would think with all these different sounds, that the soundtrack would sound all over the place. However this is not the case with "Kill La Kill." Hiroyuki Sawano has carefully integrated these sounds that not only set the tone for the anime, but also gives the soundtrack tons of replay value.

The album consist of eighteen songs, six songs are vocal tracks and the rest is orchestrated or instrumental tracks. The opening song "Before My Body Is Dry" by Miku Kobayashi is a great start off song. The song is a combination of rock and rap and it's one of my favorite tracks of the whole album. I personally would love a version without the rap in it. It's nothing against the artist I just feel like the rap felt out of place. Other than that little complaint the soundtrack is easy to listen from beginning to end. There wasn't a single track that I skip or felt that it didn't belong with the anime. Some of the stand out tracks are "Before My Body Is Dry", "I want to know", "KILL7la切ル" and "Light your heart up." Overall if your a fan of the anime I suggest you pick up the ost. It has amazing vocal tracks and amazing instrumental tracks as well. This album you can relax too, or even workout too. It's a killer soundtrack for a killer anime.

Final Rating - 4.5/5