Moebius Review

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I have seen many Asian horror and thriller films that have pushed the enveloped. Such films as Gozu, Visitor Q, Grotesque and Meat Grinder just to name a few. By a recommendation I checked out "Moebius" directed and written by Kim. I'm not familiar with Kim Ki-Duk but he has a reputation of pushing the envelope. Is Moebius another one of those films that goes beyond? Or is it something you really need to skip. This review will contain minor spoilers to show how twisted the film is.

Story - A housewife (Lee Eun-Woo) becomes enraged with jealousy over her husband's (Cho Jae-Hyun) affair. Meanwhile, their son (Seo Young-Joo) sits in the periphery, observing their violent confrontations. One evening, the housewife takes a kitchen knife into their bedroom to exact revenge on the father. The father though is able to repel her attack and throws her out of the bedroom. The mother then goes into the son's room.

The best way to describe Moebius is unique. One thing you need to know going into this is film is that there is no dialogue. I actually found this to be the most intriguing aspect of the film. Everything is told through body language, groans and facial expression. Now this where the review gets interesting. As stated the above, this movie is about a housewife who can't take anymore of her husband's affairs. Her attempt to extract revenge is by cutting her husband's penis off. The husband fights back and she fails. In attempt to get back at her husband she cuts off her teenage son's penis instead and swallows it. Are you still with me reader? The mother runs away and the husband is left with a penis-less son. I will stop spoiling the rest of the plot for you here. "Moebius" is a story I have never seen before. Believe it or not even without dialogue you understand the characters torment, insecurities and development. The story minus all the shock factor is pretty good. You understand this family has some serious conflict due to the father's disloyalty and neglectful behavior. All of his decisions come to head during the second and third act. The abuse, neglect and disloyalty are the central focal points for the three main leads. The abuse of the son, the neglect of the mom and the disloyalty from the father all play out in a big way towards the end. If you get pass some of the graphic scenes and gore, you will find a very interesting film that has one messed up family as the focal point.




Acting - I love the acting in this film because you really have to show emotion without words. The stand out performance goes to Seo Young-Joo who plays the son. His emotion, body language make him the most symphateic character out of the three. Viewers will connect to his plight and the situation he was forced into. Actress Lee Eun-Woo does great playing double duty as the wife and mistress. Her role as the distraught housewife and sympatheic mistress shows her range as an actress. Overall the acting is fresh, unique and believable.

Music/Filmmaking - There is only music and the final act and I will say that it fit the tone of that section. The filmmaking is shot very realistic. Kim-Ki-Duk really did a great job of giving us a very dark, gritty look into the world. The movie doesn't show certain actions (penis getting cut off) but the build up and action towards make it cringe worthy.

Final Thoughts - Moebius has an interesting story to tell without the use of any dialogue. It has a solid cast that brings true emotion to the characters. If you can get pass the cringe worthy scenes this film is something you should check out.




Look At DEATH OF WOLVERINE #1

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Hey Otakus and Geeks Fans, Here is a look at The Death of Wolverine. Our friends at Marvel have sent us some screen shots of the upcoming comic out in September.


The Beginning of the End – Your New Look at DEATH OF WOLVERINE #1!

He is many things to many people. A hero. A teacher. A friend. But now, the greatest X-Men hero will play a role he’s never played before! Today, Marvel is proud to present a stunning look inside DEATH OF WOLVERINE #1 – the first issue in the blockbuster weekly event running through September! Comic superstars Charles Soule and Steve McNiven explore the man known as the Wolverine as he makes his final stand, and meets his untimely end.

Left without his mutant healing factor, his enemies now close in for the kill – and the Wolverine faces his greatest battle alone. A battle he will not return from. After a century of being the best there is at what he does, the day has arrived where his best will not be good enough.

With no X-Men or Avengers to help him, he’ll square off against Lady Deathstrike, Sabretooth and more of his deadliest enemies! Each one inching him one step closer to death than the last. But one foe in particular is prepared to strike the final blow. An old enemy with the deepest of ties to Wolverine’s past has returned. Lurking in the shadows, their master plan to end the Wolverine has been set in motion – and there’s no stopping it!

“The basic idea [of Death of Wolverine], is that both Wolverine and the reader will be reflecting on Logan’s life as the story builds to the ending,” says series writer Charles Soule in an interview with Marvel > com. “We’ll get a better understanding of why this guy makes the choices he makes, and the path that led him to where we end up. Each issue is built around a different part of Wolverine’s history, in a loose way, and each has a slightly different feel; we’ve seen a lot of different versions of James Howlett over the years, everything from Patch to Weapon X, and versions of many of them will appear here.”

Each issue of Death of Wolverine also features a special Weapon Etched Holo Foil cover treatment that leaps off comic shop shelves and must be seen to be believed! With Death of Wolverine poised to shake the foundations of the Marvel Universe this September, no fan can afford to miss this epic & grisly weekly event! What does the world look like without Wolverine in it? Find out when DEATH OF WOLVERINE #1 kicks off the end of an X-Man this September!
















Source: Pics, panel Previews, and article From Marvel


By Sean Tucker 

2014 J-Pop Summit Program Overview

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The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, San Francisco’s premiere celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, commences next weekend – Saturday & Sunday, July 19th and 20th – and will be open from 11:00am - 6:00pm on both days across the city’s entire Japantown District. A special FREE live concert – J-POP LIVE at UNION SQUARE – also will take place in the S.F.’s notable downtown district on the evening of Saturday July 19th. Full Festival details are available at: www.J-POP.com.

Guests of Honor
The J-POP SUMMIT is proud to welcome several special Guests of Honor for 2014 including pop stars Tomomi Itano (former AKB48), Tokyo Girls’ Style, and May’n, Harajuku fashion models/designers Ayumi Seto, Una, Misa Kimura and Akira, the amazing beat boxer DAICHI, along with artist KEI, who created the iconic character design for the world’s first virtual pop singer Hatsune Miku. The J-POP SUMMIT also joins with the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco to present Japanese actor Yûki Furukawa (“Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo”) and film director Mitsutoshi Tanaka (“Ask This of Rikyu”) as special Guests of Honor. Fans and attendees can look forward to appearances by all of the Guests of Honor across a variety of events throughout the weekend. Additionally, several will participate in special meet & greet opportunities as well as audience Q&As, exclusive signings and photograph opportunities. More information at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/category/guests.

Live Music
J-POP SUMMIT attendees are invited to catch some of the hottest Japanese pop and rock acts in a series of FREE afternoon concert sets on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown’s Peace Plaza as well as at a special FREE open-air live concert, “J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE,” in city’s downtown Union Square on the evening of Saturday, July 19th beginning at 6:30pm. Music headliners scheduled to perform this year include the U.S. concert debut of famed pop music superstar Tomomi Itano, as well as the popular idol group Tokyo Girls’ Style, which also makes its first-ever U.S. appearance at J-POP SUMMIT. Others set to perform include the amazing beat box vocal skills of DAICHI, a special musical performance by Harajuku fashion model/singer Una, Japanese pop singer Kylee, the U.S. debut of the kimono cosplay idol duo YANAKIKU, and the hard rocking sounds of J-rock bands Pinky Doodle Poodle, and the all-girl punk rock trio, The Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass. Full details on the J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE concert are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/j-pop-live-at-union-square. Also catch May’n at Slims for a special solo show on Sunday as the closing event of the Festival, on Sunday, July 20th. Details at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/mayn-at-slims.

Fashion Programming
Festival-goers and fashionistas will not want to miss the return of a variety of “KAWAii!!” themed fashion shows, contests and live performances showcasing edgy new sides of Japanese pop style along with autograph and meet-and-greet opportunities with several of the J-Pop fashion world’s fastest rising stars. This year’s KAWAii!! events are supported by Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and presented as the first collaboration with MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, a new initiative developed by ASOBISYSTEM, a prominent entertainment company based in Harajuku, Tokyo, to promote a wider range of Japanese pop culture on an even bigger, more global level. Fashion Programming highlights appearances by several of Harajuku’s iconic models and designers including Ayumi Seto, Misa Kimura, Una and Akira. Several of these models will join others from Bay Area to showcase a colorful debut summer collection from Ayumi Seto’s 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. The action carries over the Pagoda Main Stage in Peace Plaza where fans are invited to catch solo live sets from Akira, a popular model and singer, as well as Una is a charismatic plenty of danceable groove to J-POP SUMMIT for special concert performances not to be missed! More fashion programming information at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/harajuku-kawaii.

Film Premieres & Events
J-POP SUMMIT film programs are presented in conjunction with the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF), the first and only fully-dedicated Japanese film celebration for the S.F. Bay Area which opens on Saturday, July 19th and runs thru Sunday, July 27th. Screenings take place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the NEW PEOPLE building at 1746 Post St. J-POP SUMMIT Festival film premieres include the inspiring anime omnibus SHORT PEACE, and J-POP Splash! 2014, a music video collection presented by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, featuring the hottest J-Pop artists, along with TOKYO SHORT SHORTS: A New Generation Of 5 Short Films which takes place in Tokyo and other parts of Japan and was directed by a innovative new generation of young filmmakers. J-Pop fans and film-goers will also not want to miss the very special U.S. theatrical premiere of COUNT FIVE TO DREAM OF YOU and KOTODAMA: SPIRITUAL CURSE. Both films star the members of Tokyo Girls’ Style in leading roles. The group will host a special audience Q&A immediately following the film screenings. Also don’t miss special in-person appearances by JFFSF Guests of Honor actor Yuki Furukawa, who will help mark the U.S. theatrical premiere of his new short film, "wo ai ni" in TOKYO, and director Mitsutoshi Tanaka who appears to celebrate the Bay Area premiere of his newest work, Ask This of Rikyu. Both films will screen at NEW PEOPLE Cinema during J-POP SUMMIT. Tickets and additional information at: www.JFFSF.org.

POP Gourmet Food, RAMEN STREET & Sake Tasting Attractions
The POP GOURMET Food Festival returns for its second consecutive year to present new expanded attractions including Sake Tasting, RAMEN Street, and a Japanese Beverage and Bites & Snacks Area, along with an array of the Bay Area’s most unique mobile eateries and food trucks. RAMEN Street is a brand new attraction presented for the very first time at J-POP SUMMIT and will give attendees an appetizing look at Japan’s favorite food. RAMEN Street is organized and co-presented in cooperation with the Ramen Yokocho Association. Those of legal age are also invited to sample an assortment of some of the world’s preeminent sake brands in a special Sake Tasting Area. Festival sponsor Takara Sake USA will offer a variety of sake and anchor a prominent “J POP” booth in Beverage Area promote its popular sparkling cocktail Takara Can Chu-hi “J POP” as well as present Takara’s Official “J POP” Ambassador, the amazing 23-year-old Japanese human beat-box, DAICHI, in a series of special in-booth performances.

Gone, gone, gone! SOUTHERN BASTARDS 3, NAILBITER 3, and HACK/SLASH: SON OF SAMHAIN 1 Sellout!

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Three hot new issues are already on their way to second printings
Three new issues from three hot new series hit stores yesterday and sold out completely. The first issue of HACK/SLASH: SON OF SAMHAIN by Michael Moreci, Steve Seeley, and Emilio Laiso, the third issue of Jason Aaron and Jason Latour’s SOUTHERN BASTARDS, the third issue of Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson’s NAILBITER have all sold out instantly and are being fast-tracked to second printings immediately to meet customer demand.

HACK/SLASH readers jumped at the opportunity to reunite with Cassie with the release of Moreci, Seeley, and Laiso's SON OF SAMHAIN #1. Their favorite slasher hunter has returned and the issues have been snapped up as quickly as they’ve arrived! When a mysterious cult of monsters arises, Cassie is forced to return to the life she thought she’d left behind. Coupled with a new partner and faced with enemies unlike any she has battled before, Cassie must confront the darkness in the world—and in her own life—in new ways. The agents of evil never rest; unfortunately for them, neither does Cassie Hack.

Aaron and Latour’s gritty southern crime series, SOUTHERN BASTARDS, rocketed to success with its first issue and has built up steam since with repeated praise of the creators’ portrayal of Southern culture. In this third issue Earl Tubb’s one-man war to clean up Craw County begins to rage out of control, as it claims its first casualty.

In the unnerving serial killer suspense series NAILBITER, Williamson and Henderson have both captivated and horrified readers by the droves. As the morgue continues to fill with new dead bodies, in this third issue, the citizens of Buckaroo violently demand that Sheriff Crane and Officer Finch arrest the Nailbiter. But in a town full of killers... anyone could be a suspect.

The first editions of all three issues, HACK/SLASH: SON OF SAMHAIN #1, SOUTHERN BASTARDS #3, and NAILBITER, #3 have completely sold out at the distributor level, but may still be available in comic stores. They are all also available digitally on the Image Comics website (imagecomics.com) and the official Image Comics iOS app, and on Comixology on the web (comixology.com), iOS, Android, and Google Play.

The second printing of HACK/SLASH: SON OF SAMHAIN #1 (Diamond Code MAY148255) will release on 7/30. HACK/SLASH: SON OF SAMHAIN #2 (Diamond Code JUN140552) hits stores on 8/6.

 The second printing of SOUTHERN BASTARDS #3 (Diamond Code MAY148253) will release on 7/30. SOUTHERN BASTARDS #4 (Diamond Code MAY140731) hits stores on 8/13.

The second printing of NAILBITER #3 (Diamond Code MAY148254) will release on 7/30. NAILBITER #4 (Diamond Code JUN140562) hits stores on 8/6.





























source: Image comics.com, Posted by Kat Salazar

posted by Sean Tucker

Import Game Watch: Tales of the World: Reve Unitia

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I'm back with another edition of Import Game Watch. This time the game to look out for is coming to the Nintendo 3DS. The RPG game "Tales of the World": Reve Unitia reunites the Tales universe into one big story. I played Tales of the World for the PSP and it wasn't that great, but this one seems to have a more crispier story. It's great to see characters from Tales of Graces and Abyss included in this one. Check out the trailer below.





Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (KAIYODO Revoltech Figures)

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TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES has been around for ages. However, over the course of the last two years, the TMNT  franchise has risen from the ashes to once again become one of the most popular brands in the world. With the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES movie  from Michael Bay (TRANSFORMERS) coming out later this year, everyone wants to get in on the action with the TMNT– including Japanese companies. The Kaiyodo TMNT Revoltech figures based on the Nickelodeon cartoon are scheduled to be released in September/October 2014, with an expected size of 5″-6″ tall and a price-point of $40-$50 each.

The Kaiyodo Revoltech Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures articulation looks to be pretty impressive, with ankle rockers, a ball-jointed head and neck, ball-hinge wrists and even ball-jointed fingers. Each of the Revoltech Ninja Turtles action figures will also come with a very cool stylized head.

Pre-order, now available from the following sites: CDJAPAN, HOBBYSEARCH, PLAY-ASIA, and J-LIST.

Scroll down to see pictures of each of the Ninja Turtles - Leonardo (Leo), Raphael (Raph), Donatello (Don or Donnie) and Michelangelo (Mike or Mikey). Click on them for bigger and better views.

KAIYODO Revoltech Leonardo 
Release Date: September 2014

KAIYODO Revoltech Raphael
Release Date: September 2014

KAIYODO Revoltech Donatello
Release Date: October 2014

KAIYODO Revoltech Michelangelo
Release Date: October 2014


Marvel Method: Cosplay

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Marvel Method: Cosplay is the first Marvel Original Video Series to go inside the process of building a Marvel costume, culminating in its big reveal at San Diego Comic-Con 2014. Debuting July 8th on Marvel.com and on Marvel’s YouTube Channel, every Tuesday and Thursday, fans will get an inside look at the process of character selection, wearable design and fabric construction all leading up to the final reveal on opening day of San Diego Comic-Con at the Marvel booth. Join Lorraine Cink, Host and Writer of Marvel's The Watcher, and Judy Stephens, Associate Producer/ Cosplay Expert, as they seek out help and advice from professional costumer, Carly Bradt; Wig Expert, Katie Hondrogen; and professional Cosplayer, Yaya Han. 

 Marvel Method: Cosplay - Episode 1: Associate Producer and Cosplay Expert, Judy Stephens approaches host and writer of Marvel's The Watcher to embark on an adventure in Cosplay to create a Marvel costume like never before to reveal at SDCC 2014. Together with professional costumer, Carly Bradt, they are using The Marvel Method: Cosplay.

Tomomi Itano To Perform First U.S. Performance At 2014 J-Pop Summit

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J-Pop music superstar Tomomi Itano will perform her first-ever U.S. performance at 2014 J-Pop Summit in San Francisco . Tomomi Itano performs in support of her brand new full-length release, “SxWxAxG,” which was released on July 2nd. Tomomi Itano will perform at a special FREE J-POP Live at Union Square concert on the evening of Saturday, July 19th at 7:50pm in the city’s downtown Union Square stage, and is also set to perform on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20th at 11:00am. 50 VIP guests will be invited to join a special Meet & Greet with Tomomi Itano and each will be given an autographed poster. These lucky guests will be selected at random from fans that purchase VIP PASS A or B by Friday July 11th at 5pm PST (http://www.j-pop.com/2014/vip/). Those selected to join the Meet & Greet will be notified by email. Additional information about Tomomi Itano and her J-POP SUMMIT performances as well as the Meet & Greet are now available at www.j-pop.com/2014/tomomi-itano. You can check out some of Tomomi music videos below.

About Tomomi Itano: Born in Kanagawa, Japan in 1991, Tomomi Itano rocketed to fame as a founding member of the Japanese all-girl pop idol super group, AKB48. The group was founded in 2005 and pioneered the concept of a new breed of J-Pop stars with distinct personalities and kinetic live shows. In 2011, while continuing activities as a core member of AKB48, Itano released her first solo single, “Dear J,” followed six months later by her second single, “Fuini,” which topped the Japanese Oricon pop music charts. Since then, she released additional chart topping singles such as, “10nen-go no Kimi e,” “1%,” and “little.” In 2013, Itano officially graduated from AKB48 to focus on her solo career. 

Additional Tomomi Itano information is available at: 

Official Website: 
TomomiItano.jp 

Official Community Site: 
http://teamtomo.com/ 

 Facebook: 
http://www.facebook.com/tomomiitano 

 Twitter: 
https://twitter.com/tomo_coco73
Crush

1%



 Dear J


ヴィジュアル系: Visual Kei- Bands with a True Japanese Feel

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Most of the time, when you read the name "Visual Kei" (ヴィジュアル系 or "bijuaru kei" romanized) your mind goes to outrageous outfits,  incredibly styled and colored hair, makeup that is beyond crazy, and music that is not only catchy, but somewhat reminiscent to metal and rock music. X Japan, The GazettE, and maybe Dir En Grey pop into mind. Yet there are many genres of Visual Kei, and new ones pop up into existence every year.

Cue in the bands Memento Mori and Kiryu. Both bands active since around the late 00's, they alone have helped create an entirely new genre of Visual Kei that from what I know of, has no name. What this genre has though, is an interesting twist on Visual Kei style, by pulling from elements of Japanese culture, music, and dress while still incorporating the elements of rock, bizarre hairstyles, androgynous looks and crossplay in their videos and performances.

Memento Mori (メメント・モリ) was a band formed back in October of 2010. When I first heard of them, I was certainly confused, since the only Memento Mori band I ever knew of was the Swedish Doom Metal band and so for sure I thought it was a mistake. But Memento Mori was for sure also a Visual Kei band, whose music certainly fit their Latin name's meaning; "Remember that you will die". Their music is interesting, and certainly a different sound from Kiryu, as they take more to the elements of death metal, such as the guttural growling and headbanging, the morbid makeup used such as fake blood, cuts, or scars, and a heavy guitar and bass focus. With the head of the band and vocalist Ai (哀), the strong guitar players Tsubaki (椿) and Jin (潯), and Yohan (夜半) as their bassist, their music is powerful and filled with dramatic images of a dark and dismal Feudal Japan. Dancers, women in masks, use of native instruments in the background, the traditional outfits, and the scenery itself all scream Japan.

Now, you're probably pausing here and asking, "Wait Liz, if you look at the music videos, or even listen to the music, they have a drummer. Why didn't you mention one?" Originally the drummer of the band's name was Karua (刈愛) but quickly left in 2011 and was replaced with Yue (悠依). However, in September of 2013, Yue also left the band, leaving them without an official drummer. Perhaps this is the reason behind their disbanding coming after their last performance on August 17th, held at Birth SHINJUKU.

Kiryu (己龍) is a little different from Memento Mori. Formed in the good old days of 2007, this band also incorporated the same elements of of dancers, use of native instruments, Japanese styled clothing, Japanese settings (such as sights that look like a shrine, or a town), all just once again giving us a feel of listening to Japan itself with their music. In fact, Kiryu's whole goal with their music was to make music that fit well with the prospect of an older era of Japan; meant to be more relaxing and calm over anything else, despite the occasional heavy metal tones in their music. Surprisingly, the leader of the band is not the vocalist, but rather one of the guitarists, and something rather interesting about the band is that each member each wears a corresponding color in most mvs. The main vocalist, Kurosaki Mahiro (黒崎眞弥) wears purple in nearly all music videos, while the band leader Sakai Mitsuki (酒井参輝) provides a guitar and only wears red. Kujo Takemasa (九条武政) also plays guitar for the group, and wears green while Isshiki Hiyori (一色日和) (who if I may say is not a girl despite appearances) wears pink and is the band's bass player. Finally the group is rounded out by drummer Tokai Junji (遠海准司), who wears the color blue.

One other thing I did not know until recently, was the fact that Kiryu has made an alter ego band called "My Dragon" (which is Kiryu translated into English), which more so focuses on fairy tale-esque characters singing and was thought up by Isshiki Hiyori, the bass player. Each band member (they are the exact same members of Kiryu itself), then takes a character, such as Isshiki being Snow White. Overall, they would be more of a Pop group rather than a metal or rock group, and really is just meant to be more so comedic rather than anything else. Only one single has been made as the band "My Dragon", the strange song being "Nijigen Complex" and it is...strange is a good way of putting it I think!

With both of these, a proper warning that sometimes these videos or songs can be gory is only proper to say, and with "My Dragon", their only single is...a little explicit appearance wise. Nonetheless, it is interesting how two bands can utterly help create an entirely new subgenre of Visual Kei with traditional elements of Japanese culture that somehow other bands did not come up with. My only hope is that more bands pour into this subgenre and more amazing music will be made!

Memento Mori (メメント・モリ) band members from left to right: Jin (潯), Ai (哀), Tsubaki (椿), Yue (悠依), and Yohan (夜半).


Kiryu (己龍) band members from left to right: Kujo Takemasa (九条武政), Isshiki Hiyori (一色日和), Kurosaki Mahiro (黒崎眞弥), Tokai Junji (遠海准司), and Sakai Mitsuki (酒井参輝).

 My Dragon (Kiryu) band members from left to right: Kujo Takemasa (九条武政) as "Beauty Tama" the mermaid, Tokai Junji (遠海准司) as "Pretty JuJu" (Little Red Riding Hood), Kurosaki Mahiro (黒崎眞弥) as "Dandy Maro" the bee, Isshiki Hiyori (一色日和) as "Panty Hiwai" (Snow White), and Sakai Mitsuki (酒井参輝) as "Charity Miki" the witch.

TMNT: The Ultimate Visual History Review

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Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Visual History
Author: Andrew Farago
Pages: 192 + 23 inserts
Price: $50


Beside from being a gamer, a huge anime lover there is one other property that I hold close to my heart. A franchise I grew up with from the early 90's. I remember bugging my mother for anything that was associated with these heroes on the half shell. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been part of my entertainment life as long as videogames, anime and the WWE. I had turtle toys, turtle bedsheets and even turtle underwear (of course as a kid). My elementary school picture had the Ninja Turtles as the background (see our Facebook page later). Needless to say I was a turtle maniac just like so many eighties babies who grew up in the 90's. I was infamous for eating nothing but pizza and turtle cereal, and when I went to get ice cream from the ice cream man it was Ninja Turtles (bring back those ice cream bars Mr. Softy). Now that my nostalgic geek trip of turtle mania is over. I can proudly say that the new book "TMNT: The Ultimate Visual History" is a must have for turtle fans. If I would describe this book in one word, the word would be appreciation.

Author Andrew Farago and his team has put a lot of work into this book. This book covers nearly every single aspect of TMNT existence. The book covers from the humble beginnings of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird to the new reboot filmed produce by Michael Bay. For non turtle maniacs the chance to learn about the creators and their inspiration on the turtles was one of the highlights of the book. With Andrew Farago delivery of words and visual pictures of concept art to go with it you really gain respect and admiration for Eastman and Laird journey.  However this isn't just a book that tells the story of how the turtles were created. The book also packs a K.O. punch full of content covering each generation carnation of the ninja turtles, from the early comics, to the hit 90's show and movies to the reboot franchise with Nickelodeon. It also includes
special removable items include:

•Fan club letters
•The first press release from Mirage Studios
•A complete reprint of the very first TMNT comic book
•A poster of the book cover, specially created by Kevin Eastman and legendary TMNT artist Ryan Brown

Not only is the information provided by Farago very valuable, but the inclusion of concept arts, actual television, comics and film scripts only sweetens the deal. There is one picture in the book that nearly had me in tears. It's a picture of the staff of the 90's turtles cartoon and seeing James Avery and Rob Paulsen was overwhelming me with nostalgia. Each chapter is detail with information and stories that I even didn't know about it. I would love to see a TMNT documentary next with this book used as a reference or inspiration. Overall this is a book that you must own if you're a turtle fan. It truly is a love letter to the creators, fans and staff who had taken part in this legendary franchise. Get your pizza, put on the classic 90's tunes or ost soundtrack sit back and relax. This book really kicks some shell it's turtle time!

Buy it Here

Final Grade: A+/9.5


Anime For Newcomers

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So much anime, so little time. It can be overwhelming for a newcomer to enjoy anime because some don't know where to begin. Well I am here to tell any newcomers who are just new into anime, some choices I know will help you get a feel for what is to come within the realm of anime. Some may disagree with my list but that is fine. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. These are just my choices and is in no way a reflection on anyone else on the site. So let's begin.

1. Most or All of Hayao Miyazaki Films
     In order to get into the animation of anime, I feel that Mr. Miyazaki films are the best way to start. His stories are timeless, heartfelt, fun, and beautiful. His animation in all of his movies show both the realistic and whimsical aspect of the world and characters. I definitely recommend people seeing "Spirited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle". Those are my two favorite films by Mr. Miyazaki.




 2. Mamoru Hosoda's "Summer Wars" and "Wolf Children"
       I have never seen such great animation and story lines that is next to my heart with Mr. Miyazaki. Mr. Hosoda's two stories about family and growing up in society is great and its a good set of movies to show anybody who wants to get into anime. I almost cried with "Wolf Children" and "Summer Wars" was another heartfelt story that must be shared. I highly recommend these movies. You won't regret it.





3. "Chrono Crusade"
     In my earlier days of being a writer for OtakusandGeeks, I wrote a review about an anime called "Chrono Crussade" and I mentioned that I cried at the end of the series. The story line was so good and the two main characters will keep you watching from beginning to end. It's also a great love story, plenty of action and drama with comedy. It's another anime for people for the beginners to the experienced anime lovers.





 4. "Ouran High School Host Club"
       So Ouran leans more towards girls however, guys will be able to get into it as well. Trust me its a sweet story. The characters are likable and there are many stories centered on more than one theme. It sounds mushy but it has a lot of heart and comedy. In fact Kyoya is my favorite host and you will see why as you watch the show.





5. "Cowboy Beebop"
      How can I forget one of the classics. "Cowboy Beebop" gives enough sci-fi western action, adventure, heart, and comedy to last you a while. I first saw this anime on Adult Swim, back in the days of watching through the Toonami block to see more anime late at night. You won't regret watching this and they call it a classic for a reason. "See ya Space Cowboy".






If you have anymore suggestions or I missed a show, comment below. Anime Rules!!! ^-^

Darth Vader "Limited Edition: Life-Size Figure”

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One of the greatest villains in film history, the imposing Dark Lord of the Sith needs no introduction.

Captured in 1:1 scale, and towering over 7 feet tall, the ruler of the Galactic Empire strikes a commanding pose on a cinematic light-up display base, and interchangeable hands allow collectors to recreate all of Darth Vader's most memorable dramatic gestures. From his iconic helmet to his sweeping black cape, every detail of Vader's menacing costume has been painstakingly recreated as seen in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, with a hand-tailored quilted suit, screen-accurate armor and sequencing electronics in the chest box and belt.

Give yourself to the Dark Side of the Force with the Star Wars Darth Vader Life-Size figure from Sideshow Collectible. The Limited Edition Figure is expected to ship JUNE 2015 and Pre-Order is available now.

Video Games: The Movie

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From executive producer Zach Braff (SCRUBS) and game designer Cliff Bleszinski (GEARS OF WAR) comes a feature-length documentary entitled VIDEO GAMES: THE MOVIE. 

The documentary chronicles the meteoric rise of video games from nerd niche to multi-billion dollar industry.  It features in-depth interviews with luminaries like Hideo Kojima (METAL GEAR), Warren Spector (DEUS EX), and Nolan Bushnell (ATARI). Narrated by Sean Astin (LORD OF THE RINGS), it’s a celebration of gaming from Atari to Xbox, and an eye-opening look at what lies ahead.

The movie will hit selected theaters and only on July 15th.  It can be pre-ordered on iTunes or the Official Website. Check the trailer below


New Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD ReMIX Trailer

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The new trailer for Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD ReMIX has been released.The trailers show key scenes from KINGDOM HEARTS II and KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep with new improvements, including the remastered visuals, enhanced color palettes and new costumes. Viewers can interact with the new HD / SD / Compare buttons to directly see the improvements as well. KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX will be available for North America on December 2, 2014 for the PlayStation®3 system, and will be priced at $39.99. The game is now available for preorder on Amazon.


Otakon Adds Kill La Kill English Dub Cast To Guest List

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Very cool news for anime fans out there. Otakon 2014 has announced the popular anime show "Kill La Kill" English Dub cast is coming to Otakon. Read the official information below.

Otakon 2014 is adding the voice actors of the English dub of Kill La Kill to the guest list for Otakon 2014. Erica Mendez, Carrie Keranen, Christine Cabanos and David Vincent were recently announced by Aniplex as the dub cast, and this will be the first time fans can see them together to talk about their roles in the series. Mendez, who was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, plays vagrant schoolgirl, Ryuko Matoi, in Kill la Kill. She became interested in voice-over during her early teen years through anime and video games. Making up and imitating voices from her favorite shows and games as a hobby quickly turned into long-term goal to get into the voice-over industry. Several years and one giant move across the country later, she is working as a professional voice-over artist. Like the rest of the cast, she works in Los Angeles. In the anime world, she is best known for her roles as Aladdin in Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic; and Jasmine, young Staz, and Angry in Blood Lad. Her video game works include Pac in Pac-man and the Ghostly Adventures, Fran in Demon Gaze, Eryn in Fairy Fencer F, Micie in Atelier Escha & Logy, Lucchini in The Witch and the Hundred Knight, Corbin in Dust: An Elysian Tail, Pearl in Heroes of Newerth, and Esmy in Cryamore. Keranen plays Ryuko's rival, Satsuki, in Kill la Kill. She's also known for her role of Mami in Madoka Magica. Last summer she reprised her role as Caska in Berserk for the movie trilogy. In 2012 she went to San Diego ComicCon to premiere TEKKEN: Blood Vengeance as Ling Xiaoyu. She has previously given voice to Mokuba for the later seasons of YuGiOh as well as Kisara in YuGiOh Millenium. She has had lead roles as Cutie Honey in the live action Cutie Honey, Kumiko in Gokusen, Hinaku in Phoenix (Hi no Tori) and as Sheena in Pokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life. Her voice also appears in recurring roles on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ah! My Goddess, Slayers, Let's go Tamgotchi, Pat and Stan, and Huntik. Her favorite video game role was Annie in Red Dead Revolver, though you can hear her on League of Legends, Viva Pinata, as well as several to be released soon. Cabanos plays Ryuko's friend Mako Mankanshoku in Kill La Kill. Some of her most notable roles include Azusa Nakano of K-On!, Madoka Kaname in Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Shiemi Moriyama in Blue Exorcist, Silica in Sword Art Online, Minori Kushieda in Toradora!, Haruka in Oblivion Island, the titular character of Squid Girl in Squid Girl, Minawa Ando in Mahoromatic: I’m Home, General Pisti in Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Michi Kondo in Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne, Ruka Asato in Accel World, Reina and Mew in Pokemon Origins, Filia in Skullgirls, Marie Rose in Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, Chiaki Nanami in Dangan Ronpa 2, Nepgear in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, Keina Sawaya in Atelier Meruru, and roles in video games such as Time and Eternity, Ragnarok Online 2, Witch and the Hundred Knight and Mugen Souls Z.

Vincent, who is both a professional voice actor and a television producer, lends his voice to an unusual role in Kill La Kill, playing Senketsu, the living sailor uniform Ryuko finds beneath her house. He was nominated Best Voice Actor in an Anime by the American Anime Awards for his work as Van in GUN x SWORD. Some of his best known animation credits include: Grimmjow Jeagerjaques & Kouga Kuchiki in Bleach; Li Xingke in Code Geass; Archer/Gilgamesh in Fate/Zero; Assassin in Fate/Stay Night; Seiji in Durarara!!; Arthur August Angel in Blue Exorcist; Daisuke Nagase in Persona 4; Sakon in Kekkaish; Chester Barklight in Tales Of Phantasia; General Logi in Blue Dragon; and Giichi in Blade Of The Immortal. Some of his more recent video game credits include: Jin Kisaragi & Hakumen in the BlazBlue game series; Richard in Tales Of Graces F; Raymond Vester in Resident Evil: Revelations; Marshall Law & Forest Law in the Tekken franchise; Shin Kamiya in Tekken: Blood Vengance; Eliot in Dead Or Alive 5; Keiss in Final Fantasy: The Crystal Bearers; THawk in Super Street Fighter IV; Morgan in Medal Of Honor; Blocter in The Last Remnant; Edward in Infinite Undiscovery; and Richter in Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles. Other titles include HALO 4, Soul Calibur V, Fire Emblem: Awakening, Spec Ops: The line, Alpha Protocol, plus many more new titles to be released this year. in addition to voice acting, Vincent has also appeared in front of the camera in guest and costarring roles on primetime television shows NCIS, Criminal Minds and The Mentalist, among others.

Otakon 2014 will be held August 8-10 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore.

Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions Live Orchestral Concert Tour Begins on August 15, 2014

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Here is some really cool news for Pokemon fans:

The Pokémon Company International and Princeton Entertainment announced today that the official Pokémon live orchestral concert series, Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions, will premiere at the famed Warner Theater in Washington, DC on Friday, August 15, 2014. The 2014 Pokémon World Championships will also be held in the nation’s capital that weekend, August 16–17, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The premiere performance in Washington, DC will be followed by a performance at Philadelphia's Mann Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, September 19th. More dates, locations, and ticket information for the concert series will be announced soon and further details, including how to purchase tickets now to the Washington, DC and Philadelphia performances, can be found at PokemonSymphony.com.

Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions will take audiences of all ages on a powerful musical retrospective through the popular video game franchise’s most memorable melodies. This exciting new concert tour reunites key creative producers from the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda™: Symphony of the Goddesses concert tour.

With more than 260 million video games sold since its debut in 1996, Pokémon continues to provide memorable entertainment around the world. Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions gives loyal fans and newcomers a chance to experience the evolution of the franchise through all-new orchestral arrangements and carefully timed visuals drawing from classic and recent Pokémon video games including:

• Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue, Pokémon Yellow

• Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver, Pokémon Crystal

• Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, Pokémon Emerald

• Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl, Pokémon Platinum

• Pokémon Black and Pokémon White

• Pokémon X and Pokémon Y

SkyBlew x Backdraft: Journeys In 1st Person Review

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A couple of months ago I featured a Hip Hop artist by the name of SkyBlew on this site. He was featured on our "Geeks Who Do Music" spotlight (/www.otakusandgeeks.com/akusandgeeks.com/2014/02/geeks-who-do-music-5-skyblew.html). Well this time SkyBlew is back with all new music entitled "Journeys In 1st Person." Just like his previous release "Digi Destined", SkyBlew brings an amazing production and a storytelling theme as we get a glimpse of the artist in first person.

If you're tired of the hoe praising, drug selling, money flashing that continue to plague the genre I love. I suggest you give SkyBlew a listen. While he's not the only underground Hip Hop artist that brings positivity or the only geek rapper doing that. I will say listening to his music makes him standout. His music has an identity, he knows his audiences and his listeners. One of the most important things for any artist is to be themselves. SkyBlew knows this and you can hear it in his rhymes and you hear it in his production.

"Journeys In 1st Person" exceeds pass SkyBlew's previous entries. What make this entry standout is that we really get to see the world as SkyBlew views it. Unlike his previous entry "Digi Destined" which the focal point was otaku and geek culture, this entry is more grounded in the world of SkyBlew. Songs like "Ordinary Tuesday", "Island Of Serenity", "Blew Style That I Write" and "The Green Ballons" are the standout tracks to listen too. In this entry SkyBlew doesn't drop as much geeky references as he does in "Digi Destined." Instead of the geeky references and bars aimed at the culture, SkyBlew delivers lines and music for the everyday person. The subject matters target the music business, dream killers and staying true to your goals. Overall the message of this album is be yourself. While the subject matter might not be the most popular in the mainstream media, it's an important message to the audience that SkyBlew is targeting. One of my favorite lines from this album is from my favorite track "Ordinary Tuesday."

"No matter how they mask their existence with name brand clothes, they can't take it with them when they go. All you got is soul though some trade it away no amount equal to a better day." - "Ordinary Tuesday" By SkyBlew

SkyBlew continues to deliver lyrically on this EP, however his production is what really brings everything together. The sample tracks from classic Motown artist such as Marvin Gaye not only bring the value of the EP high, it also honors and pays homage to the artist he is sampling. I would say the only flaw I didn't really like was some of the features. While SkyBlew sets the flow and tone of the song, some of the features knock it out and some don't. The features don't ruin the songs by any means it's just some felt out of place.  Overall this is another solid EP from SkyBlew and you can check it out at (http://skyblew1.bandcamp.com/album/skyblew-x-backdraft-journeys-in-1st-person)

Final Grade 4.5/5

Like SkyBlew On Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SkyBlewMusic

Follow SkyBlew On Twitter
https://twitter.com/heyskyblew

SkyBlew's Bandcamp
http://skyblew1.bandcamp.com/



"ALL YOU NEED IS KILL" Now Available

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ALL YOU NEED IS KILL the manga, the same story that inspired the recent movie “EDGE OF TOMORROW” is available now. This is Takeshi Obata's (DEATH NOTE, BAKUMAN) manga adaptation of Japanese military science fiction breakthrough light novel of the same name by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.

When the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his fifth iteration, he gets a message from a mysterious ally – the female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death?

 ALL YOU NEED IS KILL volumes 1 and 2 are now available through the VIZ Manga platform (iOS and Android, VIZManga.com), as well as through the storefronts for iBooks, Kindle, Nook, GooglePlay and Kobo.  There's also a All YOU NEED IS KILL Vol. 1 Free Preview available.

As for  the “EDGE OF TOMORROW”, the film adaptation directed by Doug Liman, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt that hit theaters last month. See the trailer below

Netflix First Original Anime Series KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA Coming July 4th

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Orange Is The New Black, House of Cards, Hemlock Grove and now Netflix is taking on Anime with "Knights Of Sidonia." Knights Of Sidonia is based on the  manga series by Tsutomu Nihei,marks the first Netflix original anime series. The story follows the struggle of human survival amongst the monstrous shapeshifting aliens “Gauna” who all but destroyed the solar system a millennia ago and are bent on eliminating humans from existence. Nagate Tanikaze, a low-born youth in a society of genetically engineered humans - now refugees that escaped the destruction of Earth one thousand years earlier, occupying the massive ship Sidonia. Nagate grew up living in the bottom layers of Sidonia away from civilization and raised by his now deceased grandfather. When Nagate’s talent as a pilot is revealed he becomes one of Sidonia’s elite defenders against the Guana. Check out the photo stills and trailer below.