Aniplex of America Announces Your lie in April English Cast

Fans rejoiced as Aniplex of America announced today at their industry panel at OTAKON Vegas their plans to release the touching drama series Your lie in April (Japanese title: Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso) on Blu-ray starting this March. The 22 episode anime series adaptation of the award-winning manga originally serialized by Kodansha will be released in 2 Blu-ray sets. Volume 1 is scheduled to be available on March 29th and Volume 2 on May 31st of this year. Pre-orders for both SKUs will begin next Monday (January 18th) on the official Your lie in April U.S. website (www.YourlieinApril.com).

Aniplex of America has also unveiled the English dub trailer confirming their cast members for the English version of the show. Under the direction of Patrick Seitz, the four main protagonists will be played by Max Mittelman (ALDNOAH.ZERO, Sword Art Online II) as Kousei Arima, Erica Lindbeck (ALDNOAH.ZERO, Sword Art Online II) as Kaori Miyazono, Erica Mendez (KILL la KILL, MAGI, Sword Art Online II) as Tsubaki Sawabe, and Kyle McCarley (DURARARA!!×2, Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works]) as Ryota Watari.)

Your lie in April is the anime adaptation of the manga series by Naoshi Arakawa originally serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Magazine that won the 37th Kodansha Manga Award. Since its simulcast began in October of 2014, the anime series has taken the fan community by storm. Fans were captivated by the touching story of Kousei Arima and his struggle to overcome his trauma that stopped him from playing the piano after his mother’s passing. The story focuses on the youthful drama and romance surrounding Kousei, the eccentric violinist Kaori Miyazono and their close friends.

Aniplex of America’s announcement of the English dub project being greenlit was received extremely well by fans in the summer of 2015 and their Open Audition project with Bang Zoom! Entertainment was a great success at Anime Expo® 2015. Sawako Furuya, the producer of the English version of Your lie in April is looking forward to the long-awaited release. “We know that so many fans have been very supportive of this show and anxiously waiting for the English dub,” said Furuya, “We had an amazing team of actors and staff pouring their heart and soul into this project so I am very excited to finally be able to show them this masterpiece.” The English trailer is also available on the official website.

What Does "Dead No More" Mean From Marvel?

Hey O&G fans, Yesterday Marvel put up a criptic message " Dead No More". Could this be a clue that some of Marvels pre Secret Wars 2015 characters may be back? Several notable Marvel characters are currently dead in the company's mainstream universe, ranging from Namor to Uncle Ben, but arguably the most notable would be Wolverine. while the alternate universe Old Man Logan still exist, will we see the return of Logan? (Side Note) Will We see the return of the Richards Family?

What do you think this means?
 

Gameplay Video for Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4

Bandai Namco Entertainment has released a new video of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. The video shows off the gameplay mechanics which stays true to previous entries. This game also will feature the biggest roster of characters to date. The game is due out in February.

Dimension W Episode 1 - Collector Review

Kyoma Mabuchi, a Collector, runs into some trouble on a job and ends up bringing back an android girl named Mira.

I think 2016 has introduced us to another bad ass in the name of Kyoma Mabuchi. The show Dimension W is off to great a start with a strong cast of characters, refreshing plot and stellar animation. In the first episode we're introduced to Kyoma. He is a man who is surrounded in mystery. All we know is that he acts as a Collector and takes certain jobs that he is hired to do. He has the same style of a mercenary but I wouldn't call that. While details of who Kyoma is not shown. I like the way they tell us through actions what type of man he is. He is a man of action. A man who is going to get the job done. He appears cold but you can sense he's a good man. I'm curious to see how he develops and what we will learn from him this season.

Dimension W also succeeds with presenting us a refreshing concept and world. In the world of 2071 the energy crisis is solved, with the discovery of cross dimensions fields known as coils. These coils have infinite source of energy which was founded in the W dimensions. The episode shows the importance of these coils and how it's the livelihood of the world. There is however coils that shouldn't be used with also amazing amounts of energy called illegal coils. This sets Kyoma on a misson to stop those who are trying to use it. The world is refreshing and I was really drawn into the situations of the coils and the effects of it. Dimension W has great animation, a good score and great characters. Episode 1 does one hell of a job of introducing us to this world.

Final Grade: 8.5/10

Rainbow Days Episode 1 Review

Natsuki is a hopeless romantic who, just after being dumped by his girlfriend, falls in love with a girl handing out tissues while dressed in a Santa costume. Will Natsuki reconnect with his dream girl?

Rainbow Days has a nice premise, concept and good execution. Natsuki was dumped during the holiday season. He meets handing out tissues and instantly falls in love.  Natsuki is hell bent on finding this girl that he met that fateful night. Natsuki can be somewhat delusional. He only sees what he his reality wants him too. Think of it like this. A girl can just being nice but he will think it's romantically link. One thing I like about the show is how Natsuki is trying to get back into the dating world. His friends show their support by trying to help him with tips, take him out and keep him in check. I like how they show how Natsuki was affected by the break up. I just wish they showed more of it. Overall this anime is off to a good start. Natsuki quest to learn more about his crush should keep you interested.

Final Grade 7.0/10

Funimation Entertainment Debuts New Anime Streaming Service, FunimationNow!

Funimation has partnered with Sony DADC New Media Solutions (Sony) to leverage their Ven.ue platform bringing both scale and unique capabilities on the digital front to launch its new ad-free streaming anime serviceFunimationNow – the first in a series of moves to take this growing genre of entertainment, and Funimation, to the next level.

Regardless of device or platform, FunimationNow subscribers will enjoy ad-free, HD streaming of Funimation’s expansive library of over 400 simulcast and catalog his number :)rary of over 400 action-packed titles.station 4 will be made available for streaming Funimation Entertainment'S ansimstitles, both subbed and dubbed, including acclaimed shows such as “Dragon Ball Z,” “Attack on Titan,” “Fairy Tail,” “One Piece,” “Tokyo Ghoul”, “Space Dandy” and many more.

FunimationNow begins its rollout in early February, when fans can look forward to completely redesigned iOS, Android, and Kindle apps, as well as brand new Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV apps.  The apps boast Airplay and Cast features, allowing you to watch on your TV from any mobile device.  Also coming in February is a brand new Windows 10 Universal app. In May, fans can also look forward to a fully re-imagined Funimation website and all new integrated experiences on Funimation gaming console apps.

Ojisan and Marshmallow Episode 1 Review

The series is about a man named Kusaka who has a fascination for marshmallows. Kusaka gets involved in a relationship with an office lady named Wakabayashi, and the story focuses on their relationship in the workplace.

Before I begin you have to know that is an anime short. It is only last 3 mins long. However in those three minutes I was pretty entertained. This anime short developed and planted seeds of a fun relationship between Kusaka and Wakabayashi. The short makes it clear that Kusaka loves marshmallows and Wakabayashi is having fun taunting him with it. There is chemistry between these two that will certainly be explored in later episodes. I did like the little play fight scene tey had. But the short didn't leave me wanting more. Maybe five minutes to establish more would be great. It was still a fun three minutes.

Final Grade: 7.0/C- 

Erased Episode 1: Flashing Before My Eyes Review

Satoru Fujinuma is a struggling manga artist who works at a pizza parlor. Ever since he was a kid, he has been holding himself responsible for a kidnapping incident. Finally, the time has come for the truth from his past to be revealed…

I haven't seen an anime with such a strong first episode like "Erased" for some time. I have to go on record and say that I'm hooked. This show is off to a great start and if 2016 anime is similar we are looking at a good year. One thing episode 1 does so well is introducing us to our main character Satoru Fujinuma. Satoru is guy that keeps to himself. He's a struggling manga writer who seems to not be able to tap into his full potential. There is something traumatic that is holding him back from unlocking his heart. This is something that he has been putting off for years and he is ready to confront it.

As stated in the synopsis Satoru feels responsible for a student who was kidnap. For the sake of spoilers I won't say anything about the episode. I will say I love how they depict how he carries this weight for all these years. The use of music, camera angles and the way he is presented is spot on. There is also supernatural element which works even for this realistic tone the show is going for. The ending of episode 1 is unexpected and will have you rewatching it for hints of next week. This show so far is taking its characters, plot and world seriously. A touch of slice of life, supernatural and real situations makes this off to a great start.

Final Grade A-/9.0