Gundam Build Fighters Try and Char's Counterattack Blu-Ray & DVD Coming In September

Anime distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and anime producer Sunrise Inc. announced the upcoming releases of Gundam Build Fighters Try and Mobile Suit Gundam Char’s Counterattack. Gundam Build Fighters and Mobile Suit Gundam Char’s Counterattack will be available on Blu-ray and DVD September 6, 2016.

About Gundam Build Fighters Try:

Seven years have passed since Sei Iori won the 7th Gunpla Battle Championship World Tournament. The Gunpla Battle Championship is now run by Yajima Trading. With new rules and battle modes, the game's popularity has become even more widespread.
 
However, the Seiho Academy that Sei Iori once attended has failed to catch onto the trend. The only member of the school's Gunpla Battle Club is its president, middleschooler Fumina Hoshino. Currently there is no way the club can participate in the upcoming Gunpla Battle Japanese Under19 Championship, where players fight in teams of three.
 
Then Fumina meets a new transfer student. He is Sekai Kamiki, a young martial artist who has been travelling with his master. Together with a young Gunpla builder named Yuuma Kousaka, they finally have three members for their team.
 
Sekai Kamiki, Yuuma Kousaka, and Fumina Hoshino – team “TRY FIGHTERS” is about to begin its challenge!
 
Contains episodes 1-25 of Gundam Build Fighters Try.
 
Special Features: Clean Openings, Clean Closings, Gunpla of Guild Fighters Try, The World of Build Fighters Try, Japanese Trailers and Commercials
 
About Mobile Suit Gundam Char's Counterattack:
 
One man against the Earth...  
Universal Century 0093. Thirteen years have passed since the events of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. But the foundations of peace are once again threatened by a new Neo Zeon army led by the notorious Char Aznable! Their ultimate goal is to initiate a nuclear winter upon Earth ushering in a new age of mankind into space. Armed with the state-of-the-art Nu Gundam mobile suit, Amuro Ray and the Federation forces are all that stand against Neo Zeon. Driven by vengeance, duty and love, the final battle between rivals Char Aznable and Amuro Ray is at hand.
 
Contains the first original full-length theatrical feature of the Gundam franchise! 
 
Special Features: Japanese trailers and a special promotional video

Lenni Reviews: "Back to the Dream: Dreamlands #2" by Felicitas Ivey

(Image Source)

Continuing some time after the first book, Keno and Samojirou are firmly in their relationship and Keno is more comfortable living under his persona as Sakura - a female consort - in order to hide his identity; as Keno is the incarnation of Samojirou's former lover who imprisoned Samojirou in the dreamlands in the first place. In addition, different players in the Dreamlands are hatching plans with the Trust for total control of the Dreamlands; sending Mason, Wolf, and McGann there again with the mission to form an alliance. It's all a lie, of course, and the three humans are stuck in a land under siege.

I'm glad we get to learn more about the Dreamlands and how they work in this book. Ivey has a real talent for world building so the setting is compelling. Tamazusa is an awesome character and I liked hearing from her. She is the one who tells the majority of the story and takes focus off os Keno and Samojirou's relationship. It's there, complete with smutty details so grownups only for this book, but the focus really is on the impending war and how they all will deal with it. Even though the book drags a little in some places - usually because the characters themselves are stuck - and there are a lot of unanswered questions when the book is over. I'm assuming it's because these answers will be in the following book and it is more interesting (in my opinion) if not every book in a series has a nicely wrapped up ending. 

If you're expecting more of the male/male romantic elements and less fantasy, I can see why you may be disappointed here. Two other relationships are introduced, but the crux of the novel really is the deceptions, the battles, and whatever overall plans the Trust has for the Dreamlands. Otherwise, this book had me hooked and I look forward to seeing what happens next. 4 out of 5 for me.

For more reviews and writing, check out Lenni's blog.

Civil War II Choosing Sides #1 Preview

Hey O&G fans, Civil War II is about to kick off. Here is a preview of Choosing sides #1.

Press Release:

If you knew something bad was about to happen, would you stop it? How far would you go to prevent an uncertain future? The line in the sand has been drawn, and you must decide­­—do you stand with Captain Marvel, or with Iron Man? That question will be answered this June as heroes and villains across the Marvel Universe make their decisions in CIVIL WAR II: CHOOSING SIDES #1!

"Featuring fan-favorite characters and top-tier creators, each issue of CIVIL WAR II: CHOOSING SIDES contains three all-new stories detailing the conflict across the Marvel Universe. First, comic superstar Declan Shalvey (Moon Knight, Deadpool) pulls double duty as he writes and illustrates a Nick Fury story running through all six issues. Which side of the issue will Marvel’s premier super-spy fall on? Then Brandon Easton (Marvel’s Agent Carter) and Paul Davidson (Magneto) bring you a tale of the Night Thrasher and Chad Bowers, Chris Sims and Leonardo Romero present the return of Damage Control!

"And that’s just the first issue! Don’t miss future issues featuring Jessica Jones, War Machine, Power Pack, the Punisher and more! Will they fight to protect the future? Or battle to change it? Find out as the Marvel Universe picks a side this June in CIVIL WAR II: CHOOSING SIDES #1!"

I Am Setsuna New Gameplay Trailer

RPG fans can rejoice as the first gameplay trailer for I AM SETSUNA™, the debut title from Tokyo RPG Factory, showcases the CHRONO TRIGGER® inspired battle system. The trailer also introduces viewers to the beautiful art, music, story and game design in this classic RPG for modern times.

I AM SETSUNA is the sorrowful story of Setsuna, a young woman of incredible inner strength, and the sacrifice she must undertake to the save the people of her land. As Setsuna leaves with her two bodyguards for the farthest lands, players will be immersed in an emotional and unforgettable story of true bravery.

I AM SETSUNA will be available digitally on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and STEAM® on July 19, 2016 in North America for $39.99. Fans can pre-order today on STEAM to receive a special music track from composer, Tomoki Miyoshi.

Garo: The Animation Season 1 Review

Garo: The AnimationSeason One

Genre: Action, Adventure, Super-Natural

Synopsis: The story revolves around a young man (Leon Luis), his father (German Luis), taking place in a medieval setting. It begins with a king, his queen and son alongside his advisor (Mendoza), took watch from the top of their castle down towards the town's center. Where an pregnant woman had been tied to a pole, and the constant chants of 'burn the witch' radiated from the townsfolk. She was accused of the many disappearances of other villagers and also of the ailment that the king himself had. As the grotesque execution began, the queen and son was chided inside into the castle. It was then, they set her ablaze. In that very moment, an armored knight clad is a dark grey appeared from behind the King and with a great leap ended up soaring over the King's head and landing before the woman-- whom while being burned gave birth to a child. Shielded by some magic aura. The Knight proceeds to take the child into his arms and leap off onto an metallic horse and strode out of the city. . The story takes place seventeen years later, as the witch hunts continued.

As an avid anime watcher, one who constantly watches shows new and old in search for gems. This show was one of those shows that had the potential to become one of those very gems to stumble upon. To begin with the animation quality had been something of a treat to watch, as you soon discover that the witch hunts were really unjust and the 'witches' were really good people called Makai Knights. Who pride themselves on destroying these monsters call horrors; and the man known as Mendoza, had been the catalyst in hunting them down for reasons unknown. And let me tell you one thing; the Makai Knight transformation sequence is swift, to the point and flawless in my eyes. Shifting from 2d to CGI 2.5D seamlessly and naturally; as the mixture of the two manages to fit well in the anime. The fight scenes are something that just gradually gets better, but of course with great fight scenes comes a lot of spaces that seem lacking throughout the anime.

One of these spaces, in my opinion. Are the characters; The father is a lecherous old man cliche type. The one who gets drunk and goes after any woman that is remotely attractive-- and is not shy to go after prostitutes. While the son, was so blindly edgy that it began to cause me great annoyance. As it reminded me of edgy characters like a certain character from Naruto. [Sasuke, I'm looking at you]. The odd combination makes for some light hearted and comical scenes, but not cohesive enough to keep me entertained by it. But then, the prince comes into play. A character you knew would eventually return does so, and does so in a way you do not expect. I do not enjoy doing spoilers, as you do not really see the prince until a few episodes in. But lets just say the prince quickly became a character I enjoyed more on screen then Leon. And honestly, the prince saved the entire show from falling into obscurity (In my eyes).

Overall-- The plot, while being something that is almost cookie cutter. Gets developed in a manner over the episodes that it becomes very interesting; but the beginning half of the series was extremely lacking in luster in my eyes. It couldn't keep my attention for too long, as many of the situations were predictable. It was towards the later half that the it started to really pick up on me, and the scenes and plot became more pronounced. So, while this was only a review for Season One (Episodes 1 - 12) I will say this! After watching the last episode I wanted to watch the second half, which says a lot with the bumpy start. So to say the least, I feel like this was just a prologue season; backstory to where the plot 'really' begins. So because of this, I have high hopes season 2 will not disappoint.

Final Score: 3 out of 5

Nintendo Preview Event: Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE

Nintendo is hosting an exclusive preview event for Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE and you’re invited! The upcoming Wii U game is a stylish new RPG from Nintendo and ATLUS inspired by the popular Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem series. Oozing with style, it’s filled with high-energy battles featuring an explosive color palette and over-the-top characters so fashion forward they might as well be from the future! You really have to experience it for yourself – and now you can. Attendees will be able to play the game before it launches and receive some fun Nintendo items, while supplies last.  Event will take place Nintendo NY - 10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020 Register here at EventBrite

Batman: Return to Arkham for PS4 and Xbox One Officially Announced

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today announced Batman: Return to Arkham.  The new title bundles Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, two of the most critically acclaimed videogames on the last generation of gaming consoles.  Both are being remastered for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One using Unreal Engine 4, a first for the award winning Batman: Arkham series.  Remastered by Virtuos, this set offers fans a chance to play the first two Batman: Arkham titles including all Game of the Year edition bonus and downloadable content from both games, now with improved graphics, as well as upgraded models, environments, lighting, effects and shaders. Batman: Return to Arkham will be available beginning July 26 for a suggested retail price of $49.99/€49.99/£39.99.

Batman: Arkham Asylum is where it all began. Originally developed by Rocksteady Studios and released in 2009, the game pushed the envelope for action, adventure and super hero games and exposed players to a unique, dark and atmospheric adventure taking them to the depths of Arkham Asylum.  Featuring an original story, gamers can move in the shadows, instill fear amongst their enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham City's most notorious villains, including Harley Quinn, Bane, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy and Scarecrow, who have taken over the asylum.

Batman: Arkham City is Rocksteady Studios’ 2011 follow-up to Batman: Arkham Asylum.  The game builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players soaring through the expansive Arkham City – the maximum security “home” for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds.  Featuring an incredible Rogues Gallery of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals including Catwoman, The Joker, The Riddler, Two-Face, Harley Quinn, The Penguin, Mr. Freeze and many others, the game allows players to experience what it feels like to be The Dark Knight and deliver justice to those confined within Arkham City. 

Black Butler: Book of Circus Review

The Duo of Darkness are back again this time to figure out the mystery of children disappearing as soon as a circus comes into town. Can Ciel and Sebastian find out the truth before it's too late? Or is the children not the only souls that need saving?

My Thoughts: This season of Black Butler is dark. Darker than the first series and maybe more graphic than pervious seasons. I am a fan of the series in general and this installment of the series is no different. The first two seasons of Black Butler, for me, had more light-hearted moments than serious moments, even though the subject matter was heavy. I think because this season is centered around children, it hits a place for me, especially with the last three episodes. What also gets me is the backstory of the main circus performers that the investigation starts with. Their story is heart-wrenching and it makes me question Ciel's side of things. I understand that Ciel is the Queen's Guard Dog and the implications and moral standing that he has to go through at such a young age. When he undertakes this assignment and how he reacts, I don't know about Ciel and his reasoning's. No spoilers here about what has been happening but I worry about if Ciel can take anymore trauma...

The shows pace was really good. The season is about 13 episodes and the episodes pack a lot in with the limited running time. Even though this is technically Season 3, they treat this set of episodes like its Season 2. There is exposition that takes place within the series that mention certain events that happened in Season 1 in case anybody skipped to watch this season instead. In my opinion, it seems that they disregarded that the second season existed (maybe because some people did not like the second season and the ending that occurred at the end of that season) ;) .  

Voice Acting: I can't get enough with the voice acting. Brina Palencia and J Micheal Tatum was exceptionial as always and everyone, old and new voices that I have heard, did a great job. The one voice actor that blew me away was Matthew Mercer as Joker. His performance was so spot on and I almost cried when I saw a certain scene towards the end of the series and I believed every word, every emotion that he conveyed. It was a brilliant performance.  Plus seeing Matthew being a DM on Critical Role using many accents, made him a perfect fit for Joker.

Music/Graphics: The music is beautiful as always, and sets the mood for the show very well. I love the opening and closing themes of the show since it also fits what the show is about. The graphics are beautiful even though most of the show is filled with dark colors. And of course the animation is great. The scenes with the circus were awesome and it made me feel like I was an audience member myself.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5- I love the story of the season I just wish it was longer and that the subject matter was lighter. There is some comic relief within the episodes but for me, I knew that it wouldn't last. It did help with the aesthetic but I do suggest people to watch the first season before one. Overall I enjoyed the series and any Black Butler fan would be very happy with this installment.

Anime Rules!!!!! 

eigoMANGA's Feature Film PADAK Will Debut On Steam

San Francisco based digital media publisher, eigoMANGA announces that Steam, a leading interactive content delivery platform by software company, Valve Corporation will stream the feature film PADAK beginning June 6, 2016.

PADAK is a Korean computer animated film written and directed by Lee Dae Hee. The film is about the lives of fish in captivity in a seafood restaurant. Some fish accept their fate while others fight to change it. PADAK has won various awards from international film festivals such as the Vladivostok International Film Festival, Jeonju International Film Festival, and Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival.

Steam is a leading content platform with thousands of titles and millions of members. Through Steam, fans can easily buy, play, share, modify, and build communities around Valve products as well as titles from other independent studios. Steam is available in 237 countries and 21 different languages. Since March 2015, Steam has also added more than 100 film titles, with more coming soon.

PADAK will be available on Steam beginning June 6, 2016. For a limited time only, a special promotional price will be available for the film. Please visithttp://store.steampowered.com/app/4680 60 to access the PADAK on Steam. More information about PADAK is also available on http://www.eigoMANGA.com/padak