Black Butler: Book of Murder Review

Another installment of the Black Butler series is now dubbed in English! This time it is in the form of OVA's. Let us see what the Queen has for the Phantomhive family this time around.

Synopsis: Black Butler: Book of Murder follows a murder mystery that has been taken place at the Phantomhive Manor after the Queen requested a party to be thrown there. Now everyone is under suspicion, including the hosts of the party themselves. Who killed who in one of the guests rooms with a weapon? Wait to see.

This addition to the Black Butler series is an OVA and it unlikeBook of Circus, it isn't as dark. Book of Circus was definitely darker in tone than in pervious seasons and to me, this OVA was lighter than the previous episodes. This OVA is essentially lue and one can truly see that in the beginning of the episodes. The OVA is fun and there is a little secret. One character makes an appearance and I bet you won't guess who...

There is one scene in the show that may have brought out a side of Ciel that we get glimpses of during the series. I will not say which scene because I do not want to spoil anything but this scene made me think. Ciel has been on this journey for about 2 to 3 years of his life and is consumed on finding the people who wronged him and making them pay. For a 12/13 year old, the world that he has been swept up in, has taken a toil. However you look at Ciel, he's still a kid and the emotions that he tries to hide because of his family business, still comes out from time to time. In this particular scene, we see a level of vulnerability that I'm not sure Ciel was aware of. We see him being a pained kid again and that scene, was one of the saddest scenes to watch. I'm glad that they show Ciel grow as a person and show us the vulnerability that he is facing.  

Voice Acting:  Once again, the voice acting is top notch in the OVA. The cast of Black Butler is back again and as usual, they are great with these characters. Taliesin Jaffe joins the Black Butler cast as Arthur (whose name is ironic as the OVA comes to a close) and is amazing. He brings a lot to the character of Arthur especially as bringing a sort of gentlemanly air and youngness about him. There are new voice actors that I have not recognized who did an amazing job and Jamie Marchi who's another great voice actress, lends to the cast as well and does a great job.

Sound/Background Design: The setting takes place at the Phantomhive Manor, so the manor is just grand as it was in the first series. For me, I find the manor more dark than usual. There are in a storm during this time, so the sahdows are right where they are when it gets dark and cloudy. But the storm sounds and manor, add to the mystery and to the overall mood of the show. I love it!

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars- The OVA is a fun and shows the side of Ciel that the audience may have been aware of for a while. It still has its charm with some comedy and definitely the mystery. Great voice acting, great sound and music, and great animation. I suggest watching Book of Murder after Book of Circus because how the OVA takes off, its where Book of Circus left off. I can't wait for more Black Butler in the future. Until then...

Anime Rules!!!!!

New Avengers Morph into U.S. Avengers

credit: Marvel Comics

A new Avengers title dubed U.S.Avengers will debut this fall from Marvel Comics, according to The Washington Post. The team will be comprised of Sunspot, Red Hulk, Cannonball, a new Iron Patriot, Pod, Squirrel Girl, and a Captain America from the future - who happens to be Luke Cage and Jessica Jones' grown-up daughter, Danielle Cage.

“We wanted a couple of members that’d speak to the U.S. in the title — hence super-scientist and supporting player Dr. Toni Ho stepping up to the main team as the new Iron Patriot, and General Ross waiting in the wings as the Red Hulk,” said series writer Al Ewing, who will be joined by artist Paco Medina. “And, of course, Danielle Cage, the Captain America of about thirty years in the future, who’ll be joining us for at least the first arc, as an enemy from her time comes to ours to stir up trouble.”

The title seems to pick up the storyline from the current New Avengers series featuring a re-organized A.I.M. Avengers team led by Sunspot. Like New Avengers, it will be written by Al Ewing, however it's not known if that series will continue.

source: newsarama

MHz Choice (Streaming Service) Review

MHz Choice is a streaming service that offers something that Netflix, Hulu and Amazon do not. This streaming services offers shows and movies from the international perspective. While other streaming services only have a few sprinkles of international content. MHZ Choice is purely focus on the international audience. There is variety of countries and shows to choose from that should wet your appetite. The streaming service is at a standard price of 7.99 and offers a pretty cool library. Check out the video below for a more detail look. 

Dreaming About The Many What To Do's While in Brooklyn

Hey O&G fans, today we are bringing you a wonderful book written bylocal NYC authors: Ephraim Benton and Amber Cherish Benton. Dreaming about the many what to do's while in Brooklyn is a children's book that shows the fun things to do in Brooklyn for kids. Here is a little info from the Authors about the book

When Kids Nap, Their Imagination Begins! 
 
Several kids fall asleep and dream about the many different things they could do while in Brooklyn. Their creative minds wander off on a journey to explore all the beautiful, educational, athletic and fun activities to do all over Brooklyn. Are they ready for the many cool discoveries and new experiences they learn on their wonderful adventure?

Dreaming About The Many What To Do's While In Brooklyn
Authored by Mr Ephraim Benton, Authored with Amber Benton, Illustrated by Aurora Pagano
List Price: $12.99
8.5" x 11" (21.59 x 27.94 cm) 
Full Color Bleed on White paper
34 pages
Daddy Daughter Publishing, LLC
ISBN-13: 978-0983510413
ISBN-10: 0983510415
BISAC: Juvenile Fiction / Travel

Age 5 - 10

Kamisama Kiss Season 2 Review

Synopsis: Its time for the continued adventures of the new land god Nanami and see how she deals with being a god and a regular school girl, while being in love with Tomoe. With that being in the forefront of her life, will she be able to handle troubles of other gods and yoki?

During this season, we find a lot more about Nanami and her family, as well as getting new companions along the way. Nanami is starting to accept her role as land god but still has some doubts which is normal. We also see some people tearing her down and trying to stop her from being a land god because she is human. I see her journey as an allegory for when we come to a point in life that there is a great responsibility has been handed to us. People from all sides try to dissuade you from succeeding and sometimes those words can get into our heads. But what I like about Nanami is that she is afraid to try yet we see her overcome that fear when her friends are in danger. Sometimes that fear creeps up and we see her getting venerable but she's human. We all have fears and insecurities. That's why I love how the story wraps more about Nanami and how she gotten the attitude that she has. 

We also see a side of Tomoe that has been growing since the start of the first season. We start to see him be more protective of Nanami and its not only because she is the land god. He's still at that grade school stage where teasing is the best way to show a girl that he cares or has feelings for her. This can cause Tomoe pain but at the same time, he is learning as well and it brings out his and Nanami's dynamic out a lot more. It brings so much more depth in characterization that I am excited to see if they are ever going to do a season three.

Speaking of which, season two was incredibly short and left some unanswered questions towards the end. Of course, the manga probably fleshes out more of the backstory and the romantic interest of Nanami and Tomoe but I hope that they make a season three in order to keep up with the manga and to get more characterization.

Voice Acting: Tia Ballard is amazing as Nanami especially ith the new character development we see with her and knowing more about who she is as a person. J Michael Tatum plays Tomoe and gives an amazing performance as well. Tomoe, through the course of this season, grows as a character as well J Michael Tatum's performance really gives full volume to what Tomoe is going through. The rest of the cast such as Micah Solusod, Luci Christian, Ian Sinclair, Monica Rial and everyone else, did a fantastic job with their characters.

Design/Music: I love the character design for the characters especially Tomoe (and I may be biased with Tomoe because he is one of my anime guy crushes). The color palette fits within the mood. One of my favorite background designs is in the last episode (no spoilers) but Tomoe explains what I love about the background scenery well so you will have to watch in order to get my reference. The music is nice and soft, especially the opening and closing songs. They are not on my list for top anime opening and closing songs, but they fit within the anime well.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars- I feel that the season was too short. The ending left more questions than answers and I felt that I missed on an opportunity to have season two go longer than 12 episodes. I haven't read the manga but after watching this last season, it makes me want to read ahead. I do not know if there will be a season three of Kamisama Kiss, but I hope there will be. The dub is amazing, the story is slice of life meets the supernatural which is great, and the music and scenery design is amazing as well. I hope that we get to see more. Until then, its time for me to go to Barnes and Nobles and get me some more Kamisama Kiss.

Anime Rules!!!!!

Funimation Simulcasts & Broadcast Dubs for Summer 2016 Season

Summer is here and Funimation® Entertainment has a stellar line-up of simulcasts and Broadcast Dubs planned for this season. To mark the first week of summer, the company revealed today fourteen simulcast titles from the new season. Together with the rest of the line-up, Funimation’s Summer 2016 Season offers each fan the opportunity to “find the ONE for you.” Whether it’s the one with the final boss, or the one with the cat vampire, or the one with the school idols or one of our many other new shows, Funimation has something for everyone.  The shows in this summer’s line-up will begin premiering on July 2.  Each and every week thereafter for the rest of the season, subscribers can look forward to new episodes in commercial-free 1080p.   

Summer 2016 Season Simulcast Synopses

D.Gray-man HALLOW

From the studio behind D.Gray-man comes the highly anticipated continuation to the popular series. Allen Walker is an exorcist working for the Black Order whose mission is to protect mankind from the evil Millennium Earl and his deadly Akuma. Allen and his comrades must recover lost Innocence while defending against the Earl’s terrifying army. But if they fail, Innocence will be lost forever.

SERVAMP

Mahiru Shirota dislikes difficult things, preferring to live a simple life. But after rescuing a cat he names Kuro, life takes a turn for the complex. Kuro turns out to be a “servamp”—

a servant vampire—named Sleepy Ash, and the two form a contract. Kissing his simple life goodbye, Mahiru is pulled into the world of vampires, the seven deadly Servamps, and war. Life couldn’t be more complicated!

 Tales of Zestiria the X

Legends speak of the Shepherd, a savior who will bring peace to the seraphim and human worlds. Sorey has spent his life studying ancient books and exploring ruins to learn more about the legendary savior. When he and his seraphim companion Mikleo encounter a mysterious girl in the ruins, the stories of the Shephard become Sorey’s reality. Is he strong enough to take on the evil Lord of Calamity?

Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School – Future Arc

Makoto Naegi is under suspicion of treason after shielding a remnant of Despair. The Future Foundation, founded to save the world from chaos caused by Ultimate Despair, gathers to decide his punishment when they are captured by Monokuma. Thrusted into an ultimate death game, they must find the true traitor and kill him if they hope to survive. The tale of despair in which hope kills hope begins.

Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School – Despair Arc

Hope’s Peak High School is a special school that nurtures those with exceptional talents and abilities. While only top students are a part of the main course, anyone can join the preparatory course, like Haijme Hinata has. Hinata wants nothing more than to be part of the talented elite, but his desires lead him to a fateful encounter that drives the future of the school into despair.

 Endride

Beneath the earth’s surface lies the unknown world, Endra. After touching a mysterious crystal, Shun Asanaga finds himself in this new land and his only way home lies with helping the vengeful Prince Emilio. Recently imprisoned, Emilio vows to take back his rightful throne from King Delzaine. Check out the latest adventure from the creator of Rurouni Kenshin and the studio behind Durarara!!

 Love Live! Sunshine!!

Nothing is more appealing than the bright, sparkling world of School Idols! The girls of Uranohoshi Girls’ High School are swept into idol fever, wanting nothing more than to become the next-best School Idol group. And they plan to do just that. Chika Takami brings together eight of her classmates to form Aqours, their own idol group. As long as they don’t give up, any dream can come true!

 FIRST LOVE MONSTER

High schooler Kaho Nikaido is having trouble adjusting to her new life in Tokyo. It doesn’t get any easier when she is nearly hit by a truck and saved by the handsome Kanade Takahashi! Infatuated with Kanade, she works up the courage to confess. But he warns that if Kaho learns who he is, she won’t want him. What could possibly keep her from this stud? Maybe the fact he’s a…fifth grader?!

 Handa-kun

Seishuu Hanada leads a very interesting life for a high school student. He is admired by his peers as a calligraphy genius and held in the highest respect. Unfortunately, Hanada is under the impression that they hate him! He just wants a quiet life, but instead he’ll face countless challenges for his school idol position. Can he handle all the pressure and “bullying”? It’s hard being so clueless!

 TSUKIUTA. The Animation

Six Gravity and Procellarum are two rival male idol groups who happen to live in the same dorm. Six Gravity is made up of young men who represent the months of December to May, while Procellarum’s members represent June to November. Follow the daily lives of these twelve young men as they deal with the stresses of idol-hood, school, and living together. With music by famous Vocaloid producers!

 Time Travel Girl

Mari Hayase is on a mission to go back in time and meet eight of the most prominent scientists and inventors in history. With the help of her two friends Waka Mizuki and Jun Mizuki she’ll find herself up close and personal with famous figures like Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, and so many more! What’s her purpose and mission? Hopefully not getting stuck in the past!

 Sca-red Rider XechS

The Blue World, a world symbolizing reason, is under attack by fierce creatures known as the Nightfly O’Note sent from the Red World, a world symbolizing instinct. Elected to lead the Blue World, 17-year-old researcher Akira Asagi will take charge of the combat unit “IS”. These six riders, also called the Scared Rider Xechs, will fight at the Ryuukyuu LAG to protect their world and each other.

One Piece

Monkey D. Luffy is a boy with big dreams. This daring rubber-man refuses to let anyone or anything stand in the way of his quest to become king of all pirates. Like his hero Gold Roger, this is one captain who’ll never drop anchor until he’s claimed the greatest treasure on Earth – the Legendary One Piece!

Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! LOVE!

The Battle Lovers are back! With things a bit calmer since the whole Zundar fiasco, the boys can get back to what’s important in life—like hanging around the bathhouse and lazing around! But when the Loveracelets start calling, they’ll have to jump back into the action. Will the arrival of two new students mean more allies or more chaos? Love is not over yet!

 Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars

In the country of Rimguard a mysterious event shook the country and its people just twelve years prior. As time passed, memory of the incident began to fade while peace reigned over the land. Sisters Yui and Rena live a quiet life in the Enastria Empire until a large mecha suddenly attacks their peaceful home, changing everything. The girls become caught in a vortex of destiny and godly revival. 

Speed Dating Event for Otakus in NYC (Otaku Speed Dating)

Have you ever been on a date and wished your date didn't have to ask, "what's manga?" After going on multiple dates, it became easy for me to tell if we had chemistry or not within the first few minutes. Good chemistry dates were great, but rare. I had to find excuses to leave many dates after multiple bouts of awkward silences or being mocked when I mentioned my favorite romantic anime fanfiction. Otaku Speed Dating organizes speed dating events specifically curated to otaku, gamers, and geeks looking for love in New York City. Here's a quick run-down of how it works: The event will take place July 8th. 

1.      Register online for one of our otaku speed dating events.

2.      Come to our venue and prepare to meet other otaku.

3.      We'll rotate you between your dates every 3 minutes.

4.      You'll write down which dates you want to match with.

5.      Mingle while enjoying snacks and refreshments until closing.

6.      If you matched with anyone, you'll be emailed their contact info.

Lenni Reviews: "Twisted Dreams: Dreamlands #4) by Felicitas Ivey

(Image Source)

After the craziness of Unquiet Dreams, Keno is now a 'guest' of the wizard Kheper in the Egyptian lands and was forced to give in to the violent nature of his ancestor in order to save Mason's life and his own. As the unknown Darkness spreads through the Dreamlands, Samojirou takes Mason, Wolf, and Tholf to rescue Keno while Keno and Kheper investigate the Darkness. But will Keno want to be rescued after taking a life?

Keno's internal struggle about having to kill is the major part of his character development in this book. His ancestor was discussed in such hushed, ominous tones, Keno never wanted to be anything like him. There isn't time to dwell or escape his pain for long as he works with Kheper; who turns out to be a pretty cool magician and a man of honor - not at all as creepy as he seemed in the previous book. 

With two teams coming at the Darkness from two different directions, we get some really detailed and rich writing. You get a sense of realness to a very unreal world. But darnit, if it doesn't end on a cliffhanger! Man, do I wanna see the Dreamlands come together to beat the Darkness. I'm sure other cultures along with the Japanese and Egyptians will come into play. More of the Vikings would be cool! It would be such an epic showdown. 4.5 out of 5.

Inferno (Trailer & Photos)

Check out the trailer and some photos from the film  and press event in Singapore for Inferno starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard. This is the third installment in the Da Vinci Code saga. 

Lenni Reviews: "Uneasy Dreams: Dreamlands #3" by Felicitas Ivey

(Image Source)

The siege on Nippon continues as the Trust has allied with the Egyptians and the lords of Nippon must band together to take back their lands. With the conflict intensifying, Mason tries to find a place under Tamazusa's protection and Keno struggles against the brutal nature of his ancestor as battle brings it seeping to the surface.

In this book, Keno and Samojiro are headed into "annoying couple" territory. This is a personal pet peeve of mine and I'm sure people won't agree with me; I have read many a series where the couple you've wanted to get together for the entire time keep sending the narrative to a screeching halt so they can bone as much as possible. This is not to say it ruins the book but I found myself skipping over their love scenes to get back to the war going on.

Other than that, I love how this book is not perfectly wrapped up for the next installment. As I received this series in a 4 book bundle (and reviewed one at a time so it didn't take forever to get these books reviewed for you guys), I was wondering if each book would have a self-contained antagonist or an overarching one. All these little threads of manipulation carry through all three books and their effects don't just disappear. Out of the three, this one is the most tense and ends with characters injured, separated, and floundering as to what to do next. The writing level and style carry through seamlessly and seeing all these different cultures in the Dreamlands is very cool! Very interesting overall. 4.5 out of 5.

Nightwing Rebirth # Preview

He’s been Robin, Batman, a spy, a ghost. Now, Dick Grayson returns to Gotham City to reclaim the life that was taken from him. But when a new evil threatens those he loves most, Nightwing faces being torn away from home once again in order to destroy the dark force once and for all. Powerhouse artist Yanick Paquette (BATMAN, SWAMP THING) joins series writer Tim Seeley (GRAYSON, BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL) to return Nightwing to the DC superhero stage!
On sale JULY 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Batman-The Telltale game series First look

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., June. 12th, 2016 -- Leading developer and publisher of digital entertainment, Telltale Games, with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment, today unveiled the first look at BATMAN - The Telltale Series ahead of its worldwide debut this summer.

The episodic game series will premiere digitally on home consoles, PC/Mac, and mobile devices, and will be shown to guests attending the annual E3 Gaming Expo this coming week in Los Angeles. The series will also be available on game consoles as a special 'Season Pass Disc' which will be available at retailers across North America, Latin America, and Europe later this summer, granting access to the five episode season as it becomes available for download.

"We've been hard at work at Telltale creating an all-new iteration of the iconic Batman story that puts players in the suit of billionaire Bruce Wayne, just as much as it will put them behind the mask, deciding how to carefully navigate a complex drama, rich with action, crime, corruption, and villainy lurking around every corner of Gotham City," said Kevin Bruner, Co-Founder and CEO of Telltale Games. "The complex life and fractured psyche of Bruce Wayne has lent itself to becoming a bold evolution of the signature 'Telltale' role-playing experience, and we couldn't be more excited as we prepare to debut the series to players across the world this summer."

Rendered to look like a living, breathing comic book, Telltale's vision of Batman will feature an award-winning cast of talent, including Troy Baker in the role of Bruce Wayne, Travis Willingham as Harvey Dent, Erin Yvette as Vicki Vale, Enn Reitel as Alfred Pennyworth, Murphy Guyer as Lieutenant James Gordon, Richard McGonagle as Carmine Falcone, and Laura Bailey as Selina Kyle. Additional cast and characters will be revealed as the season progresses.