So there seems to be another ‘Appleseed’ project in the works. Instead of a regular movies like in the past, this time Masamune Shirow’s work gets the animated series treatment. Titled, ‘Appleseed XIII’, the series once again follow Deunan Knute and her trusty cyborg lover, Briareos Hecatonchires. Not since 2004, have we seen any new Appleseed animation, so this is pretty exciting. However, after checking out the trailer, I kind of wish they went back to the original traditional 2D animation art. The CGI is cool and all, but I can’t help but be a bit distracted by it. Its a bit rough and not as fluid as in previous Appleseed animations, but knowing Japanese animation, you can expect some really good action sequences. I hope the story holds up in which in a lot of anime doesn’t.
Expect ‘Appleseed XIII’ to hit the small screen (in Japan) on June 13, 2011. Hit the jump to check out the trailer!
CUSS! I told myself that I was done with posts for the week, but I couldn’t resist when I laid my eyes on this trailer on ComicAlliance. For some time now, we already knew that Marvel has partnered with various animation studios in Japan to produce an anime-style series for ‘Wolverine’ and ‘Iron Man’. Well, from animation giant, MADHOUSE Inc. (the group behind ‘Trigun’ and ‘Vampire Hunter D’), comes a teaser trailer for the ‘X-Men’ anime. From the looks of the teaser, it is pretty spectacular. As usual with most action-heavy anime series, the animation of the action scenes are near perfect and nothing like you have ever seen before. It is pretty common that anime is looked down upon within the comic community, but no matter how much you do not like anime, you have to admit that the animation in this trailer is pretty fucking awesome. Cyclops and Beast looks amazing and Wolvie is one bad ass son of a bitch. Even characters like Storm who usually never gets any love looks pretty hot in this trailer. We already know that the animation is going to be top-notch, and with Warren Ellis’ involvement in the projects, I’m pretty sure the story will be pretty strong as well. The X-Men animated series from the 90’s will always have a place in my heart, but this X-Men anime from MADHOUSE is getting me all excited.
Following sad news over the murder of Stephen Perry (who was the original writer of the 80’s cartoon), there is some great news coming out of Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Animation is currently on the fast track in producing a brand new ThunderCats animated series for Cartoon Network. What interesting will be the fact that WBA will be hookin’ up with Japanese animation studio, Studio4°C for the new series. Studio4°C is the studio that contributed to Animatrix, Batman Gotham Knights, and Halo Legends.
“We at Studio4°C are excited to be in this creative partnership with Warner Bros. Animation to bring ‘ThunderCats’ to life,” said Eiko Tanaka, President and CEO, Studio4°C. “This collaboration combines the strengths of our two companies – high production values and great storytelling – toward reintroducing this classic fan-favorite to a new audience.”
This is definitely going to be a new type of ThunderCats and most likely be a bit different from what we remember from our childhood. It may concern many that an “anime” version of ThunderCats may not be as good as the original, but if you are aware of the quality of animation coming out of Japan, you can bet that these ThunderCats will be kickin’ some major ass. I wonder when the SilverHawks will get their turn…
Hit the jump to check out a teaser pix of the new ThunderCats and the official press release by WBA!
When the X-Men Animated series (not Evolution or Wolvie and the X-Men) was set to air in Japan, it seems that Japan didn’t really like the opening much. Apparently, they took it upon themselves to make their opening sequence. I’m not sure whether it was the flying attack sequence between Wolverine and Omega Red or the armada of flying cyborgs or the fact that the X-Men blasts out of an volcano like the Red Tyrannosaurus Megazord, I am really digging the sequence. The original cartoon opening had a better song, but the Japanese version fit the opening perfectly. Felt like I was listening to Metallica for a second.
“CRRRRRYYY FOOORRRR THHHEEEE MOOOOOONNNNNNN!!!”
Hit the jump to check out the two Japanese openings!
Meet Anli and Laura (of Australia). They are video game and anime (Japanese animation) fanatics. They are also madly in love and recently got married. These two love birds didn’t go the conventional route for their wedding and incorporated many aspects of video games and anime into their ceremony and reception.
We wanted a ceremony that reflected our geeky, romantic, pink aesthetic, while at the same time being profound and meaningful. Our ceremony was themed around the video game. Portal and the anime series Revolutionary Girl Utena We incorporated lots of geeky details, from the table names (Revolution, Sierra, Katara and GLaDOS) to the choice of music. We also kept several traditional elements such as bouquets, dresses and bridesmaids. However, we both walked down the aisle unaccompanied and skipped the garter/bouquet toss.
Oh freakin’ sweet! Anli and Laura’s special day featured everything from Revolutionary Girl Utena cosplay (Anli naturally wears glasses and Laura has pink hair), “Weighted Companion Cube” (from Portal) themed wedding cake and gift boxes, and ripped it on Rock Band with guests. With the assistance of their great friends, they even walk down the aisle to a violin rendition of “Hikaru Sasu Niwa” (Sunlit Garden) which was a song from Revolutionary Girl Utena. Congratulations to Anli and Laura on their marriage. iGeektrooper wishes you happiness and everlasting love. Cheers!
Hit the jump to see some of the gorgeous photos from the wedding!
Master Chief and the USDF takes a leap from video games into an anime called Halo Legends. Microsoft Studios, Studio BONES (Fullmetal Alchemist) and Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell) will be teaming up on a mini series about the “entire 100,000 year history of the Halo universe. Don’t let the word “history” fool you as humor will be a big part of the series as they will also be showing a comedic and humorous part of the Halo universe creatures. The greatest news regarding the series is the names tied to the project. Three world renowned directors in animation will be heading the project which includes Frank O’Connor (for Microsoft’s 343 Industries), Shinji Aramaki (of Appleseed fame), and Mamoru Oshii (of Ghost in the Shell fame).
If you check out the trailer, you can definitely see that this is no ordinary Master Chief. While we have always know that our fearless leader was pretty nutty with a gun, Master Chief will be showing his insane hand to hand combat skills.
Unfortunately, you will have to wait as Warner Bros plans to release the collection on DVD, Blu-Ray, and digital distribution in the first quarter of 2010.
Hit the jump to see the trailer! Get ready to drool.
A recently aired episode of the Tonight Show features Conan O’Brien making an appearance at LA based anime dubbing studio, Bang Zoom and tries his hand at voice acting for Ghost in the Shell. Hilarity ensues.