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May 27 – Otaku Madness - Posted By Hisaishi
Anime News of the Week (5/19 - 5/25)
The Full Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist Series
YouTube channel Machinima has released the long anticipated series Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist. The story follows Ryu and Ken, as they train with Master Gōken to master the power of Hadō. However, the path will force them come to terms with the past and the weakness in trust. What painful memories lie in waiting? (Warning: language and violence)
AKB48 Idols Recovering After Attack
Anna Iriyama and Rina Kawaei, two members of the music group AKB48, are expected to make a full recovery following an attack this past Sunday. The two were at a promotional event when 24 year-old Satoru Umeta attacked the two and other event members with a saw blade. He has since pled guilty to several counts of attempted murder. Link
SAO II Premieres English Teaser Trailer
The upcoming series Sword Art Online II began streaming a teaser trailer. Based on the popular light novel series by Reki Kawahara, the series adapts the fifth and sixth volumes as Kirito enters a new virtual game following his adventures in Aincrad.
Gundam Director Lashes Out At Industry
Mitsuo Fukuda, director of Gundam Seed, took to Twitter recently with a chip on his shoulder. He claims the anime industry has been overregulated, and that rampant censorship has tainted and dulled programming. He also noted that television in general has become a “nonsense spouting device”. Link
Animators Seek Aid in Housing
A team composed of two animators and a philanthropist has launched an IndieGoGo campaign seeking to provide for their friends. The campaign seeks to provide accommodating shelter for up and coming animators, as well as dorms and collaborative studios. As of writing, the campaign has earned $4,130 of a $10,000 goal. Link
Haruhi Fans Unite To Save Landmark
Deemed one of anime’s “sacred sites”, the clock tower in Nishinomiya, Japan was removed several years ago following the area’s development. Thanks to fans of the Haruhi Suzumiya franchise, the structure has been retuned to its rightful place. The tower, along with the town of Nishinomiya, is a major location in the series. Additionally, Nishinomiya's prefecture Hyōgo is a major destination for anime pilgrimages. Link
Kill or be Killed
TOHO Animation released the first trailer for the upcoming series Akame ga Kill!. Based on Tetsuya Tashiro’s debut manga, the series is set in a medieval world, where corruption is law. The only force standing against the ruin is the mysterious Night Raid, a group of assassins who have been wronged by the empire.
The Saiyan Might Returns Home
As part of their two-year anniversary, Toonami Revival celebrated with announcements. Since 2012’s revival, the one franchise that was primed to return in full fashion was the Dragon Ball saga. Worry no more as Toonami has announced the fall premiere of Dragon Ball Z Kai. More information to come in the following weeks. Link
Welcome Back, Space Cowboy
Toonami also announced the return of the highly acclaimed Cowboy Bebop. This marks the thirteenth year of syndication for the show across both Toonami and its parent block Adult Swim since its U.S. premiere in 2001. Link
Megas Take the States
The TV special Pokémon X/Y: The Strongest Mega Evolution has been slated for U.S. release. The story breaks from Ash and friends to follow Alan, a trainer obsessed with battling Mega Evolved Pokémon. What is the purpose of his journey and why is Elite Four member Siebold interested? The episode premieres May 31st on Cartoon Network. Link
Blood in the End Times
Manga-ka Robinson Haruhara (Senyu.) and Toshiko Machida (Angel Game, Bacchon Girls) have announced they are collaborating on a yet to be named series, which will run in Shonen Sirius magazine and on digital service Niconico Seiga. The story follows two sisters in the years after the apocalypse and the fight for survival they must endure. Link
Ape Finds Solace in Halcyon Days
Manga duo naked ape may have ended their series Switch in March, but the group is already set to launch their newest series Halcyon in Zero Sum magazine. The series plot is yet to be revealed, but a tagline reads, “Darkness will nurture darkness”. The series begins June 28th. Link
Leaving the Land of Oz
Monthly Comp Ace magazine announced the June 26th end of the Code Geass spinoff manga Oz the Reflection. The series followed mecha pilot Aldrin Zevon of the Britannia Empire. Her skills and strength allow her to join the Glinda Knights, an elite anti-terrorist task force. Link
Manga Breaks Up
Manga-ka Sekihiko Inui has announced his manga adaptation of Koushi Tachibana’s Date a Live light novel series will end this winter. The series follows high school student Shidō Itsuka and his relationship with Tohka, a spirit who devastated humanity thirty years ago with her powers. Link
The Smell of Death…and Bergamot
Months ago, online retailer Kobutsu-ya began offering perfumes inspired by Eren, Mikasa, and Levi of Attack on Titan fame. As of this week, four more fragrances were added. The new lineup includes Armin Arlert, Jean Kirstein, Erwin Smith, and Zoe Hange. Link
Piece of Paper Breaks World Record
Manga-ka Takehiko Inoue (Slam Dunk, Buzzer Beater) is now in the records books. He, along with 20 volunteers, created the longest piece of washi, or Japanese style paper. The project was undertaken in honor of an upcoming exhibit celebrating the work of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. What it will be used for remains unknown. Link
More Than Meets The Eye
Toy manufacturer Kids Logic has started offering incredible life size models of Transformers, based on the upcoming film Transformers: Age of Extinction. The ten-foot tall behemoths are lovingly rendered in perfect detail, and each model costs a whopping 13 thousand U.S. dollars. Link
The Face of Kumamoto
As a representative of Kumamoto prefecture, the bear Kumamon stands as the most recognizable mascot in Japan. In a strange move by his PR department, the ban of the international sale of Kumamon merchandise will be lifted, allowing for his image to be used outside of Japan and his merchandise to sold in the United States. It is estimated Kumamon has earned $1.2 billion since his creation. Link
Anime Releases
- Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East - Season 1 Collection DVD/Blu-Ray (English)
- Nura: Rise of the Yokia Clan: Demon Capital - Set 2 DVD/Blu-Ray (English)
- Monster - Part 5 DVD (Australia Release)
- Nichijou: My Ordinary Life 0 Complete Collection DVD (Australia Release)
Manga Releases
- Air Gear [Omnibus] Volume 3
- Dance in the vampire Bund Gaiden: Dive in the Vampire Bund Volume 2
- Dragonar Academy Volume 2
- Gangsta. Volume 2
- Ghos in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Volume 5
- Kanokon [Omnibus] Volumes 7-9
- My Boyfriend is Vampire Volumes 13 and 14
- What Did You Eat Yesterday? Volume 2
Video Game Releases
- Drakengard 3 (PS3) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Legend of Oz: Dorothy's Return (3DS) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Mugen Souls Z (PS3) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Tex Murphy: Tesla Effect (PC) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Transistor (PS4/PC) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Wolfenstein: The New Order (PS3/PS4/360/ONE/PC) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium Duels (360) (USA/EU/AUS)
