Spin Master, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and WayForward Announce 'Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia' [Trailer Included]

"Become a Bakugan Brawling Champion in a Brand-New, Role-Playing Adventure Game Coming to Nintendo Switch" (CNW Group/Spin Master)

Spin Master, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and WayForward today announced Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia, an all-new, action role-playing video game that will be coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch on Nov. 3, 2020, expanding on the wildly popular, global Bakugan franchise alongside the exciting anime adventure TV series, innovative toy line, card game and more. 

The game will center around an all-new original story and the franchise's signature Bakugan brawls as players befriend powerful creatures known as Bakugan and customize teams for fiercely strategic head-to-head battles.

"We're pleased to partner with Spin Master and WayForward to bring the brawling action of Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia to Nintendo Switch," said Kevin Kebodeaux, Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "The global popularity of Bakugan is undeniable, and this game is sure to excite players everywhere."

"Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia expands the popular brawling franchise with a new exhilarating, interactive game format with customization, competitive action, deep strategy, and anime-style characters and worlds that all gamers and Bakugan fans will love," said Simonetta Lulli, Vice President, Spin Master Studios. "Whether playing solo or against Bakugan brawlers online, the game offers endless hours of play at home or on the go."

"The brand new, action-packed video game and our partnership with Nintendo Switch and WayForward is so important to the Bakugan franchise as it continues expand globally," said James Martin, SVP Brand Marketing and GBU Lead of Bakugan. "Now, a whole new generation of fans can experience the excitement and skill of Bakugan in more ways than ever before."

"Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia brings together the most popular aspects of the TV series and toys in an authentic and inspiring new game," said Voldi Way, President & CEO, WayForward. "We designed it specifically for Nintendo Switch with unique battle gameplay and strategic options to build and battle a Bakugan team."

Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, produced by Spin Master and developed by WayForward, the Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia video game will take players on a journey through an original story expanding on the hit TV series and toy franchise. They can create and fully customize their Brawler to fight side-by-side with the mysterious alien Bakugan as their human partner in battle. The game features a fully navigable 3D world divided into different districts each with dedicated battle arenas. Players can interact with other characters, go on quests, and explore with their Bakugan friends. They can also test their brawling skills online in head-to-head multiplayer against friends or players from the around the world to become a true Champion of Vestroia.

A physical Deluxe Edition pack, featuring the video game, an exclusive Ultima Dragonoid toy which transforms into a fierce Bakugan, Ultima Dragonoid trading card, Ultima Dragonoid metal gate card, plus two powerful BakuCores will also be available at launch.

• For more information please visit bakugan.com/videogame

The Annoucement Trailer:

• To download Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia assets, visit: go.wbgames.com/BakuganGameAssets

SOURCE: Spin Master

The Society For The Promotion Of Japanese Animation Announces First Ever Anime Expo Lite - A Free Virtual Japanese Pop Culture Event

The Society For The Promotion Of Japanese Animation Announces First Ever Anime Expo Lite - A Free Virtual Japanese Pop Culture Event

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is thrilled to unveil its plans to offer Japanese pop culture fans from around the world an opportunity to experience all things anime from wherever they are with Anime Expo Lite. 

This FREE two-day livestream event will begin on July 3, proclaimed Anime Expo Day by the City of Los Angeles in 2015, and continue through July 4.

Anime Expo Lite will feature content from industry partners such as Bushiroad, Crunchyroll, Pony Canyon, VIZ, and more! (More exclusive content will be announced in the coming weeks.)

SPJA has also revealed the key art that was planned as the program guide cover for the since cancelled Anime Expo 2020, which now features the Anime Expo Lite logo instead. The AX mascot characters Ai and Xeno are pictured with the cast of The World End With You.

"We are excited to be able to parlay the traditional Anime Expo into a virtual experience. Since 2017, AX has been livestreaming select panels as well as from the convention floor, so it is a natural transition for us to produce a virtual event. As everything in 2020 is different, we see a unique opportunity to be able to share our passion for Japanese pop culture not only with those that would have attended AX but now with any anime fan no matter where they live," said Ray Chiang, CEO of The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, AX's organizer. "With our Anime Expo Lite line-up, we know fans will find plenty of events and special guests to entertain and keep them engaged."

Fans can expect to see:

• Special Guests, including artist/character designer Yoshitaka Amano
• Panel discussions with industry leaders
• Industry announcements
• Live content
• Pre-taped content from global partners
• Q&As
• Giveaways

For more information, and to keep up-to-date on Anime Expo Lite announcements, please  click here to sign-up 

For 29 years, AX has been the preeminent event featuring the newest anime films, television series, fashion, video games, manga, dance, music concerts, exhibitors and exclusive convention merchandise, all combined to deliver unforgettable experiences to fans of anime and Japanese pop culture. AX will return to the Los Angeles Convention Center July 2-5, 2021. 

For more information regarding Anime Expo please visit anime-expo.org.

About SPJA:

SPJA is a non-profit organization dedicated to popularize and educate the American public about Japanese entertainment and pop culture, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. 

• For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

About Anime Expo:

Anime Expo (AX) brings together fans and industry from Japan, the US, and all over the world for the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America. 

Taking place every year since 1992, Anime Expo features the best in Japanese entertainment, music, fashion, and video games. 

• For more information, visit anime-expo.org.

SOURCE: Anime Expo

US: Satoshi Kon's Classic Animated Feature 'Tokyo Godfathers' Comes to Theaters Nationwide on March 9 and 11

Tokyo Godfathers

GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of multiple Academy Award-nominated animated features, and Fathom Events announced today that "Tokyo Godfathers," the critically-acclaimed animated feature from director Satoshi Kon ("Perfect Blue," "Paprika"), will return to theaters in a new 4K restoration this March. 

[GKIDS previously re-released a remastered version of Satoshi Kon's groundbreaking psychological thriller "Perfect Blue" in 2018 in partnership with Fathom Events.]

ASIFA-Hollywood recently announced that Kon would posthumously receive the Winsor McCay Award, the organization's award for lifetime achievement in animation, at their upcoming 2020 Annie Awards ceremony, and a new stage play based on "Tokyo Godfathers" has just been announced by the New National Theatre, Tokyo, to be performed during the theater's 2020-21 season.

In modern-day Tokyo, three homeless people's lives are changed forever when they discover a baby girl at a garbage dump on Christmas Eve. As the New Year fast approaches, these three forgotten members of society band together to solve the mystery of the abandoned child and the fate of her parents. Along the way, encounters with seemingly unrelated events and people force them to confront their own haunted pasts, as they learn to face their future, together.

GKIDS and Fathom Events will present "Tokyo Godfathers" in select movie theaters across the U.S. on Monday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. (local time, English-language subtitled) and Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. (local time, English-language dubbed). For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

"We are pleased to partner with GKIDS to bring this wonderful re-release to American cinemas," said Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt. "Anime fans nationwide will once again be able to enjoy the brilliant work of Satoshi Kon in their local theaters among likeminded audiences."

More About "Tokyo Godfathers":

(via Wikipedia)

"One Christmas Eve, three homeless people – a middle-aged alcoholic named Gin, a former drag queen named Hana, and a dependent runaway girl named Miyuki – discover an abandoned newborn while searching through the garbage. Deposited with the unnamed baby is a note asking the finder to take good care of her and a bag containing clues to the parents' identity. The trio sets out to find the baby's parents. The baby is named Kiyoko (清子), based on the Japanese translation of Silent Night literally meaning "pure child", as she is found on Christmas Eve.

Outside a cemetery, the group encounters a high-ranking yakuza trapped under his car. The man happens to know the owner of the club where Kiyoko's mother used to work; his daughter is getting married to the club owner that day. At the wedding, the groom tells them that the baby's mother is a former bar girl named Sachiko. He gives them Sachiko's address, but the party is interrupted when a maid, revealed to be a Latin American hitman in disguise, attempts to shoot the bride's father. The hitman kidnaps Miyuki and the baby and takes them back to his home. There, Miyuki befriends the hitman's wife and shows her some pictures of her family.

Hana searches for Miyuki and Kiyoko while Gin takes care of an old homeless man who is dying in the street. After giving Gin a little red bag, the old man peacefully passes away. Some teenagers show up and beat up Gin and the dead old man. Meanwhile, Hana finds the girls and they go off to find a place to stay.

They go to Hana's former club. Gin, who was rescued by another member of the club, is also there. The trio sets out to find Sachiko's house, but they discover that it has been torn down. They are informed of the unhappy relationship between Sachiko and her husband, who is a gambling alcoholic. The group rests at a store until they are told to leave by the clerk. Hana collapses, and is taken by Gin and Miyuki to the hospital. Once at the hospital, Gin finds his daughter, who is also named Kiyoko, working as a nurse. Hana berates Gin in front of his daughter and storms out of the hospital, with Miyuki following behind with baby Kiyoko in hand.

Hana and Miyuki find Sachiko about to jump off a bridge. Sachiko insists that her husband got rid of the baby without her knowledge, and that they return the baby to her. Meanwhile, Gin finds Sachiko's husband, who confirms a TV report Gin saw earlier that Kiyoko was actually stolen by Sachiko from the hospital. They chase after Sachiko and the baby. After an intense car chase, Miyuki chases Sachiko to the top of a building. Sachiko reveals she became pregnant in hopes it would bring her closer to her husband. When her baby was stillborn, she decided to kidnap Kiyoko from the hospital, thinking, in her grief, the baby was hers. As Sachiko is about to jump off the building, her husband comes out of his apartment, located just across the street, and begs her to start over with him. Sachiko jumps off nevertheless, but Miyuki manages to catch her before she falls, but then Sachiko accidentally drops Kiyoko. Hana jumps off the building after Kiyoko, catches the baby, and lands safely due to a miraculous gust of wind.

Hana, Miyuki, and Gin are taken to the hospital. Miyuki hands Gin his cigarettes and drops the old man's small red bag on the floor, revealing a winning lottery ticket. Kiyoko's real parents want to ask the trio to become her godparents. When a police inspector introduces them to the trio, the inspector is revealed to be Miyuki's father."

Related Videos:

• Beginning on Friday, January 31 tickets for "Tokyo Godfathers" will be available at FathomEvents.com, TokyoGodfathersMovie.com and participating theater box offices.

SOURCE: Fathom Events

Theatrical Anime Film Based On Popular Rhythm Game "DEEMO" To Be Released In 2020

PONY CANYON announces new Theatrical Anime Film project based on popular rhythm game “DEEMO”

Tokyo based Anime producing powerhouse Pony Canyon announced the production of an Anime Film adaptation of the world-famous rhythm game "DEEMO" at a panel held during ANIME NYC (Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, NYC).

"DEEMO" creator/producer Min-Yang Yu and Mitsuhisa Ishikawa confirmed that the film will be produced by Pony Canyon and Production I.G group, a partnership that has already yielded tremendous success with the global blockbuster Anime "Attack On Titan".

The production company of the film is Signal MD will join the project as the production company and will be supported by Production I.G, Japan's leading Anime studio and creator of numerous masterpieces and global hits such as the "Attack on Titan" and "GHOST IN THE SHELL" series.

Junichi Fujisaku (screenwriter - "GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX"; director/ series composer/production designer/screenwriter - "BLOOD+") has been named as the Executive Director, and up-and-coming creator Shuhei Matsushita will be the Director. 

The theme song will be composed by Yuki Kajiura ("Sword Art Online", "Puella Magi Madoka Magica", "Fate/Zero", and "The Garden of Sinners (Kara no Kyokai)/Boundary of Emptiness").

• The film is expected to wrap up in 2020.

About DEEMO, the game on which the movie is based

DEEMO is a SmartPhone rhythm game app that has had over 23 million downloads worldwide. DEEMO -Reborn-, both its downloadable and packaged software for PlayStation4, will be released on November 21.

DEEMO, a rhythm video game inspired by the musical instrument of piano, carries approximately 200 songs of a wide variety, from beautiful classical music to rock, jazz, and electronic. It offers innovative entertainment to the players who must tap the notes on the screen like playing the piano, and in addition to its collection of superlative music, the smoothness of gameplay is unrivaled by any other game app, which have captivated many music game fans in Asia and around the world.

Movie: Introduction

"Never left without saying goodbye"

Alone in a castle, a figure plays a piano... Deemo
One day, a girl with no memory falls from the sky.

A gentle story that will touch your heart

Ming-Yang Yu (CEO of Rayark / Executive Producer) Profile

As a producer, Yu has developed a variety of titles as well as assisted in production line quality control and creative thinking. He insists on combining original game design with high-quality art as the cornerstone of Rayark's game development. At the same time, he also devotes himself to making Rayark a content provider that can influence the world.

Ming-Yang Yu

Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (CEO of Production I.G) Profile

Born in Tokyo in 1958, Ishikawa joined TATSUNOKO PRODUCTION Co, Ltd., after graduating from college, and later established his own company Production I.G, Inc., of which he is currently the CEO and president. Ishikawa is known for the world famous "Ghost in the Shell" (1995), "Blood: The Last Vampire" (2000), the animated sequence in "Kill Bill: Vol.1" (2003), as well as "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" (2004), which was the first anime to be nominated at the Cannes International Film Festival.

Within the current anime market, he is also known for such popular titles as "Attack on Titan," "Psycho-Pass," and "Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie."

Mitsuhisa Ishikawa

SOURCE: Pony Canyon

Anime Expo 2019 Thrills Fans Of Japanese Pop Culture During Four-Day Show In Los Angeles

Drawing more than 350,000 attendees from across the world Anime Expo, the largest anime event held in North America each year, prepares to welcome some of the most passionate Japanese pop culture fans to the Los Angeles Convention Center July 4-7.

Drawing more than 350,000 attendees from across the world Anime Expo (AX), the largest anime event held in North America each year, once again welcomes some of the most passionate Japanese pop culture fans to the Los Angeles Convention Center July 4-7, including a special Pre-Show Night on July 3. 

In its 28th year, AX is the preeminent event featuring the newest anime films, television series, fashion, video games, manga, dance, music concerts, exhibitors and exclusive convention merchandise, all combined to deliver unforgettable experiences to fans of anime and Japanese pop culture.

"We are super excited with the AX 2019 line-up and know our fans will find plenty of events and activities to entertain and keep them engaged through-out the four-day show. From the exclusive screening of Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution and the impressive works from world-renowned composer Yoshihiro Ike, to crowd favorites like the Fashion Show and all of the fabulous cosplay, we encourage AX 2019 attendees to sample it all - creating many amazing and lasting memories," said Ray Chiang, CEO of The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, AX's organizer.

AX 2019 features 400+ exhibitors, 19 premieres, 500+ artists and hundreds of hours of programming, as well as multiple programming tracks like Culture Day, Family Day and Career Day, many interactive events and 22 Guests of Honor and 100+ industry appearances.

Keeping things mobile and with so many cool events to see, AX makes it easy for fans to know when and where to be with their own App. The Anime Expo 2019 Mobile App is a virtual tour guide - turning a phone into a digital companion, accompanying fans on their journey while providing guidance and information about everything AX! Fans with smartphone access can get up-to-date schedule information, maps, guest information, exhibitor list, artist alley list, and more.

AX 2019 offers four-full days and nights jammed-packed with panel discussions, live performances and special appearances. 

Here are some must-see events:

4DX Anime Film Fest (July 3 & July 4 Regal LA Live Theater): 

At the first annual 4DX Anime Film Fest experience exclusive screenings of Detective Conan: Zero The Enforcer, Mobile Suit Gundam NT (Narrative) and Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the MOVIE – A Wakening of the Trailblazer - enhanced with immersive, multi-sensory 4DX motion and environmental effects! 

• In addition, a 30-minute Q&A panel with screenwriter and cast follows the Mobile Suit Gundam NT (Narrative) screening to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the series.

Music Galore: 

From DJ's, dance and AMVs to live concerts and karaoke, it wouldn't be AX without plenty of music-related events to choose from. 

Two musts: 

Yoshihiro Ike (image via showclix.com)

• Yoshihiro Ike: Anime Soundtrack World (July 7, 12:30 – 2:30 pm, Main Events/Hall B): This international debut concert by legendary composer and musician Yoshihiro Ike is sure to awe the audience. Ike is one of the most recognized music composers in Japan, having worked on more than 100 titles in the last 20 years. 

Aqours (image via anime-expo.org)

• School idol group Aqours makes a return appearance with LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! Aqours World LoveLive! in LA 〜BRAND NEW WAVE〜 (July 5, 7 p.m. & July 6, 1 p.m., The NOVO).

Artist Alley (Kentia Hall): 

A must-see are the more than 500 artists who showcase a variety of handmade creations for sale to attendees, including original artwork, prints, crafts, clothing and comic collections in what is the largest gathering of amateur and semi-professional artists at any convention.

• This year's featured artists are Shinnosuke Uchida, the world's only wall-manga live paint artist, and LA-based pop culture artist Jared Yamahata.

Anime Expo Fashion Show (July 5, 12:30 – 3 p.m., Live Programing 1/Petree Hall): 

Japan is home to many of the most cutting-edge, fashion-forward trends in the world. AX takes pride in showcasing and introducing a variety of designers and their creations to the American market. 

Throughout the years, AX has featured authentic Japanese clothing brands, as well as a new generation of models and this year AX is honored to have Michelle Nguyen Bradley MC the Fashion Show. 

Designers include: h. NAOTO, Acryl CANDY, HYPLAND, amnesiA&paramenesiA, Metamorphose and Hot Topic. 

• In addition, in The Annex attendees are able to meet and get an autograph or photo from the designers and models, and shop each brand's offerings.

Charity Auction (July 7, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in Live Programming 3 (408 AB): 

AX is proud to give its support to a very worthy local organization Terasaki Budokan, and encourages fans to stop by the auction and bid on items donated by AX 2019 Guests of Honor, and anime-related vendors and companies that will include signed merchandise, memorabilia, and original artwork. 

Terasaki Budokan's mission is to provide a facility in Downtown Los Angeles for youth, families and seniors that offers sports, community activities and opportunities to connect visitors to Japanese American culture and to a vibrant, sustainable Little Tokyo. 

• Last year's Charity Auction raised nearly $18,000.

Masquerade & World Cosplay Summit US Finals (costumes) (July 6, 8 – 11 p.m. Main Events/Hall B): 

AX encourages and embraces cosplay and the AX Masquerade is a celebration of cosplay and performance competition steeped in history of more than 20 years. AX is excited to welcome all of the performers who are hoping to win the US preliminary for World Cosplay Summit.

Gaming (Entertainment Hall): 

With more than 200 gaming stations, including eGaming and eSports arenas, tabletop, mobile and arcade games, AX 2019 delivers the latest from Dream League, PUBG, KONAMI, Fate/Grand Order and others. 

With tournaments, learn-to-play, and free-play sessions, there's something for everyone at all skill levels in the tabletop games section. eGaming fans can compete with Xbox, Nintendo, Playstation consoles, plus an arcade section to compete with others or just have fun. 

• Additionally, fans can join the biggest names in the industry as they unveil their latest projects and releases during panels and workshops.

During all show days, attendees who can't fit everything into their schedule can connect to the Anime Expo Livestream channel to watch events in LP1/Petree Hall and exclusive interviews.

SOURCE: Anime Expo

Related Videos:

Koichi Sakamoto, Director behind "Ultraman," "Kamen Rider," "Super Sentai" and "Power Rangers," Creates New Era of "Ninja Super Hero" Ready to Be Released Worldwide

BLACKFOX: Age of the Ninja ((C) PROJECT BLACKFOX)

Samurai Drama Channel, Japan's paid television broadcasting exclusively Japanese period dramas, announced on March 20 the release of a new Japanese special-effect period drama called "BLACKFOX: Age of the Ninja" produced by director Koichi Sakamoto. 

• This will be the world's first project interlocking animation and Samurai drama, with the original SF action animation "BLACKFOX," produced by director Kazuya Nomura of Studio 3Hz.

The Japanese special-effect action costume drama has a female ninja in the leading role and, while the animation version tells the story of a ninja clan descendant set against a near-future backdrop, the live-action drama is set in the past, going back to the ninja and samurai era.

Director Koichi Sakamoto

Director Sakamoto, who is known as a key person in the Japanese special-effect "Tokusatsu" film industry, was looking to take on a new challenge: "I have included in the production everything I know, particularly what I learned from my time in Hollywood -- a sense of tempo, commitment to action and homage to my favorite work." While adding that he is delighted with the final result, he said he is ready to inspire people from Japan and elsewhere in the world.

• The first video trailer of the live-action version will be released on March 23 on the official website and the official SNS account as well as at a BS Fuji booth and an Infinite booth at "AnimeJapan 2019" that is being held at Tokyo Big Sight on the same day onwards. 

BLACKFOX - the animation version ((C) PROJECT BLACKFOX)

SOURCE: Nihon Eiga Broadcasting Corporation

Heartwarming Japanese Anime Hit 'I Want To Eat Your Pancreas' Coming to U.S. Cinemas For Only Two Days

 'I Want To Eat Your Pancreas' - Poster

Fathom Events in partnership with Aniplex of America brings the uplifting, coming-of-age tale that has captured the hearts of millions in Japan, "I want to eat your pancreas." 

Based on the bestselling, award-winning novel by Yoru Sumino, "I want to eat your pancreas" the anime adaptation beautifully explores the relationship between the terminally ill Sakura and the unnamed protagonist, "Me," as they embark on an emotional journey during an unforgettable spring.  

As these two opposites try to learn to find happiness, they in turn discover the true meaning of compassion.  In addition to the poignant feature, attendees will also view exclusive extra footage, including interviews with the cast and crew.

"I want to eat your pancreas" - "Me" (VA: Mahiro Takasugi/Robbie Daymond): A high school student, who avoids getting to know anyone too deeply. Likes reading. Accidentally discovers Sakura’s secret after picking up “Living with Dying.” (Image via iwanttoeatyourpancreas.com)

• Presented by Fathom Events and Aniplex of America, "I want to eat your pancreas" comes to more than 400 U.S. cinemas subtitled on Thursday, February 7 at 7:00pm (local time) and English-dubbed on Sunday, February 10 at 12:55pm (local time). 

• For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

The special two night event includes the world premiere of the English dub featuring cast members Robbie Daymond ("Sailor Moon," "Digimon Adventure tri.") and Erika Harlacher ("Fate/Apocrypha," "Violet Evergarden") voicing the two main characters, along with Kira Buckland ("Blue Exorcist," "Durarara!!x2"), Kyle McCarley ("Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]," "DEVILMAN crybaby"), and Dorah Fine ("Magi: The Kingdom of Magic") in supporting roles. 

Making her directorial debut is voice actress Erica Mendez from "KILL la KILL" and "Your lie in April," who has signed on to handle the voice direction in addition to composing the English adaptation of the heartwarming film. 

"I am pleased to be able to share this beautiful story to everyone living in the U.S.," said Aniplex of America president, Shu Nishimoto. "This film captures both the beauty of Japan's landscape as well as the beauty in growing up. I hope the film gives everyone a renewed appreciation for life and the people that shape our life choices."

"I want to eat your pancreas" was produced by Studio VOLN ("Ushio & Tora") and marks Shinichiro Ushijima's ("One Punch Man," "All Out!!") directorial debut. 

The Japanese cast features popular actor and 72nd Mainichi Film Awards Best New Actor winner, Mahiro Takasugi, who will voice the main character "Me" alongside veteran voice actress, Lynn ("High School Fleet," "A Place Further Than the Universe"), who will voice the female lead, Sakura Yamauchi. 

The impressive voice cast also includes Atsuko Tanaka("Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]," "Ghost in the Shell"), Shin-ichiro Miki ("Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood," "Initial D"), and three-time winner of the Japanese Academy Awards, actress Emi Wakui.

"We are excited to once again partner with Aniplex of America to bring this highly anticipated title to the U.S.," Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. "It is a wonderful story and appeals to people in all walks of life."

"I want to eat your pancreas" - Sakura (VA: Lynn/Erika Harlacher): “Me’s” classmate. She has not shared with anyone outside of her family that she has limited time left due to a pancreatic disease. Cheerful, openhearted, and very outgoing. (Image via iwanttoeatyourpancreas.com)

⏩ Tickets for "I want to eat your pancreas" are available now at FathomEvents.com and participating box offices.

SOURCE: Fathom Events

The Trailer:

Hivemind Acquires Hit Comic Series GIDEON FALLS for TV Adaptation

Gideon Falls, the hit comic series from New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire and illustrator Andrea Sorrentino, will soon be coming to television in partnership with Hivemind

Hivemind today announced that it has won an intense multi-studio bidding war and acquired the rights to bring the hit Image Comics comic book series, GIDEON FALLS, to television in partnership with co-creators Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino. 

Hivemind's Jason Brown, Sean Daniel, Kathy Lingg and Dinesh Shamdasani will executive produce the series alongside co-creators Lemire and Sorrentino with high-level creative talent already circling the project.

An atmospheric thriller colliding rural mystery and urban horror, the series follows an ensemble cast of seemingly random strangers – a washed-up Catholic priest, an uncompromising female sheriff, and a young recluse obsessed with unraveling a conspiracy buried in his city's trash – as they become drawn into a mystery connected to a long-forgotten local legend.

Established in 2018, Hivemind is the new production entity from long-time producing partners Sean Daniel and Jason Brown, Bad Robot veteran Kathy Linggand former Valiant Entertainment CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani. 

Dedicated to partnering with high-level creative talent and globally recognized intellectual properties from the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, horror, comic books, video games, anime, and more, 

Hivemind recently inked a first-look deal with Amazon Studios. GIDEON FALLS marks a major new rights acquisition for the label, which will develop the series as an hour-long horror drama based on Lemire and Sorrentino's repeatedly sold-out, critically acclaimed comic title of the same name that instantly became one of 2018's biggest breakout hits upon its debut in March.

"GIDEON FALLS is psychological horror told with a deeply humanistic touch, a story about imperfect people who confront their own demons – imagined and supernatural alike," said Hivemind Co-President Jason Brown. "It is this kind of expertly fashioned, character-focused genre storytelling that inspired us to form Hivemind, and it is our mission to collaborate with world-class authors, artists, and rights holders like Jeff and Andrea to bring their stories to the screen in an authentic way."

GIDEON FALLS is the latest property to join Hivemind's quickly expanding roster of film and television projects. 

⏩ The company currently produces the acclaimed science fiction series The Expanse – which recently made a historic move to Amazon – as well as Netflix's upcoming adaptation of The Witcher, based on the series of novels that inspired the best-selling game franchise. Its next feature film will be Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark with producer/co-writer Guillermo del Toro and director André Øvredal, which begins production this summer.

"GIDEON FALLS is a story that is very near to our hearts, and Andrea and I could not be more excited to be partnering with Hivemind to bring the terror, and the story of Fred, Norton and The Black Barn, to an even wider audience," said series co-creator and writer Jeff Lemire.

"It's great to imagine GIDEON FALLS, and all these characters whom we've been working so hard to realize in the graphic novel, now coming to life on TV screens," added series co-creator and artist Andrea Sorrentino.

GIDEON FALLS will also notably re-team Lemire with producer Dinesh Shamdasani, who joins Hivemind as Co-President. Lemire and Shamdasani previously collaborated on multiple best-selling comics projects, including The Valiant and Bloodshot Reborn, during his time at the helm of Valiant Entertainment, which Shamdasani departed following a major acquisition in early 2018. 

In addition to his duties at Hivemind, Shamdasani is also currently producing a big-screen adaptation of the Bloodshot comic book series for Sony Pictures with star Vin Diesel, director Dave Wilson, and Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Eric Heisserer that is set to begin filming this summer.

"GIDEON FALLS is one of the most inventive stories anywhere in comics today, colliding a psychologically complex and intellectually nuanced cast against a stark and terrifying terrain of science fiction and horror," said Shamdasani. "It's no surprise that it comes from the brilliant minds of two of the most talented creators in the comics medium – Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino – or that it sparked a massive multi-studio bidding war."

"GIDEON FALLS" - The Comic Book: Sneak Preview (Via Image Comics)

About Jeff Lemire & Andrea Sorrentino:

New York Times best-selling and award-winning author Jeff Lemire is the creator of such iconic graphic novels as Essex County, Sweet Tooth, Underwater Welder, and Roughneck, as well as the co-creator of Descender with Dustin Nguyen, Black Hammer with Dean Ormston and Plutona with Emi Lenox. Having won the American Library Association's prestigious Alex Award – recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal – Lemire has been nominated for eight Eisner awards, seven Harvey awards, and eight Shuster awards.

Best-selling and acclaimed Italian artist Andrea Sorrentino was named IGN's Best Comic Artist of 2012 and, in the years since, has contributed to some of Marvel and DC Comics' greatest properties, including X-Men, Wolverine: Old Man Logan, Secret Empire, and Green Arrow. He is currently working full time on GIDEON FALLS, while still also providing covers for Marvel and DC Comics.

"GIDEON FALLS" - The Comic Book: Sneak Preview (Via Image Comics)

About Image Comics:

Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. 

Image currently has six individuals on the Board of Directors: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and Eric Stephenson. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. 

Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. 

⏩ For more information, visit imagecomics.com.

"GIDEON FALLS" - The Comic Book: Sneak Preview (Via Image Comics)

SOURCE: Hivemind

Related Videos:

Top 10 Best Anime With The Most Action

Black Lagoon (License: Image author owned) 

By Rezan Ferdous

Hey guys! it's been another amazing year for Anime.

Here are my picks for the top ten anime of the year! All of these are Anime series that I really enjoyed and they're definitely recommendations to everyone. Also you can find some of the best cartoons episodes here.

Let's get started!

10: “Katanagatari” (2010)

Brutal yet beautiful. For those that love nothing more than to kick back and enjoy old samurai flicks filled with rhythmic sword battles, then look no further.

Centred on our two young and dynamic leads Shichika and Togame, one a fearsome swordsman without a sword, the other a cheerful strategist, both set out on a mission to gather twelve legendary katanas - but in order to do so must defeat their not-so-helpless owners.

Backed by a compelling romance, and with each episode a brilliantly self-contained arc, you will truly feel like you’ve been on a hero’s journey.

9: “Drifters” (2016)

Alternative history has never been so bloody. Gathered from all across time, several legendary figures such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are gathered together in order defeat The Ends; a group made up of some of history’s worse villains that range from Gilles de Rais and Gregori Rasputin.

Even if you’re no expert on their past deeds, their unique characterisations and deadly talents for combat will have you riveted. Oh, and there elves, because every fantasy needs buxom elves in need of saving!

8: “Cowboy Bebop” (1998-99)

It may be a future filled intergalactic travel and spaceships, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of bounties in need of grabbing. Aboard the titular Bebop, the rag tag crew of bounty hunters get themselves into all sorts of misadventures across the galaxy.

With several self-contained episodes that sees the crew taking on dangerous bounties along with the overarching battle with the Red Dragon Syndicate, the fire fights, dry humour and extravagant combat - largely due to Spike’s insane martial arts prowess and marksmanships skills - are sure to hit their mark.

7: “Kill la Kill” (2013-14)

On the hunt for her father’s killer, the young and fiery Ryuko Matoi soon finds herself taking on the fearsome school council that rule over Honnouji Academy with an iron-fist.

Each enemy is armed with uniforms that imbue them with superhuman abilities, and they’re all led by one of anime’s most badass ladies; Satsuki Kiryuin.

The result is a blend of the magical girl genre that never slows down for even a second, mixing together striking visuals with an unashamedly erotic edge as Ryuko’s clashes against Satsuki literally light up the screen.

6: “Darker than Black” (2007-09)

If you like your action with a hint of political conspiracy, then The Black Reaper has got your covered. Following the emergence of spatial anomalies over the world, certain individuals, dubbed Contractors, are gifted with destructive abilities – the perfect tools for assassination.

Along with a secret organisation known as the Syndicate throwing its hand in, the conflicts between opposing Contractors make up the bulk of the series, and given the range of their powers, battles can get pretty intense. 

Oh, and it’s all helmed by Hei aka The Black Reaper aka Chinese Electric Batman.

5: “Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14)

In a world filled with undiscovered riches and terrifying beasts, those that wish to seek them must first prove themselves as Hunters. Attracting all types, from the naïve Gon, to the lethal Killua, we’re presented with a number of interweaving storylines as each strives towards their goals.

The dynamics between the heroes certainly make for a good time, but where it really shines is its fight scenes. Take all your favourite anime tropes from tournament arcs, to insidious antagonist groups, and that one seemingly unstoppable antagonist, the series raises the bar with its superior storytelling and downright brutal fight scenes.

4: “Samurai Champloo” (2004-05)

Taking the beauty and set-pieces of Edo-period Japan and layering it with some pretty heavy modern-day Western influences and you have just what might be one of the strangest yet most successful fusions in Anime.

After all, nothing compliments intense sword fights more than hip hop. Focusing on an unlikely trio of polar opposites, the three set out on a less than peaceful journey to find the “samurai who smells like sunflowers.” 

Not shying away from violence all the while fully embracing its east-meets-west context, this is the ideal pick for those that enjoy the more artistic side to swordplay.

3: “One Piece” (1999-)

An Anime about pirates was never going to be free of conflict. As Luffy and the rest of his crew search for the treasure left behind by the legendary Gold Roger, not only do they end up fighting against rival pirates as well as the likes of the marines, but they do so while harnessing the power of the Devil Fruits; items that, you guessed it, grant them superpowers.

Throw in the fact some battles are literal war scenes on an unprecedented scale, the sheer variety (and insanity) of enemies that Luffy must face down make for simply monstrous action.

2: “Dragon Ball Super” (2015-)

Why not Dragon Ball Z? Because everyone and their cat has watched that. So if we’re making a suggestion here it’d be to check out this killer sequel.

Goku and his crew return, greeted to several new arcs that focuses on expanding the DB lore, all the while giving up plenty of new foes for them to let loose a Kamehameha at! Once you get past the movie recaps, you have some absolute gem arcs like the Universe 6 Tournament and the battle against an evil version of Goku. If you’re not on it yet – GET ON IT.

1: “Black Lagoon” (2006)

Mercenaries, pimps, thieves, weapon-dealing nuns and a Russian Crime Syndicate. Welcome to Roanapur. On an island thriving with vice, you have Lagoon Company, a for-hire service that prove that crime does indeed pay.


The team’s muscle comes in the form of Revy, a wild gunslinger who will shoot first and ask questions later. She might sound bad, but when your enemies could range from anything like remnants of the Third Reich or a pair of incestuous vampire twins, Revy and the rest of Lagoon look like saints. Saints who most certainly know how to bring the heat.


About Today's Contributor:
Hi, I am Rezan Ferdous. I own a website called Listlar.com. There I post fresh and cool top lists on; umm .. let say everything but no brainer.


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