With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013

With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013
With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013

Friday, July 21, 2017

Numerous Asian films to screen at 21st Fantasia International Film Festival


Montreal's Fantasia International Film Festival is celebrating its 21th Anniversary this year. The festival began on July 13th and runs through August 2nd.

For just over two decades, the mammoth three-week festival has embraced a wide variety of genre- but it still continues to boast one of the most dynamic and outstanding Asian films programs from any genre fest. This year, with over 130 new films screening at Fantasia, FIFF has brought together a selection of the best Asian films.

The wide variety of Asian films at Fantasia 2017 is truly incredible. To find out more visit www.fantasiafestival.com.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

WOLF WARRIOR II coming to theaters on July 28th

The H Collective
in partnership with
Well Go USA
presents
Wolf Warrior II
Directed by Wu Jing
Written by Wu Jing, Dong Qun, Liu Yi
Starring Wu Jing, Frank Grillo, Celina Jade, Wu Gang,
Hans Zhang, Ding Haifeng, and Chunyu Shanshan
China, 2017, 120 minutes

The H Collective, in partnership with Well Go USA, has announced that the Wolf Warrior is back, bigger and badder than ever, in this action-packed sequel to the 2015 blockbuster hit. With his career in tatters, China’s deadliest Special Forces operative has settled into a quiet life on the sea. But when he crosses paths with a sadistic band of mercenaries terrorizing innocent civilians, he must reaffirm his duty as a soldier and save the day once again.

Fists (and bullets, tanks, missiles and much more) will fly in this adrenaline-fueled tour de force of bravura action filmmaking, all culminating into a climactic battle between the Wolf Warrior and the mercenary leader (Frank Grillo, Captain America: The Winter Solider and Captain America: Civil War).

Wolf Warrior II will open in theaters on July 28th. Further information, including cities and theaters, is available at the film's official website.

L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties coming on September 26th

Lionsgate
Presents
L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties
Directed by Jingming Guo
Starring Fan Bingbing (Iron Man 3, X-Men: Days of Future Past),
Kris Wu ( xXx: Return of Xander Cage, The Mermaid), and
Cheney Chen (The Great Wall, TV’s “Yes! Mr. Fashion”)
China/Cambodia, 2016, 118 minutes

In an ancient world of magic and monsters, mystical lords must save their kingdom in L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties, arriving on DVD, Digital HD and On Demand September 26 from Lionsgate.

From the visual effects team behind James Cameron’s Avatar and Warcraft, this computer- animated, motion-capture, action-adventure odyssey stars Kris Wu and Fan Bingbing as sorcerers battling an evil traitor in order to restore peace to the kingdom.

Based on the fantastic and epic novels by Guo Jingming, the L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.98.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS
Supernatural warriors clash with dark forces of evil in this electrifying fantasy-adventure. In a distant time, seven lords who wield powers beyond imagination share dominion over a world. But when one lord falls from grace, the others summon all their magic to stop an epic war that is ravaging the land — and threatening the order of the universe.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

ABSURD ACCIDENT premieres on August 3rd at Asia Society NY

Cheng Cheng Films
Presents
Absurd Accident
Director: Yuhe Li
Executive Producer: Derek Yee  
Starring: Xixu Chen, Ye Gao, Suxi Ren, Bo Dong, and Yunfei Lou
China, 2017, 97 minutes

Official Selection, New York Asian American International Film Festival
Nomination, Best Screenplay, Shanghai International Film Festival New Asian Talent
Nomination, Main Competition, Macau International Movie Festival

The Chinese comedy thriller Absurd Accident will premiere on August 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm at Asia Society NY. Tickets are now on sale at the Asian American International Film Festival website.

Synopsis:
Bouncing with nail-biting suspense and ingenious humor, young Chinese filmmaker Li Yuhe's feature debut portrays a puzzling crime happened in a rural small town, where greed, lust and wit battle it out in one night. It all starts from a sexually impotent motel owner hiring a pro to murder his cheating wife. Everything goes exactly as planned, until two blind daters, a robber, a policeman and a strange dead body unexpectedly arrive.

Watch the trailer here.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Sentai Filmworks Licenses ‘New Theatrical Movie Initial D Legend’ Movies


Sentai Filmworks has announced its acquisition of all three New Theatrical Movie Initial D Legend movies: New Theatrical Movie Initial D Legend 1: Awakening, New Theatrical Movie Initial D Legend 2: Racer, and New Theatrical Movie Initial D Legend 3: Dream.

Based on the original Initial D manga by Shuichi Shigeno, the movie trilogy is a retelling centered around the adventures of a bleak, uninspired high school senior named Takumi Fujiwara. Despite having no interest in racing, he ends up caught in an exhilarating world which ends up being far more dangerous than he imagined. As Takumi gets drawn deeper into the underworld of drag racing, he meets Keisuke, a competent racer, and his brother Ryosuke, the leader of the Red Suns.

Masamitsu Hidaka (S-CRY-ed, Pokemon) helmed the role of Chief Director for the films. Toshihito Naka served as director with composition by Aki Dobashi (Mobile Suit Gundam Seed, Yozakura Quartet). Anime production was helmed by Sanzigen & Liden Films, who are responsible for Black Rock Shoot and The Heroic Legend of Arslan.

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Additional dance and music artists to perform at J-POP SUMMIT 2017

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL
MUSIC AND DANCE ARTISTS AND
OTHER KINETIC LIVE PERFORMERS

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event
Presents Anison Singer May’n, Kendama Performers Zoomadanke,
Vogue-Inspired Dance Team TOKYO GEGEGAY, And Renowned
Studio Ghibli Singer Azumi Inoue And Daughter Yuyu

J-POP SUMMIT 2017, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, has announced additional dance and music artists set to perform at this year’s festival.

This year’s event will be highlighted by an exciting 2-day slate of live music from a wide range of top Japanese pop, anison (anime song), dance, electronica, enka (Japanese soul) and rock artists that will complement an extensive roster of immersive experiences and attractions inspired by the wonders of Japanese pop culture.

Just-added artists that are scheduled to perform include anison rock singer, May’n, world-renowned professional Kendama performers from Japan, Zoomadanke, the vogue-inspired dance performance group, TOKYO GEGEGAY, and the mother and daughter singing duo of Azumi Inoue & Yuyu; the widely renowned singer of theme songs to beloved anime films from the legendary Studio Ghibli, and her daughter Yuyu.

The newly added artists complement other live performers previously announced that include BAND-MAID, Babyraids Japan, Misaki Iwasa (Former AKB48) and YANAKIKU.

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture located in San Francisco’s Marina district. Attendees will experience the festival’s theme of ARTS, EATS and INNOVATIONS; a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture featuring live music, Japanese food and travel attractions, and interactive technologies. The festival is accented by ramen vendors, sake-tasting, and additional events highlighted by celebrity Guests of Honor. Festival details are available at www.J-POP.com.

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 (Fort Mason Center-only) Tickets are available for VIP, 1-Day, 2-Day, and Kid’s Passes (ages 0-12). Adult single-day passes start at only $35.00 each; 2-day passes start at only $50.00 each. Additional ticket purchase details can be found at: http://www.J-POP.com/2017/Tickets.

About May’n
As one of the must-see Japanese female rock vocalists of a new generation, May’n has performed a wide array of music for anime. She drew initial acclaim as the singing voice of Diva of the Galaxy, Sheryl Nome, in the anime series, Macross Frontier. In 2014, she made a long-time dream come true by completing her biggest world tour ever consisting of 47 cities in Japan and multiple foreign countries, including her first-ever appearance at J-POP SUMMIT in San Francisco. More details available at: http://www.j-pop.com/guests/mayn.

About Zoomadanke
Zoomadanke is one of the most famous professional Kendama performers in Japan. The duo consists of Takeshi Kodama (Kodaman) and Hiroki Iijima (Easy). They are pioneers who blend the elements of Kendama, which is a traditional Japanese wooden toy, with dance and music to create a new style of live performance. Their stylish and acrobatic performances also have captured a growing international following. More details are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/guests/zoomadanke.

About TOKYO GEGEGAY
TOKYO GEGEGAY is an eccentric art and dance performance group led by Munetaka Maki, aka MIKEY, along with four girls: housewife BOW, yoga instructor MARIE, University student MIKU, and the Colleen Bawn of the group, YUYU. TOKYO GEGEGAY recently won the 10th Japan Dance Forum Award. This award is given to an individual or a group with a remarkable year of creative activity and who has made a major contribution to dance scene in Japan. The group also has performed in the Philippines and Thailand. By crossing cultural borders, the troupe has leveraged the power of dance and has received extremely positive coverage from fans and the media. More details available at: http://www.j-pop.com/guests/tokyo-gegegay.

About Azumi Inoue & Yuyu
Making her debut in 1983, Azumi Inoue first gained notice as the singer of the end theme for Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli anime movie, Laputa: Castle In The Sky with “Carrying You.” Performing as a singer on many early Studio Ghibli movies, she is also known for such favorites as the opening and closing themes for My Neighbor Totoro: “Stroll” and “My Neighbor Totoro;” and incidental music for Kiki’s Delivery Service: “Changing Seasons” and “Maho No Nukumori.”

Yuyu is the daughter of Azumi Inoue. In 2012 Yuyu made her debut at the age of seven on the public broadcasting channel NHK, performing the song “6 Sai No Ballad” (6 Year-Old’s Ballad) for the TV show, Minna No Uta, which has a 50-year history, was bombarded with requests for the song, making it a huge hit. In 2014, her song, “Hanbun Otona” (Half an adult), a duet performed with her mother Azumi Inoue, was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna No Uta, making it her third consecutive song to be shown on the program. She is currently a 12-year-old junior high school student. More details are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/guests/azumi-inoue-yuyu/.

Visit www.J-POP.com for additional festival information and a comprehensive listing of all the J-POP SUMMIT 2017 attractions and events.

About J-POP SUMMIT
J-POP SUMMIT is one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events held annually in San Francisco, CA. As an open playground of discovery and diversion inspired by the wonders of Japanese pop culture, J-POP SUMMIT presents ARTS, EATS and INNOVATIONS; a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture featuring live music, Japanese food and travel attractions, and interactive technologies. With more than 20,000 attendees for two days, the festival has become an immersive landing platform for new trends from Japan.

Official website: www.j-pop.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JPOPSummit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JpopSummitFest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpopsummit

Saturday, July 15, 2017

English Voice Cast of BORUTO and SAILOR MOON coming to Comic-Con

BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE
© 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO/2007 SHIPPUDEN © BMP 2015
VIZ MEDIA WELCOMES THE ENGLISH VOICE CAST
OF BORUTO and SAILOR MOON
AT COMIC-CON 2017

Voice Actors From Some Of Anime’s Most Popular Series Join
VIZ Media For Official Panels And Autograph Sessions

VIZ Media will welcome talented English voice actors from the popular anime series BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS and SAILOR MOON for special appearances and panel discussions at Comic-Con International 2017.

Comic-Con International, which is one of the nation’s largest comic book, science fiction and pop culture events, will take place on July 19th–23rd at the San Diego Convention Center, in San Diego, CA. VIZ Media will be located in Booth #2813. Complete details on Comic-Con are available at: Comic-Con.org.

Join the English voice casts of two of VIZ Media’s most-loved anime series as they participate in panel discussions and autograph sessions throughout the convention.

Friday, July 21st

3:30pm – 4:30pm Shonen Jump Panel with Special Guests! Room 5AB
Come hang with your Shonen Jump pals and select English BORUTO voice actors! We'll be making announcements, discussing SJ manga, and giving you the chance to answer ridiculously easy trivia for prizes!

Catch key cast members from BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS. Scheduled to appear are:
• Amanda Celine Miller (Boruto)
• Cherami Leigh (Sarada)
• Robbie Daymond (Mitsuki)

5:30pm BORUTO English Voice Cast Autograph Session VIZ, Media Booth #2813
Stop by the VIZ Media booth after the panel for a special BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS voice cast signing. See the booth’s front desk for full details.

SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL t-shirt: 
©Naoko Takeuchi / PNP / KODANSHA / TOEI ANIMATION

Saturday, July 22nd

1:30pm – 2:30pm Official SAILOR MOON Panel, Room 5AB
Everyone's favorite Guardian of Love and Justice is back and better than ever! Join the SAILOR MOON team for all the can't-miss news and updates on the legendary anime series, as well as some special guest appearances!

Catch the cast of SAILOR MOON at the panel. Scheduled to appear are:
• Amanda Celine Miller (Sailor Jupiter)
• Cherami Leigh (Sailor Venus)
• Robbie Daymond (Tuxedo Mask)

3:30pm SAILOR MOON Voice Cast Autograph Session, VIZ Media Booth #2813
Catch the voice cast after the panel for a special signing session at the VIZ Media booth starting at 3:30pm! Stop by the booth’s front desk for full details.

For more information on BORUTO, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

JAPAN CUTS begins tonight

Japan Society NY
Presents
JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film
When: July 13—23, 2017
Where: Japan Society NY
333 East 47th Street, NYC
Map

Now in its 11th year, North America’s largest festival of new Japanese cinema returns to serve up a slice of the best and boldest titles from Japan never before seen in NYC with special guest filmmakers and stars, post-screening Q&As, parties and much more. Boasting a thrilling slate of epic blockbusters, shoestring independents, radical documentaries, mind-bending avant-garde, newly-restored classics, and breathtaking animation, JAPAN CUTS 2017 promises a bounty of cinematic discoveries for film fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike.

And while MUMON: The Land of Stealth, tonight's opening film, is sold out, there are plenty of other wonderful films and events to attend. Information about the entire festival -- including the festival schedule, film descriptions, and links to order tickets -- can be found here.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

VIZ announces new publishing acquisitions for release in 2018

Manga Additions Include A New Collector’s Edition Of
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, New Haikasoru Novel,
A Pair Of NEKO ATSUME: KITTY COLLECTOR Books
And More

VIZ Media has announced plans to expand its publishing catalog with newly acquired titles this past weekend at Anime Expo 2017 in Los Angeles.

Set for publication beginning in early 2018, the new manga titles include FIRE PUNCH, a dystopian thriller that will launch under the VIZ Signature imprint, and the gender-swapping shojo manga series KENKA BANCHO OTOME: GIRL BEATS BOYS. Manga additions also include the classic bestselling series FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, which returns in a hardcover collector’s edition. SISYPHEAN was announced as the latest novel to join the Haikasoru literary imprint, and a pair of titles—a haiku volume and an activity book—inspired by the global hit mobile game Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector also join the VIZ Media roster.

Additional information on each of these titles will be announced in the near future.

New VIZ Media Publishing Acquisitions for 2018

FIRE PUNCH • Rated ‘M’ For Mature Audiences • Available January 2018
In the not-too-distant past, the Ice Witch blanketed the world in snow, starvation and madness, leading the inhabitants to seek their salvation in fire. With that, an unusual destiny unfolds for two young orphans, Agni and Luna, blessed with the ability to regenerate. But will this ability prove to be more of a curse than a blessing? FIRE PUNCH was a nominee for the 2017 Manga Taisho Award.

SISYPHEAN (Novel) • Unrated • Available January 2018
In this award-winning novel by Dempow Torishima, even after the world and humanity itself have been rendered nearly unrecognizable by genetic engineering, a day in the office can feel…Sisyphean. The company stands atop a tiny deck supported by huge iron columns a hundred meters high. The boss there is its president – a large creature of unstable, shifting form once called “human.” The world of his dedicated worker contains only the deck and the sea of mud surrounding it, and the worker’s daily routine is anything but peaceful. A mosaic novel of extreme science and high weirdness, Sisyphean will change the way you see existence itself. Sisyphean was a winner of the prestigious Japan SF Award and also nominated for a Seiun Award.

NEKO ATSUME: KITTY COLLECTOR—WHERE AM I MEOW? • Unrated • Available February 2018
Expand your play from the popular mobile game Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector with a fun activity book for cat fans of all ages. In this full-color book, seek and find favorite kitties from Neko Atsume Kitty Collector as they romp through imaginative new environments, learn facts about the classic cats and play with dozens of stickers!

NEKO ATSUME: KITTY COLLECTOR HAIKU—SEASONS OF THE KITTY • Unrated • Available February 2018
Ever wonder what the kitties of the popular mobile game Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector get up to when they're not on your screen? Join the cast of the cartoon cats of Neko Atsume Kitty Collector in an irreverent journey through the seasons as told in haiku.

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: FULLMETAL EDITION • Rated ‘T’ For Teens • Available May 2018
Fully remastered with an updated translation and completely fresh lettering, and presented with all the original color pages on large-trim archival-quality paper, this gorgeous hardcover edition presents the timeless dark adventures of the Elric brothers as they were truly meant to be seen. Also includes new behind-the-scenes character sketches and brand-new color art from author Hiromu Arakawa

KENKA BANCHO OTOME: GIRL BEATS BOYS • Rated ‘T’ For Teens • Available April 2018
A captivating new manga series based on the Japanese romantic adventure game, Kenka Bancho Otome. Hinako thought she didn't have any family, but on the day she starts high school, Hinako’s twin brother Hikaru suddenly appears and tricks her into taking his place. But the new school Hinako attends in his stead is beyond unusual. Now she must fight her way to the top of Shishiku Academy, an all-boys school of delinquents!

For additional information on other manga and literary titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

Monday, July 10, 2017

Sentai Filmworks announces acquisition of LOVE and LIES


Romance gets a little tricky with Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition for the Summer 2017 anime season: LOVE and LIES. The series will soon be available to stream in the U.S. on Anime Strike, the curated on-demand anime subscription from Amazon Channels.

In order to increase birth rates, Japan implements a capability calculation that assigns partners to young people when they turn 16. Those who deviate from their assigned partners are severely punished. Yukari Nejima has been in love with Misaki Tazaki since grade school, and finally confesses to her on his 16th birthday, only to find out he has been assigned to Ririna Sanada. Originally not thrilled, Lilina agrees to allow Yukari and Misaki to continue their illicit relationship in hopes of learning more about love. Things get complicated when love and lies start to intersect.

The series will be helmed by director Seiki Takuno (Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches) and the studio LIDENFILMS.

LOVE and LIES will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike in the U.S., and available in certain countries through select digital outlets for the Summer 2017 season, with a home video release to follow.

Sunday, July 09, 2017

Sentai Filmworks has licensed ‘Action Heroine Cheer Fruits’


Homegrown champions and bitter rivals will clash in Sentai Filmworks’ newest license for the Summer 2017 anime season: Action Heroine Cheer Fruits.

What starts as a project for a small-town festival gains traction when local heroines begin getting scouted for popular TV programs. At the urging of her aunt, a prefectural governor in Hinano City, high school senior Misaki Shirogane signs up to become a "heroine fighter" for her area - but everything changes when she has to save her town’s culture hall, a beloved structure that her grandfather helped build!

The series will be directed by Keizou Kusakawa (Campione!, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS), with series composition by Naruhisa Arakawa (So I Can't Play H) and character designs overseen by Naomi Ide (Problem children are coming from another world, aren't they?, Riddle Story of Devil). The studio helming the project will be diomedea (Squid Girl, Girlish Number, Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE!).

Action Heroine Cheer Fruits is scheduled for a July 2017 release in Japan. It will soon be available to stream on select digital outlets for the Summer 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

Saturday, July 08, 2017

Sentai Filmworks adds ‘Hitorijime My Hero’ to its Summer 2017 lineup


Sentai Filmworks will be adding the boy’s love anime Hitorijime My Hero to its Summer 2017 lineup. The anime series, based on Memeko Arii’s manga of the same name, will begin airing in July 2017 in Japan. The series will be available to stream this summer in the U.S. on Anime Strike, the curated on-demand anime subscription from Amazon Channels.

High schooler Masahiro Setagawa is a fairly helpless delinquent, so much so that the neighborhood bullies use him to run their errands. His life changes when he meets high school teacher Kosuke Oshiba, a man whose fighting abilities have earned him a powerful reputation on the streets. Oshiba finds himself with a desire to protect Setagawa, and despite swearing that he’s not interested in men, Setagawa finds himself getting more involved in Oshiba’s affairs…

Yukina Hiiro (Gakuen Heaven) will direct the series, with Yusei Naruse making his debut in TV series composition. Animation Production will be helmed by Encourage Films (Love Rice, Etotama).

Hitorijime My Hero will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike in the U.S., and available in certain countries through select digital outlets for the summer 2017 season, with a home video release to follow.

Friday, July 07, 2017

Sentai Filmworks has licensed ‘Princess Principal’


Sentai Filmworks delves into the world of subterfuge with its newest acquisition for the Summer 2017 anime season: Princess Principal. This original series by Studio 3Hz (Celestial Method, FLIP FLAPPERS) and Actas Inc. (Girls und Panzer) follows five students as they learn how to navigate their way around a gritty underworld. The series will be available to stream this summer in the U.S. on Anime Strike, the curated on-demand anime subscription from Amazon Channels.

At the end of the 19th century, London, the Kingdom of Albion has been split into East and West sides by a giant wall. Five girls attend Queen’s Mayfaire, a conventional and prestigious school. Under the guise of regular high school girls, they act as spies under cover. Disguise, reconnaissance, infiltration, car chases... Each girl uses their own set of special skills to dart around the world of shadow.

The series will be directed by Masaki Tachibana (Barakamon, .hack//Quantum), with sound direction by Yuki Kajiura (Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero) and series composition by Ichiro Ohkouchi (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion).

Princess Principal will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike in the U.S., and available in certain countries through select digital outlets for the summer 2017 season, with a home video release to follow.

Thursday, July 06, 2017

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA MANGA CREATORS TO APPEAR AT NEW YORK COMIC CON 2017

The creative team behind THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series, known as Akira Himekawa

VIZ Media And ReedPOP Present The ZELDA Manga Creative Duo
Akira Himekawa For Special Events And Autograph Sessions

VIZ Media, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, and ReedPOP, the world's leading producer of pop culture events, have announced the appearance of the creative team behind THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series, known as Akira Himekawa, at New York Comic Con this October.

Akira Himekawa is the collaboration of two women, A. Honda and S. Nagano. The pair will make their first professional appearance at New York Comic Con for a series of special events and autograph sessions.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA (rated ‘A’ for All Ages) manga series, based on the classic Nintendo® role playing, puzzle-solving, action video game, take place in the mystical land of Hyrule, where three spiritual stones hold the key to the TriforceTM. Whoever holds them will control the world. A boy named LinkTM sets out on a quest to deliver the Emerald, the spiritual stone of the forest, to ZeldaTM, Princess of the land of Hyrule. The journey will be long and perilous, and Link will need all his skill and courage to defeat evil. The battle for Hyrule and the Sacred Realm has begun!

LEGENDARY EDITIONS of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA (rated ‘A’ for All Ages) manga presents the classic 10-volume manga series in a line of five deluxe omnibus 2-in-1 releases featuring new covers and color illustrations.

VIZ Media also publishes the latest ZELDA manga series – THE LEGEND OF ZELDATM: TWILIGHT PRINCESS (rated ‘T’ for Teen) – which picks up the adventure with a new story arc. Once upon a time, wizards tried to conquer the Sacred Realm of Hyrule. The Spirits of Light sealed the wizards’ power within the Shadow Crystal and banished them to the Twilight Realm beyond the Mirror of Twilight. Now, an evil menace is trying to find Midna, Princess of the Twilight Realm, and the fragments of the Shadow Crystal to gain the power to rule over both the Twilight Realm and the World of Light.

“THE LEGEND OF ZELDA is widely loved among manga, comic, and gaming fans and we're very excited to welcome the manga series’ creators on Thursday and Friday of New York Comic Con this year,” says Lance Fensterman, Global Head of ReedPOP. “Our fans won't want to miss these special appearances and we look forward to announcing additional details very soon.”

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for New York Comic Con attendees of all ages to celebrate the spirit of adventure with this enduring and beloved property,” says Leyla Aker, Executive Vice President, Publishing, VIZ Media. “Fans will be treated to some personal insights from the creators about the classic THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga as well as their bestselling new THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS series. Join the celebration this October!”

New York Comic Con will take place October 5-8, 2017. To attend NYCC, Fans must complete a Fan Verification profile for the opportunity to purchase Tickets. Fan Verification is now open at NewYorkComicCon.com/FanVerification.

Additional exciting details about Akira Himekawa’s schedule and other New York Comic Con events, talent and sponsors will be announced in the coming months. For more information, please visit NewYorkComicCon.com.

For additional information on THE LEGEND OF ZELDA and other manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

Wednesday, July 05, 2017

Sentai Filmworks Licenses ‘Vatican Miracle Examiner’


Sentai Filmworks probes the mysteries of the holy city with its newest acquisition for the Summer 2017 season: Vatican Miracle Examiner. This mystery-packed anime series, based on the light novels of the same name by Rin Fujiki, began airing in Japan last month. The series will be available to stream this summer in the U.S. on Anime Strike, the curated on-demand anime subscription from Amazon Channels.

In the heart of Vatican City, there is a secret organization dedicated to investigating reports of miracles. Robert Nicholas, an archivist and cryptanalysis expert, and Josef Kou Hiraga, a genius scientist, are members of the Assembly of Saints. As miracle investigators, they travel the world validating particular phenomena, only to uncover events tainted with conspiracy and deceit. With orders to find out the truth behind God's works, Josef and the fiercely protective Robert venture out into the unknown.

The series will be directed by Yoshitomo Yonetani (Food Wars!), with sound direction by Yoshikazu Iwanami (Girl und Panzer, Knights of Sidonia) and series composition by Seishi Minakami (No.6). The studio helming the project will be J.C.STAFF (Flying Witch, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?).

Vatican Miracle Examiner will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike in the U.S. and available in certain countries through select digital outlets for the summer 2017 season, with a home video release to follow.

Tuesday, July 04, 2017

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: FOUR SWORDS –LEGENDARY EDITION– to debut on July 11th

TM & © 2017 Nintendo.
ZELDA NO DENSETSU 4TSU NO TSURUGI PLUS [KANZENBAN] 
© 2016 Akira HIMEKAWA/SHOGAKUKAN
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES LATEST
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA MANGA RELEASE
WITH
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: FOUR SWORDS –LEGENDARY EDITION–

Fifth Deluxe Edition Of The Manga Series Based On The Classic
Nintendo Video Game Property Debuts This Summer

VIZ Media invites manga readers and adventure fans to enjoy creator Akira Himekawa’s classic THE LEGEND OF ZELDA story in a whole new way with the release of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: FOUR SWORDS –LEGENDARY EDITION– on July 11th.

The LEGENDARY EDITIONS adapt Akira Himekawa’s 10-volume manga series based on the classic Nintendo® role playing, puzzle-solving, action video game into a line of deluxe omnibus 2-in-1 editions that each feature new cover art and color illustrations. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: FOUR SWORDS –LEGENDARY EDITION– is the fifth release in the LEGENDARY EDITION series. FOUR SWORDS is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and will carry a print MSRP of $17.99 U.S. / $24.99 CAN.

In FOUR SWORDS, Link finds himself broken into four different versions of himself – Green, Red, Blue and Violet Link – and pitted against a fifth, the malevolent Shadow Link who has kidnapped Princess Zelda. The Links must find the Four Sword, the only thing that can combine them so that they are strong enough to stop Shadow Link and save the princess – and the world!

“The latest volume of our LEGENDARY EDITIONS tells the classic FOUR SWORDS story arc,” says Joel Enos, Senior Editor. “Whether it’s the first or fifth volume of the LEGENDARY EDITION that you pick up, all fans will enjoy Link’s enduring and timeless adventures in these deluxe editions filled with bonuses and extras!”

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series was created by Akira Himekawa, which is the pen name of two women known simply as A. Honda and S. Nagano. The pair created THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series which was inspired by several games and story arcs in the Zelda video game series. They have created a variety of manga adventures, which are published by VIZ Media, featuring Link and the popular video game world of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, including OCARINA OF TIME, ORACLE OF SEASONS, FOUR SWORDS and more.

Additional LEGENDARY EDITIONS that are currently available from VIZ Media include THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME –LEGENDARY EDITION–, THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: ORACLE OF SEASONS / ORACLE OF AGES –LEGENDARY EDITION–, THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: MAJORA’S MASK / A LINK TO THE PAST –LEGENDARY EDITION– and THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE MINISH CAP / PHANTOM HOURGLASS – LEGENDARY EDITION–.

Readers also are invited to enjoy VIZ Media’s THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS, the latest and ongoing manga series based on the beloved Nintendo® video game with story and artwork also created by Akira Himekawa.

For additional information on THE LEGEND OF ZELDA and other manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

Monday, July 03, 2017

Sentai Filmworks Takes the Plunge with MADE IN ABYSS


Sentai Filmworks has announced the addition of the fantasy-adventure MADE IN ABYSS to its Summer 2017 season. The series will soon be available to stream in the U.S. on Anime Strike, the curated on-demand anime subscription from Amazon Channels.

The “Abyss” is the last unexplored region, an enormous and treacherous cave system filled with ancient relics and strange creatures. Only the bravest of adventurers can traverse its depths, earning them the nickname, “Cave Raiders.” Within the depths of the Abyss, an orphaned girl named Rico stumbles upon a robot who looks like a young boy. Tantalized by the mysteries of the Abyss, Rico and her new friend descend into uncharted territory to unlock its mysteries, but what lies in wait for them in the darkness?

Animation Production will be handled by Kinema Citrus (Black Bullet, Barakamon, Is the Order a Rabbit??). Masayuki Kojima (Monster, Black Bullet) will direct the series, with series composition by Hideyuki Kurata (The Fruit of Grisaia, Drifters, The World God Only Knows).

MADE IN ABYSS will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike in the U.S., and available in certain countries through select digital outlets for the Summer 2017 season, with a home video release to follow.

Sunday, July 02, 2017

Sentai Filmworks has acquired the license for ‘Battle Girl High School’


Sentai Filmworks launches into the fray of the Summer 2017 simulcast season with the ultimate fight fest: Battle Girl High School. The anime adaptation, based on colopl’s action RPG, will start streaming in July 2017!

Set in 2045, humanity struggles to survive in a world overrun by mysterious invaders called the Irousu. The Earth's only hope lies with the students of Shinjugamine Girls' Academy, a school where Star Guardians train to fight the Irousu. Together, these brave girls work to develop their skills to fight against the invaders… provided they can pass class first!

Noriaki Akitaya (Bakuman, Active Raid) will direct, with series composition by Yosuke Kuroda (Hayate the Combat Butler, High School of the Dead, My Hero Academia). Animation production will be handled by SILVER LINK (Chivalry of a Failed Knight, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya).

Battle Girl High School will soon be available to stream exclusively on HIDIVE for the Summer 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

Saturday, July 01, 2017

Section23 Films has announced its September 2017 slate of releases


Home video distributor Section23 Films has announced its September slate of releases; including Sentai Filmworks’ Limited Edition Premium Box Set for the fan favorite, Chihayafuru!

Product details follow, in order of release.

Title: GOOD WITCH OF THE WEST COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Maiden Japan
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 9/5/2017
Format: BD, DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98, $49.98

SYNOPSIS: Firiel's life has always been a little unusual… after all, how many girls are raised by caretakers because their father spends all his time studying in a tower with his apprentice? But when Firiel goes to the Queen's Ball wearing a necklace that belonged to her mother, she makes a shocking discovery: she's a missing member of the royal family and a contender for the throne! Trapped between opposing factions and manipulative parties, Firiel finds her life in danger, and her best hope is to learn the queenly skills her rivals already know. Unfortunately, the place to do that is at the same school her bloodthirsty competition already attends! Things are looking Grimm indeed as the darker side of fairy tales is unleashed in THE GOOD WITCH OF THE WEST!


Title: CHIHAYAFURU SEASON 1
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 625 min.
Street Date: 9/12/2017
Format: BD, DVD COMBO
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $99.98, $79.98, $199.98

SYNOPSIS: Chihaya Ayase was a girl who never seemed to fit in. She never had much in common with the other kids, and her family was so obsessed with her older sister’s modeling career that, sometimes, it was like Chihaya wasn’t even there. Everything changes when transfer student Arata gets Chihaya interested in the world of competitive Karuta, a unique card-based game that requires lightning fast reflexes, an exceptional memory, and a keen ear. Chihaya is a natural, and she has the skills to take her to the very top. Suddenly, Chihaya has found her goal: to become the best player in Japan! It won’t be easy, but when a girl has a dream in her heart, nothing else matters in CHIHAYAFURU!


Title: SEX HYPNOTIST ZERO BLU-RAY
Published by: SoftCel Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 50 min.
Street Date: 9/12/2017
Format: BD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $19.98

SYNOPSIS: If you're a pretty girl and have to go to the school infirmary, you'd better watch out for Dr. Murakoshi Shinta. If that lecherous excuse for a physician is in charge, you might get a very thorough physical "examination" instead of just an aspirin or a bandage! Even if you don't remember anything strange happening, you're still not safe. While Murakoshi may not be a very good doctor, he IS an excellent hypnotist with a knack for putting the female student body under his spell. It'll be up to his various patients to start comparing "Doctor Notes" to see if they can figure out why they've all been feeling so strange lately… and why they all feel so oddly compelled to keep making return visits to SEX HYPNOTIST ZERO!


Title: TAMAKO LOVE STORY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 85 min.
Street Date: 9/12/2017
Format: COMBO
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $39.98

SYNOPSIS: While everyone else is excited about high school finally coming to an end, Tamako has a sad realization: getting older means losing touch with friends as they drift off to new lives. While Tamako's friends all seem to have big plans and amazing dreams, Tamako's never thought beyond staying right where she is, working in her family's mochi shop. But maybe she won't be as alone as she thinks, because there may be someone who wants to make plans that include Tamako. Time is running out, and as the days count down before he leaves for university, Mochizo Ooji must find a way to overcome his shyness and confess his feelings. As two young people walk alone on diverging paths, what will it take for them to find each other in TAMAKO LOVE STORY?


Title: MATOI THE SACRED SLAYER COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 9/19/2017
Format: BD, DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98, $49.98

SYNOPSIS: Maroi Sumeragi’s mother disappeared 10 years ago, she’s just moved in with her Police officer father, and all she wants is to lead a quiet, normal life. Unfortunately, fate has other plans, and when Matoi’s friend Yuma’s family shrine is attacked, Yuma’s attempts to invoke an old spell goes wrong, transforming Matoi into a super-powered Exorcist! Suddenly Matoi’s in the middle of the battle between good and evil, dealing with secret agencies, keeping her father from finding out about her double life and, worst of all, coping with the fact that when the power in her God Cloak runs out, it leaves her naked, no matter where she is! This is so not cool! She didn’t want the job, but now she’s stuck with it and life is about to get far, far too exciting for MATOI THE SACRED SLAYER!

Section23 Films has announced its August 2017 slate of releases


Home video distributor Section23 Films has announced its August slate of releases, including two Limited Edition Premium Box Sets from Sentai Filmworks, Food Wars! and Ushio & Tora.

Product details follow, in order of release.

Title: HIDAMARI SKETCH: HONEYCOMB COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 8/8/2017
Format: BD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98

SYNOPSIS: Studying at the Yamabuki Arts High School has been a dream-come-true for Yuno, and she's learned so much already! Not just from her instructors, but from the friends and neighbors who've become her second family and made the Hidamari Apartments such a safe and nurturing home. But as the day of her "big sisters" Sae and Hiro's graduation draws slowly closer, it's time for Yuno to start seriously taking on the same role for Nazuna, Nori and the other budding young artists who've entered Hidamari's protective cocoon. And it's also time to tackle some really challenging artistic assignments. That doesn't mean there won't still be time for fun with Miyako and all the others, but it's definitely time to pencil in her plans for the future. And sometimes that means putting the art before the course! Prepare to be drawn in once again as the magic that surrounds Hidamari continues in HIDAMARI SKETCH X HONEYCOMB - The COMPLETE COLLECTION!


Title: KING OF BREASTS BLU-RAY
Published by: SoftCel Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 56 min.
Street Date: 8/8/2017
Format: BD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $19.98

SYNOPSIS: Naoya likes breasts. In fact, he's so obsessed with them that he can recognize any breast from just a picture. But while that's an impressive ability, who would expect some mysterious patrons to set up a game where Naoya has to locate five championship breasts from among all the girls in the city? Oh, and to have a lot of sex too. That's exactly what happens when a girl named Nir shows up and gives Naoya the rules and a stack of free sex vouchers. That certainly doesn't suck! Or, actually, with his free vouchers, that's on the table too… With everyone from his teachers to the girl giving out free samples on the corner as possible "game pieces," Naoya's going to have a long, hard and very probing time ahead of him as he seeks to prove that he's the KING OF BREASTS!


Title: FOOD WARS! COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 600 min.
Street Date: 8/15/2017
Format: BD, DVD COMBO
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $99.98, $79.98, $199.98

SYNOPSIS: Ever since he was little, Soma Yukihira's main goals have been to beat his father in a cooking contest and take over the family diner. That's why, when his dad suddenly announces that he's shutting the restaurant down and sending Soma to cooking school, Soma is shocked. However, Tohtsuki Academy is no ordinary cooking school. This elite institution is filled with culinary giants like Erina "God Tongue" Nakiri, who does her best to keep a lowly short-order like Soma from even making it inside the door. However, if the snobs can dish it out, Soma can serve it up, and when he learns that only a handful of the students manage to graduate every year, he swears that the only way he'll leave is as number one in FOOD WARS!


Title: BAKUON!! COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 8/22/2017
Format: BD, DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98, $49.98

SYNOPSIS: Riding a bicycle may be better than walking, but when another girl zips past her on the way to class, Sakura Hane realizes that there's an even better option: motorcycles! Fortunately, Sakura's all-girl school just happens to have a motorcycle club! It only has one member though: the mysterious Raimu Kawasaki, who's never been seen without her face-obscuring helmet. But that changes immediately once Sakura and the girl who passed her, Onsa Amano, sign up and start recruiting! It won't all be easy riding… Sakura still has to earn her license, and there are problems like the club's official status having slipped, and the need to recruit a faculty sponsor. But when the rubber hits the road, those are just little potholes as six student bikers take a ride on the wild side in BAKUON!!


Title: BEYOND THE BOUNDARY –I’LL BE HERE-
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 180 min.
Street Date: 8/22/2017
Format: COMBO
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98

SYNOPSIS: Can anyone outrun their past forever? Mirai Kuriyama's ability to control and manipulate her blood, even to use it as a weapon, has left her an outcast and pariah. But a chance encounter with Akihito Kanbara, whose own lineage is only partially human and allows him to heal from almost any injury, may have finally given her a chance at finding peace. When the cost of that path becomes apparent, will the two of them be willing to pay the price for a true happy ending? Even if it's achieved, how long can it last in a world where Mirai's mere existence is seen as a lethal threat? In two spectacular feature films, the world created in the hit series is taken to its epic, stunning conclusion: BEYOND THE BOUNDARY -I'LL BE HERE-: Past and BEYOND THE BOUNDARY -I'LL BE HERE-: Future!


Title: USHIO & TORA COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 975 min.
Street Date: 8/29/2017
Format: BD, DVD, COMBO
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $129.98, $99.98, $249.98

SYNOPSIS: Ushio always ignored his father's crazy tales about the temple where they live. All that talk of restless souls and vicious monsters are nothing more than stories, right? However, Ushio quickly rethinks his position when he discovers a locked basement with an actual demon pinned to the wall by a spear! The tiger-striped demon threatens to eat Ushio if he doesn't free him, so Ushio naturally chooses to ignore him. However, when the demon's presence starts to attract others, Ushio is forced to remove the spear to save himself. To make a bad situation even worse, freeing the demon, Tora, also bonds Ushio to the cursed Beast Spear, sending him on a journey where unspeakable dangers await. The battle is only beginning for these unlikely partners in the all-new USHIO & TORA!