Last Friday, Shogakukan’s Gagaga Bunko and Lululu Bunko’s official website announced a new light novel was in the works and planned for release in March 2015. The light novel is to be written by Hirasaka Yomi, the author of the famous Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai, or Haganai, series. Hirasaka’s novel will also feature illustrations by Kantoku, the illustrator of the also famous Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko, or Henneko, series. The light novel is described as a sort of “regretful love comedy” type novel.
This new light novel is part of Gagaga Bunko and Lululu Bunko’s “Gagagaganbaru 2015 Project.”
Hirasaka’s Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai has been adapted into a manga, a PSP game, 2 seasons of anime, and a live action film. It is illustrated by Buriki and published by Media Factory. Ten volumes have been published as of June 6th, 2014.
Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko, illustrated by Kantoku, has been adapted into a manga and an anime. It is written by Sou Sagara and published by Media Factory. Eight volumes have been released as of April 25th, 2014.
The idea of assassination is terrifying. Anyone around you could be looking for the perfect opportunity to kill another person. However, the art of assassination is more complicated than this, as the manga Ansatsu Kyoushitsu by Matsui Yuusei reveals. In the manga, a class of students are given the task of assassinating their teacher, who is a strangely tentacled fellow. Furthermore, their teacher helps them grow in order to reach this goal! This strange “Assassination Classroom” will be adapted into an anime soon.
The official website for the television anime of Matsui Yusei’s Ansatsu Kyoushitsu manga began streaming a promotional video on Monday. Koro-sensei, the class’s teacher, starts a word association game to have each student speak up in turn and in doing this introduces the voice cast for the students in Class 3-E.
The video starts out with Koro-sensei announcing a word game: Now, everyone, let’s start Koro-sensei’s Association Classroom. Well, let’s begin with my name, Koro-sensei. and continues with the students associating words with the previous one.
In order of appearance, the cast includes:
Okamoto Nobuhiko as Karuma Akabane
Hino Miho as Sumire Hara
Kimura Subaru as Ryōma Terasaka
Ohsaka Ryota as Yūma Isogai
Miyashita Eiji as Sōsuke Sugaya
Suwa Ayaka as Tōka Yada
Asanuma Shintarō as Hiroto Maehara
Naitou Ryo as Taiga Okajima
Numakura Manami as Rio Nakamura
Ueda Kana as Yuzuki Fuwa
Saito Fuko as Kirara Hazama
Satou Satomi as Yukiko Kanzaki
Matsuura Chie as Megu Kataoka
Mizushima Takahiro as Kōtarō Takebayashi
Takahashi Shinya as Kōki Mimura
Yahagi Sayuri as Manami Okuda
Harasawa Kouki as Takuya Muramatsu
Suzaki Aya as Kaede Kayano
Kawabe Shunsuke as Masayoshi Kimura
Yamaya Yoshitaka as Tomohito Sugino
Shimozuma Yoshiyuki as Taisei Yoshida
Kanemoto Hisako as Hinano Kurahashi
Tanaka Minami as Hinata Okano
Majima Junji as Ryūnosuke Chiba
Kawaragi Shiho as Rinka Hayami
Fuchigami Mai as Nagisa Shiota
Though not named explicitly in the video, the cast also includes:
Fukuyama Jun as Koro-sensei
Sugita Tomokazu as Tadaomi Karasuma
Itou Shizuka as Irina Jelavic
And finally, the production crew is as follows:
Directed by Kishi Seiji (Persona 4 The Animation)
Character Design by Morita Kazuaki (Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova)
Scripts by Uezu Makoto (Kore wa Zombie desu ka?)
Produced at Studio Lerche
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu description from Viz Media:
A humorous and action-packed story about a class of misfits who are trying to kill their new teacher – an alien octopus with bizarre powers and super strength! The teacher has just destroyed the moon and is threatening to destroy the earth – unless his students can destroy him first. What makes things more complicated is that he’s the best teacher they’ve ever had!
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu is a manga by Matsui Yuusei. Since July 2012, individual chapters have been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump. The manga has been collected into 10 tankōbon volumes published by Shueisha as of July 2014. The ten volumes have been released in Japan with a circulation of ten million copies. An event anime adaptation of Assassination Classroom was screened on the Jump Super Anime Tour from October 6, 2013 to November 24, 2013. The manga has been licensed by Viz Media for an English language North American release, who will release the first volume in December 2014 in both digital and print formats. A live action is also in the works.
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu synopsis from Haruhichan:
The students of class 3-E have a mission: kill their teacher before graduation. He has already destroyed the moon, and has promised to destroy the Earth if he can not be killed within a year. But how can this class of misfits kill a tentacled monster, capable of reaching Mach 20 speed, who may be the best teacher any of them have ever had?
This season, Parasyte, a manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki, received an anime adaption and is currently being broadcasted on Japanese television. With the newfound interest and hype for this science fiction horror manga, Kodansha has announced plans to reprint the manga in North America.
Parasyte was originally published from 1988-1995. The series has an anime adaptation and two planned live action film adaptations. It was collected in eight tankobon volumes by Kodansha and later republished in eight kanzenban volumes. Tokyopop was the first to publish the series in North America. The manga won the Kodansha Manga Award for general manga in 1993. It also won the Seiun Award for best manga of the year in 1996.
More details about the reprinting will be released in the next few weeks.
Parasyte: the maxim synopsis from Haruhichan:
Based on Iwaaki Hitoshi’s science-fiction horror manga by the same name.
The 17-year-old Izumi Shinichi lives with his mother and father in a quiet neighborhood in Tokyo. One night, worm-like aliens called Parasytes invade Earth, taking over the brains of human hosts by entering through their ears or noses. One Parasyte attempts to crawl into Shinichi’s ear while he sleeps, but fails since he is wearing headphones, and enters his body by burrowing into his arm instead, taking over his right hand and is named Migi.
Because Shinichi was able to prevent Migi from traveling further up into his brain, both beings retain their separate intellect and personality. As the duo encounter other Parasytes, they capitalize on their strange situation and gradually form a strong bond, working together to survive. This gives them an edge in battling other Parasytes, who frequently attack the pair upon realization that Shinichi’s human brain is still intact. Shinichi feels compelled to fight other Parasytes, who devour humans as food, while enlisting Migi’s help.
Earlier this year The Simpsons animated a very well-made tribute to Hayao Miyazaki’s which was featured in episode 9 “Steal This Episode” of season 25. This year in the latest special Halloween episode titled “Treehouse of Horror XXV” (Season 26, episode 4), they’ve displayed more Japanese culture with anime-themed Halloween costumes which feature Bart as Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto), Homer as Roronoa Zoro (One Piece), Maggie as Pikachu (Pokemon), Marge as Rangiku Matsumoto (Bleach) Lisa as Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan) and finally Santa’s Little Helper as Haku (Spirited Away).
They also display cosplay of the the popular animated cartoon Adventure Time by Pendleton Ward.
and even the well known South Park series by Trey Parker / Matt Stone and Archer by Adam Reed.
There are many references in this episode, I would recommend to check it out and see how many you can spot!
A brand new Ghost in the Shell film that will be releasing in Japan next year was announced on the official website for the Ghost in the Shell ARISE OVA series. The new announcement is in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Ghost in the Shell series. No further information about the movie was not released.
Ghost in the Shell started off as a manga in 1989. Written and drawn by Masamune Shirow, the manga was published by Kodansha and ran for 8 years for a total of 3 compiled volumes. The manga received high praise, and was eventually adapted into an animated film in 1995 by Production I.G. The film was directed by Mamoru Oshii and also received very high praise and has inspired many audiences, including the directors and writers of The Matrix. An original sequel film was released in 2004. An anime TV series was also created. Titled Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, the series aired from 2002 to 2003. A second season followed in 2004, and an animated film subtitled Solid State Society aired in 2006. The anime also received film, manga and light novel adaptations. Production I.G. have also unveiled an OVA series called Ghost in the Shell ARISE last year. The fourth and last entry into the OVA series, Ghost Stands Alone, released in Japan on September 6th.
Here is a synopsis of the original series:
In the year 2029, the barriers of our world have been broken down by the net and by cybernetics, but this brings new vulnerability to humans in the form of brain-hacking. When a highly-wanted hacker known as ‘The Puppetmaster’ begins involving them in politics, Section 9, a group of cybernetically enhanced cops, are called in to investigate and stop the Puppetmaster. The pursuit will call into question what makes a human and what is the Puppetmaster in a world where the distinction between human and machine is increasingly blurry.
The new Ghost in the Shell film will be releasing in Japan next year. Further information about the movie will be released soon.
Taito Toys recently announced a fourth lineup of prizes for their lottery, featuring the main characters from Free! posing with delicious confections and sugary treats! The theme of this collection is “Sugar Cake.”
The prizes include figures, pins, posters, special voice sets, and more goodies!
The figures feature the boys sitting on delicious cupcakes!
The pins feature the boys dressed up in their matching uniforms and pajamas!
The posters feature the boys in different poses and undressing!
Free! (Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club) is an anime adaptation of Kouji Ohji light novel High☆Speed!, which is illustrated by Futoshi Nishiya. The light novel received an honourable mention in the 2011 Kyoto Animation Award contest, where it was eventually published by the studio in July 2013. The anime itself aired in July last year in in the Summer 2013 anime season, and is animated by Kyoto Animation. The second season, Free! Eternal Summer recently aired in the Summer 2014 anime season.. There was also a radio show and two drama CD volumes released to promote the anime.
Free! synopsis from Haruhichan:
The story revolves around Haruka Nanase, a boy who has always loved to be immersed in water, and to swim in it. Before graduating from elementary school, he participated in a swimming tournament along with his fellow swimming club members, Makoto Tachibana, Nagisa Hazuki, and Rin Matsuoka. After achieving victory, each of the boys went their separate ways.
Time passed, and in the middle of their uneventful high school lives Rin appears and challenges Haruka to a match, showing Haruka his overwhelming power. Not wanting it to end like this, Haruka, gathers together Makoto and Nagisa once again and brings a new member named Rei Ryugazaki to create the Iwatobi High School Swimming Club in order to defeat Rin.
For more information, take a look at the Taito Toys blog. Also take a look at the lottery site!
In the recent issue of Japan’s Cut magazine Monogatari writer Nisio Isin confirmed in the magazine that an anime adaptation of Tsukimonogatari is currently in production. No further information about the upcoming anime adaptation has been revealed.
Tsukimonogatari is the 13th book in Ishin’s Monogatari light novel series and is the first novel in the third season story arc, following the end of the second season with Koimonogatari. The light novel itself was released in September 2012 and contains the Yotsugi Doll story.
The Monogatari series is a collection of light novels, created by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Vofan. The novels started in late 2005 and published under Kodansha’s Box imprint, where there has been a total of 16 volumes to date. The 17th volume will release on April 3rd, and the 18th and final volume releasing later this year. The light novels first received an anime adaptation titled Bakemonogatari, after the first volume, in 2009 from the animation studio Shaft (Nisekoi, Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica). Since then a total of 12 novels has been animated by the same studio. The most recent adaptation, Hanamonogatari, aired on August 16th. In addition, a drama CD, a PlayStation Portable game and many figures and figurines have been made based on the series. The final book of the Monogatari series, Zokuowarimonogatari, released on September 17th.
Here is a synopsis of the first series:
Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student who is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. One day, a classmate named Hitagi Senjōgahara, who infamously never talks to anyone, falls down the stairs into Koyomi’s arms. He discovers that Hitagi weighs next to nothing, in defiance of physics. Despite being threatened by her, Koyomi offers his help, and introduces her to Meme Oshino, a middle-aged homeless man who helped him stop being a vampire.
Not much is known about the anime adaptation of Tsukimonogatari. It is the first story in the third season of the light novels, so the remainder of the novels are expected to be adapted as well.
The highly sophisticated autonomous machine caliber known as Chamber, gets an amazing figure crafted by the talented folk at Good Smile Company and is roughly 19cm (7.5in) tall. This figure captures the epic look and beauty of the original from the anime, Suisei no Gargantia, and can be molded into different poses.
Suisei no Gargantia – Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet 1/50 Full Action Model Chamber – Pre-orders for this figurine are available on JList and is expected to be released in May 2015.
The official Twitter account for the K anime project has announced that a sequel anime to the film K Missing Kings will be airing in 2015. The announcement comes with the first details for the Blu-ray and DVD release for the anime’s film which will be releasing in April next year. The release will be bundled with a character album as well as the insert song -Flame of Red- that was used in the movie.
K, also known as K Project, is an original television anime series by the studio GoHands (Seitokai Yakuindomo,Coppelion). The series launched in October 2012 and was helmed by director Shingo Suzuki (Coppelion). The series received modest reception for its plot, but it was praised for the fluidity of the visuals and art. The creator of the series, GoRa (who also helped with the series’ composition), also wrote the story of the many adaptations of K. To date, the series has two prequel mangas, a side story manga, two light novels and a PlayStation Vita game. A sequel film to the anime series, titled K Missing Kings, was also produced and released in July this year.
Here is a synopsis of the series from MAL:
Set in a world where history has taken a slightly different course from the one we’re familiar with, K follows the story of a young boy whose life is caught in a psychic war between seven kings.
Ashinaka High School is known for its unique setting: the entire campus is built on an island. Yashiro Isana, aka Shiro, is having lunch with a cat on one of the school rooftops. After his lunch break, Shiro goes on an errand for his classmate Kukuri to prepare for their upcoming school festival, only to be chased by some intimidating-looking men.
K will be returning in 2015 with a sequel anime. Information on what the anime will be, TV series, OVA or another film, have not been revealed so far. More information will release in the upcoming months.
Ever wanted to become a magical girl but didn’t feel like coming up with an entire cosplay? Well, Nijigen Cospa has a solution for you with their brand new Homura themed hoodie! Stylish and subtle, it a perfect piece of anime themed outerwear that could be worn for a casual day around town, or even some casual cosplay – both showing your love for Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica as well as making you look fashionable!
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though (pardon the pun), as the price is pretty steep, even before tax. At 12,960 yen (a little over US $120) being a magical girl sure isn’t cheap. Having said that however, for those who are fans of the series and have an extra couple hundred bucks to burn, this would be worth the purchase. It looks great and is also unisex so both boys and girls alike can wear it!
The hood piece of the jacket also unzips, allowing it to be folded around the collar, making it look just like the collar of Homura’s own outfit. This added touch definitely adds a unique twist to the already stylish looking hoodie. Enough to make it worth all that money? We’ll leave that up to you guys to decide! The hoodie begins shipping February 2015, so there’s still time to save up!
Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus has recently launched on the PlayStation Vita in North America and Europe earlier this week and for owners of the Let’s Get Physical edition they received a nice message from game producer Kenichiro Takaki.
If you missed the message here it is again:
The Senran Kagura series will continue to run non-stop.
That is the calling of a NINJA.
They run faster and jump higher than anyone.
They can easily jump over people’s expectations.
These games still have the potential to grow big and large.
Just like the girls’ chests.
Tits are life, ass is hometown.
This deep and thought provoking message is brought to you by Kenichiro Takaki, one of the producers of Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus. And it does seem to ring true as many more titles in the series have been announced and planned to release next year, with the release of Senran Kagura: Estival Versus for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. But of course the words of Takaki must be trusted, he is the self proclaimed Righteous Boobage Producer after all.
And for everyone who wants to memorialise Kenichiro Takaki’s quote, here is an inspirational wallpaper:
Senran Kagura was first conceived as a side scrolling action game on the 3DS. Developed by Tamsoft in 2011, the series has garnered some popularity in Japan of taking the female bust to such lengths, with the director deciding that the thing people needed to see the most in 3D on the Nintendo 3DS were boobs. Since then, the series grew into a franchise with numerous manga adaptations from different artists that focused on different characters, as well as sequel and spin-off video games on 3DS, iOS, Android and PlayStation Vita. An anime adaptation was also produced by Artland in 20113, and aired from January till March that year.
Here is a synopsis of the anime:
There was a time when there were ninja serving the powerful, hired for intelligence missions, destruction, or assassination. While the times have changed, the need for ninja has not vanished. In a particular school, there are girls who are secretly in training to become ninja. Ninjas-in-training, Asuka, Katsuragi, Hibari, Ikaruga, and Yagyuu each have a secret technique scroll that they protect at all times. This features their tumultuous school life as they pursue the path of the ninja!
Some screenshots of Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus on the Vita:
Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus is currently available on the PlayStation Vita in North America and Europe. It is published by XSEED Games and Marvelous AQL in their regions respectively.
So what do you think of Takaki’s quote? Are they words to live by?
Earlier this year the second season of Wataru Watari’s light novel series Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru. (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) was announced. On Friday Shogakukan’s Gagaga Bunko opened a Gagaganbaru 2015 project campaign page and announced the main staff and cast for the upcoming second anime season Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Zoku (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU 2). The second anime series is set to air during April 2015.
In addition to this, the anime’s staff that will produce the series has been changed and revealed as follows:
Director: Kei Oikawa (Outbreak Company, Minami-ke: Okaeri) replaced Ai Yoshimura (Ao Haru Ride)
Character Designer: Yuichi Tanaka (Toaru Kagaku no Railgun, Natsuiro Kiseki) will replace Yuu Shindou (Persona 4 The Golden Animation)
Animation Studio: Studio Feel (Futsuu no Joshikousei ga [Locodol] Yatte Mita., Minami-ke Tadaima) will replace Brains Base (Baccano!, Durarara!!)
MONACA (Nisemonogatari, Wake Up, Girls!) will again be in charge of music and Satoshi Motoyama (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai, Oreimo) will again serve as sound director.
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) is a light novel series written by Wataru Watari and illustrated by Ponkan8. The light novels began in March 2011 and is published in Shogakukan’s Gagaga Bunko imprint. To date there has been 8 volumes with 4 short stories. There has been three spin-off manga adaptations written and illustrated by various people. The series also received an anime adaptation that aired in April 2012. The anime was animated by Brains Base. Additionally, a visual novel was developed by 5pb. for the PlayStation Vita that released on September 19th last year.
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) synopsis from Haruhichan:
This romantic comedy revolves around an antisocial high school student named Hikigaya Hachiman with a distorted view on life and no friends or girlfriend. When he sees his classmates talking excitedly about living their adolescent lives, he mutters: “They’re a bunch of liars.” When he is asked about his future dreams, he responds, “Not working.” A teacher gets Hachiman to join the “Volunteer Service” club, which happens to have the school’s prettiest girl, Yukinoshita Yukino.
A year ago, the second season of the anime was announced. And just recently, according to Gatchaman Crowds‘ anime studio, Tatsunoko Production’s (SKET Dance, Psycho-Pass 2), recruitment page, it was revealed that the second season of the series named as Gatchaman Crowds 2nd Season will premiere next year.
Gatchaman Crowds is one of the five anime adaptations based on the original 1972 anime series Science Ninja Team Gatchaman. The 12-episode anime aired on July 2013. It was directed by Kenji Nakamura (Mononoke, Tsuritama), licensed by Sentai Filmworks and streamed on Crunchyroll. Only few of the characters from the previous season were announced to play their roles in the sequel. (More information will be provided soon.)
Maaya Uchida (Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!’s Rikka Takanashi, Girlfriend (Kari)’s Nao Miyoshi) as Hajime Ichinose
Ryota Ohsaka (Hamatora the Animation’s Nice, Denki-gai no Honya-san’s Umio) as Sugane Tachibana
Daisuke Namikawa (Haikyuu’s Tooru Oikawa, Hunter x Hunter’s Hisoka) as Joe Hibiki
Ayumu Murase (M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane’s Heito Isaku, Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji’s Yuu Kusakabe) as Rui Ninomiya
The story is set in Japan in the early summer of 2015. 180,000 people live in Tachikawa City, the “second metropolis” of the Tokyo area. Among them are “Gatchaman”—warriors who fight in special reinforced suits powered by “NOTE,” the manifestation of special spiritual powers in living beings. A council has scouted a group of individuals with latent powers to protect Earth from alien criminals. In recent years, the council has assigned Gatchaman warriors to deal with the mysterious entity known as “MESS.”
It was announced at this week’s MIPCOM event in Cannes, France, that a new Lupin III TV anime series is currently in production and is slated to air next Spring. This will be the first full Lupin III anime series in over 30 years.
The new upcoming Lupin III anime will be set in Italy and San Marino and will star Lupin back in the main role. Franchise and manga creator, Monkey Punch, has commented on the news stating that he is very excited for the upcoming animation and is looking forward to Lupin’s next adventure.
The anime’s staff that will produce the series was also revealed and are as follows:
Chief Director: Kazuhide Tomonaga (Key Animator for Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, Lupin III vs. Detective Conan The Movie)
Director: Yuichiro Yano (Moyashimon, Fran♥cesca)
Script Writer: Yuuya Takahashi (Donten ni Warau Series Composer)
Animation Studio: Telecom Animation Film (Moyashimon, Lupin III: Blood Seal – Eternal Mermaid)
The official website for the upcoming anime has launched, and with it some messages from the staff of the anime. Tomonaga, the Chief Director, mentions that the audience for the original Lupin III anime that aired 40 years ago had a major impact on his generation. It was radically different to previous anime aimed at children and that it is very important to the adult anime fans of today. Tomonaga wants to recreate the amazement that his generation experienced that current anime fans have not. He wants to produce an exciting anime that is realistic yet sprinkled with fantastic elements with hard-boiled yet comical, cool yet tongue-in-cheek elements.
Lupin III (Lupin the Third) is a manga created by Monkey Punch back in 1967. The original series began serialization from 1967 to 1969 in Futabasha’s Weekly Manga Action magazine for a total of 14 compiled volumes. A sequel manga titled Lupin III: The New Adventures was published from 1977 rill 1981 in the same magazine for a total of 21 volumes. The series received an anime adaptation in 1971 from TMS Entertainment (Detective Conan, Yowamushi Pedal) as Lupin III Part I, which was soon followed by Lupin III Part II and Lupin III Part III in 1977 and 1985 respectively. Since its release, the series has exploded in popularity in Japan and the rest of the world. The series has influenced many manga artists, anime directors and writers, and even gave Hayao Miyazaki, of Studio Ghibli fame, his debut directing role for Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro. Since the 1985 anime, numerous spin-off films, OVAs, specials and video games have been made.
Here is a synopsis of the original series:
Arsene Lupin III is the grandson of the master thief Arsene Lupin. With his cohorts Daisuke Jigen and Goemon Ishikawa XIII and his love interest Fujiko Mine, he pulls off the greatest heists of all time while always escaping the grasp of Inspector Koichi Zenigata.
The new Lupin III anime will be airing in April next year, during the Spring 2015 anime season. The anime will debut first on Italian channel RTI. Further information about the series will release in the upcoming months.
The first commercial for the two-part OVA Kuroshitsuji: Book of Murder has been streamed. Episodes 1 and 2 will be previewed at multiple theaters in different cities across Japan on October 25 and November 15, 2014. The DVD / BD home release will be released in January 28 and February 25, 2015.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x27yajs
Key visuals:
Kuroshitsuji is 24-episode anime adaption, directed by Toshiya Shinohara and produced by A-1 Pictures, aired from October 2008 to March 2009. The second season, Kuroshitsuji II, aired in 2010 spanning 18 episodes with two new main characters, Alois Trancy and Claude Faustus. A live action film adaptation was released in Japan on January 18, 2014. A third anime series, titled Kuroshitsuji: Book of Circus, was broadcast between July 10 and September 12, 2014. A new OVA titled Kuroshitsuji: Book of Murder will be screened in theaters in fall 2014.
Kuroshitsuji: Book of Murder synopsis from Haruhichan:
The OVA is subtitled Book of Murder and will pre-screen in theaters Fall 2014. It will adapt the Phantomhive Manor Murder Case Arc, which follows the circus arc in the manga.
Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja sure do love to dress their boys and gals up for Halloween. Take a look at this video that features all of the custom fan-made costumes that they’ve included into the DLC (downloadable content).
There’s an incredible amount of variety in the costume designs. From Zack’s incredibly flamboyant pumpkin get-up to Kasumi’s super cute spooky reaper costume. All the characters are equipped with a new stylish ‘skin’ that’ll definitely perk up the game and give it a fresh look.
A personal favorite of mine is Mila – she’s looking mighty irresistible in what I assumed to be a skimpy mummy costume.
Fear not for fans who were planning on waiting for the first PS4 DoA title, Dead or Alive 5: Final Round, it has already been confirmed that all DLC purchased from Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate will be transferable, so don’t be hesitant about purchasing the DLC.
The official website of the anime, Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai, announced that the first Blu-ray & DVD volume of the series will include an unaired OVA. The first of six volumes will be released on December 25, 2014.
The first volume will include the first two episodes of the anime, the OVA and a special that was aired on October 1, Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai Zenyasa. The Blu-ray limited edition pack will include a display box, illustrations, special manga booklet, two special edition PR cards from Chaos TCG (Bushiroad), two end illustration postcards, a special entry ticket and a picture label. The special edition Blu-ray volume will cost 7,800 yen while the regular edition Blu-ray volume will cost 6,800 yen; the normal DVD version will cost 5,800 yen.
Blu-ray & DVD Volume 1 Cover:
Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai Anime Visual:
The 12-episode anime of Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai aired this Fall and was streamed by FUNimation Entertainment. It was produced by Hoods Entertainment (Hori-san to Miyamura-kun, Kanojo ga Flag wo Oraretara). The anime was based on a Japanese adult visual novel that was released on January 25, 2013 and was developed by the same visual novel studio, August, who did Fortune Arterial. It has also received 2 light novels and five manga adaptations based from the visual novel:
Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai
Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai: The Little Lutra Lutra
Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai: Lovely Librarians
Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai: Library 4 you
Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai: Hitoribotchi no Diva
Synopsis of Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai from Haruhichan:
The story is set at Shiomi Academy, a vast, prestigious academy with a Daitoshokan (literally, “great library”) that rivals Japan’s national library. As a member of the Library Club, Kyoutarou Kakei goes to Daitoshokan to enjoy reading by himself. He then meets a second-year girl named Tsugumi Shirasaki through the efforts of a so-called “shepherd” who fulfills people’s wishes. Eventually, more girls join the club thanks to the “shepherd.”
On the 11th of October, Newtype Magazine announced the results of their 2014 Anime Awards. The awards were presented during a live stage at the Machi Asobi event in Tokushima, Japan. Results were collected through a series of online polls from their website.
While Studio Trigger’s Kill la Kill was noted for its dominance over many of the awards, The iDOLM@STER Movie: Kagayaki no Mukougawa e! showed off superiority over most. Here are the full results:
Best Character Design
10. Eri Yamazaki – Isshuukan Friends
9. Takahiro Kishida, Junichiro Taniguchi – Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Movie 3: Hangyaku no Monogatari
8. Yousuke Okuda – Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka?
7. Naomi Ide – Akuma no Riddle
6. Futoshi Nishiya – Free!: Eternal Summer
5. Kenji Hayama, Tokuhiro Itagaki, Mika Yamagoto – Tiger & Bunny Movie 2: The Rising
4. Asako Nishida, Yūhei Murota – Love Live! School Idol Project
3. Kazuaki Morita – Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova
2. Atsushi Nishigori – The iDOLM@STER Movie: Kagayaki no Mukougawa e!
8. Takahiko Kyougoku – Love Live! School Idol Project
6. Ei Aoki – Aldnoah.Zero
6. Seiji Kishi – Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova
5. Yoshitomo Yonetani – Tiger & Bunny Movie 2: The Rising
4. Hiroko Utsumi – Free!: Eternal Summer
3. Akiyuki Simbo – Nisekoi
2. Hiriyuki Imaishi – Kill la Kill
1. Atsushi Nishigori – The iDOLM@STER Movie: Kagayaki no Mukougawa e!
Kill la Kill and The iDOLM@STER Movie: Kagayaki no Mukougawa e! were clear standouts in Newtype’s Anime Awards of 2014, both scoring 4 awards in a 1st of their category with the winner of Female Voice Actor ‘Eriko Nakamura’ adding 1 extra bonus for playing the voice of Newtype’s Best Female Character Haruka Amami.
Kirito and Haruka Amami together placing as the Favourite Characters of the season, played a powerful role in helping their anime studio A-1 Pictures receive its popularity as the Best Studio. Heck, even the president can’t contain his happiness in his Kirito cosplay!
What were your thoughts on Newtype’s Anime Awards of 2014? Let us know in the comments!
With the recent announcement of a 3rd season of the series on its way. A figure of the sexy pure-blood devil, Rias Gremory, who flaunts her curvaceous body in this figure has been revealed. This saucy 12th grade student isn’t afraid to show of her beauty.
This figurine is by Broccoli. It’s a 1/8th scale and is approximately 21.7 cm (8.5 in) tall.
High School DxD – Rias Gremory 1/8 Figure Yuwaku ver. – Pre-orders for this figurine are available on Jlist and is expected to be released in February 2015.
The official website of Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto has released a special countdown page for the final chapter of the manga, counting down to November 10th. The countdown itself also features a timeline of all the major events from the manga’s 15 year run.
Note: Images in the article contain spoilers from the Naruto Manga
The countdown page on the Naruto website ticks down to the 700th and final chapter of the Naruto manga, which will be releasing on November 10th. The site itself also reveals that a new major project will be revealed after the manga’s conclusion. The countdown page itself is filled with images and illustrations from the manga, recounting all the major events that occurred in the series.
From the early beginnings of the manga:
To the recent unfolding of events:
The other main focus of the countdown page is the timeline of the manga, recounting the major events, milestones and panels across the 15 years. It showcases how so much has happened in the last 15 years and yet how fast it all went. It hits you hard doesn’t it?
For even more nostalgia there is also a page with all the main character quotes from the series. Don’t worry, the quotes are translated to English as well: http://www.naruto.com/j/countdown/quotes/
Naruto is an original manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. The manga began in 1999 in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, where to date a total of 70 volumes have released, with the 71st volume releasing on November 4th. Since its debut the manga has sold over 130 million copies in Japan alone. The series has also received two TV anime series adaptation, covering the manga’s two parts: Naruto and Naruto Shippuden in 2002 and 2007 respectively. Both series were produced by Studio Pierrot. Additionally, a total of 9 anime films have released to date and numerous OVAs and specials. A light novel spin-off was produced by Masatoshi Kusakabe and released in 2002. Today, the franchise is one of Japan’s most renowned and one of the most popular anime/manga series outside of Japan.
Here is a synopsis of the original series:
Naruto Uzumaki, a hyperactive and knuckle-headed ninja, lives in Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf village. Moments prior to his birth, a huge demon known as the Kyuubi, the Nine-tailed Fox, attacked Konohagakure and wreaked havoc. In order to put an end to the Kyuubi’s rampage, the leader of the village, the 4th Hokage, sacrificed his life and sealed the monstrous beast inside the newborn Naruto.
Shunned because of the presence of the Kyuubi inside him, Naruto struggles to find his place in the village. He strives to become the Hokage of Konohagakure, and he meets many friends and foes along the way.
The final Naruto chapter will be releasing on November 10th in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. It will not be the end of the orange haired ninja, as The Last Naruto the Movie will be out on December 6th.
Swaps4 Productions and Big Bang Studio are excited to unveil the highly anticipated launch of Melody's Melon Mania, featuring Projekt Melody! This captivating, free-to-play...
