Thursday, March 27, 2014

News: One Week Friends Anime Picked Up by Sentai


The North American anime distributor Sentai Filmworks has licensed the anime Isshuukan Friends, or One Week Friends.  The original creator of the manga series is Matcha Hazuki.  Studio Brains Base is handling the anime production and adaption.  The manga is still ongoing, and it has not been revealed how many episodes the animation will be.  Each episode of the anime will be streamed in North America as it airs in Japan starting April 7.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

News: Last Major Voice for Attack on Titan Revealed


Anime Boston started this weekend, and in the moments leading up to the English premiere for Attack on Titan, FUNimation revealed who the voice actor is for Eren Jaeger, the main character of the series.  Bryce Papenbrook (Rin Okumura in Blue Exorcist, Kida in Durarara!!, Kirito in Sword Art Online) was the one chosen to the play the leading role.  In a video released on FUNi's YouTube channel, Papenbrook introduced the official trailer for the anime, which you can watch below.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Review: Yotsuba&! vol. 12

I’ve been following Yotsuba&! since its debut in the U.S. back in 2009, and I wait in anticipation for each volume’s release more than any other of the many series I own.  It is an ongoing slice of life manga series created by Kiyohiko Azuma.  I recommended this in my Manga Holiday Wishlist.  It’s a great title to pick up and introduce to children and newcomers of manga.  This volume has become my favorite of the series thus far.  The simple setting and antics of the little girl Yotsuba are extremely relatable.  Any parent will soak up the familiar scenarios of children getting into things they shouldn’t.

Since it’s so modest to begin with, there isn’t much to say in terms of the story.  Yotsuba learns how to tie a bow, the basics of telling time, and how to cook curry with the help of her neighborhood friends.  She has a fun (yet horrific) time with blue paint, and she gets a bicycle helmet that’s pink and blue.  Throw in a camping trip and you have the gist of this volume.  It’s a manga that is incredibly human and laid-back, not meant to wow but to peacefully entertain.  There laughs to be had with this installment, but the majority of the time I found myself sitting back and smiling at how sweet the scenes were.  I never felt like I had to rush to get to the good parts; I instead took my time, leisurely flipping through the pages.

Friday, March 14, 2014

News: Two More Reveals for Attack on Titan Cast


FUNimation has revealed two more major characters for the anime series Attack on Titan.  The English dub will premiere at the company's panel at Anime Boston, March 21 - 23.  The final voice actors will be announced in the days before the convention.  However, FUNi has said that Eren's voice actor won't be revealed until the day of the premiere.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

News: Next Two Batches of Attack on Titan Cast


FUNimation has revealed two new batches of voice actors for the upcoming anime called Attack on Titan.  The dub is planned to premiere at Anime Boston, March 21 -23.  As the convention nears, more of the cast will be announced and shown on the company's blog.  A major character has finally been revealed, and I have to admit I'm a little happy with the choice.

Monday, March 10, 2014

News: First Batch of Attack on Titan Cast Revealed


Via their blog, FUNimation has revealed the first batch of voice actors for a few of the rolls in Attack on Titan.  Subscribers got the news and a sneak peak of the dub early.  More of the cast will be given out to the public as Anime Boston nears.  The English dub is due to premiere during the convention, which takes place March 21 - 23.  Also, the company detailed what items will be included in the Collector's and Limited editions of the DVD.  They are exclusively available at FUNimation's online store.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

News: Watch Dogs Release Date


Ubisoft has confirmed the release date for their new IP, Watch Dogs.  It is planned to release May 27th.  The date was initially leaked by a UK retailer called GAME via twitter.  It will be available for Xbox ONE, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC.  A Wii U release will not be arriving until later.  The company has sent out a release trailer of the game, revolving around the story.  You can find it over at Game Informer to watch it (just click on the link).  The trailer was actually leaked earlier today before Ubisoft's official announcement.