Author: Kari Lane

Actor. Filmmaker. Dancer. Movie/TV aficionado. Dog lover. Amateur chef. Crafter. Love the outdoors. Nerd/Geek. ♥Anime On twitter @karidlane

SDCC 2016: ‘The Magicians’ Panel Recap

by Kari Lane

Season 1 of The Magicians ended with a jaw dropping cliff hanger, but fans were able to learn more about the highly anticipated season 2 at Comic-Con and catch a glimpse of what is to come. You can watch all of season 1 on Syfy.com

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Sera Gamble, one of the writers, said of the main characters, “…they will all be back in one form or another.” If you have seen the season 1 finale, you know this statement can fill you with hope and dread at the same time.

Lev Grossman (the author of The Magicians books) moderated the panel and asked Gamble how the show got started. Gamble replied that it was actually Amazon that recommended his books to her. John McNamara, another writer for the show, commented, “I read it and it blew my mind.” He went on to say, “The scariest things in there are not the monsters but what people do to each other.” McNamara and Gamble then optioned the book with their own money to get the show started.

Grossman posed an interesting question to the actors on the panel, “Which of you auditioned for a different part?” Olivia Dudley, who plays Alice, said she auditioned for the role of Julia while Jade Tailor, who plays Julia, auditioned for Margo. Hale Appleman said he auditioned for Penny and said, “I would not have made a good Penny.” It is amusing to think of what the show would have been like if the actors ended up playing the roles they originally auditioned for.

Stella Maeve answered the question of what is the “hardest thing to do for your character” by saying, “For Julia, everything. These characters are flawed…hart to get into it.” She went on to say how it was difficult because many times she would not agree with her character and what she does. Summer Bishil felt it was, “grounding the hilarity between Margo and Elliot.” She added the writing helped and she focused on staying true to the script. Arjun Gupta, Penny, revealed, “taking Penny to a place where he was at a point of almost suicide.” Rick Worthy, Dean Fogg, humorously added, “In the pilot, initially I thought I died….Long story short…they found a brilliant way to keep me around.” Dudley talked about the physicality of Alice and how that affects her character. This was the “first time I got to play a character where everything is on the inside.” Before every take, she tenses up to remind herself that Alice holds it all in. Speaking of Alice, if you were wondering how drinking that “god spunk” was, she was able to make it herself and it was lychee. Jason Ralph, Quentin, rounded off the group saying it is challenging for him that his character thinks so fast.

Remember that Talor Swift song? Who could forget that magical dance number? Guess how much they paid for the rights to the song….$50,000! McNamara said that “the guy who wrote the check said, ‘Can we agree that we will never do this again?'” Ralph loved it though because “I got to be a pop star for the day”.

Maeve thinks that the fun thing about the books and the show is that they are “not afraid to make fun of themselves.”

Dudley went on to say, “We get to go to these worlds and comment on them, like a human”. That grounds the show because weird things happen and the characters actually acknowledge the strangeness. It is like they say what you the viewer are thinking.

Grossman asked, “What prop or wardrobe item from the show would you steal?” Worthy wants the dean’s office because there is “a lot of cool stuff in there.” He also likes the dean’s wardrobe and he loves the dean’s glasses! Bishil, just like Summer would say, “I would steal my stripper heels.” Appleman would “probably steal all of Eliot’s clothes and the Physical Kids’ house.” Dudley and Ralphy actually took home items! Dudley confessed she took home Alice’s glasses but “I brought them back.” Ralph took a jacket because it fit so well.

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It is easy to wonder how similar actors are to their characters. Sometimes the line between actor and character blur. Gupta admitted, “So many times I have called people by their character names.” In thinking about how he is like Penny, Gupta said, “I would like to think I am a lot nicer than Penny but I don’t know if people think that.” Grossman the authority on the subject, said, “Olivia, you are the most like Alice”.

When asked what magical ability he would choose Ralph replied, “If you go by the rules of this world, you don’t just have one power. You’re a magician…you can just study a lot.” Grossman quickly replied that maybe Ralph is most like his character. Bishil shocked the panel by saying she would like to “turn poop into gold. It’s a daily thing…a lot of gold.” Ah Margo. The crowd loved her power choice.

There was a question from the audience about the spell casting and if it is choreographed. The action is described in the book, and serendipitously the finger tutting phenomenon happened right when they started making the show. It is rather cool to watch the character cast spells. Yes, they do have a choreographer.

Ralph was asked to pick between Olivia and Julia but he would not, though he had a nice response saying, “They both had specific times in his life.”

Gupta and Tailor are happy they are more in the show than in the books when asked what they like with the adaptation of the books.

For those wondering about the time loops, Gamble said, “I wouldn’t count out going back and looking at other time loops.”

Yes, we will find out why Elliot has two books. Not really a spoiler but makes a whole lot more sense after you have seen the show.

Ralph and Gupta were asked about their character’s relationship and Ralph feels they are “similar souls on a different path.” They are foil characters but they both want the same thing, magic.

If you wonder about how the show follows the books, Gamble explained, “We see the big plot points as spots on a map, and maybe we get there a different way than Lev and the book.”

If you aren’t already excited for season 2, they will have a centaur!

Here is a fun behind the scenes look at what is coming in season 2!

Also, here is the exclusive first scene of next season that they premiered at Comic-Con!

SDCC 2016: ‘The Expanse’ Panel Recap

by Kari Lane

The Expanse panel at Comic-Con was held in the Indigo Ballroom which was full of enthusiastic fans for this new series. The Syfy channel series is based on the books by James S. A. Corey (the pen name used by the collaborators Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) and has had numerous articles sing its praise. Currently, five of the nine episodes are available to watch on Syfy.com and the entire season is available for purchase on Amazon Prime. If you have not checked out this series and you enjoy realistic sci-fi, drama, intriguing stories, an ethnically diverse cast and a gritty mystery, you need to go watch it now!

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Adam Savage (best known for Mythbusters) moderated the panel. He opened by saying The Expanse is his “new favorite show” because it is real science. In this future, technology has not made everything perfect, and getting around the galaxy is a difficult journey. Also, Naren Shankar (executive producer) pointed out in this show, space and space flight were made to be a character. If you have watched the show, you will know they succeeded.

The Expanse has received a lot of recognition for its talented and ethnically diverse cast. Cas Anvar, who plays Alex, a Pakistani pilot with a Texan accent said, “That’s the beautiful part of the show…it doesn’t have racism. It has planetism.” Savage added that his wife was surprised to see what Anvar looks like after just hearing his Southern accent in the other room. In terms of diversification, actress Shohreh Aghdashloo said, “This is the best show I have ever been on” and actress Dominique Tipper said “same”.

The character of Joe Miller, played by Thomas Jane, gives the narrative a film noir feel. He is a detective on the Belt (the area relatively stuck between Earth and Mars) and he stumbles upon a missing person case that he cannot leave alone. Jane added that he feels he looks like the rat from Ratatouille that has drowned, which is a fair description because his character goes through quite an ordeal. Mark Fergus, one of the show’s creators and writers commented that, “Miller is like the uncle that won’t leave.” Jane pointed out that his character, Miller, “feels like an outsider but wanted to hang with these people.”

In regards to the special effects on the show, Shankar said they were not necessarily limited by what they could do but rather, “Your ambitions expand to what you have available.” This is not a show where there are crazy effects in the characters’ daily lives per se (there are definitely some amazing visuals though) because it is grittier and Fergus points out that you, “…get all the dramatic stuff back that has been lost with technology.” The characters are the focus, not the tech because the tech is commonplace to the characters (like a cell phone today).

Savage asked Dominique Tipper, who plays Naoimi (a woman who can hold her own against any man), “Does Naoimi bring out your inner badass?” Tipper replied “no” because it is part of who she is. However, she added (with her British accent) that when she watches the show at home sipping tea, and she will think about her character, “Wow that was a bit harsh”. When the cast was asked if they are like their characters, all of them chimed in saying that they are rather similar to their characters. Tipper cut in though saying, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I am absolute fucking delight to be around!”

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One of the many complex characters on the show is Avasarala, played by Shohreh Aghdashloo, and she explained her character’s motives by saying that, “she had dedicated herself to her mission – Earth must come first” and that she wants to “make it a better place for our children’s children.” She went on to say this was the first time a character surprised her. Aghdashloo was asked by Savage, “How is it to be a female actress and get to say a lot of bad stuff?” She replied, “I am having a blast to be honest with you. I say a lot in the second season. What I love about this character is that she does not shy away from the truth.” One of the questions from the audience touched upon how brutal Avasarala is in the pilot and how that is different from the books. Fergus mentioned how they did not want the character to “be just an administrator. She has to get her hands dirty” and, in the pilot episode, that was an quick way to show her character and make you interested to know more.

One of the emerging leaders is Holden, played by Steven Strait, but unfortunately Holden is a bit of a slacker. Strait explained, “The more responsibility he has, it chips away at him…He refuses to pick a side and he becomes more gray. He can’t work only in black and white. By the end of season two, you will find he is a very different character from season one.”  One problem with Holden is that he is a bit distant and hard to connect with. Strait elaborated on how they tried to make his character relatable by saying that they “…wanted to keep Holden’s journey as realistic as possible…want to show him struggle with each level of responsibility that he takes on. He struggles a lot through it but that shows his humanity.”

Though The Expanse is based on a book series, Shankar commented that they “…are doing a unique adaptation” because they are staying true to the books. They are also incorporating the novellas and they will “change the timelines a little”, but the “authors keep them on track.” It sounds like a rather symbiotic relationship where both parties are working together and figuring out what works best for their medium.

One of the teasers but not really a spoiler for season 2 is that we will see more of the Mars perspective and we will see it right at the beginning of the season!

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Here is a fun video they screened about what it takes to act on this show!

https://youtu.be/T36JADaJh58

Check out the trailer for season 2

https://youtu.be/3gj8tRaFIfs

Geekscape Interviews: Kazue Kato – The Creator Behind the Hit Manga Series “Blue Exorcist”

by Kari Lane

One of the guests of honor at Anime Expo 2016 was Kazue Kato, the creator behind the hit manga series Blue Exorcist, which is also a successful anime series (season 2 comes out in 2017 and there is also a film). She took a moment to speak with us (via a translator) about her process, her visit to the United States (this was her first time here!), and more!

Read on to learn about the beloved series creator Kazue Kato!

 

How has your experience at Anime Expo been? 

I wasn’t sure how many U.S. fans there are, and I came to Anime Expo not really understanding that. It was my first time seeing my U.S. fans, and it was the first time that I could visually see all of these fans that are reading my comic. Yesterday, I was able to meet them during the autograph signings. I was actually able to meet all my fans live and in person and get their reaction and feedback. They are very warm. I was very touched by their friendship and support.

Did you see many cosplays of your characters? 

Yes. Yesterday, at lunch, there were some Rin cosplayers who came in to where we were having lunch just by pure accident, so it was fun.

There were a lot last year. 

You are saying compared to this year?

Yeah, because they screened the film. 

I see.

You kind of touched on it a little bit, but how has your stay in the U.S. been so far? 

My stay in the U.S. has been a lot of fun. I have been doing some sight seeing in between too. It was my very very first time in the U.S. so…

Welcome, welcome. 

I’ve always kinda looked to the United States through movies and TV that I see, so I am really excited to be here.

Who and what inspires you? 

Oh, Hollywood films and TV. I get a lot of influence from anything overseas pretty much.

How do you come up with your character designs? 

I try to read as much manga as I can and design things in a way where they are easy for readers to understand. That aspect is really important to me. I work in my own tastes while taking that into account.

Blue Exorcist Color Collection

AO NO EXORCIST © 2009 by Kazue Kato/SHUEISHA Inc.

What are some of your favorite mangas to read? 

I get asked that pretty often. At this point, it is getting hard to have a favorite.

What are your top three manga? 

Maybe Sato Zakuri, but I’m trying to think of what I have read lately, but I can’t think of anything. In the past, there was Akira and Neon Genesis Evangeleon, but lately Attack on Titan and what else… There is also Kimi ni Todoke… but I am not sure there is a U.S. release for that [ed note: it’s published in North America by VIZ Media]. Oh, From Me to You is the English title. My Love Story and some other Shojo manga. So, not the top three, but those are the ones that are current.

Your art has changed a little bit over your career. Would you like to talk about your growth as an artist? 

So, this is based on Time Killers?

Yes. (In Time Killers, a collection of Kazue Kato’s short stories, she talks at the back of the manga about how her art has changed over the past 5-9 years). 

Back in the day, I was just drawing because I liked to draw. But now, I am very conscious about how my fans, how my readers, will understand and read my works so it has changed that way. There is more of a fan input influence compared to when I first started. So, now, I feel like my older habits are starting to come back these days. I am always sort of teeter tottering between my habits versus giving my fans what they want. Yeah, that is about it.

What do you enjoy drawing the most and what is the hardest thing to draw? 

Let’s see. Do you mean characters or manga?

In general. 

Let’s start with the hardest – the story and how to build the story is really difficult. The regular pattern is that we are really working on the story so much that I have to cram the drawing process. I feel like I have more… I am starting to feel a little bit more joy in the story and the storytelling process compared to back in the day when that was just really hard. It was a struggle. I am starting to find the joy in the storytelling part too. As far as the drawing… Yeah, there’s parts where I can just… like it was breathing air, completely effortless. When I am really in that concentration zone, it is great.

With the first question we kind of touched on this, but when you started drawing characters for Blue Exorcist, did you have any idea that it would be as big as it is now? 

My life has had a lot of mistakes and things that haven’t gone well, so being able to… At first I thought, I mean now it is series, but I thought I would only have one or two volumes and that was it, but it is an entire series now, so that was unexpected.

Who is your favorite character? 

I get asked that often, but I keep answering that I don’t really have a favorite. I might pick one now… I like everyone. Maybe, just for the record, I will say Rin. Yeah, because Rin took a lot of effort to develop his character.

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AO NO EXORCIST © 2009 by Kazue Kato/SHUEISHA Inc.

It is like a parent having to pick their favorite child. 

It is very similar, yeah.

Do you have more in store for Blue Exorcist? 

In the manga or the anime?

Manga. 

There are things coming up. I would definitely like to make it more fun and entertaining.

Your self-portrait is a rabbit… Why the fascination with rabbits? 

Yeah, people ask me that pretty often. That one derives because I just generally like animals. When I was a child, I tended to draw more animals than humans. In Japan, there are a lot of rabbit toys. There are these little characters called Sylvanian Families and they are these biped animals that are about this big and a little bit furry. And the main family of the Sylvanian Families series is a family of rabbits. So, with that, I would always be drawing rabbits all the time. So when I would write letters to friends, in the little corner next to my names I just draw a little rabbit. It is from those days and I kind of continued doing it.

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Ah, kawaii (cute). Have you been to the bunny island in Japan? 

I know about the cat one, but… is it a theme park?

No, I went in October. It is just an island where there is a hotel and you can stay there. When you walk out the front door, they are everywhere. You can feed them and they will come sit on your lap. 

Kawaii.

It is very pretty. It is a beautiful island. 

Yes, I am Japanese and I didn’t even know that.

Next field trip – it is research. 

*laughs*

You can pick which one speaks to you, but which character, short story or manga are you most proud of? 

Hmm what am I most proud of? That is a cool way of phrasing it. I wish I had a really good response. Maybe just having had a career in drawing. Maybe, overall… Right now, there is nothing I could say I am really proud of because I am in the middle of that career process, but having not quit. Yeah, I think I am about to come upon that… This is what I am going to be proud of. That is definitely a goal, to create something I am proud of.

What are you currently working on? 

Mostly Blue Exorcist and maybe contributing a little bit to the anime, but nothing outside of that. Yeah, and developing the next big storyline.

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AO NO EXORCIST © 2009 by Kazue Kato/SHUEISHA Inc.

Another one stemming off that, as a manga artist and character creator, how are you liking the anime version of your creation? 

Yes, so Sasaki-san, Keigo Sasaki, is the character designer. So my manga is actually living and breathing, moving on the screen. Everyone has been telling me that he has really captured who and what my characters that I created are about. I have been getting good feedback. Before the anime started, I was told that there are some isms, my isms that in my characters and I was worried how that would transfer over to anime, but now Sasaki-san … you know his version of my characters are obviously equivalent, but it has been a smooth transition. I think it really had to be Sasaki-san doing the character design, otherwise, it would have been difficult to capture everything. There is a new season of the anime coming out and Sasaki-san is in charge of that as well.

How did you feel when you first watched the anime of Blue Exorcist? 

It didn’t really hit me, there was no, “this is really happening”, it did not quite hit me. It was like, “oh. they’re moving.” And even around me too, everyone is like “Wow, it is an anime now”.

That is great. Thank you very much.  

Thank you.

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Bluefin Announces Exclusive Collectibles for Anime Expo ’16

by Kari Lane

Leading Japanese collectibles distributor, Bluefin, returns to Anime Expo (July 1-4) with new Dragon Ball figures and a wide array of new Gundam model kits! They have also announced a colorful collection of exclusive products that will be displayed and available for purchase during AX.

Bluefin will be located in Booth #1401.

Dragon Ball fans that purchase a Bandai Scouter headset at the Bluefin booth will receive Super Saiyan Hair that can be placed snugly over the head.

Read on to learn what figures/model kits will be available:

Bandai Figure-rise Standard “Dragon Ball Z” Super Saiyan Son Goku  

Height: 6 Inches

A new breed of action figure model kit that blends high articulation and detailed sculpts together in one package! Super Saiyan Goku is constructed using layered colored plastic techniques that blend the seam lines together with the folds of his outfit and contours of his muscles leading to a natural appearing joint system.  Simple construction patterns ensure it will be an easy to build figure even for those who have never built a model kit before!  Includes different hand parts for various martial arts poses, and 2 types of kamehameha effect parts with stand, and one powering up facial expression!

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Bandai Figure-rise Standard “Dragon Ball Z” Final Form Frieza

Height: 5 Inches

A new breed of action figure model kit that blends high articulation and detailed sculpts together in one package! Frieza is constructed using layered colored plastic techniques that blend the seam lines together with the contours of his muscles leading to a natural appearing joint system.  Simple construction patterns ensure it will be an easy to build figure even for those who have never built a model kit before!  Includes different hand parts for various signature poses, and 2 types of energy weapon effect parts with stand, and one wicked facial expression!

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Notable Bluefin Anime Expo GunPla products include: 

 

Bandai HG Full Armor Gundam Thunderbolt (Theatrical Clear Variant)  

***Anime Expo Exclusive!!***

MSRP: $34.99

A clear special model kit variant originally made available only at the Japanese theatrical screening locations for the animated short, “Gundam Thunderbolt.” It’s now a special Anime Expo exclusive. Don’t miss your only chance to score one this summer! Features 4 shields on movable arms, double barrel beam rifle, back mounted beam cannon and missile launcher, missile pods, beam sabers and propellant tanks. Limit 1 per person.

 

The Bandai Gundam Thunderbolt kit also will be included as part of an exclusive new Blu-ray bundle set that will be available (MSRP: $120.00) and offered during Anime Expo.  

 

Mr. Hobby Mr. Super Tool Set  

MSRP: $29.99

A specially designed tool kit with everything necessary to expertly build your GunPla model. Set includes a metal file, tweezers, a nipper, knife with replacement blades, and a black Gundam marker for panel lining. A must-have for the true GunPla model builder.

 

Bandai Shokugan Gundam Converge LTD 2016 

MSRP: $29.99

This special 3 pack consists of metallic colored versions of the Gundam MK II in AEUG and Titans colors along with G-Defenser that can combine with either figure to create the Super Gundam. It has been made specifically for select regions such as the U.S.!

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Bandai RG Wing Gundam Zero EW Pearl Gloss Version 

MSRP: $36.99

A special event exclusive RG Wing Zero Ver EW that has been coated in a beautiful pearl gloss finish. Utilizing the Advanced MS Frame that allows armor to be mounted on to a skeletal support structure, this iconic angel winged Gundam from “Gundam Wing Endless Waltz” is capable of performing its signature poses with its Twin Buster Rifle.

 

Bandai MG Hi Nu HWS Ver Ka Mechanical Clear Variant 

MSRP: $114.99

The MG Hi Nu Gundam Ver Ka fitted with a specially designed Heavy Weapons System in clear transparent outer armor designed to show off the amazing mechanical skeleton underneath.  Based on its original illustration by Yutaka Izubuchi, this Ver. Ka brings its original proportions into modern kit form from esteemed mecha designer Hajime Katoki.  Includes beam rifle, hyper bazooka, beam sabers, shield, and detachable HWS system which was originally a P-Bandai Web item.  Available in limited quantities for the U.S.  Limit 1 per person.

 

Bandai HG Barbatos Clear Variant Set 

MSRP: $16.99

The iconic and radical Gundam from the “Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans” TV anime series in a special clear form which can show off the incredibly detailed Gundam Frame underneath.  Includes parts to recreate Barbatos first and 4th forms and comes with Sword, Mace, Shield Arm, Long Range Cannon, and Mobile Worker. Available only for purchase at special events!  Limit 1 per person.

 

Bandai RG 00 Raiser Trans Am Clear Version 

MSRP: $35.99

A translucent version of the RG 00 Raiser from “Gundam 00” in Trans Am colors originally available only in Asia.  Special clear colored plastic allows display of the amazingly detailed Advanced MS Frame with the outer armor on. Includes a number of weapons and accessories including GN Sword III, GN Sword II, beam sabers and O Raiser which can detach from the body of the main Gundam.  Limit 1 per person.

 

Bandai Petit’guy Mass Production Type 

MSRP: $7.99

A cute little beargguy colored in Gundam’s iconic mass produced Zaku green! Includes one puzzle piece display stand which can connect to other Petit’gguy models!  Build your growing Beargguy army with one of these limited Petite Bears!  Purchase limited to 2 units per person.

 

Bandai HGUC RX-78-G3 Gundam 

MSRP: $13.99

A special limited color variant of the RX-78-2 Gundam in its G3 color scheme!  Featuring renewed proportions from the “Revive” campaign, this highly articulated Gundam features a beam rifle, shield, bazooka, and 2 beam sabers.  Limit 1 per person.

About Bluefin

Based in Irvine, CA, Bluefin built its reputation as a leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. In recent years, Bluefin has grown to include a range of high quality collectible lines from the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore and established itself as the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Selling to thousands of specialty, chain and independent stores, Bluefin is an official North American distributor for Bandai Hobby, Kotobukiya and Capcom, is the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Hero Cross, Beast Kingdom, Mr. Hobby, SEN-TI-NEL and X-Plus. Bluefin also represents TruForce Collectibles products worldwide. Additional information is available at: www.bluefincorp.com.

Geekscape Interviews: FAKKU is Back for Anime Expo ’16!

by Kari Lane

Next week Anime Expo returns to the Los Angeles convention center and FAKKU will be there! I interviewed Mike Ingraham, Creative Director at FAKKU, about their exciting new changes and special event at AX 2016!

No idea who/what FAKKU is? Read our 2014 interview with them to learn all bout this hentai website/company.

 

******WARNING***** Adult content discussed below!

 

 

Gearing up for AX 2016, how do you feel?

Haha, what’s the best way to put this? Nervous yet excited. It’s another big year for us and there are a lot of odds and ends to wrap up before the big weekend!

What can fans look forward to at the expo?

FAKKU has a lot going on this year at Anime Expo 2016! Where to start… Besides our booth in the Exhibit Hall (booth #705), we are bringing out two Japanese guest artists, Napata and saitom. They will be doing signings and panels over the course of the weekend so be sure to come check them out! We have some limited merchandise including a dakimakura with art by Napata, and a 6 doujinshi box set of saitom’s work. Really excited to have those for the convention!

This year, FAKKU is also an official sponsor of Anime Expo! We’re throwing a big party on June 3rd at Lounge 21 at the convention center! It’ll be from 9PM-1AM and we’ll have an area for photos with the guests, drinks, giveaways, and live music! There will be three sets by HentaiDude, Revolution Boi, and Meishi Smile. It’s the first time we’ll be hosting an event of this size and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m ready to party! And anyone who comes through the door gets a free 7 day subscription to FAKKU. Be there!

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Since our last interview, FAKKU got into publishing. How has that been going?

It has been quite a year for FAKKU publishing. Not only have we published 24 books but we also launched our magazine subscription service. The magazine service publishes ~1,200 pages of brand new content straight from Japan every month. We get comic Kairakuten, Shitsurakuten, and X-EROS that have some of the most top tier artists. A subscription costs $12.95 a month and that’s roughly the same amount it would cost to purchase these 3 magazines in Japan.

Any other new changes?

As most people know, FAKKU removed all unlicensed content some months ago. It caused somewhat of an uproar but we are proud to have made this change.

What started these new changes for the site/company?

It was inevitable that we would have to take down unlicensed content . Hosting unlicensed content is how we started to combat the service problem of getting high quality hentai in English but we have now gone through the motions to remedy that. We now have new content flowing in every month where the artists get royalties from us.

Were there any difficulties in changing things up?

There were no immediate difficulties other than hiring enough people to put out this much content haha. Our team has grown significantly over the year and I’m happy to have everyone that works for us. People were upset that we lost so much free content and that’s perfectly understandable. But we have a lot of support and subscribers and I’m thankful for that. It keeps us afloat and gives FAKKU the potential to grow and do even more things in the future.

What are you most proud of regarding FAKKU’s new adventures?

I’m proud of everything FAKKU has done! Seeing our people work on daily magazine releases, new books, t-shirts, web development, and everything that makes FAKKU run is truly inspiring. We have some passionate people here and I’m proud of us. If I had to pick one recent project that I’m personally proud of, it would be the saitom box set that we are selling at Anime Expo. It was awesome speaking with saitom and his design team directly and working to bring this set to fruition. The last doujin in the set is Wrapping 2, which will be released by us before Japan even sees it. That’s a major milestone in my mind and I’m happy FAKKU has the opportunity to be a part of it. I hope you all enjoy it!

What are some of the recent conventions FAKKU has had a booth at? And how did things go with the fans?

FAKKU was recently at Phoenix Comic Con, Kawaiicon, and Fanime to name a few. We love going to conventions and meeting all the fans that support us. It’s kind of funny because our convention staff is typically just our work staff. When you go to a con you will meet the people who are working in the office. Graphic designers, typesetters, project managers, etc. All the people who are working on the content itself are the ones selling your hentai! Most people don’t know that and we are always happy when customers are happy with the product we worked so hard to create.

How has the feedback been from fans online and at the conventions?

The feedback has been great! It’s really something when, in one way or another, people let you know they’ve fapped to your work haha. But the fans make it all worthwhile. I love it when people come up and talk about the content we’ve published, offer some suggestions for books, or just stop to say hello.

Anything else new that you can share?

We just recently put up a Kickstarter for Toshio Maeda’s Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend. We’re super pumped to have the opportunity to work on Toshio’s work! There’s a lot of really cool tiers including original artwork by Toshio, and even dinner with him in Japan! I hope we get enough backers so we can release this awesome series for everyone. Of course, we have some secret things in the works that we hope we can announce the second half of this year.

Where can people find out more?

Be sure to check out our website (www.fakku.net) and follow us on Twitter (@FAKKU)!

 

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Announces its Lineup!

by Kari Lane

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF) is back for their 4th year and they recently announced a diverse roster of films!

“This year’s JFFSF proudly presents a broad collection of current and acclaimed Japanese cinema across a variety of genres such as action, sci-fi, documentary, anime, shorts, live music, kabuki theatre, crime mystery, and family drama.”

All films will be presented in Japanese language with English subtitles.   

The film festival opens Saturday, July 23rd and runs through Sunday, July 31st at the New People Cinema in Japantown at 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115 (www.newpeoplecinema.com). Tickets to individual screenings are $15.00 each, unless otherwise noted. All ticket prices include the service fee with no further extra charge.

For the true film aficionado, this year, the JFFSF also offers the special JFFSF Festival Passports. Available for $150 each, a passport grants the holder priority access and seating at all JFFSF 2016 screenings. A complete listing of film summaries, trailers, screening times and advance tickets as well as festival passports are available at: JFFSF.org.

 

The special Guests of Honor include Director Shinsuke Sato (Gantz, The Princess Blade), who appears in person for the U.S. premiere of Library Wars: The Last Mission, Director Shunji Iwai (Love Letter, All About Lily Chou-Chou, Hana and Alice), who will appear for the California premiere of A Bride for Rip Van Winkle, and Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, who will appear for the screening of HAPPY HOUR.

 

“We are honored to welcome three prominent directors from Japan as our Guests of Honor this year,” says Manami Iiboshi, Executive Director of the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. “It is exciting to share with our beloved audience this rare opportunity to hear about the creative vision behind their films in person. I hope everyone enjoys exploring diversity of Japanese cinema through this year’s program.”

 

This year’s JFFSF also complements an extensive roster of entertainment also set to take place for J-POP SUMMIT 2016, the weekend of July 23rd and 24th at Fort Mason.

To read about the films playing during the festival see below or go to the festival’s website.

The following films will play at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema on the dates noted beginning on Saturday, July 23rd with screenings continuing until Sunday, July 31st.

Library Wars: The Last Mission ~ Saturday, July 23rd, 12:00pm 

Featuring a special in-person appearance by Director Shinsuke Sato (Gantz, The Princess Blade)! In this new sequel to the first Library Wars film, the story is set in a near future where the expression of thought is censored and the media is controlled. Under instructor Atsushi Dojo whom she admires, Iku Kasahara is now a full-fledged member of the Library Defense ‘Task Force’. They are ordered to guard a public exhibition featuring ‘The Handbook of Library Law’ known as the symbol of freedom, with no clue what fate awaits ahead.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 Presents: IA 1st Live Concert in Japan “PARTY A GOGO!” ~ Saturday, July 23, 3pm 

Presented by J-POP SUMMIT 2016, the latest Vocaloid sensation “IA” ‘s first solo concert film, “IA First Live Concert in JAPAN: PARTY A GO-GO,” will have its San Francisco premiere at Japan Film Festival of SF! “IA” is a virtual artist brought to life as part of the VOCALOID™3 with its synthesizing technology, and IA-related videos have collectively garnered more than 100 million views online. Experience the hottest entertainment export from Japan!

Tokyo Short Shorts 2016 ~ Saturday, July 23, 4:15pm 

JFFSF’s popular collaboration with Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia teams up to exclusively premiere a collection of special short films directed by a new generation of filmmakers from Japan!  Films include: Plan B (Directed by Hatsuki Yokoo), Hana (Directed by Yusaku Okamoto) and Piece of the Future (Directed by Seiki Watanabe), Drifting cloud (Directed by Yuta Sukegawa) and Kerama Blue (Directed by Tsukasa Kishimoto).

Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno ~ Saturday, July 23 at 6:00pm; Sunday, July 24 at 6:30pm; Monday, July 25 at 8:00pm; Tuesday, July 26 at 9:00pm 

Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno and Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends are both sequels to 2012’s first Rurouni Kenshin live-action theatrical film. The live-action action movies were filmed back-to-back and cover the Kyoto Arc of Nobuhiro Watsuki’s original historical action manga. Kenshin Himura is a legendary swordsman in the wars accompanying the turbulent fall of Japan’s Shogunate in the 19th Century. Once feared as, ‘Battosai the Killer,” he became a wanderer living peacefully with his companions with the arrival of the ‘new age’ in Japanese history. But now he learns that Makoto Shishio, his crazed successor, is about to overthrow the new government. Can Kenshin stop him without breaking his vow to kill no more and save Japan from destruction?　(**Note: This is not a double feature. Separate tickets must be bought for each screening.)

A Bride for Rip Van Winkle ~ Sunday July 24, 12:00pm 

Screening features a special personal appearance by Director Shunji Iwai (Love Letter, All About Lily Chou-Chou, Hana and Alice)! Director Iwai returns with a deceptively beautiful film about a struggling teacher obsessed with a new social-media site, where she meets people that lead her life to an unexpected place. With the wedding with a boyfriend she met online approaching, and with no relatives except for her divorced parents, she makes a questionable decision encouraged by Amuro, a jack-of-all-trades whom she had also met online.

Cinema Kabuki “NEZUMI KOZO: Noda Version” ~ Sunday July 24, 4:00pm 

Don’t miss the rare opportunity to experience the authentic and unique beauty of contemporary kabuki performed by some of Japan’s greatest kabuki actors and presented in vivid HD on the big screen! Nezumi Kozo is based on the story of a real-life bandit from the Edo period (19th Century). After his execution, a legend grew that he had been a kind of Robin Hood, sharing his ill-gotten gains with the poor. Written and directed by Hideki Noda and starring Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII.

Dou kyu sei – Classmates – ~ Monday, July 25, 6:30pm 

Based on a popular yaoi (Boys’ Love) manga by Asumiko Nakamura, the film portrays the tantalizingly pure romance between two male high school students, Hikaru Kusakabe, a popular student in a band, and Lichit Sajo, an honor student. These boys would have never crossed paths until they begin to talk through preparing for an upcoming chorus festival together. A sensitive yet refined romantic masterpiece is brought to life.

The Anthem of the Heart ~ Tuesday, July 26, 6:30pm 

Creators behind the popular Anohana Movie return with the original anime feature film, The Anthem of the Heart an all-new ode to youth set in the beautiful city of Chichibu, located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The story unfolds around Jun Naruse, a girl who is unable to speak from trauma in the past. Through happening to join a musical act with an unexpected mix of students, Jun gradually starts to regain her lost voice.

Solomon’s Perjury (Part 1: Suspicion & Part 2: Judgment) ~ Wednesday, July 27, 6:30pm 

A special double-feature presentation.Court commenced with the death of a 14 year-old, and concluded with perjury. On a Christmas morning, the body of a student is discovered on the snow-covered schoolyard below a high rooftop. His death stirred up the latent malice that existed within the school, leading to accusations by an anonymous source claiming to be an eyewitness. A scheme for a new murder, sensational coverage by the mass media, then another victim and yet another… When the teachers have forsaken the students, concerned only with protecting themselves, one female student takes a stand to expose the hidden truth by holding a court trial within the school! Several collaborators come forward who are not intimidated by the pressure exerted by the teachers. Then, a defense counselor from another school comes forward to offer support. And finally, the 5-day trail begins.

The Boy and the Beast ~ Thursday, July 28, 6:30pm 

The latest feature film from award-winning director Mamoru Hosoda (Summer Wars, Wolf Children)! When Kyuta, a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, stumbles into a fantastic world of beasts, he’s taken in by Kumatetsu, a gruff, rough-around-the-edges warrior beast who’s been searching for the perfect apprentice. Despite their constant bickering, Kyuta and Kumatetsu begin training together and slowly form a bond as surrogate father and son.

Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends ~ Thursday, July 28 at 9:00pm; Friday, July 29, 9:00pm; Saturday, July 30 at 3:00pm; Sunday, July 31 at 6:30pm 

Don’t miss the exciting finale in the action-packed Rurouni Kenshin live-action saga!

Being Good ~ Friday, July 29, 6:30pm 

Awarded NETPAC Jury Prize at the 37th Moscow International Film Festival, this film is a heart-wrenching portrayal of isolated people caught in downward spirals that also shows how simple acts of kindness can make a difference. Tasuku is a school teacher struggling to deal with his homeroom and his students’ over-protective parents. When he discovers that one of his students is being abused by their parents, he decides to stand up to make a difference.

DASHI & SHOYU: Essence of Japan ~ Saturday, July 30, 12:00pm 

This visually striking food documentary is focused on two crucial essence of Japanese cuisine: the delicate soup stock, ‘Dashi,’ and the golden soy sauce, ‘Shoyu.’ Dashi is the bedrock of Japanese cuisine and a distillation of the natural resources of Japan. ‘Shoyu’ is a pillar of Japanese cuisine, which is made of soy that is transformed by a type of mold that exists only in Japan. History and secrets of Umami will be revealed. Screening will feature a special Dashi stock tasting.

Happy Hour ~ Sunday, July 31, 12:00pm 

Screening to feature a special personal appearance by Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi! Japan’s up-and-coming director Hamaguchi’s award-winning epic Happy Hour returns to SF Bay Area with the filmmaker himself. This 5-hours-and-17-minutes-long film about the unstable lives of four girl friends in their thirties, played by real women with no acting experience in the past, should be surprisingly gratifying for any movie lover.

 

About JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO

Launched in 2013, Japan Film Festival of San Francisco is the first and only fully dedicated Japanese film event for the SF Bay Area. This year’s edition will feature a colorful mix of narratives, anime and documentary film premieres and exclusive screenings with special guest appearance at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema in San Francisco’s Japantown from July 23rd (Sat) through August 31st (Sun), 2016. More details and ticket information is available at jffsf.org.

About NEW PEOPLE CINEMA

NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat cinema located in the underground floor of NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco. Equipped with a cutting-edge HD digital projection and THX®-certified sound system, NEW PEOPLE Cinema is home for local film festivals and creative events. newpeoplecinema.com

Kari’s Manga Corner: ‘Assassination Classroom’

by Kari Lane

Before I read Assassination Classroom, I had actually seen part of the movie on my flight to Japan. At the time I thought, “What is this strange movie?” Then I noticed the face of the teacher, and realized I had seen that face before. What teacher you may ask? Well, there is an alien creature here on Earth and he is going to destroy the planet unless the students of class 3-E can assassinate him by the end of the school year.

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The students of class 3-E are not your typical kids. Their class is considered the reject class by the rest of the student body because you are sent there if you have poor grades or you cause trouble. Now, they are also assassins in training. The teacher, later named by the students as Koro Sensei, makes a deal with Earth’s leaders that he will not destroy the planet if these particular students can successfully assassinate him.

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As you can guess from the plot, there is tons of action in this series. The action scenes play well and you can see the fights unfold. There is actually a lot of humor as well. What the teacher says and how it interactions with the human students creates a lot of funny moments. The particular art style is a little on the cute side and is like Love Hina and Negima!

Where does this thing come from? Why does he want to destroy Earth? Why these kids? Will they be able to complete their task of assassinating the alien creature? If you’re looking for something with an intriguing plot, action and humor, you should check out Assassination Classroom. This is definitely a fun one!

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We Recap Comikaze 2015’s ‘Spark Your Creativity’ Panel

by Kari Lane

Have you ever had an idea for a project but just did not know where to start? Has not knowing how to proceed stopped you from working on creative projects? Then the ‘Spark Your Creativity’ panel at Comikaze is just for you. Here is a recap on the helpful and informative panel that was lead by accomplished female creators. Do not worry guys, this is for you as well.

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What made you a creator?

Emily Blake – She was tired of writing and having it go into the void, so she recommended making projects yourself.
Jenna Busch – She was tired of not being able to say the things she wanted to about feminism.
America Young – She was tired of seeing so much talent around her that was not working and decided “…let’s start making stuff.”
Miley Yamamoto – Added that for her, it was the diversity angle. There are so many roles for Asians that are all unnamed characters such as Nurse #1.

Tips to getting started.

Holly Payne – “…find your audience and target them.” You want to build a community because they will be the ones who support your project. Make sure to use social media. She concluded with saying, “Dedicate yourself completely and fully and to surround yourself with like-minded people.”
Jenna Busch – Gave the hard but important advice of, “Grow a thick skin.” She went on to say that if you have a vision to stick with it and she jokingly, but at the same time, seriously said, “Don’t read the comments.”
Melanie Recker – Find out what makes you tick and be true to what matters to you. Finding out what is most important to you can spark your creativity.
Emily Blake – Collaboration. She went on to say that if you don’t know about everything find others and work together. “Surround yourself with people who know what to do.” For example, if you do not know how to work a camera, you find a cinematographer.
Miley Yamamoto – Added that projects like the 48 Hour Film Festival are great because you can join a team and learn by hands on experience. If you want to do hosting, just start filming and upload to YouTube.
America Young – You will be there at the beginning, middle and end so you must love what you are working on.
Stephanie Pressman – Your first project doesn’t have to be good and then you will get better.
Jenna Busch – Don’t stare at a blank page. You can even just start writing a grocery list. Action leads to more action.
Holly Payne – First thing every morning write for 10 minutes. Just like you have to exercise your body, you need to exercise your mind.
Melanie Recker – Find a designer. Make friends with someone who will be able to communicate your vision.

Resources

Jenna Busch – Work on your twitter account to develop a social media presence. She added that she has gotten jobs through Twitter. Look at the work you like and why you like it, then communicate through twitter to ask questions.
Holly Payne – We have broader access than ever before. Find your audience and reach out to them. Communicate.
Kristen Nedopak – Get out in the world. We are always online and often stay in our own little space. Find people who do what you want and connect with them.
Miley Yamamoto – Google is your friend. You can find images to convey what you’re thinking. Do your homework. Those images can help inspire your team.
Heidi Cox – Bring on people who can add to your ideas.
Holly Payne – Make sure what you do is legal. With licensed products you have to check. Be careful not to steal ideas. Do your homework.
Stephanie Pressman – The companies that own those licensed products can sometimes help so make sure to do your homework.
Jenna Busch – Always worth asking.

Q&A

Was there ever a time you lost confidence in your work and what did you do about it?

Jenna Busch – Became involved in Gamergate when she started her project and received death threats. Then she read Felicia Day’s post about never giving up. Jenna suggested to look at what the project means to you, step away, and take a break. “If it feels like it’s time to give it up, you’ll know.”
Heidi Cox – Delete bad comments. If you have something to say, say it! If no one sees it, who cares? You got it out there.
America Young – People need to earn their opinion. If some troll with no credibility says something, ignore it. However, sometimes they may be right. If someone you respect gives you advice then you should listen to it.
Melanie Recker – Only listen to the really close people in your life.
Miley Yamamoto – Had a scary experience and it’s hard when you are threatened. It took her a long time to recover but she feels stronger now. Use a PO Box!

Copyright

Look into it because it could be public domain.
You cannot sell it if it is licensed but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it.
Do your research.
See if you can get an option. Ask because you never know. If you are passionate about a project, you can possibly get the rights for next to nothing. For example, Stephen King has sold the rights to some of his projects for only $1.

Resources

msinthebiz.com
Chicks Who Script (podcast)
onlinefilmschoolbootcamp.com
fiverr.com
tweepy.org
SAG Indie (free workshops once a month)

I hope the advice above inspires you. Also, all of the panelists encouraged communication with them. They all want to help you so you do not have to go through what they have. Reach out, make friends and start creating!

Get in the Halloween Spirit with Fanboy Comics! 10/26 and 10/28

by Kari Lane

As Halloween fast approaches, I am devilishly delighted to invite you to get into the fiendishly fun spirit with Fanboy Comics at their Evenings of Horror Fiction & Poetry on October 26 and 28, hosted at Stories Books & Cafe and Meltdown Comics!

Read on to learn more about this frightfully fun free event!

We hope that you’ll join us as incredibly talented writers Robert Payne Cabeen (Fearworms: Selected Poems, Heavy Metal 2000, Horror Writers Association member) and Justin Robinson (City of Devils, Coldheart) recite selections from their tantalizing tales of terror for audiences to enjoy. Cabeen will share select passages from his recent poetry collection that will leave listeners squirming with dread, and Robinson will read a passage from his novel, Get Blank, along with short story that is set in the universe of his horror novel, City of Devils.

 

Following the performances, Fanboy Comics invites you to stay for tricks, treats, and a book signing with the authors. Admissions is FREE, but be sure to arrive early, as seating is limited.

The Evenings of Horror Fiction & Poetry will take place on:

 Monday, October 26, from 7:30-8:45 p.m. at Stories Books & Cafe (in Echo Park)
*Facebook Event

StoriesPoster

 

 

 

Wednesday, October 28, from 8:30-9:45 p.m. at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles (in Los Angeles)
*Facebook Event

MeltdownPoster

 

Geekscape Interviews: Julietta Suzuki On What It Takes To Be A Manga Artist

by Kari Lane

Many manga readers dream of becoming manga artists. What does it take to make it as a mangaka (manga artist)? I spoke with the successful manga artist, Julietta Suzuki, about her career and what inspires her.

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Kamisama Hajimemashita © Julietta Suzuki 2008/HAKUSENSHA,Inc.

Q: How has your experience at Anime Expo been?
A: I just walked on the floor, quite a few people, a lot of cosplayers. It seems like there are a lot of visitors from all different countries and I felt the passion. It looks like a lot of fun.

Q: How does it feel to be a Guest of Honor with Viz Media?
A: I feel honored and very thankful.

Q: Whose artwork has inspired you?
A: Are you talking about manga?

Q: Yes.
A: Any genre? It doesn’t matter?

Q: Yeah, anything.
A: When I was a kid, I used to play an RPG game “Dragon Quest” and that inspired me a lot. I played a lot.

Q: Do you feel that your art style has changed over your career at all?
A: Yes, it has changed.

Q: What is your favorite thing to draw?
A: Stories – the human drama.

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Kamisama Hajimemashita © Julietta Suzuki 2008/HAKUSENSHA,Inc.

Q: What do you find the hardest to draw?
A: I am supposed to finish like 30 pages in two weeks, so time is very tight. And within those 30 pages I will have to set up in that area what is exciting so I have to include that in the story and how to figure that out. How to figure out the structure is the hardest part.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring manga artists?
A: In the States?

Q: Anywhere.
A: In Japan, it is actually not too hard to become a mangaka, but the difficulty is to continue drawing, but don’t be afraid. If you are inspired to become a mangaka, try to knock on the door and try to come to this world.

Q: What do you like about Shojo as a genre or a style?
A: The genre of Shojo manga basically revolves around human drama, so that is what I would like to draw. So, in general, I very much like to draw it.

KamisamaKiss06-FrontCoverKeyArt

Kamisama Hajimemashita © Julietta Suzuki 2008/HAKUSENSHA,Inc.

Q: In terms of your work, what are you most proud of?
A: Right now, the current work is Kamisama Kiss / Kamisama Hajimemashita and so far we have got twelve volumes and drawing those volumes, I have learned quite a few lessons just by drawing them. Just the mere fact that I made it this far, I feel very proud of it.

Q: What is next for you?
A: With the next work I would like to try to target an even higher quality of work.

KamisamaKiss-GN01_cover

Kamisama Hajimemashita © Julietta Suzuki 2008/HAKUSENSHA,Inc.

Geekscape Interviews: Missy Suicide on the SuicideGirls, Blackheart Burlesque, and Comic-Con (Photos NSFW)

by Kari Lane

The stereotype of the unattractive/bland female nerd/geek has been changing quite a bit. One group that shows you can be sexy and a geek is the SuicideGirls. They put on a titillating burlesque show at San Diego Comic-Con and I was able to speak with Missy Suicide who founded the SuicideGirls in 2001!

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What is it like working for SuicideGirls?

It is a dream come true, an all consuming dream that takes a ton of work, but a dream none the less. I still come to work everyday with a smile on my face and love what I do. Our brand encompasses so much, there is always something new and interesting and challenging to work on. Whether it is the Burlesque Tour, booking it, promoting it or coming up with new numbers. Working on a new movie or going through the site to find interesting blogs, group topics or events to feature on the main page of the site. Meeting girls who are visiting from around the world. Arranging to go to a shootfest in a fabulous foreign location with dozens of girls or trying to convince Cameron Stewart that now is the time to write the next SuicideGirls comic book. Or the 3 million other things that encompasses a day, it is all a fun and interesting challenge.

For those who may not know, what is SuicideGirls?

We’re a group of girls who have been publishing provocative nude photos online since 2001. We celebrate a different kind of beauty than what you see in the rest of media. There are about 3000 SuicideGirls and we have about 15 million followers across our social media accounts. We publish books, we make movies, comic books, and we put on the most popular burlesque show in the history of the United States.

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You have a burlesque show at Comic-Con. Why don’t you tell me about that? What brought SuicideGirls to San Diego Comic-Con?

We have been coming to Comic-Con for almost a decade now. We are always super excited to do Comic-Con every year. It is the most fun show as it brings so many true fans together from around the world. It is people who love geek culture in all forms, pop culture, comics, cosplay, gaming and everyone exists together in this happy utopia for 5 days. It’s insanely crowded but everyone is so cool to one another it isn’t overwhelming. You can kind of just get caught up in the flow of things and know that no matter where you look there will be something amazing to see, a girl dressed up like She Hulk, The Lego Booth, Black Milk booth, your favorite comic artist or the cast of Game of Thrones just walking by, there really are no wrong turns at Comic-Con.

We try to bring our A game to Comic-Con. We try out more numbers and dancers at Comic-Con than we do on our Fall Tour, so the show is a bit longer and more involved than our touring show. It’s also a bit more unpolished and we bring some geekier themes to see how the audience reacts. The energy of the Comic-Con crowd is not easily duplicated. It is one of our favorite shows to play all year.

What is different about the SuicideGirls’ burlesque show vs traditional burlesque shows?

The SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque show is a pop culture themed show. Each number is our homage to something that we geek out about movies, tv shows, comic books, video games, you name it. It takes the same sexy spirit of classic burlesque and updates it with a kick ass, eclectic, modern soundtrack and highly choreographed routines from some of the most gorgeous unique beauties on the planet. It is impossible to leave without a smile.

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How long have the SuicideGirls been doing burlesque?

In the same way the photos on suicidegirls.com take the sexy spirit of classic pin-up photos and creates a modern version of femininity; we wanted to put our own spin on classic burlesque and bring the same confident energy that we conveyed in our images to life through our geeky, fun filter. When we first put out our SuicideGirls Burlesque tour in 2003, we were the only people who were doing non-traditional, non-old fashioned burlesque on a large scale. We were excited to put on a sexy performance that didn’t involve feather boas and songs like Hey Big Spender. We wanted to use modern music and references to modern pop-culture but still put on a show in the spirit of old time burlesque. Now, a dozen years later, there are a lot more non traditional burlesque acts around, and some of them are doing really fun and different kinds of shows. The Star Wars Burlesque is a great example of just how diverse and non traditional the Burlesque scene has become. Also, look at the spectacle performers like Lady Gaga put on at live shows. People have seen a lot and it’s much harder to show them something that really feels new and original. So, clever Quentin Tarantino Burlesque numbers and a leather pants AC/DC striptease is just not enough to wow people these days. We really had to take the spirit of pop-culture modern burlesque that we pioneered over a decade ago and up the production values, sexiness and performances by a factor of ten. It’s the same kind of Burlesque show we used to do, but we have executed at a much higher level in almost every respect: dancer abilities, costumes, choreography, everything.

Where can people buy tickets?

They can buy tickets to the Fall US tour and our international shows here: http://blackheartburlesque.com

SuicideGirls attend conventions and often have a booth. How many conventions do they attend a year and which ones?

We attend quite a few comic and tattoo conventions throughout the year. Hell City, WonderCon, SDCC and so on. We go to about a dozen cons a year. We love coming to conventions and getting to meet our fans face to face. Plus we get to have our own fan girl moments at cons with the other exhibitors 🙂

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What other events are the SuicideGirls involved in?

We have the website, coffee table books, comic books, movies, merchandise, we attend conventions. Our Burlesque show is touring the country this Fall and playing a few international shows as well.

Where can people learn more about suicide girls and their events?

People can follow us in social media
facebook.com/suicidegirls
instagram.com/suicidegirls
twitter.com/SuicideGirls
suicidegirls.tumblr.com
@SuicideGirls on periscope,
twitch, snap chat, vine, et all

You can find all of our tour dates at blackheartburlesque.com
Of course go to suicidegirls.com to keep up on all of our goings on!

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Anything you would like to add?

I think that covers it!

Thank you!
These ladies are phenomenal dancers! Their burlesque show definitely has a modern/edgy feel to it. The choreography is impressive; the group numbers and the solo performances are fantastic! The other thing I admired was when the show was getting started, host Katherine Suicide talked about what the photography/video recording rules were for the evening and her co-host Sunny Suicide interrupted saying that the audience could take pictures or videos of anything. Sunny went on to say that not all the angles and lighting would be flattering to the girls but that it was okay because they are all real women. These ladies are so comfortable in their bodies and that is the real treasure of the show – to see their confidence and their joy while they do what they love.

Kari’s Manga Corner: ‘Seraph of the End’

by Kari Lane

Vampire stories are pretty common nowadays. Many writers try to change it up or put a new spin on the genre. Seraph of the End takes place in a world where vampires have taken control. In a post-apocalyptic future, a mysterious illness kills everyone over the age of 12. Then the vampires appear and the remaining humans, mere children, flee underground. Young Yuichiro is determined to kill every vampire – they killed his sister and his best friend, and pushed humanity into the shadows. Will he be strong enough to fight back? Does humanity have any hope?

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I found this series rather interesting. It starts off with a young boy filled with just blind rage set to fight all vampires, but it expands when he meets a more organized force with the same mission. Yes, it is somewhat formulaic – unskilled youngster wants revenge, meets someone that teaches them how to fight and then the real battle begins. This version, however, still felt very intriguing. Seraph of the End has a similar vibe and art style to Blue Exorcist (which is an awesome series!).

If you like action, mystery, young people taking on the world and the supernatural, then check out Seraph of the End!

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SERAPH OF THE END, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available Now!

Download the free VIZ Manga App for Android and iOS devices at www.VIZ.com/apps.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, please visit www.vizmanga.com.

 

Geekscape Interviews David Dean Bottrell About ‘Sci-Fest’ : The Science Fiction One-Act Play Festival Which Opens Tomorrow!

by Kari Lane

Sci-Fest is back with a stellar line-up! What is Sci-Fest you may ask? It is a science fiction one-act play festival that launches tomorrow! I was able to speak with David Dean Bottrell about the fest. David Dean Bottrell is probably best known for his role as the creepy and hilarious “Lincoln Meyer” on season three of “Boston Legal.” He’s also played villains and nutjobs on “Mad Men,” “Justified,” “True Blood,” “Bones,” “Castle,” “Criminal Minds,” “iCarly” and “Dig.” He did a lot of plays in New York, then wrote a bunch of screenplays for Fox Searchlight, MTV Films, Paramount and Disney among others. He teaches acting and is a founding producer of Sci-Fest LA.

2012 Headshot 2 - David Dean Bottrell

Read on to learn more about Sci-Fest!
Congrats on Sci Fest’s successful first year and welcome back for year two!

Thank you! We’re very excited. Last year’s festival was such a success we sort of had no choice. We’re working hard to give everybody who came last year and even better slate of shows!

For those who may not know what Sci Fest is, could you please explain?

We are pretty much unique in the world of sci-fi events. The festival is four weeks long and consists of two rotating evenings of new, beautifully produced 15-minute sci-fi plays performed live on stage. Last year’s shows included a world premiere adaptation of Ursula Le Guin’s mini-masterpiece, “The Wife’s Story” and an innovative revival of Ray Bradbury’s classic, “Kaleidoscope.” The shows starred well-known actors from iconic Sci-Fi franchises like “Star Trek,” “The X-Files,” “Supernatural,” “Lost,” “Grimm,” “Heroes,” “Fringe,” “The Hunger Games,” “Stargate: Universe,” “Babylon 5,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “True Blood.”

How was the experience: creating and running a brand new sci-fi play festival?!

It was a little insane since, although all of us were theatre veterans, none of us had ever produced a festival before. The sheer number of people involved took some getting used to. There was a lot of juggling and some extremely long hours, but everybody from the producing team to the directors, designers and actors brought their best game. In the end, the incredible response we got from critics and audiences made it all worth it. We all learned a lot from last year and this year has been surprisingly smooth sailing. The shows are more ambitious this year but everybody’s up for the challenge.

Why a science fiction play festival? What makes this festival stand out?

Until last year, the idea of a a science fiction one-act play festival was unheard of. We were the first ones out of the gate. Unlike the cons for or Trek conventions, our focus is pretty much entirely on creating new Sci-Fi content. We’re also trying to celebrate the cultural history between Los Angles and the genre of Sci-Fi. The city is the hometown of a surprising number of Sci-Fi icons like Ray Bradbury and Octavia Butler. Plus Hollywood transformed Sci-Fi from pulp into a billion dollar global industry. There’s a lot to recognize and celebrate.

What is in store for this year? Anything new?

In addition to all these cool short plays, we’re doing two short story shows: THE ROSWELL AWARD for Best Short Science Fiction Story (Adult Competition) on May 24 and THE TOMORROW PRIZE for Best Short Science Fiction Story (L.A High School Competition) on May 16. We’re also doing this hilarious radio play from 1950 as sort of a fundraiser. If you donate at the $500 level you get a one-line role in the show and get to appear alongside all these incredible Sci-Fi celebrities. No acting experience necessary! It’s really fun. We’ve programmed a special weekend for our out-of-town fans called “Invasion Weekend” where they can see ALL the shows in one two-day period.

What plays are lined up for this year?

The elevator definitely went up this year. We’re producing new shows sent to us by Clive Barker and Neil Gaiman! We’re also producing 6 world premiere shows, a classic radio script and a revival of the oldest known science fiction one-act play, originally produced in 1917 to great controversy. The shows are also much more technically challenging this year. We’ve got a lot more special effects and crazy costumes. It’s sort of amazing.

Can you talk about some of the talent involved with this year’s festival?

We are again blessed to a huge and incredible line up of actors including: Walter Koenig (“Star Trek – The Original Series”), Eddie McClintock (“Warehouse 13”), Veronica Cartwright (“Alien”), Jeryl Prescott Sales (“The Walking Dead”), Armin Shimerman (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”), Tim Russ (“Star Trek: Voyager”) , Nazneen Contractor (“Star Trek: Into Darkness”), Dale Dickey (“True Blood”).

What is your involvement this time around?

I’m acting in one of the shows – a very cool play called “Turnover” and am again co-producing the Fest with my amazing producing partners, Lee Costello and Michael Blaha.

When is the fest scheduled for and where can people find more information?

All answers can be found at www.Sci-FestLA.com You can get info on the shows, donate money (which we need!) or buy tickets. The cheapest tickets (two-for-one) are available on May 7 & 8 (online only). The code word is BINARY. My advice is if you want to see the festival this year, get your tickets now. It’s going to totally sell out.

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Geekscape Interviews: Art Brown and Doug Sloan-Executive Producers of ‘Dragons: Race to the Edge’

by Kari Lane

Fans of the How to Train Your Dragon films and the subsequent series will be excited to learn that there is a brand new 13 episode show, Dragons: Race to the Edge, coming to Netflix June 26th! At WonderCon, Art Brown and Doug Sloan, executive producers of Dragons: Race to the Edge, were special guests at the Sunday-morning panel DreamWorks: Dragons, Dinos & More. Attendees were treated to a special first look at the series which looked awesome! The series takes place a year and a half before the second film and fills us in on what happened during the gap in time between the two films. Sloan told the audience that there will be “tons of new dragons”. In one of the clips, Hiccup finds a mysterious ship where he discovers the Dragon’s Eye which “is a game-changer, both for Hiccup and for all of the Dragon Riders,” Brown said.

After the panel, I was able to speak with Art Brown and Doug Sloan. Read on to learn what it is like making an animated show for Netflix, what kind of dragon they would choose, how they got involved with the dragon world and more!

DRTTE_ep0103_01001012_RGBDreamWorks Dragons:Race To The Edge ©2015 DreamWorksAnimation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 

Q: With the current success of live action shows on Netflix, what is it like doing an animated show? Is it any different for Netflix versus regular television?

Art Brown: I think it is exciting for Netflix. They’re constantly breaking new ground. I think that is one of the cool things about them and there is potential for our show and big international shows to have some effect internationally. So, I think those two things combined are pretty cool.

Doug Sloan: I think our show hopefully will span a wide demographic. They’ll be able to show it – adults will watch it, kids will watch it, and I don’t know if they expect that, but we are hoping that that’s what happens. I think that will be great, but it’s going to be awesome.

Brown: You have the kids that were the fans of the first movie who have grown up and you’ve got the next group who have watched the show and you have the new ones coming in, so it has potential to be pretty wide.

Sloan: Yeah. It’ll be cool and Netflix is really good about letting us do the show. They don’t… they are not as hands on as normal networks, so they know that we know what we are doing. They know that we know how to do it, so they pretty much let us do what we do and it works out great.

Brown: Yeah.

Q: What kind of dragon would you like to have?

Sloan: Oh my gosh. Wow! That has never been asked to us.

Brown: Yeah.

Sloan: That’s awesome.

Brown: Right!… You know I think the relationship of Toothless, obviously. I think the sense of humor of Hookfang…

Sloan: Yeah.

Brown: You know Hookfang loves to mess with Snotlout. I mean, I enjoy that…

Sloan: Toothless is, for me, if I really were to have a dragon, I think I would probably want a real huge one that I wasn’t going to fall off of because Toothless seems like he would be a little small for me. I’d probably fall off. He does some crazy stuff which I am not that into.

Brown: Right. He might be better for me.

Sloan: He might be better for you, yeah. I think a big… like a Hookfang or something like that…

Brown: A Monstrous Nightmare

Sloan: Something where I have a lot of room…

Brown: Like a Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmare…

Sloan: Yeah, there you go. Now we’re talking. Absolutely.

(both laugh)

Q: How did you get involved with this dragon world?

Brown: We had just done a movie for Nickelodeon and got approached when they were initially doing the first couple of seasons of the show. We hadn’t even seen the movie. Our representation sent it to us and we watched it at his house and we were like “Oh my God!”

Sloan: It blew us away. We were like, “You’ve got to be kidding, this is brilliant!” We really really wanted to work on the show. We didn’t care in what capacity – writing, producing, show running, whatever. So, we started off on the show as writers, just writers, and, as time went on, we ended up running the show, but we would not have taken that job, I don’t think, had it not been for how great the first movie was. We probably would have said “Nah, it’s not…”

Brown: And for a couple execs at Dreamworks who we really enjoy working with – Gregg Taylor, Ann Daly, and people like that who we really… It was a combination. We loved the movie and wanted to be involved with it and we love the people there, so we…

Sloan: And when you get a chance to work with Jeffrey Katzenberg, I mean you take it.

Brown: Yeah.

Sloan: This property is so important to them that he does peek in every once in a while and to learn from him and Ann and those guys is… I mean, when do you get that chance? It’s amazing.

Brown: Yeah, you don’t get a lot of chances to work on great great shows, shows that are both huge hits and quality, so you kind of go “I want to stick around for awhile.”

Sloan: Yeah! Yeah, you’ll have to drag me out kicking and screaming.

Brown: Drag you out?

Sloan: Dragon…

Both: Ooooh… (laughing)

Sloan: Bad. Really bad, I’m so sorry.

Brown: It’s late in the day.

Sloan: Yeah, it is.

Q: Yeah, I think the clips that you showed and the teaser trailer look really good because it often happens, I feel, when you go from a movie to a show or movie to sequels, the secondary product just doesn’t look right. The colors are wrong. Something is off.

Sloan: Yeah, it’s just that to make a movie costs an enormous amount of money – animated movie or live action – and we make our TV shows for what half a minute of a movie costs so it really really does take all of our thinking and planning and all of that to make the show look good, but our goal is to make it look somewhat close to the movie.

Brown: And we’re able to… these seasons, we were able to… You know, we are lighting it differently. The first two we had to just sort of do what we could afford and it is more dynamic, more filmic now.

Sloan: People think we spend millions and millions of dollars on the show and that is absolutely not the case. I mean, we are the same as any other show, it is just the people who work on our show are really smart and they really have figured out ways to make our show look brilliant without breaking the…

Brown: And they care!

Sloan: Yeah, the really do care which is good. Caring is sharing… Or, sharing is caring. One of those two.

Brown: One of the two.

Q: I definitely think you can tell when creators and people involved with the project actually love the material versus when they are just trying to turn out something to make money.

Sloan: If you go through our office, every single desk is decorated with dragon stuff. There are little dragon toys on all the desks and everybody has a picture of a dragon and they just love the show which is awesome.

Q: Anything else that you would like to tell the fans?

Sloan: Just thank you for watching and thank you for being so into the show. We really… we make the show for them, we make the show to take them on a ride, to make them happy and make them excited about the adventures. We really want to thank them for being there and supporting us and being interested in it.

Brown: And for knowing the show better than we do in many instances which keeps us on our toes.

Sloan: Yep. It’s awesome.

Q: Cool. Thank you very much.

Both: Thank you.

 Check out the awesome teaser trailer here!

Make sure to check out Dragons: Race to the Edge on Netflix June 26th.

WonderCon 2015: Wayward Pines Panel

by Kari Lane

WaywardPines1

A new show coming to TV will be the creepy and mysterious, Wayward Pines, which is based on the international bestselling book series by Blake Crouch. Executive producer, Donald De Line, explained how the show was conceived after he read the book and loved it; he said he could not put it down. De Line felt the material was “better served over a longer period of time” because there is too much for just a movie. The other big force behind this show is M. Night Shyamalan who liked the books even more because he could not guess the twist.

Reed Diamond, who plays Harold Balinger, chimed in that he read the book in one sitting. He also explained that early on you find out what is going on and the complexities just expand instead of a long build up only to deflate. After watching the pilot during the panel, the show is definitely intriguing and it is nice to hear that you get some clarification early on instead of being strung along blindly. Tim Griffin, who plays Adam Hassler, added that the show is “very generous on exposing secrets early on.”

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They started to make the show after the first book came out and you learn the truth of what is going on around episode 5, but episode 10 will be just as exciting. It is great to hear that they plan to keep the audience engaged while still satisfying curiosities. For those who are wondering about how closely the show follows the book, the “overall truth is similar to the book” according to Donald De Line. This is a show where they have already outlined where the final episode would go and planned in advance instead of just writing as they went.

waywardpines5

When you are basing a show or movie on a book there is an easy way to find out what most likely will happen. Reed Diamond joked that he felt like the only actor who read the book. He also commented on hearing interviews with cast members from Game of Thrones who have said they do not know what will happen to their character. Which surprised him because “you can find out!” Diamond also added that what the characters think and say are different and that is fun for an actor – lot of subtext to play with. Tim Griffin mentioned another talented actor on the show, Terrence Howard, did not want to know anything about his character. Griffin said he started out the same but then he got desperate and cornered Shyamalan to find out what happens to his character. All of the directors on the show were helpful to the actors by pointing them in the right direction without being too obvious and ruining the surprise.

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This show was a first, in a way, for its creators because Donald De Line had never produced and M. Night Shyamalan had never done television. Shyamalan wanted to do something that was not like what was already on television. So why now? Donald De Line said it is because the show has a “fantastic story” and with a good show, it is all about the story. Reed Diamond agreed saying it is a “high quality show” and what better way to tell a great story than with A-list talent who want to bring the story to life.

Asked to sum up the story, De Line said it is a “great suspense thriller where nothing is what it seems to be but everything reveals itself…in a scientific way.” It does have the vibe of Twin Peaks meets The X-Files. On that alone, I am sold plus the pilot was pretty awesome so I will check it out for sure!

Wayward Pines premieres on May 14th on FOX.

Aya Kanno To Be A Featured Guest At Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF)!

by Kari Lane

The Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) proudly announced that international manga superstar and New York Times best selling author, Aya Kanno, will attend the 2015 Festival as a Featured Guest! Below is the press release with more details!

artist

Aya Kanno is the author of the Blank Slate, the New York Times bestselling series Otomen, and the newly-released Requiem of the Rose King, all published in English by VIZ Media. Kanno will participate in a variety of programs at the Festival including a feature interview, panel discussion, and book signing sessions. Aya Kanno will attend TCAF 2015 with her editor Yuri Yamamoto of Akita Shoten, and with the support of VIZ Media.

 

“We’re so happy to be able to welcome Aya Kanno to North America for the first time,” enthused Festival Director Christopher Butcher. “To my mind Kanno’s work really reinforces what TCAF is all about: unique, diverse voices and great comics! Shoujo manga, or ‘girls’ manga, doesn’t really get the respect it deserves in general, and Kanno’s work is specifically great, smartly interrogating the medium and its approach to gender, sexuality, and storytelling.”

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Aya Kanno’s best-known work in North America is the romantic comedy series Otomen, which ran for 18 volumes, frequently appearing on the New York Times bestseller list. The romantic comedy series explores a wide variety of characters that rebel against traditional gender roles in Japanese society, starting with the titular character who is an Otomen (“otome,” Japanese for young girl, combined with the English word “men”). Kanno’s newest work is the just-released Requiem of the Rose King, a dark fantasy retelling of Shakespeare’s Richard III and Henry VI, which continues the manga creator’s exploration of gender, sexuality, and identity, but this time in the context of historical and literary fiction.

 

RequiemRoseKing-GN01

Aya Kanno will join a very diverse array of Japanese manga creators already announced for TCAF 2015, including the cartooning duo Gurihiru (Avatar: The Last Airbender), gay manga originator Gengoroh Tagame (The Passion of…), and indy manga creator Ken Niimura (Henshin, I Kill Giants).

A full schedule of Aya Kanno’s appearances at TCAF 2015 will be announced in April, 2015.

The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2015, Saturday May 9, 9am-5pm, and Sunday May 10, 11am-5pm, @ Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street. Attendance is FREE to the public.

I love the TCAF’s Festival Director’s quote that Shojo “doesn’t really get the respect it deserves”! Shojo is one of my favorite styles and it is great to hear that Aya Kanno will be at TCAF.

Move Over Archer, There’s A New Spy In Town

by Kari Lane

Lately, it seems like everyone is making videos and putting them on the internet. However, with all that content out there, it is tricky to find material worth watching. Well, I found something definitely worth watching and it is a brand new webseries called Get Spy. I spoke with creator and writer, David Beatty, about the new show.

 
Congratulations on the launch of your new web series! How does it feel?
Fantastic! After months of shooting and then editing, it’s very fulfilling to get this project out into the public so people can see it. Also having the cast and crew watch the project is very rewarding. Their dedication and talent is my inspiration to do good work. And the truth is, all the actors in GET SPY turned in such wonderful performance, it’s a complete joy to share that with the world.

In addition, I would say the feeling is also very terrifying because it’s always sort of vulnerable to put something out there. Fortunately the reviews have been very positive and people seem to really like the show and that helps ease the nerves.

 STEVE's POV

What was the inception for Get Spy? Were you influenced by any TV shows or movies in particular?
I’m a huge fan of the show Archer on FX and HBO’s VEEP. I would say I tried to create the bastard stepchild of those two series. Also, perhaps more significantly, I was inspired to make this show because I wanted to create something for this specific group of actors. We all met, at one time or another, at the same acting studio in Los Angeles: Studio 24/7 with Mark McPherson. The very beginning of this idea started with a desire to bring all these talented people together and focus that talent into a single project we can call our own. Because we studied together, we spoke the same artistic language. I wrote each character specifically for the actor. We even brought some scenes into our acting class as a way to rehearse. By the time shooting began, everybody had a personal investment and our artistic history and sense of responsibility to to each other helped create the elements I consider best for an environment of creativity. In short, we trusted each other and that’s a very valuable asset when collaborating.

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What was the most challenging part of the process?
Most challenging is right now, the part where you have to publicize the show and try to get it out there for people to see. It’s cliche and we’ve all heard it before but really is so much content out there, it seems impossible to break through the chatter. However, it helps to have something you are really proud of, easy to get behind and share.

 Evelyns Crew

In the course of shooting, did any moment stand out to you? Good or bad.
The day we filmed episode 1 ‘The Disc’ the temperature outside was 107 degrees. The scene called for us to do a lot of running and punching and fighting, falling on the ground, etc. That day truly tested our ability not to kill each other. At one point I was convinced none of it was worth it. But magically, at the end of the day, when we got all the shots, everybody was home nursing their sore feet and drinking a cold beer it was incredibly clear how wonderful it is to overcome obstacles. After that day, it was like we could do anything. It’s a great feeling to come out the other end successful knowing you didn’t let the little things beat you down.

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How did this project come into being? Did you do any sort of crowd funding? Labor of love?
It’s all labor of love. Everybody on the project worked together because they believed in it and were part of the process. I remember the first table read where I suggested that maybe the script was a little too ambitious for such a shoe string budget. I was met with a resounding vote of encouragement to do it anyway. The group said not to worry, we will figure it out. They were excited, which made me excited. It was that first read and the cast enthusiasm that gave me the courage to continue. It’s a simple reminder how important it is to surround yourself with positive people who support your goals and help you realize your dreams.

 RUNNING

Is there a season 2 in the works?
I would love to do second season! I have already begun to sketch out ideas and maybe some spin off ideas. It’s such a fun show and I think there is a lot of possibility for these characters.

Any final comments?
Watch our show! www.getspy.wordpress.com

Like Us On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getspyshow

Subscribe to our Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4gOC9Eskm3pELv7SaCfZRQ

Episodes 1-5 are now available!

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‘Expelled From Paradise’ Interview And Review

by Kari Lane

Aniplex of America recently wowed audiences by hosting the new and exciting anime feature film, Expelled from Paradise. The producer of the film, Mr. Koichi Noguchi, was able to attend the Los Angeles premiere and I was able to interview him (via a translator) to get the inside perspective on this new feature! My review of the film is below following the interview.

Expelled1ⓒ TOEI ANIMATION, Nitroplus / EFP Society

Q: First of all, congrats on the screening being sold out and being here. How do you think an American audience will respond to the film and are you nervous about the screening?
A: He’s really happy that there are actually people here to watch the film because that was something, of course, that he was worried about. You know, if American audiences would be interested in the film and even come to watch it. But he is very glad to see a lot of people coming today. Another thing is that another big theme about this movie is science fiction. So science fiction, of course, is something that came out of Western culture and not, it’s not something only in Japan, so he’s… he’s pretty positive about how American fans would receive this science fiction themed movie.

Q: Any special message that you want to tell fans?
A: He’s been getting this question all day. There are three main characters in the film and they’re all different actually. They’re actually representing the three different perspectives on humanity. So, the first character is a total… he’s human, he’s a normal human – totally with a physical body. Another character, she has a body, but her main part is actually digital, so her body is not really real. It’s a cyborg body, cyber-body. And the third person, third character in the film is a total A.I. So coming from those three different perspectives, the film is going to be describing where is humanity going from here, from now, and the existence of humanity and what it means.

Q: What was the most challenging thing working on this project?
A: The most challenging thing is to create CG animation – a CG animated theatrical feature. The two main challenges coming… branching off from that main challenge are that Japanese audiences or Japanese fans are not really familiar with CG animation and a lot of times they usually don’t receive it positively when it comes to CG animation. And the other thing is the budget because CG animation is usually very expensive to create. So those are the two main things.

Q: What do you like most about the film, either the process or the film itself?
A: This specific film?

Q: Yes.
A: He really enjoyed working as a team, working with a creative facet and creating something from scratch, working together with the team members and producing a film. This is his first time producing a film, so that was a very rewarding experience for him. And to create something with such a strong message was a great project.

Q: What is it like watching a project you worked on with a full theater audience?
A: It is very difficult. So, I mean, of course, in the beginning he was very afraid of what the reaction of fans would be and he has already done several screenings in Japan with the fans and, as you know, it has been received very well in Japan. Fans love it. So, he has seen that already, so now he is comfortable, feeling confident about how the film has been received by Japanese fans and so today he is hoping that he will feel the same way, and just enjoy the film with the fans and relax.

Q: How did you get involved with this particular film?
A: [Mr. Kochi laughs] He is not really sure. Well, he is talking about how his main goal was to spread his passion for 3D CG in Japan. He really wanted people to see it more and have more people understand and see 3D CG animation in Japan. So that’s where he started to work with Gen Urobuchi (Nitroplus) and director Mizushima and together they wanted to create something that would become a catalyst for 3D CG in Japan.

Q: Okay, a more fun one… What are some of his favorite anime titles?
A: Because of his background in digital effects and CG, he is actually a fan more of live action films. He loves Interstellar. So, do you know Perfect Blue, by director Kon?

Q: Yes.
A: That’s something that he really looked into when creating this project and he saw all the aspects of that film, how it was received and how it became, what the process was in creating that film. He really liked Satoshi’s film and then Perfect Blue is actually one of his first films that he worked on so that was something that really interested him as something to look into when was starting to work on this project also. Also, you know because it also included CG animation in that film and so it was very similar for what they were trying to go for and budget-wise he thought it was something they could look into.

Q: Okay, great. Arigato gozaimasu (Thank you)!

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Here is a synopsis of the film:

With Earth now left in ruins following the “Nano Hazard,” most of humanity has abandoned the planet they once called home along with their physical bodies and rebuilt their digitalized minds into a society within the cyber universe of “DEVA.” A.D. 2400, DEVA’s central council detects an incident of unauthorized access into their mainframe. Someone on Earth was trying to hack into the system. The only information DEVA was able to retrieve was that the hacker referred to themselves as “Frontier Setter.” To investigate the mysterious hacker’s motives, the high officials of DEVA dispatch System Security Third Officer Angela Balzac to the Earth’s surface. Equipped with a prosthetic “material body,” Angela attempts to make contact with a local agent Dingo. Will Angela and Dingo be able to find Frontier Setter on this devastated planet? Their journey to explore the secrets of the world will begin now…!

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I thought Expelled from Paradise was awesome! There is action, lots of humor, and enough Mecha (robots manned by humans) for the fans that enjoy that genre but not too much to lose those that do not care much about it. Oh, and let’s not forget sexy characters with fun fan service shots. The main two characters, Dingo and Angela have hilarious banter that is extremely entertaining with moments of sweet compassion. The film also has fantastic deep commentary on what it means to be human. Is a body that important? Are you still human if your mind is just digital material on a server? What defines being human? It is visually beautiful! The 3D CG gave it a cool new style that was smooth and had a look all its own. You really felt like you were in these environments. Overall, if you like science fiction, anime, or thought provoking material, you need to check out Expelled from Paradise!

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VIZ Media And comiXology Bring You Over 650 New Manga Volumes!

by Kari Lane

Exciting news! VIZ Media and comiXology have announced a massive addition of over 650 new VIZ Media manga titles that were originally published in Japan and are now available in English on comiXology.com and on the comiXology app for Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Android and Windows 8!

Official press release below with all the details and some series highlights. A couple of my favorites are Magi and Black Bird.

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Today, over 650 new manga volumes, spanning more than 65 acclaimed series, and all in English, have been added to the comiXology platform for manga fans to browse, buy and enjoy. Many VIZ Media series are now available in their entirety and span an extremely diverse range of adventure, action, sci-fi, horror, mystery, and romance genres. New volumes of fan-favorite continuing series are added to comiXology each week as part of VIZ Media’s regular weekly digital manga update schedule. Please visit www.comixology.com for more information.

 

All the new VIZ Media manga titles found in this massive update were originally published in Japan by Shogakukan, Inc., a VIZ Media parent company and one of Japan’s biggest publishing companies. This latest comiXology content update makes more than 1,100 VIZ Media manga volumes across more than 190 different series available. Readers can enjoy all these acclaimed releases using comiXology’s Manga Fixed Format, which enables a dedicated right-to-left full-page reading experience and the highest resolution pages available.

 

“With this latest update manga fans now have even more to love with these VIZ Media Shogakukan books,” said comiXology CEO and co-founder David Steinberger. “VIZ Media’s huge library of classic and fan-favorite series offer something for every reader and every week we’re bringing even more to the comiXology platform.”

 

“The latest titles to join comiXology’s catalog substantially expands the VIZ Media roster of series available through the platform, and we are thrilled to deepen our relationship with this innovative platform and offer so much exciting new content to fans,” says Eric Eberhardt, VIZ Media’s Director of Digital Marketing. “Readers are increasingly enjoying their favorite titles digitally, and comiXology has become a great destination for them to access a broad array of content. This latest update provides the latest installments for scores of continuing VIZ Media series and the complete runs of dozens of other acclaimed legacy titles.”

 

New and notable VIZ Media manga series now available on comiXology include:

 

MAGI Vols. 1-10 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • Continuing Series
Deep within the desert lie the mysterious Dungeons, vast stores of riches there for the taking by anyone lucky enough to find them and brave enough to venture into the depths from where few have ever returned. Plucky young adventurer Aladdin means to find the Dungeons and their riches, but Aladdin may be just as mysterious as the treasures he seeks.

 

CASE CLOSED Vols. 1-53 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • Continuing Series
Jimmy Kudo, the son of a world-renowned mystery writer, is a high school detective who has cracked the most baffling of cases. One day while on a date with his childhood friend Rachel Moore, Jimmy observes a pair of men in black involved in some shady business. The men capture Jimmy and give him a poisonous substance to rub out their witness. But instead of killing him, it turns him into a little kid! Jimmy takes on the pseudonym Conan Edogawa and continues to solve all the difficult cases that come his way. All the while, he’s looking for the men in black and the mysterious organization they’re with in order to find a cure for his miniature malady.

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BLACK BIRD Vols. 1-18 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • Complete Series
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand…or her life!

 

THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM Vols. 1-10 • Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers • Complete Series
Out of nowhere, a Japanese elementary school is transported into a hostile world. Soon, the students and teachers must struggle to survive in impossible conditions, besieged by terrifying creatures and beset by madness. Part horror, part science fiction, THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM is a classic can’t-put-down manga series from horror manga master Kazuo Umezu.

 

HAPPY MARRIAGE?! Vols. 1-10 • Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers • Complete Series
In order to help her father, Chiwa Takanashi agrees to an arranged marriage with the company president, Hokuto Mamiya – a man she doesn’t know – at the request of Hokuto’s grandfather. Chiwa believes the arrangement isn’t binding, but her new partner seems to think otherwise. Can two strangers living together find their way to a happy marriage?!

 

ITSUWARIBITO Vols. 1-13 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • Continuing Series
Utsuho’s truthfulness as a child resulted in an enormous catastrophe, and he decided to lie from that day forward. Raised in a village of orphans by a monk, Utsuho is an unrepentant troublemaker. The monk eventually inspires him to help people, but there’s no way Utsuho’s going to lead an honest life! Instead, he’s going to use his talents for mischief and deception for good!

 

MIDNIGHT SECRETARY Vols. 1-7 • Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers • Complete Series
Kaya Satozuka prides herself on being an excellent secretary and a consummate professional, so she doesn’t even bat an eye when she’s reassigned to the office of her company’s difficult director, Kyohei Touma. He’s as prickly – and hot – as rumors paint him, but Kaya is unfazed…until she discovers that he’s a vampire!!

 

With over 50,000 comics, manga, and graphic novels from more than 75 publishers, comiXology offers one of the biggest selection of digital comics in the world. ComiXology’s immense catalog and cinematic Guided View reading experience makes it the best digital platform for comic, manga and graphic novel fans worldwide. Fans can discover favorite comics, manga and graphic novels at comixology.com and also try the comiXology app available on all major mobile platforms.

For more information on manga titles available from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

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About comiXology
ComiXology, an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel industry by delivering a cloud-based digital comics platform that makes discovering, buying, and reading comics more fun than ever before. ComiXology’s Guided View reading technology transforms the comic book medium into an immersive and cinematic experience, helping comiXology become a top ten grossing iPad app in 2011 and 2012 and the top grossing non-game iPad app in 2012 and 2013. Offering the broadest library of comic book content from over 75 publishers – and independent creators as well – comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the planet has become a comic book fan. ComiXology is based in New York City, with operations in Los Angeles and Paris. For more information visit www.comixology.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan’s largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

High School Can Really Take A Bite Out Of You

by Kari Lane

Zombies are definitely still trending. So it is a little tricky for new content to stand out. A new independent zombie movie called, Fairfield, had their world premiere at Comikaze and presented a fun addition to the zombie genre. They explained it as The Breakfast Club meets 28 Days Later. It does have that vibe as much of the movie is spent in a school library with kids being real kids. It is somewhat similar to Pontypool (if you haven’t seen that film, go watch it!) where there are zombies, but it is mostly about the human drama. The writer comes from a playwriting background and the film does have a theater/play feel to it — same as Pontypool. Everyone who worked on the film loves zombie movies and horror and it shows.

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The film cost $50,000 to make, one third of which was crowd-funded, while the rest was provided by a private investor. It took them just 14 days to shoot with one pick-up day. They filmed at a school in Philadelphia during the summer. One of their biggest challenges was that halfway through filming, the lead actor hurt his knee and could not walk. There was originally going to be a fight scene so they had to rewrite the script. The filmmakers, however, felt good things came out of that change.

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The film is a stand-alone, but hopefully it will be a stepping stone for more to come. They are still working on distribution and hopefully will have more screenings soon. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook to find out more. If you enjoy independent films, zombie movies, The Breakfast Club, or quirky dramedies, check out Fairfield!

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‘Weekly Shonen Jump’ Celebrates 3 Years By Giving Away Free Issues!

by Kari Lane

This week, VIZ Media celebrates its 3 year anniversary of the launch of the official digital English edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP (“the world’s most popular weekly manga magazine”). Read on to learn more on how you can check out the magazine for free starting today 1/19!

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To mark the milestone, VIZ Media invites readers to sample WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP for FREE with a special promotion. For a limited time, beginning with the January 19 edition, four complete issues (Jan. 19; Jan. 26; Feb. 2 and Feb. 9) of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP will be available to read for free at shonenjump.com.

 

In addition to the U.S. and Canada, WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and the special limited time promotion are available to readers in the U.K., Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand at ShonenJump.VIZ.com and through the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP App for iOS and Android devices. Additionally in North America, the free WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP issues also will be available via the VIZ Manga App and WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP App for iOS and Android devices.

 

In each week’s issue, don’t miss Takeshi Obata’s brand new school courtroom manga drama, GAKKYU HOTEI: SCHOOL JUDGEMENT. In the series, as problems continue to plague the elementary school system, a new solution has been enacted in the form of the School Judgment System! Now the young students themselves will be responsible for solving the issues that befall them. Defense attorney Abaku Inugami may be only a sixth grader but he’s as fierce as they come in the courtroom as he uncovers the truth behind the incidents plaguing the school. Plus he never forgets to practice his cool “Objection” poses!

 

Haven’t heard of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP yet? Read on to learn all about this awesome publication!

 

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is published digitally every week by VIZ Media and features the latest installments of some of the world’s most popular manga series released to English readers across North America on the same day as the magazine’s general print release in Japan, including BLEACH, BLUE EXORCIST, FOOD WARS!, NISEKOI, ONE PIECE, ONE-PUNCH MAN, SERAPH OF THE END: VAMPIRE REIGN, TORIKO, WORLD TRIGGER and YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL.

 

“WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP’s global scope and readership has grown substantially since our digital launch in 2012,” says Andy Nakatani, VIZ Media Editor-in-Chief of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP. “We are preparing an exciting year of manga content, and new and veteran manga readers alike can take advantage of the special anniversary promotion to check out all of the great WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP content that is available to English readers on the same day as the issue hits in Japan!”

 

As part of the 3 Year Anniversary promotion, new 1 Year Memberships are available for only $19.99 (USD). WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP members receive 48 weekly digital issues as well as special premiums such as Yu-Gi-Oh! Collectable Trading Cards, rare one-shot manga releases, digital-only promotions, and access to additional subscriber-only content including creator interviews and insightful promo videos. (*Note: Yu-Gi-Oh! cards are only available to annual subscribers in the US and Canada.) Current subscribers can also access their accounts via VIZManga.com, the VIZ Manga App, and shonenjump.viz.com or with the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP App on iOS and Android devices.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit shonenjump.viz.com.

For more information on VIZ Media manga titles, please visit http://shonenjump.viz.com.

VIZ Media Holiday Highlights For Kids

by Kari Lane

The year sure has flown by! Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Looking for something for the young and/or young-at-heart? Well, make sure to check out the diverse selection of all-ages manga, original graphic novels, and collectible books available from Perfect Square imprint.

“VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint focuses on delivering original comics, manga, graphic novels and other children’s books with an emphasis on strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and a dash of irreverence, that captures the imagination of a whole new generation.”

Take a look at what is available!

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Got a Bravest Warriors fan on your list? Perfect Square has two titles featuring Catbug, the breakout character of the hit animated series created by Pendleton Ward. Fans can venture to multiple dimensions with an incredible collection of artists in BRAVEST WARRIORS: THE SEARCH FOR CATBUG, and see the world as only Catbug can in CATBUG’S TREASURE BOOK. A third title, BRAVEST WARRIORS: THE GREAT CORE CAPER, allows fans of the Cartoon Hangover sensation to choose which way the story will end in Perfect Square’s first-ever multiple-choice adventure.

 

Pop culture and HELLO KITTY fans will not want to miss HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40, a hardcover anthology featuring an array of acclaimed comic artists, muralists and toy creators paying tribute to Hello Kitty in story and art. Readers also can catch Hello Kitty’s latest full color original graphic novel adventure, HELLO KITTY: WORK OF ART.

 

POKÉMON fans can select from a trio of manga (graphic novel) box set editions for POKÉMON ADVENTURES RUBY & SAPPHIRE, POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE, and POKÉMON ADVENTURES DIAMOND & PEARL/PLATINUM.

 

The legendary giant robot anime franchise, VOLTRON, also returns in the informative tribute VOLTRON: FROM DAYS OF LONG AGO, A 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, which explores the history of the iconic series and its lasting impact on pop culture.

 

BRAVEST WARRIORS HOLIDAY GIFT TITLES

 

BRAVEST WARRIORS PRESENTS: CATBUG’S TREASURE BOOK •
Rated “A” for All Ages • MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN • Available Now!
Says Catbug: “This book has all my secret treasures and oregano dreams! ALSO FIRE! I will share them with you because you are my friend, but it has to be our secret, okay? I love you Treasure Book!”

 

BRAVEST WARRIORS: THE SEARCH FOR CATBUG • Rated “A” for All Ages •
MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN • Available Now!
An amazing collection of artists venture to multiple dimensions to help you in…THE SEARCH FOR CATBUG! Catbug ate some weird new cubes of food that caused him to lose what little control he already had over his jump abilities! Now he’s careening through dimensions, unable to stop! Help the Bravest Warriors travel the galaxy and find Catbug. Just don’t eat any of those cube snacks or you might end up lost too! Artists include Alan Brown (BEN 10 OMNIVERSE), Mr. Warburton (Codename: Kids Next Door), Ian McGinty (UGLYDOLL, HELLO KITTY), Lee Ferguson (Miranda Mercury), Jorge Monlongo (Mr. Peabody & Sherman, HELLO KITTY), Stu Livingston (Steven Universe) and Mad Rupert (Regular Show, Adventure Time).

 

BRAVEST WARRIORS: THIS WAY OR THAT – THE GREAT CORE CAPER •
Rated “A” for All Ages • MSRP: $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN • Available Now!
In THE GREAT CORE CAPER, the planet Goober-Delta-9 will lose orbit if its stolen planetary core is not returned. Where is that core? In the most secure vault in the Galaxy – beneath SID BEEMER-BOOF’S FUN PLANET, the biggest amusement park in the known universe. The Bravest Warriors must recruit a daring team, including Plum, Catbug, President Memory Donk, Professor Brain Dog 7 and the Emotion Lord, to help them on their mission. Each team member must play their part in order to pull off the most outrageous heist of all time! And on EVERY page, the reader is in complete control of what happens next!

 

 

HELLO KITTY® HOLIDAY GIFT TITLES

 

HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40 • MSRP: $29.99 U.S. / $34.99 CAN •
Rated ‘A’ For All Ages • Available Now!
In 1974, Hello Kitty stepped on the scene, and she’s had the world wrapped around her red bow ever since. In Perfect Square’s Hello Kitty, Hello 40, an array of acclaimed comic artists, muralists and toy creators pay tribute to Hello Kitty in story and art. Contributors include the award-winning creators of the Tiny Titans series, Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani; Brian Smith, co-creator of the New York Times bestselling series Stuff of Legend; Gene Luen Yang, award-winning author of American Born Chinese and Boxers and Saints, and Uglydoll co-creator David Horvath. Everyone has a tale to tell about the cute little girl who speaks from her heart. The hardcover edition also includes a special introduction by Matt and Jennifer L. Holm, award-winning creators of the Babymouse series.

 

HELLO KITTY: WORK OF ART • MSRP: $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN •
Rated ‘A’ For All Ages • Available Now!
Picture this: Hello Kitty and her friends are making music, producing plays, snapping photos, solving mysteries and, playing with dragons? Art is all around, and Hello Kitty and her friends know exactly where to find it! This latest HELLO KITTY original graphic novel features story and full color art from Giovanni Castro, Jacob Chabot, Ian McGinty, Jorge Monlongo, and Maite Oz.
POKÉMON HOLIDAY GIFT TITLES

 

 

POKÉMON ADVENTURES RUBY & SAPPHIRE BOX SET •
MSRP: $59.99 U.S. / $79.99 CAN • Rated ‘A’ For All Ages •
Available Now!
Ruby’s father Norman is the new Gym Leader of Petalburg City. But Ruby doesn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps – he wants to win Pokémon Contests! Sapphire’s father Professor Birch is the local Pokémon researcher. But Sapphire is tired of gathering scientific data – she wants to win Pokémon Battles! When Ruby and Sapphire meet, they’re more likely to hit each other than hit it off. But then Sapphire challenges Ruby to a competition! Which of them will achieve their dreams in just eighty days?! The box set contains the complete Ruby & Sapphire arc (Vols. 15-22) of the bestselling POKÉMON ADVENTURES series and a collectible color poster!

 

POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE BOX SET 2 • MSRP: $25.99 U.S. / $29.99 CAN • Rated ‘A’ For All Ages • Available Now!
His entire life, Black has dreamed of winning the Pokémon League! Now he embarks on a journey to explore the Unova region and fill a Pokédex for Professor Juniper. White has an exciting career as the Trainer of a talented troupe of performing Pokémon. She dreams of making her Tepig Gigi a star! Together, Black and White continue on their journey… What surprising new Pokémon – and people – will they meet along the way?! The manga set includes POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE Volumes 9–14 and a collectible color poster!

 

POKÉMON ADVENTURES DIAMOND & PEARL/PLATINUM •
MSRP: $89.99 U.S. / $115.99 CAN • Rated ‘A’ For All Ages • Available Now!
The box set contains the complete Diamond & Pearl/Platinum story arc (Vols. 1-11) of the bestselling POKÉMON ADVENTURES series and a collectible color poster! Pokémon Trainers Pearl and Diamond are starstruck! Their lifelong dream is to floor an audience with their Pokémon comedy act. So how do they wind up as bodyguards to a pampered little rich girl on a quest to reach the peak of Mt. Coronet? Thrills and laughs are guaranteed as the POKÉMON ADVENTURES series continues with POKÉMON DIAMOND & PEARL/PLATINUM.

 

 

VOLTRON HOLIDAY GIFT TITLE

 

VOLTRON: FROM DAYS OF LONG AGO, A 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION • MSRP: $29.99 U.S. / $34.99 CAN • Available Now!
Thirty years ago, Voltron: Defender of the Universe hit the airwaves, and the world hasn’t been the same. Now, VOLTRON: FROM DAYS OF LONG AGO chronicles the story of VOLTRON and its cultural relevance, taking a detailed look at the story behind the show and the many related toy releases, the mythology of both Lion Force and Vehicle Voltron (with a nod to Albegas), and concludes the exciting Voltron Force saga. This new book is truly for fans, by fans: authored by Brian Smith, a former Marvel Comics editor and writer for Perfect Square’s VOLTRON FORCE® series of original graphic novels, Marc Morrell, co-host of the official “Let’s Voltron!” podcast, and Joshua Bernard, founder of CollectionDX, a popular website devoted to covering the world of Japanese toys, action figures and pop culture; with a bonus VOLTRON comic written by Smith and illustrated by Jacob Chabot, artist on the VOLTRON FORCE series; with a foreword by Jeremy Corray, former Creative Director of World Events Productions, the company behind the classic Voltron TV series.

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Additional information on titles published by Perfect Square is available at www.PerfectSquare.com.

Doug Jones To Play Nosferatu!

by Kari Lane

Monster fans will be thrilled to learn that legendary creature actor, Doug Jones, will be playing the original vampire, Nosferatu! During Comikaze, the project’s creators hosted a panel talking about their project and Kickstarter campaign (Which is fully funded! Yay!). Jones, unfortunately, could not make it to the panel as he was filming in Vancouver, but he joined us briefly via Skype. With his long career portraying creatures/monsters, he has often been asked what role that he has not had a chance to play yet. He said he would ,”…love to play a classic vampire like Nosferatu.” Jones is no stranger to playing strange and unusual characters. During the Q&A, he was asked, “Was there anything particularly challenging about playing Nosferatu?” He replied that it is difficult when you take material that already has a huge fan base. Jones said he wants to be reverent to the original material but make it his own. This film will using a new technology where they can take the footage from the original and add new footage. They are calling it “Nosferatu – The Feature Film Remix”. Jones went on to say that he wants to make himself proud as an actor and to make the fans proud as well. As a fan of Doug Jones and monster movies, I cannot wait! Check out their Kickstarter campaign here to learn more about the film and spread the word!

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Doug Jones as the new vision of Count Orlok – Makeup FX by Spectral Motion 
  
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The many iconic faces of Doug Jones
 

Kari’s Manga Corner: ‘Time Killers’

by Kari Lane

Fans of Blue Exorcist will be excited to learn that Kazue Kato has a short story collection out now called Time Killers, published under the Shonen Jump imprint. Now if you have not heard of Blue Exorcist, go watch/read it right now! Fans of Kato’s writing and art style will enjoy seeing glimpses of characters they know and love in her early works. The collection starts with her award winning debut, The Rabbit and Me, which was published when she was only 19. It ends with The Miyama-Uguisu Mansion Incident which very much like her best selling manga, Blue Exorcist.

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At the back of the book, there is an excellent section of author’s notes where Kato explains the history and inspiration for each story. She mentions the final story was not a prototype for Blue Exorcist, but it is based on a rough layout she did for Blue Exorcist. Either way, it is a real treat to see the early incarnations of characters that are found in Blue Exorcist. Even if you have not watched the show or read the manga, you can still appreciate the collection. This would be a great way to see how talented Kato is as an artist and storyteller. You will notice she has many consistent themes such as rabbits, friendship/brotherhood, and tough guys who always seem to get into trouble but ultimately mean well. This collection is fantastic for established fans of her work. I loved seeing her early short stories and later reading the inspiration behind them!

Two of the stories are in beautiful full color pages as well as a couple single pages. The book itself is printed on a fine quality glossy paper which feels more elegant than your standard manga. Though Kato’s style is apparent throughout, you can see how she improves, develops her style, and becomes more confident as an artist. It is also enjoyable to see Kato’s experiments with technique such as only drawing in pencil, using different coloring tools, and drawing tons of detail work. Over Kato’s career, she had fun drawing what she was interested in, no matter how random, and that enthusiasm is visible in this collection. If you are looking from some cool stories and awesome art, kill some time with Time Killers!

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Time Killers is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S.

A digital version of Time Killers is available for $10.99 (USD/CAN) from VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones, as well as through the store fronts for comiXology, Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay.

Catch the Blue Exorcist manga series available in-print and digitally from VIZ Media on VIZManga.com and other partner platforms as well as the Blue Exorcist anime series which streams on HULU and Neon Alley, in addition to a host of other digital platforms available throughout North America.

For more information on Time Killers, or other shonen manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

Kari’s Anime Corner: ‘Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works’

by Kari Lane

Fate/stay night is back and even better than before! Aniplex of America hosted an event at the Downtown Independent in Los Angeles where they screened the first episode (#00: Prologue) of the new series, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works. The screening was sold out and packed full of enthusiastic fans including a handful of cosplayers (dressed up as characters from the franchise). The audience loved it! At the end, they could not wait to see the next episode. Right now, you can watch episodes 0 – 2 on Hulu, Crunchyroll and the Aniplex Channel. Aniplex of America also gave all of the fans in attendance a limited edition lithograph called “UBW memorial record.” Another treat for fans was a pre-screening video introduction by the show’s creative team. It was a special inside look at their creative process, what they are excited about and other insider stories.

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The Fate/stay night franchise started off as a visual novel (adult video game) and later became a manga, multiple anime series, and a couple of full length films. This new series, Unlimited Blade Works, focuses more on Rin Tohsaka and is based on the visual novels. The prologue is told from her perspective.

This story focuses primarily on the heroine Rin Tohsaka. After her father’s death, Rin enters the Holy Grail War as the sole heir to the prestigious Tohsaka Household, with her servant Archer. But, she soon finds out that Shirou Emiya, a boy from her high school has gotten himself involved in the battles and unexpectedly saves him when he is fatally injured. Before long, Rin sets out to strike down the conspiracies surrounding the Holy Grail War along with Shirou and his summoned servant Saber. And so, the story begins to explore the truth behind Shirou’s powers and the nature behind his unyielding will to become a ― hero.

It looks amazing! Everything is so clear and crisp, and the colors are beautifully saturated. You get to see everything during the fight scenes, and they are so cool! The relationship between Rin and Archer develops nicely and, during the video introduction, the creative team hinted at more to come. If you have seen any of the Fate/stay night series, this is a must watch. Also, you can still enjoy this series even if you are unfamiliar with the franchise. It is starting over but from a new and fresh perspective so it is informative without being repetitive. Go check out Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works now and you can thank me later!

For more information visit: www.FateStayNightUSA.com

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: ‘Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead’

by Kari Lane

I saw Dead Snow at a Halloween party a few years ago and thought it was pretty awesome! So needless to say, I was excited to hear there was going to be a sequel. Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead is out today in select theaters and on iTunes.

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Martin (Vegar Hoel) hasn’t had the best vacation. He accidentally killed his girlfriend with an axe. He cut his own arm off with a chainsaw. And his friends STILL got devoured by a battalion of Nazi Zombies. This morning, he woke up in a hospital bed with a new arm – but it’s a super-powered Zombie arm that wants to kill him, and anything else it can reach. Martin’s PISSED. And with the help of his new Zombie Squad pals (Martin Starr, Jocelyn DeBoer, Ingrid Haas), he’s gonna deliver some payback to Colonel Herzog and his precious Nazi gold – by raising an undead army of his own.

The sequel was filmed in English and Norwegian, while the first one is only in Norwegian (and the Nazi zombies speak in German in both).  Yes, the zombies speak to each other. These films are a bloody a good time! The first film has an Evil Dead vibe with the young people going to a cabin and encountering evil. Dead Snow 2 is even better! There is more blood/gore, crazier zombie fight scenes, the zombie makeup has improved and the overall production level has been stepped up a notch. Often, sequels are not as good as their predecessors but Dead Snow 2 is more like a continuation of the first film because it picks up right where it left off (even though the sequel came out 5 years later).

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Dead Snow 2 is over-the-top with mayhem and disgusting humor. Be prepared to laugh, cringe and enjoy the crazy ride. It has an Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness influence (cursed hand and army of the undead). Do not take this film seriously at all. It is refreshing to have zombies that are not mindless creatures craving brains but rather they are the cursed type trying to finish a task. Just in time for the wonderful month of October/Halloween, go see Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead  if you want a kickass zombie movie!

  

Kari’s Anime Corner: First Impressions of ‘Free!’

by Kari Lane

Though summer may be over, it is still hot in southern California! Well, you can cool down with Free!, though for some, it might just make it hotter. A few of my female friends had been squeeing (squee = “an expression of extreme cheerfulness that goes beyond words”) over this show and now with the release of season 2, I thought I would take the plunge.

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Free! is about a group of friends who enjoyed swimming together for fun and competing in swim meets when they were in elementary school. Flash forward to them in high school and some things have changed. Their aquatics center is going to be torn down, Rin went away to school in Australia, Nagisa is now in high school and re-introduces himself to Haruka and Makoto (they don’t recognize him at first), and Haruka is still obsessed with being in water all the time. Will they ever be together as a team again? Their high school has an abandoned/rundown pool, but will they be able to fix it?

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This is definitely a Shojo show because it focuses on relationships (primarily friendship – though there are yaoi [boy on boy] undertones). To be honest, domestic/real life anime does not have a particular draw for me (compared to supernatural, magical, fantasy, historical, or horror animes) but I did enjoy the first few episodes of Free!. Now, before I get into the meat of the show, let me first talk about why this show has the ladies (and some guys) drooling. It is a swim team = beautiful men frequently shirtless; it is basically fanservice. Then you acknowledge the water aspect and notice these boys glisten. Yep. Not just twinkle in their eye, but full on, let me get out of the water and stun you with my glistening physique. There is a funny female character, Kou, who joins the team as their manager, but her other motive is that she enjoys ogling the swimmers. Not only that, but she focuses on somewhat random body parts. One time she admires a guy’s triceps and one of the boys on the team questions her obsession by repeating the praised body part’s name out loud. The timing is perfect because as soon as she says, “I can’t get enough of those triceps,” I am thinking, “triceps? Really?!” and low and behold a character voices my exact sentiment.

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The overall style is very Shojo with everything being so pretty and deeply saturated. The only thing that is a little weird is these shirtless athletes have no aerials or nipples; they are like Ken dolls. Though it is not common in anime to see nipples on men (or even most women), it is emphasized by how often these characters are shirtless.

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To be honest, the show did not totally hook me but I am curious to see where it will go. The relationships between friends is entertaining, with warm and fuzzy moments, jokes/teasing, and many of the characters striving to be free like Haruka (the best swimmer on the team).

It has the vibe of a sports centered show and the swimming is shown rather well. There are shots outside the pool as onlookers catch the action and there are POV shots that let you experience their underwater world. Watching the show makes you want to go swimming. Even if you have never been on a swim team, you can appreciate the camaraderie. Not every character on the swim team is a star swimmer, they vary in skill, which is refreshing because it allows those characters to develop.

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If you want to ogle some pretty boys, want a refresher from the heat, enjoy sports shows, or are interested in relationship shows, then you should check out Free!.

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Aniplex Hosting US Premiere Of ‘Fate/stay night’ 9/28!

by Kari Lane

The hit anime series, Fate/stay night, is back and Aniplex will be hosting the US premiere! Fans will able to enjoy the very first episode before it airs on television. The event will be held at the Downtown Independent in Los Angeles, CA on September 28th. Doors open at 12:15pm PST and the event begins at 1:00pm. Attendees of the event will receive a Fate/stay night giveaway item while supplies last.

This series will be featuring the Unlimited Blade Works arc. This arc will focus on the heroine Rin Tohsaka, her summoned servant Archer, and the situations involving the other participants of the fifth Holy Grail War.

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Hideki Goto, President of Aniplex of America, Inc. says that he expects both new and veteran fans of the Fate/stay night franchise to enjoy this exclusive event. He went on to say, “The Fate/stay night series is an anime title that has captured the hearts of many fans and it continues to be popular through the years. I’m looking forward to enjoying this unique story on the big screen along with the fans.”

To purchase tickets for the Fate/stay night US Premiere event, please visit: http://fatestaynight.bpt.me/

For more information on Fate/stay night, please visit the official website at: http://www.fatestaynightusa.com/

Aniplex of America, Inc. had also confirmed Fate/stay night will begin its streaming schedule through Hulu (www.hulu.com) and Crunchyroll (www.crunchyroll.com) from October. The specific date, time, and platforms will be announced at a later date.

Fate/stay night is an excellent series! If you are not familiar with the story, read below.

Fuyuki City—a city surrounded by the ocean and the mountains becomes the setting for an age-old ritual. To realize the mythical Holy Grail, which is said to grant any wish from its possessor, seven masters are given seven heroic spirits chosen by the Grail. These heroic spirits or servants are: Saber, Lancer, Archer, Rider, Caster, Assassin and Berserker. Each master will enter into a contract with their assigned servants and battle the other masters and servants to the death until only one pair remains…

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Sailor Moon “Slumber Party” Tonight!

by Kari Lane

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VIZ Media invites Sailor Moon fans to join in a special virtual “slumber party” tonight starting at 8pm (PST)! There will be a special premiere of re-mastered classic Sailor Moon ep. 1-4 featuring a brand new English cast. Fans can stream the episodes on Neon Alley and Hulu. At the same time, the “slumber party” will be a unique live stream event on VIZ Media’s YouTube channel. Viewers can simultaneously watch the live, uncut Sailor Moon episodes and join the VIZ Media staff on its YouTube channel for a “lively evening of witty commentary, inside facts and tons of fun from the company’s headquarters in San Francisco.”

This is definitely an event Sailor Moon fans, old and new, will want to check out!

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English dubbed episodes 1-4 – featuring the brand new English cast – will be available to stream beginning Friday, September 5th at 8:00pm (PDT), and episodes 5-23 will debut 12:00am (PDT) September 7th, 2014. English dubbed episodes will be available for a limited time only. Classic SAILOR MOON Episodes 1-34 (in Japanese with English subtitles) are available now, with 2 new episodes debuting each Monday. Please visit NeonAlley.com and Hulu.com/sailor-moon for more information.

More info on Sailor Moon Crystal:

Fans of the new SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL will not want to miss the Neon Alley simulcast premiere of 2 new subtitled installments from the rebooted fantasy/action series – Episodes 5 and 6 – that will become available beginning September 5th and 19th respectively. Based on the legendary manga series, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL (rated ‘TV-PG’), retells the story of Sailor Moon as she searches for her fellow Sailor Guardians and the Legendary Silver Crystal to stop the dark forces of Queen Beryl.

For more information on Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon Crystal, or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

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Geekscape Interviews GirlsDrawinGirls!

by Kari Lane

While at San Diego Comic-Con, I was able to attend a cool event at the Chuck Jones Gallery co-hosted by GirlsDrawinGirls and 6-Point Harness (6PH). Their art was featured during a special “What’s Up Doc?”, a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit Service museum exhibit. After the event, I was able to interview Melody Severns, one of the co-creators of GirlsDrawinGirls.

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Print used at the Chuck Jones event with Pepe Le Pew and Gigi “Aroma Therapy” by Jennifer Llewellyn
 
 

So what exactly is GirlsDrawinGirls?

GirlsDrawinGirls is an international group of around 200 women artists who draw pin up art to showcase the vast amount of female talent working professionally in the animation, film, comics, and illustration industry.  We draw pin up art as a way to give our take on femininity and sexuality from a woman’s point of view.  Together we have inspired each other, given each other positive and constructive feedback, and promoted a strong support system of women working in the same field.  Since the birth of the group, we have been featured in Italian Vogue, did an art show at Galerie Arludik in Paris, France, and worked with the Chuck Jones Gallery for a show during the 2014 San Diego Comic Con.

 
How did it get started?

GirlsDrawinGirls started as the brainchild of me and my friend, Anne Walker Farrell as a way to get all the talented women we knew in animation together on a fun project.  Both of us were college friends and went to art school together at The Laguna College of Art and Design.  When we got out into the industry, we realized that there were very few women directors, and also a fewer presence of women who draw pin up art of women at conventions, like Comic-Con.  We got about 18 of our collaborative friends together to create our very first book, “GirlsDrawinGirls, vol. 1: A Girl in Time”, and since then, this group has gained momentum and has snowballed into an international movement.

 
Was there a particular moment that sparked your need to create GirlsDrawinGirls?

I don’t know if there was a particular moment, I think it was more like “moments”, but I can give you an early example of who I’ve become today.  Growing up, I was always a kid that liked to do things my own way.  I would play “Batman” with the neighborhood kids, insist on being Catwoman, and I would also insist that Catwoman was more powerful than Batman, and I had all the reasons why.  I just never thought that women should be considered less qualified than a man, if they were indeed intelligent, strong, and confident.  As I got into my career, I noticed that there were so many tremendously talented women I knew that could draw circles around the best of them.  I figured I could take characteristics from the part of me that was the child that wouldn’t take no for an answer about Catwomen being cooler than Batman and use it to show that women can be just as good, if not better than anyone else in the industry.

Why pin-up?

I think pin-up is a great way to give women a voice in how they want to represent their own sexuality.  There is nothing wrong with women being sexual, and there is nothing wrong with embracing that side of oneself.  It is empowering.

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“Bonus” by Melody Severns

 

How would you describe your personal style?

I have a very cartoony style.  I come from an animation background, so I tend to draw women realistically, with some cartoon/comic tones.  I also have grown to love watercolors and I try to use them for personal art as much as I can.

How long have you been an artist?

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember.  My grandfather was an animator for Disney back in the days of Bambi and Cinderella.  He was always a huge inspiration for me.  My family never discouraged me from pursuing my artistic endeavors, so I am tremendously grateful for that.  My grandfather has since passed away, so there’s always a part of me that continues to push myself in the hopes that I would have made him proud.

As a female artist, do you feel you are judged differently than your male counterparts?

This is a tough question, because in no way do I feel negatively or disrespect from the great men that I have in my life, or have met in my career.  That being said, I do think there is a general stigma that women should feel bad about drawing anything that depicts sexuality, especially female sexuality, which is absurd.  There is also sometimes a stigma in the industry that women in a position of authority can be taken as a “bitch”, and a man in a position of authority is just a strong go getter.  I think it’s time to change all of this.  These are archaic beliefs that need to be changed.  GirlsDrawinGirls seeks to be the positive counterpart to outdated beliefs.

There is a wonderful variety in style amongst the GirlsDrawinGirls artists. What do you look for when women want to join?

I basically just look to see if there is a general strong idea of form, anatomy, style, and structure.  I love that we have a variety of styles, and I hope that we continue on that trend.  Having many voices makes us better and more interesting.

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  GirlsDrawinGirls logo girl, Gigi, with an owl by Jennifer Gheduzzi
 
 

Any advice to women artists out there?

My advice is to learn as much as you can and to always improve.  Never take criticism personally.  Always grow, and always be up for adapting.  Never take failure personally.  Failure is actually a part of success.  Some of the best people in the world have had to experience rejection.  What makes them stand out from the crowd is the ability to endure.  Always endure, you are stronger than you could ever imagine.

GirlsDrawinGirls had a fun event at the Chuck Jones Gallery at Comic-Con. Can you please tell me how that event came about?

A good friend of mine introduced me to the fine folks at the Chuck Jones Gallery.  I was so honored and thrilled that they were interested in working with me and my group.  Chuck Jones has always been a strong inspiration of mine and his daughter, Linda Jones Clough wrote the foreword for GDG’s fourth book.  It was a privilege to work with such animation royalty who are also genuinely wonderful people.  I look forward to working with them more in the future!

How do you think the event went?

I could not be more pleased with the evening.  People were excited not only about the art of GirlsDrawinGirls, but also with the art of Chuck Jones.  It was so fun talking to fans and supporters of both GirlsDrawinGirls and The Chuck Jones Gallery.  It definitely made this year’s Comic-Con my favorite that I have ever been a part of (and I have been a part of a few!)

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What was your favorite part of that evening?

One of my favorite parts was being able to talk to the crowd about how I met Chuck Jones during his last public speaking event when I was in college.  I shook his hand and was able to hear a legend talk.  I found out earlier that day, as I spoke to this daughter, Linda at a signing at the GirlsDrawinGirls booth that he was sick during that time, but the excitement that he got from inspiring young people made him happy, eager, and full of energy.  I never knew that not only was that a big moment for me in my life, but it was also a big moment for him and his family.  That experience was none other than a blessing that I was fortunate to have.

What is next for GirlsDrawinGirls?

Coming up in October, we have a solo art show of one of our featured artists, Ashley Brooke Cooper at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, California.  It will be during the 80th anniversary premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s film, “Cleopatra” and all of Ashley’s art will be celebrating ancient Egyptian women.  In the grander scheme of things, GirlsDrawinGirls is looking to branch out more internationally.  We have created a Canada chapter and are looking at doing more international shows in the future.  We want to take on the world!

What is next for you?

I am currently working as an animation producer, so I am excited to see where that path takes me.  I also want to continue with my path of leading GirlsDrawinGirls.  The group’s name is bigger and more recognized than my own, and I consider that a success.  This movement is bigger than me, and is about empowering women as a whole.  I am honored to be the spokeswoman for it.

Besides the GirlsDrawinGirls site, where else can people find more information?

You can follow us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/girlsdrawingirls

On Twitter: @grlsdrawingrls

On Instagram: @girlsdrawingirls

and on our blog: http://girlsdrawingirls.blogspot.com