Author: Natalie Kipper

Lover of plush toys, Disneyland, and playing JRPGs on the sofa. Fond of using quotes from 'Frasier' and 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.' Owner of (possibly) too much manga.

Geekscape Unboxes: The Loot Anime August 2017 Crate!

by Natalie Kipper

Grab your apron and pin on that name tag because Loot Anime’s August crate carries the theme, “Work for it!” The anime featured in this shipment all center around jobs (albeit unconventional ones). We’ve got Gin Tama, Bungo Stray Dogs (cue inner-fangirl yelling), Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, and Soul Eater. Let’s get to work, guys!

The poster art for this shipment was drawn by Lim Wei Lun and depicts Loot Anime’s purple-haired mascot Yume working as a barista. She looks so pleased to serve that freshly-prepared coffee! Dang it, now I kind of want some. As always, flipping the poster over reveals a pictorial summary of what items are included in the crate.

This Banpresto prize figure of Gintoki from Gin Tama was the only item in this shipment that was not exclusive to Loot Anime. All things considered, the figure itself was impressive in size, standing about 7 and a half inches tall. However, it arrived in the box unassembled and putting it together was moderately frustrating. Gintoki’s sword and scabbard simply did not want to stay put in their appropriate spots. The scabbard portion was the worst. Oh and despite spending a day airing out, the figure still smells like paint.

As a huge fan of Bungo Stray Dogs, I was thrilled to learn that Loot Anime would have an item themed to the series in this crate. The item in question is pouch made to look like the journal that Kunikida Doppo uses in the series. Just like in the show, the cover reads “risou” or “Ideals” in Japanese. The pouch would make a great accessory for cosplay! It also fits a New Nintendo 3DS (not the XL – the one with the face plates) quite nicely. This was my favorite item in the crate.

The third item was also one that could be used on a daily basis, a Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid journal. The cover has a matte finish with gold accents used on Tohru the dragon maid’s silhouette along with the title. The pages inside are unlined and have art in the bottom corner of the right-hand page as well as a “scale” border around each page. The book itself was high-quality and I can see many people getting use out of it.

The included manga for this month was volume one of Atsushi Ohkubo’s Soul Eater. This Loot Anime-exclusive version of the manga has an embossed cover.

The phone charm for this crate resembles one of the to-go coffee cups you might get at many of the popular coffee joints these days. This one reads “Loot Anime Cafe” on the label. Interestingly, while the majority of the phone charms are made of metal, this one is composed of plastic. I dig it.

The last thing I found in my crate was a clever ad for the two-night theatrical release of Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. In celebration of the famous thief’s 50 anniversary, the movie will be in theaters nationwide on September 14 and September 19. Tickets are available for purchase here.

If this unboxing has you interested in subscribing, you can get some money off of your first crate either by following this link or entering “Geekscape” into the promo code area upon checkout.

[This unboxing was based on a sample provided by Loot Crate. All opinions are my own.]

RUMOR: Is The West Not Getting Those ‘Monster Hunter’ amiibo?

by Natalie Kipper

The official site for Monster Hunter Stories launched recently and something looks peculiar. The game is the first in the Monster Hunter series to be a turn-based RPG. Stories is playable on the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS family of systems so as you can imagine, there is amiibo support.

In Japan, there were five very special amiibo made for the game (plus one other which we will get to in a moment), each one made in the likeness of one of the characters riding an iconic monster from the series. From the left we have: Cheval with Rathian, boy protagonist with one-eyed Rathalos (there is also a girl protagonist version of this one), Ayuria with Barioth, and Dan with Qurupeco. Why are they so special? You can freaking swap the riders! Using these amiibo in your game unlock a special in-game Monsties, or monster companions.

[Update: For clarification, the Japanese version makes use of the other amiibo as well, in the manner described below.]

Who wouldn’t want to get their paws on these guys? Well, it looks like us gamers in the West won’t even get the option. The only mention of amiibo on the game’s site (found at the bottom of this page) talks about them gifting you “high-grade items.” Not a word about Monsties. What’s worse is that if you click the link that reads “see all compatible amiibo,” it takes you here and lists every amiibo made thus far as compatible. It also reiterates the rewards for tapping in an amiibo.

There has been no mention of the special Monster Hunter Stories amiibo being released as of yet and the game’s release date of September 8 is coming up soon. Things are not looking good for amiibo collectors.

The final amiibo in the set, Navirou, may actually be worth importing, regardless of compatibility with the upcoming game. It will still work with Animal Crossing: Welcome amiibo!, unlocking a felyne resident for your town!

[hunter amiibo images via Hardcore Gamer]

Geekscape Reviews: ‘The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess’ Vol. 2 By Akira Himekawa

by Natalie Kipper

We return to the Twilight Realm in the second volume of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess by Akira Himekawa, published by VIZ Media. I loved the first volume and was very excited to get my paws on this one. Volume One left off at a pivotal point in the game, Link’s transformation into a wolf, and I wanted to see what happened next.

TM & © 2017 Nintendo. ZELDA NO DENSETSU TWILIGHT PRINCESS © 2016 Akira HIMEKAWA/SHOGAKUKAN

I think those who have beaten the game that the manga was based on will appreciate the different points of view the manga offers. We get to see certain parts of the story from Zelda’s, Midna’s, and even Ilia’s perspectives. And I know that I have said this in my previous review but I love that Link talks! Through his dialogue, we see more into his backstory and personality. Gamers are used to Link being a silent protagonist and I found this change to be refreshing.

The plot in this volume moves at a steady pace. My single complaint with the previous book was that it took a while to get going, plot-wise. This is no longer an issue, thankfully.

TM & © 2017 Nintendo. ZELDA NO DENSETSU TWILIGHT PRINCESS © 2016 Akira HIMEKAWA/SHOGAKUKAN

Beyond the intriguing story, Twilight Princess excels at its action scenes. It feels like you are playing out a battle in a game. I found myself holding my breath during Link’s fight with Diababa towards the end of the volume!

I can tell that that a lot of care was put into this series’ art. Every page oozes with detail, especially in the backgrounds and character’s clothing. The shading also does a great job of highlighting the contrast between Hyrule and the shadowy Twilight Realm.

TM & © 2017 Nintendo. ZELDA NO DENSETSU TWILIGHT PRINCESS © 2016 Akira HIMEKAWA/SHOGAKUKAN

I am pleased to say that Volume Two of Twilight Princess continues to impress. The art suited the mood perfectly and the story kept me hooked. Like its predecessor, I give The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Volume Two a 5 out of 5. I can’t wait for the story to continue in volume three!

[This review is based on a sample provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.]

Crowdfund This: KikiDoodle’s Deep Sea Purrmaids

by Natalie Kipper

Be prepared for a siren song of epic (and fuzzy) proportions! Designer toy enthusiasts no doubt recall KikiDoodle‘s original Purrmaid plush Kickstarter from last May. Well, she has returned with three new cat/fish hybrids that are sure to make you go “Awww!” in her Deep Sea Purrmaids Kickstarter.

The first of the three is the Bombangler, a cross between a Bombay cat and an angler fish. This ingenious plush measures 13 inches long and 10 inches tall with glow in the dark eyes and a posable lure. It even has a hidden talent: it can hold your smartphone in its jaws!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXJBobFFf4S/?taken-by=kikidoodling

Next up is the Squitten, a squid/kitten! This plush is a whopping 22 inches long and about 5 inches wide. Why so long? The Squitten has powerful magnets in its two paws that let it hang grab on things and just general hang around. Cool, right?

Speaking of hanging around, the final plush of the trio, the Jelly Angora (a mix of a jellyfish and a Turkish Angora cat), looks precious when hung up. It can also sit elegantly on its tail if there isn’t an place for the lovely Purrmaid to dangle. Just barely shorter than the Squitten, the Jelly Angora hangs 21 inches long with an 8 inch wide skirt.

Finally, we get to the Baby Purrs. There are two available in this Kickstarter, the Blue Baby Jelly Purr and the Bombanglet (or Baby Bom). The Blue Baby Jelly Purr will not be sold after the Kickstarter. There is also a promotion in which a Blue Baby Jelly Purr will be included with your package if you select a backer tier that includes two or more of the regular plushes. Of course, there is also a tier for just one or both of the Baby Purrs. Heck, there is a tier for pretty much any option you can imagine.

KikiDoodle is currently running a Design-your-own-Purrmaid contest as well. It will run until August 22 and all the details can be found here. Alternatively, there is also a tier that nets you all the prizes from the contest, including having your idea turned into a brand new Purrmaid plush (which you will be credited for). You can check out some of the entries on KikiDoodle’s twitter.

The Deep Sea Purrmaids Kickstarter ends on August 27 at 12:02 P.M. Pacific. It currently has $25,698 pledged of the $33,000 needed to succeed. There are plenty of tiers for every budget, from $5 to $600, and every little bit helps! You can check out the Kickstarter campaign here.

Hashtag Collectibles’ New Puppets Let You Manipulate Birds And Axolotls With Ease

by Natalie Kipper

If you ever dreamed of training an owl or axolotl, now is your chance. Well, you can come close anyways. Hashtag Collectibles added two new plush puppets to their line-up, the Potoo (it’s a bird, in case you are having trouble with that one) and the Axolotl. I was cracking up over these guys and want to share my mirth with you, dear readers.

The Potoo is a true winner in my book. Look at its face and I dare you not to crack a smile. If you head over to its product listing , you can see the fluffy dude in action. I adore its big eyes. It just looks so incredibly goofy. Mother Nature (and Hashtag Collectibles) certainly has a sense of humor.

The Potoo puppet measures 9 inches tall and costs $19.99.

Like the Potoo puppet, you can see clips of the Axolotl puppet in-use on its product page. This one has to be seen in motion to be fully appreciated, I think. Don’t get me wrong; I adore this one as well. I just don’t think the photo does it justice. When the puppet opens its mouth, it looks a bit like its smiling. To my knowledge, axolotls don’t smile but I find it endearing all the same.

The Axolotl puppet measures 11 inches long and costs $19.99.

Oh and Hashtag Collectibles has also restocked their Sam and Max Max plush ($29.99). I know a ton of people were waiting for a while for the guy to come back so I wouldn’t sit on this one if you are considering buying him.

Geekscape Unboxes: The Loot Anime July 2017 Crate!

by Natalie Kipper

The time has come for yet another unboxing of one of Loot Crate’s Loot Anime boxes. This time, I am picking apart July’s crate, which bears the theme of “Action Comedy.” I had my hopes higher than normal for this one because I saw that one of my favorite series, Trigun, would be included. Joining that beloved Sc-Fi/Western anime, is KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!, FLCL, High School DxD, and One-Punch Man. Let’s take a look!

The first item is the monthly poster. The artwork by Hans Tseng looked promising, capturing an unfortunate mascot girl and cat collision. I loved Yume’s facial expression. It looks like she isn’t going to have a chance to eat her ramen. As always, the backside of the poster broke down what else could be found in the shipment. But since you are reading this article, which serves the same purpose, there is no need to spend much time on it. It should be noted that every item in this crate is marked as “exclusive.”

The big ticket item for many an anime fan was most likely the two-pack of One-Punch Man figures. If you have seen my review of the Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack for the series, you would know that this was not the case for me.

However, while I genuinely do not like this series, I do respect the quality of these figures. Subscribers received one of four potential sets. As you can see, I got the set containing Lord Boros and Saitama. The little figures have a metallic paint finish and the clear plastic stand makes it appear as though they hover over the base.

In case you didn’t get the set you were hoping for or want to own all four, Loot Crate will have the figure sets available for purchase in their Vault for a limited time, starting at some point in August.

Two of the series for July, High School DxD and FLCL, were represented with art prints. I am sure this seems like a great item to some fans (most likely those with limited space) but to me, this seems a little lame. One art print would have okay, if a tad unimaginative, but two? Come on, guys.

Now we get to the Trigun item: a shirt. Yes, Loot Anime chose this series for the apparel item this month. I was so bummed. While I will admit that it is nice that the shirt features artwork by the series’ creator, Yasuhiro Nightow, it still isn’t something I see myself wearing.

The manga for this month is KonoSuba: God’s Blessings on this Wonderful World!, written by Natsume Akatsuki with art by Masahito Watari and character designs by Kurone Mishima. While the title itself is available outside of Loot Anime, subscribers are treated to an exclusive cover.

The final item is the monthly phone charm. Most of them star Yume, their purple-haired mascot girl, but this one features her kitty friend. You can spy him in the poster as well. The little fur ball is the one chowing down on Yume’s ramen. The katakana in the charm reads “Nya!!,” meaning “Meow!!” in Japanese.

If this unboxing has you interested in subscribing, you can get some money off of your first crate either by following this link or entering “Geekscape” into the promo code area upon checkout.

[This unboxing was based on a sample provided by Loot Crate. All opinions are my own.]

SDCC 2017: Basking In The Soft, Fluffy Company Of Beefy And Co.

by Natalie Kipper

Surrounded by plushes of his own design, Menh Voong of Beefy and Co. was living the dream (well, mine at least) at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. The tables at the fore-front of his booth were lined with stuffed critters while apparel bearing his art hung against the back.

The exclusive item for SDCC was Shiny Charipoo, a reimagining of Pokémon‘s Shiny Charizard, limited to 100 pieces. The plush is part of Menh’s Pokepoos line, which includes Charipoo, a traditional Charizard, and Pikapoo, a Pikachu.

One of the more unique features in Beefy and Co. plushes is that they all have extra features, like posable or light-up parts. Take Dragonpoo, for example. Not only are his little purple whiskers bendable but you can pose his serpentine body any way you wish, thanks to a inner skeleton (he is still super-huggable, though).

And a great example of light-up accents can be found in the eyes of the newly-released Catbuspoo (based on My Neighbor Totoro‘s Catbus). Not only do its eyes light up but its head swivels. Catbuspoo is part of the Pop Plush line, joined by Totopoo and Bmaxpoo (think Baymax of Big Hero 6).

Beyond items for purchase, prototypes of future plushes were also on display. One I am particularly excited about is NoNopoo, based on Nohface from Spirited Away. His tongue can be stuffed in his stomach, if you desire, and his expression can be altered by switching around his mouth.

Phoebepoo here is based on a phoenix. It is also a prototype. The photo doesn’t do its bold colors justice.

There were are also two plushes based on Sesame Street‘s Elmo and Cookie Monster (this one can be seen in the header image).

The final prototype was Bulbapoo, based on – you guessed it – Bulbasaur. Not only does the bulb on its back open, which by itself is impressive, but it also has posable vines hidden inside! I can’t get over how ingenious this plush is.

You can find more Beefy and Co. goodness at the official website. And many amazing plushes (some of which from past cons!) can be purchased at the online store.

SDCC 2017: Martin Hsu’s Booth Overflows With Cuteness

by Natalie Kipper

Martin Hsu‘s booth at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con was a veritable wonderland of one of a kind paintings, drawings, and custom figures. His works exude a sort of warmth that just make you feel all light and happy inside.

A corner of the booth was dedicated to Martin’s Kindreds figures, the ones on the above picture’s left were customized by other artists: Jeremiah Ketner, Mark Nagata, Emma SanCartier, nimasprout, and Kozyndan. Kozyndan’s entry, the figure encased in the golden globe, had glow-in-the-dark accents! The smaller Kindreds were part of a 10-piece series called “Poppies,” with each figure in the set was hand-painted by Martin. As you can see by the pink “sold” tags, all of these figures were big hits.

Perhaps the biggest news coming from Martin’s booth was the debut of his upcoming figure, Dragon Boy Super. Attendees couldn’t purchase him at the show but you can pre-order the little guy here. He will be part of a 2-piece set with his beloved Dragon Dog, Blacky, whose figure was sadly not available for viewing at this time. I loved how distinct Dragon Boy’s features were. Dragon Boy is one of Martin’s original characters, often portrayed in paintings and sketches, and I am happy to see him in a three-dimensional medium (this will be the second figure of the character made).

I have always loved Martin’s art and his style shines through in these watercolor paintings celebrating powerful women. There were some in the “Little San” set, depicting the heroine of Princess Mononoke in a more child-like, whimsical reimagining. To match San’s were those of a younger Wonder Woman in “Little Diana.”

Mermaids are a theme that Martin had touched upon before but I was glad he chose to revisit it for his “Fairy Tails” set, which mermaid-ifies beloved Disney princesses, like Rapunzel, Merida, and even Elena of Avalor.

I bet you didn’t know that Martin had a pop-up art show in Hawai’i earlier this year. These pins match the some of the art that was created for that event.

My personal favorite art piece from the booth was the one seen above, in which Dragon Boy’s faithful companion, Blacky the Dragon Dog, takes on the role of Snoopy. The playful concept just brought a big smile to my face. I am also a huge Blacky fan (I purchased the pin also seen in the photo) and a proud owner of his plush.

You can find updates from Martin on his blog. More of his goods along with the pre-order for Dragon Boy Super can be found here.

SDCC 2017: Playing Games With Catnip Bravo At Symbiote Studios

by Natalie Kipper

Being a plush lover, visiting Symbiote Studios‘ booth was high on my list of priorities for this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. The company had four con-exclusive plushes (amongst other goodies) and I wanted to make sure to snag some of them.

Symbiote Studios’ mascot, Catnip Bravo, got a makeover this year and dang, does he look adorable! As part of their “Catnip Cuties” line, they introduced two exclusive plushes: a Smile version and a Frown version. These 12-inch tall plushes are super-duper soft, with embroidered paw prints and removeable masks (that reveal his teeny-little eyes). Each plush version was limited to 400 pieces.

There were other Catnip Bravo goodies to be had at the booth, like the mousepad that has the feline mascot drawn in the style of the characters from Move or Die. Another notable addition were Catnip Bravo keychains that actually weren’t for sale but could be won from a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors against a Catnip Bravo costumed character, which appeared at a certain time each day.

Catnip Bravo fans could also find apparel that featured the kitty, one in white and another in black. The shirts were limited to 100 pieces of each size in each variation.

One thing you might not know about Symbiote Studios is that the partner up with other companies to make merchandise for their characters. They had previously made two open edition, 15-inch plushes from Rivals of Aether: Orcane (seen on the right in the picture above) and Etalus. For SDCC, they created a special Golden Etalus (seen on the left in the picture above), limited to 100 pieces. Like the other Rivals of Aether plushes, Golden Etalus came with a themed DLC for the game (you still need to purchase the game, which is available for Steam and Xbox One).

The last of the plushes was 12-inch Peely from the Steam game, Move or Die. Unlike the Rivals of Aether ones whose included code were for skin DLC, Peely’s granted you the full Move or Die game. This plush was limited to 400 pieces.

Also on display at their booth was limited edition Rhino Collector’s Statue from Warhammer. This item is actually for sale through Warframe’s online store. It comes with three in-game items, which you can read about here.

You can snag some of the remaining con-exclusives (while supplies last, of course) over at Symbiote Studios’ online store.

SDCC 2017: Quantum Mechanix’s Figures Are Cinematic Perfection

by Natalie Kipper

Quantum Mechanix is known for their intricate figures and detailed prop replicas. Their booth at San Diego Comic-Con was a glorious gallery of new and upcoming products. They also had a store in the back, where attendees could get their hands on merchandise (some of which, for the very first time).

This year’s con marked the debut of their Wonder Woman Q-Fig Max. The figure is super-detailed with a bunch of different pieces (don’t worry –  it comes pre-assembled). I loved that both Wonder Woman and her mount share the same determination in their eyes.

Q-Fig’s tendency to have a whimsical side. The Batman and Superman Friendship Q-Fig is a perfect example of that. The contrast in expressions between the two heroes is hilarious and I could not help but smile when I saw it.

There were also prototype Q-Fig’s from the world of Harry Potter on display. The Harry and Hagrid: Race for Hogwarts Q-Fig Max will be the most complex in the series to date.

The Harry Potter on the Broom Q-Fig was also impressive. Harry’s entire body as well as his broom balance on that translucent blue swirl of “wind.”

Here was a figure I never thought I would see: a Good Feathers Q-Fig. This was also a prototype.

Quantum Mechanix is also known from their plush Q-Pals line. The majority of the ones on display were prototypes, with the exception of Supernatural‘s Sam Winchester, Castiel, and Dean Winchester.

And I absolutely adore this plush Niffler from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Funny story about this little guy: Quantum Mechanix hadn’t planned on selling it at SDCC but they received a small shipment early. Initially, they were just going to have a prototype on display. Needless to say, this adorable beast sold out before Day Three (which is when I got there). The good news is fans like myself can sign up on their site to be notified when the plush comes in-stock.

There was plenty of Firefly merchandise to be found. I could not get over how much thought and detail was in every figure. Everyone’s clothes are made of real fabric. That trait is standard for the 1:6 articulated figures but it was especially impressive in this set because of the intricacy of their outfits.

While the majority of the 1:6 scale articulated figures were based to Firefly or Star Trek but there were a few outliers. One that excited me in particular was Westley from The Princess Bride. He comes with both his masked face when he is the Dread Pirates Roberts as well as his traditional Westley face (“As you wish!”).

Star Trek saw plenty of representation at Quantum Mechanix’s booth, from prop weapons and badges to Tribble plushes to the already-mentioned 1:6 articulated figures. What I was most impressed from this series was the Captain’s Chair. It was to scale with the articulated figures and – here is the coolest part –  the buttons work! They make sounds and light-up when pressed.

The booth was also home to a 1:72 scale miniature of Star Lord’s ship, the Milano, from Guardians of the Galaxy. Once again, detail was king. For example, you could look inside the cockpit and see the seats and the control panel.

I had a blast looking at all the goods that we can expect in the future from Quantum Mechanix. You can check out more of the products on their site.

SDCC 2017: Partying The Night Away At The VRCON Celebration!

by Natalie Kipper

During this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, I was invited to a special invite-only shindig at The Omni Hotel. The party showcased what is new and shiny in the world of gaming technology, particularly in the field of virtual reality.

Being a SEGA nerd, I made a beeline to the Sonic-dedicated area. The activity available was “Sonic’s Ring Jump,” in which you jump and perform a series of actions against a green screen, ending in an attempted jump on the trampoline beneath the stage to catch the gold ring dangling from the ceiling. Catching the ring nets you a prize of one thousand dollars.

After your likely failure to catch the prize, your butt-first landing (or whatever graceful pose you achieved) was captured along with the rest of your pantomiming and added to a short video, making it appear as if you were running through a level in either Sonic Mania or Sonic Forces. You could send yourself the little film afterwards.

This section was open to the public during the day but I definitely dug that the line to participate was pretty much non-existent at the party.

This sign was also left up from the daytime activities. The artwork gave me a chuckle.

One booth that was noticeably popular was that belonging to MX4D. The setup made me think of a stripped-down Star Tours. In the back of the exhibit were these mechanical two-seater chair things. The seats can swing back and forth, turn at different angles, and rumble. With the VR goggles on, it was a very convincing roller coaster experience!

What were people looking at through those goggles? Well, for those waiting in line (check out the “30 minute wait from this point” signage), there was a large TV screen playing what the “riders” were seeing. The ride was’t just about the sensations of the tracks. There was a freaking dragon chasing you! How awesome is that? It is no wonder there was always a line.

Chilling by the Sonic displays was a standee of Neil deGrasse Tyson, decked out in a fancy space get-up. What was that doing there?

I soon found out that the famous astrophysicist had teamed up with a group of game developers to create Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Space Odyssey. The title’s Kickstarter campaign just ended (they were successfully funded) but you can still get a seat on this rocket before it takes off. Their Indiegogo page remains open and I highly recommend you check it out!

The concept is, put in simpler terms, a space-exploration game but with worlds created by the likes of Bill Nye, George R.R. Martin, Neil Gaiman, Peter Beagle, and Tyson himself. The title promises Metroidvania-style gameplay, with exploration dictated by the tools, skills, or resources necessary to access certain areas, as well as VR missions.

I was very impressed by the technology showcased that night. Gamers and tech buffs have a lot to look forward too.

SDCC 2017: Updates Abound At the World Of Capcom Panel

by Natalie Kipper

At San Diego Comic-Con’s World of Capcom panel, con attendees were regaled with news from the gaming realms of Monster Hunter, Marvel Vs. Capcom, Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Resident Evil. The panel was basically a “here’s what’s next” showcase and there was a lot of applause when each new title was brought up.

The first on the docket was Monster Hunter: World, launching globally in early 2018. This portion started off with a trailer for the game after which one of the panelists, Tristan Corbett, briefly explained what makes this title stand out. Of course, there will be brand-new monsters to hunt along with old favorites. The game’s ecosystem, with its vegetation and where monsters graze or hunt, is now crucial to survival and hunting strategy. The different environments will affect how the player chooses to hunt. This new title will also feature global online servers as well as drop-in online multiplayer. For more information on Monster Hunter: World, attendees were encouraged to stick around for its dedicated panel coming up after the World of Capcom one (you can read all about it here).

Next up was Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite. They opened this section by revealing several new additions to the game’s roster. Joining the already diverse group of fighters are Spiderman, Haggar (Final Fight), Frank West (Dead Rising), Nemesis (Resident Evil), Gamora, and Thanos. They noted that pre-ordering the game will net you exclusive costumes.

The story revolves around the Infinity Stones from the Marvel universe.  The developers felt that it was a good time to return to that plot line because, thanks to current films like Guardians of the Galaxy, more people were aware of their existence. The two villains of the series, Marvel’s Ultron and Capcom’s Sigma, have merged to create the title’s big bad guy, Ultron- Sigma.

Ultron and Sigma aren’t the only things that have combined. Fighting stages are now mash-ups from Marvel and Capcom worlds. One example given was the Xgard stage (seen above), a mix of Thor‘s Asgard and Mega Man‘s Abel City.

Companion comics will also be released, with variant covers. The pairs featured in the comics share personality or background traits. For example, Ryu and Hulk both have anger management issues.

After that, the panel moved on to reveal some updates coming to the already-released Street Fighter V. They unveiled a surprise fighter joining the game, Abigail from Final Fight (yes, that burly dude in the screenshot above is named “Abigail”). This hulking colossus is the largest character in the game to date.

New stages were also announced. The first one shown, the Metro City Bay Area, pairs with Abigail and like the character, originated from Final Fight. The other stage was an oldie-but-goodie, Suzaku Castle.

The panel also announced the release of Mega Man Legacy Collection 2, which will contain games 7 through 10. The collection will include extras, like challenges and online leaderboards. It will launch on August 8 for the Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

For those who don’t remember much about these titles, the panel gave a brief refresher. Mega Man 7 is 16-bit. Mega Man 8 was the first 32-bit game in the series as well as the first to have voice acting (extremely awkward voice-acting but I digress). Mega Man 10 returns to its 8-bit roots and introduces the character, Bass. Protoman will be playable in both 9 and 10. Mega Man 10 will also feature stages themed to the Killers (Enker, Punk, and Ballad).

The final game discussed was Resident Evil: Revelations. I say “discussed” rather than “shown” because there wasn’t footage of the game. Instead, attendees were treated to a message from the game’s director, Kōshi Nakanishi (seen above).

We were also given a brief synopsis of the game along with a description of some gameplay features. The game takes place between Resident Evil 4 and 5 with players assuming the role of Jill Valentine, who is searching for Chris Redfield. He was taken captive inside an abandoned cruise ship, the Queen Zenobia, by a bioterrorist organization. There will be a traditional story mode as well as a Raid Mode, which features co-op gameplay.

The panel wrapped up with a trivia contest. And there was much rejoicing.

SDCC 2017: LAIKA Works Its Movie Magic In San Diego

by Natalie Kipper

LAIKA, the cinema wizards behind film favorites Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, and Kubo and the Two Strings, set up a gallery in San Diego’s Gaslamp District for this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. I had the pleasure of touring the facility this morning and the experience was downright enchanting.

Even before I entered the door, I was welcomed by Norman and Kubo! These characters could be found roaming the Gaslamp near the gallery and were available for pictures. I was soon ushered into the gallery and was given a guided tour through the exhibit’s structures.

The first area was dedicated to the haunting film, Coraline. One of the most impressive pieces in this portion was the set seen above. I was able to get up close and view it from the angle seen in the film as well. Check it out:

It turns out parts of sets can be made from everyday household objects like popcorn or even dog chew toys, whatever works best to get the needed texture and effect. LAIKA was the first studio to utilize 3D printing.

Here we can see some of the skeletal structure of the puppets used in LAIKA’s stop-motion animation films. While the facial expressions may be 3D printed, the innards are made of metal, allowing for easier manipulation from frame to frame.

The next section of the gallery was all about ParaNorman, a movie very near and dear to my heart. The exhibit set-up had many of the models used in the film. There were several figures of Norman in the displays, which makes sense because each one of Norman’s outfit has its own doll. It is less time-consuming than painstaking changing the clothes on a single doll after different scenes.

Like the Coraline section, sets from ParaNorman were also available for viewing. This time, we got a peek at Norman’s family home as well as a hallway in his school. The hallway scene was particularly fun, with so much detail to pick out. It felt like you were sneaking into the movie’s world.

The second to last area was all about The Boxtrolls. The film was a huge production, involving 79 sets, over 20,000 handmade props, and the largest stop-motion puppet built up until that time.

And here that puppet is: the Mecha-Drill. Weighing in at 75 pounds and measuring an impressive five feet tall, this masterpiece of imagination consists of 600 metal, plastic, and steel pieces.

The final displays in the exhibit were dedicated to the LAIKA’s latest film, Kubo and the Two Strings. There were several big set-ups in this area but what caught my eye the most was the diorama that housed Kubo and his friends in a Japanese backdrop.

Kubo and the Two Strings‘ Moon Beast puppet is special for several reasons. One being that it is the first of LAIKA’s puppets to consist entirely of 3D-printed parts (881 of them, to be exact). Another is that unlike the majority of their puppets, which utilize a metal armature skeleton (like the one we saw in the puppet from the Coraline section earlier), the Moon Beast’s innards are made up to the a long posable tube, like the kind found on microphone stands and desk lamps.

Okay, so you know how I mentioned earlier how The Boxtroll‘s Mecha-Drill puppet was, at one point, the largest puppet built? Well, the Hall of Bones Skeleton stole that title once Kubo and the Two Strings was released. The puppet showcased at the gallery was actually a 1/6th-scale version of a much, much larger one. How large? Try 16 feet tall! It’s size was necessary for scenes with both the Skeleton and Kubo (or other puppets or that smaller scale). If Kubo were any smaller, his puppet would not be able to be manipulated at the same level of detail.

If you want to see the giant version of the Skeleton, it will be for viewing, along with other LAIKA displays, at the Portland Art Museum. From October 5, 2017 through May 18, 2018, the museum will host a special LAIKA exhibition. Be sure to check it out if you are in the area!

SDCC 2017: Tentacle Kitty Goes Hunting!

by Natalie Kipper

I had the good fortune of spotting artist John Merritt as he was traversing San Diego Comic-Con’s Exhibit Hall. He wasn’t hard to spot; the man was balancing one of his Tentacle Kitty plushes on his head (and doing an expert job, I might add). It turned out he was returning to his booth for a signing and I could not resist tagging along.

For those who don’t know, Tentacle Kitty is a friendly cat from another dimension that just happens to have tentacles. She and many of her friends have been transformed into plushes as well as featured in her own webcomic. While there was already a traditional Tentacle Kitty plush, a Huntress version was released just in time for SDCC. With purple paint for camouflage and her face full of concentration, she definitely looks like she is on the prowl (most likely for cotton candy mice, her favorite food).

Tentacle Kitty the Huntress wasn’t the only new addition at the booth. The next wave of Little Ones, smaller relatives of Tentacle Kitty, were also available. These particular Little Ones were labeled “Earth Color” because each one resembles a different variety of cat found here on Earth, like Siamese or Calico. Both Tentacle Kitty the Huntress and the Earth Color Little Ones are now available to purchase at their online store.

In celebration of those plushes’ release, John has cooked up a very special giveaway. Five lucky fans will walk away with a Legendary Golden Tentacle Kitty. Traditionally, this cutie is only given to winners of cosplay contests at conventions. The contest is live on Facebook right now! Go! Go! Go!

SDCC 2017: Let’s Learn About Monster Hunter: World!

by Natalie Kipper

On the third day of San Diego Comic-Con, July 22, Room 25ABC was abuzz with Monster Hunter news. The room was filled to capacity for the Monster Hunter panel held there. As you might guess from the panel’s timing, the focus was on Capcom’s newly announced game, Monster Hunter: World. Two of the people responsible for the game were present, Producer Ryozo Tsuijimoto as well as the Executive Director and Art Director Kaname Fujioka. Director Yuya Tokuda was still in Japan, hard at work.

Monster Hunter: World has several new features that the panel detailed. But first, we were given a brief overview. The game will have 14 weapon classes, a life-like ecosystem, and expansive, ever-changing terrain. There will be both a single player campaign as well as four-player co-op play. But wait! There are some first for the series related this. The co-op will be cross-regional, meaning you can play with people from around the world. Online drop-in multiplayer is also coming to Monster Hunter: World. So if you are in over your head in a mission, you can get a friend’s help without having to start over.

Let’s talk about the game’s world for a bit. The concept for realistic, living ecosystem was actually conceived 10 years ago. One of the game’s fields, called the Ancient Forest, was used as an example to show how these ecosystems work.

Humidity dictates what plants grow in each section, which in turn draw different herbivores and then their predators. As the hunter goes deeper into the Ancient Forest, more powerful monsters can be found, such as the Great Jagras or the Anjanath (more on these bad boys in a moment). Since Japan doesn’t have much diversity in terms of humidity, the team traveled to Australia and learned more about high humidity plants.

Each monster has its own method of marking its territory, from scratching the barks of trees to spraying some sort of mucus on nearby fauna. One important strategy for hunters to utilize will be to pit monsters against each other, even if it means luring them away from their territory.

Okay, now we get to show off some of the new monsters that hunters will be taking on. First is the Great Jagras. It’s initial design was a bit different from the final product. The first thought was to simply enlarge a normal Jagras, another monster found in the game. This idea was later thrown out.

Next up was the Anjanath. The concept of this monster focused around its powerful (and humongous) jaws. One design added hair, based on the recent study that suggested dinosaurs might have had fur or feathers.

Familiar faces are also getting upgrades. For the Rathalos, quality improvements were incorporated into the appearance of the scales and skin. Its wingspan and skeletal structure were also adjusted to make its movements appear more lifelike.

To study reptilian movement, the development team had a special field trip to a Japanese alligator garden. The research helped them understand more about the creatures’ body weight as well. They took photos from the excursion and scanned them into the games 3D engine. This was part, while beneficial for work, was also for fun.

Monster Hunter: World will feature many graphic upgrades. Players will notice improvements in the fur shading found in Felynes as well as monsters, like the Anjanath, as well as muscle shading seen during movement. Another biggie is translucency, like in the Rathalos’ wings, to help add to the realism.

Returning weapons will have more functionality. Videos for each of the 14 weapon classes will be available in the coming days.

In co-op mode, hunters can send up a signal flare to call for help. Hunters will also be able to utilize their environment like never before. See that rock? Go ahead and climb it, just like you have always dreamed! It is a brave, new world, my friends.

Monster Hunter: World is scheduled to release globally early 2018 for Playstation 4 and Xbox One.

Geekscape Reviews: ‘Vampire Knight Memories’ Vol.1 By Matsuri Hino

by Natalie Kipper

If you grew up on VIZ Media’s Shojo Beat magazine, odds are good that you read Matsuri Hino’s Vampire Knight. The manga continued long after the magazine ended its publication and fans will soon have the chance to read the sequel, Vampire Knight Memories.

Vampire Knight Memories © Matsuri Hino 2016/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

The first volume switches between different periods in time frequently and changes up which main characters are in focus several times. The beginning of the book does not address the first series’ vampiric heroine, Yuki, as one might expect but her human friend, Sayori. We see snippets of her past relationship with Yuki but the main focus is on her blossoming love for the vampire Hanabusa. After that storyline, the spotlight is then granted to Yuki. I felt like hers was the shortest of the plots in this volume, which seemed a little odd given that she was on the cover. Yuki’s story then transitions to that of her children and Kaname, the vampire-now-turned-human.

Vampire Knight Memories © Matsuri Hino 2016/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

Vampire Knight Memories does a good job of being true to its roots. It contains the haunting, melancholy tones that one might anticipate with a vampire-based series, interspersed with more energetic or emotionally-charged scenes (see the panel directly above for an example).

Vampire Knight Memories © Matsuri Hino 2016/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

You need to finish the original series to have the full experience from Vampire Knight Memories. The beginning of the manga has a very quick summary of the important points but if that is all you have to go on, it will leave you feeling like you are missing something. However, I think it is fine that it is written this way. I doubt that people buying this book haven’t read through the Vampire Knight series cover-to-cover.

Vampire Knight Memories, Volume 1, is a little hard to grade because of its sequel status. In the situation in which you have read the previous series and know the backstory, I would give it a 4.5 out of 5. Fans will love to learn more about their favorite characters and see what has been going on since that final page of Vampire Knight.

If you are diving into this volume with no background knowledge whatsoever (which I don’t recommend), I would have to grade it a 1 out of 5. There simply is too much backstory that is incorporated into the plot (as it should be) for a new reader to understand what is going on entirely. Just start with the original series first and you will be much happier when you get to this volume. Trust me.

[This review is based on a sample provided by VIZ Media. All opinions are my own.]

LAIKA To Give Fans An Off-Site Experience At SDCC

by Natalie Kipper

Are you a fan of Coraline? ParaNorman? The Boxtrolls? Kubo and the Two Strings? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, we have got some great news for you! San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter will play host to LAIKA’s wondrous creations starting July 14th and running all the way through the end of San Diego Comic-Con, July 23rd.

The exhibit, called “The LAIKA Experience,” will display props, puppets (you did know the studio’s movies were stop-motion, right?), and sets as well as offer merchandise for sale, a photo/GIF booth featuring characters from LAIKA films, and daily drawings for a pair of NIKE’s LAIKA-themed shoes. There will even be costumed characters roaming the area!

And if you are going to be at San Diego’s PRIDE Festival on July 16th, be sure to visit the LAIKA photo booth, located just inside the gates of Balboa Park. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose “Mitch Babcock” of ParaNorman, the first gay to be featured in an animated film. Be sure to pick one of the customized LAIKA headbands that will be given out!

If that doesn’t sound cool enough, here are some other reasons to pop in. On Friday, July 21st, LAIKA President and CEO Travis Knight visiting. From 2pm to 3pm, he and author Tony DiTerlizzi will host a Facebook Live tour of the facility. Travis will also be sharing insight LAIKA’s creative process during this time. And from 3pm-to 4:30pm, Travis will be available to autograph merchandise purchased by fans at the exhibit.

The LAIKA exhibit is located at 520 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. Hours of operation are as follows:

Friday, July 14: 2 PM to 10PM

Saturday, July 15:  11AM to 10 PM

Sunday, July 16: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Monday -Tuesday, July 17-18: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Wednesday, July 19: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Thursday, July 20: 11:00 AM to 11 PM

Friday, July 21: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Saturday, July 22: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Sunday, July 23: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Geekscape Unboxes: The Loot Anime June 2017 Crate!

by Natalie Kipper

June 2017’s Loot Anime crate has arrived and with a theme like “Rise Up!,” you can expect loads of teamwork-centric series are in the mix. And, guess what? You’d be right! Represented in this crate are Neon Genesis Evangelion, Voltron: Legendary Defender (watch it on Netflix – you will thank me later), Knights of Sidonia, Gurren Lagann, and Blame! So, grab a buddy and let’s explore the loot!

As with every Loot Anime crate, subscribers are treated to a poster featuring art inspired by the theme of the month. Here we see Loot Anime’s mascot, Yume, teaming up with a helmet-wearing feline and piloting a cat mecha because cats are awesome. This poster is brought to us by Will Overton and Advocate Art. Flip this sucker over to reveal a list of the shipment’s contents.

The first item, and one that I was particularly excited to receive, was the Evangelion Micro Macro plush. This item is a Loot Anime-exclusive and subscribers had the chance of receiving either Asuka or Rei. As you can see, my shipment contained the latter. The plush is teeny-tiny as one would expect with a name with “mico” in the title. I love the soft texture of the fabric, the simple design, and that she can stand on her own, thanks to PVC pellets at the base of the plush.

Is anyone else psyched for the next season of Voltron: Legendary Defender? I would wager the folks over at Loot Crate are, given that the next item is an exclusive collector pin inspired by the fighting mecha. There is a movable visor piece, which is supposed to give the pin the appearance of the Black Lion or Voltron’s head, depending its position. Unfortunately, the effect misses its mark slightly because the piece doesn’t move down enough to conceal Voltron’s eyes, so the Black Lion version looks a bit off.

Let’s move on to an item that is both fun and functional. Here we have an exclusive cellphone stand staring a mech from Knights of Sidonia. The Rei plush is standing for my phone because that is what I use to take these pictures. The stand itself feels sturdy. It is made of two pieces that lock together but can be taken apart for easy storage.

The Gurren Lagann Art Works by Udon Entertainment is actually out-of-print but Loot Anime managed to procure a limited edition reprint exclusively for its subscribers. The art book is over 130 pages long and is super-shiny and colorful.  Contained within its pages are artwork from DVD covers, magazine spreads, posters, promotional pamphlets, among others.

Here is a peek at one of the spreads in the book.

This Loot Anime-exclusive wearable is a shirt featuring Killy from the anime, Blame! It is a little hard to tell from the picture (not for lack of trying – I took nearly a dozen pictures trying to get it right) but the shirt is muddy brown in color.

This month’s phone charm, the Kitty-Mecha, is actually pretty cute. I haven’t been much of a fan of the phone charms from the last few crates but this one works for me. I dig the cute, simple design and how well it fits the theme.

As frequent readers and current subscribers know, Loot Anime likes to decorate the inside of their boxes to match the month’s theme. Because of all the giant robot-y, outer space goodness in this month, we get a runway used by ships (and presumably mechs) for deployment into the unknown. You’ve got to love the forced perspective.

If this unboxing has you interested in subscribing, you can get some money off of your first crate either by following this link or entering “Geekscape” into the promo code area upon checkout.

[This unboxing was based on a sample provided by Loot Crate. All opinions are my own.]

Recruit A Team Of Plushes From The Behemoth’s ‘Pit People’

by Natalie Kipper

Buckle your pants and unfold your wallets, my friends, because The Behemoth, creators of such gaming favorites as Castle Crashers and Battle Block Theater, just added a plethora of new plushes to their online shop! This ragtag band of four cuddly characters hail from their latest creation, Pit People. Now available for purchase are: a Cupcake, a Rainbow Horse, a Mushroom, and Space Bear. These stuffed masterpieces were designed by Anna the Red. Readers should remember her from her adorable Nintendo Switch Puppy fan-art.

The Cupcake plush, of course, has its own catapult.

My personal favorite, the Rainbow Horse, has the perfect derpy expression.

The Mushroom is looking very swanky with its red bandana.

And finally, there is the Space Bear. He doesn’t look so menacing in plush form, does he?

Each plush costs $25. They made their debut at this year’s Penny Arcade Expo East so it isn’t much of a stretch to imagine that some of their stock would make its way to The Behemoth’s San Diego Comic-Con booth (#229, in case you didn’t know), although that has not been confirmed.

Which one of these plushes is your favorite?

Ron Howard To Fill In As Director In Han Solo Spin-Off Film

by Natalie Kipper

Variety has reported that the new director for the upcoming Han Solo movie is Ron Howard. The position was recently abandoned by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, leaving the fate of the Star Wars film in jeopardy. There was still several weeks of production left prior to the shift but Lucasfilm has now added an additional five weeks of reshoots onto the schedule. I suspect some portion of the original story will be lost, given the difference in directing styles (the original directors had a fondness for humor and improvisation – which may have lead to the decision to remove them from the project).

Ron Howard has worked with Lucasfilm in the past on Willow in 1988. Other credits include hits like Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind as well as flops such as Inferno and In the Heart of the Sea. The director will also be reuniting in this picture with actor Warwick Davis, who starred in Willow. Howard is set to begin working immediately.

What do you think of Lucasfilm’s decision?

[source: AV Club]

[header image credits: Buckner/Deadline/Rex/Shutterstock]

Help Katrielle Solve Puzzles Worldwide in ‘Layton’s Mystery Journey: Real World Puzzle Solving’

by Natalie Kipper

Hot off the heels Level-5’s event at this year’s E3 celebrating their upcoming game Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy, comes another special promotion. This one, titled “Layton’s Mystery Journey: Real World Puzzles,” will span 10 countries, include 50 puzzles, and run for three months.

The event started yesterday. To join in on the fun, head over to the event’s page. And while you aren’t required to download or log-in to any account to take part, if you choose to link your Google account, you unlock additional options, like the ability to save your notes or transfer bonus items to the game once it launches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFd2agQF4LU

The first puzzle available on the site is a musical one sung by none other than Pikotaro of “Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen” fame. If you need help, just link your Twitter account and you can see hints from players worldwide, translated thankfully. Two additional puzzles are also live. There is a countdown for each puzzle as they are added to the list.

 

While some puzzles are just like the ones from previous games, others, like tomorrow’s, will be tied to a location in the real world. How that will play out for people who don’t live near the specified place remains to be seen. I would imagine some form of teamwork is involved but that is purely a guess.

Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy launches on mobile devices July 20 and heads to the Nintendo 3DS later this Fall. You can learn more at the game’s official site.

E3 2017: Discussing The Future Of The ‘Layton’ Series

by Natalie Kipper

On June 14, smack dab in the middle of E3 2017, I met with two members of Level-5 Inc. to discuss their latest project Layton’s Mystery Journey. The title will release on the Nintendo 3DS as well as mobile devices, both iOS and Android.

The choice to expand to the mobile platform stemmed from a desire to reach a broader audience, to create new fans while not alienating older ones. The mobile version will not follow the free-to-play model. It will have an as-yet unannounced price tag but that first purchase is all that is required to play the entirety of the game. They do plan to have in-app purchases of some variety but these are completely not required to enjoy the game (the 3DS version will not have in-app purchases). The mobile game can be played without wifi but you may want to log on each day to get the free Daily Puzzle downloads. Even without these downloads, Layton’s Mystery Journey contains over 500 hundred puzzles, more than any other title in the series.

For both the mobile and 3DS versions, the gameplay mostly remains the same at the core. However, while Professor Layton’s mysteries seemed to become grander and grander in scale with each installment, his daughter Katrielle’s game is much smaller in focus. She is just starting to establish herself as a detective and as such the tone is more light and even humorous at times. The color palette reflects this by including brighter tones. There are 12 chapters in the game’s story but there is the possibility for post-release DLC for both versions.

Another slight difference is that in the previous Layton games, the puzzles were created by the late Akira Tago. Layton’s Mystery Journey will feature puzzles from the mind of Iwanami Kuniaki. His background is in Mathematics compared to Tago’s in Linguistics. It should be interesting to see how this effects the feel of the puzzles.

Level-5 is all about portability with their games, which is why the move to mobile felt so natural. Their games are intended to be played on a handheld system. As wonderful as this is for mobile and 3DS players, owners of the Nintendo Switch are left out in the cold. The truth is Level-5 loves the Switch but the challenge with developing for it lies with the console’s hybrid nature. Yes, the Switch can be played as a handheld device (which is how Level-5 wants their games to be played) but as soon as you pop that Switch into its dock and the game goes onto the TV screen, that is where the problem arises. It is a shame but I am happy to be able to play Level-5’s beautiful games at all. Here’s hoping that they find a solution to this particular puzzle soon.

The message to new fans is that the game is “open to anyone at any age of any gender.” The game is great to pick-up and play and not intimidating, full of enjoyable moments from Katrielle’s journey.

As for extra incentives for past fans to play (if even need one), it was mentioned that there will homages to previous titles found in Layton’s Mystery Journey. They were mum on returning characters, though.

Because the mobile game launches first, Level-5 anticipates that portions of the story will be spoiled prior to the 3DS release. They aren’t concerned, however, as the main draw of the game is solving the puzzles. So even if the gamer knows the full extent of the plot going in, there is still incentive to play.

Layton’s Mystery Journey launche on mobile worldwide on July 20, 2017. It will launch on the Nintendo 3DS on July 20, 2017, in Japan, and in Autumn 2017 for the rest of the world.

Geekscape Reviews: Build-A-Bear Workshop’s Squirtle Plush Set

by Natalie Kipper

When I first popped that Pokémon Blue cartridge into my Gameboy Color all those years ago, I chose the water-type Squirtle as my starter. So when I heard that Build-A-Bear Workshop was including this tiny turtle Pokémon in their line of customizable plushes, my hopes were set pretty high and for the most part, they were met.

One of the differences between Squirtle and the previous Pokémon plushes released by Build-A-Bear are the variety of textures found on the plush itself. Squirtle has three different textures on its body. The softest are the blue parts on its face, tail, and limbs. They are so fun to pet! The yellow part of the underside of the its shell (found on the plush’s front) feels almost like velvet. Finally the brown, backside of its shell is a cheap-feeling, rough material.

Like Build-A-Bear’s Charmander set, Squirtle’s online exclusive bundle includes a sound box set inside one of its paws, under the Build-A-Bear patch. And like I said in my review of Charmander, they should have opted for the monster’s in-game sounds rather than those from the dubbed anime. They come out weird-sounding and not at all cute.

Fun fact: Squirtle’s tail props the plush upright quite well. Also, the rain slicker that is included with the online exclusive set is adorable and definitely my favorite item of Pokémon-themed clothing the store has released so far. It is brilliant that they chose to release it with a water-type, too!

The slicker is made of a pliable vinyl material, with Pokéballs printed all over it. It also features the Pokémon logo on one of the pockets.

The other clothing item included in the set was the Ultra Ball hoodie. This one is also available to purchase separately in stores. It didn’t have as much character as the rain slicker but I liked the soft feel of the jersey-like fabric.

Besides the creepy voice box, the only real issue I had with this plush was in the quality control department. I spotted two noticeable manufacturing errors that knocked my opinion of the plush down a notch.

This first mess-up was in the swirly part of the tail. It looks like the sewing machine got jammed, leading to a cluster of loose loops of thread. I don’t think it will effect the integrity of the seam but it is unsightly and I am concerned about it getting on the velcro from the toy’s outfits.

I spotted the second mistake as soon as I took my Squirtle out of its box. The embroidery around the left eye is sloppily done and has some stray stitching just below it. Of the two errors, it is the less irksome but it bothers me that they exist at all.

Every Squirtle purchased, whether online or in-store, comes with an exclusive Pokémon TCG promo card. While I don’t play the card game, I do appreciate the artwork and think it is a cool bonus for fans.

The online exclusive Squirtle set earns a 4 out of 5 rating. The design was well-done and I liked that the tail doubled as a stand. The only problems with were the disturbing voice box and manufacturing errors. Beyond that, this is a fun plush that I can see fans enjoying.

[This review is based on a sample provided by Build-A-Bear Workshop. All opinions are my own.]

E3 2017: The 3DS Remake of ‘Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga’ Has A Promising Side Story

by Natalie Kipper

This year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo may have just started but Nintendo is already giving fans awesome news left and right. One tidbit I am particularly excited about is Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions for the Nintendo 3DS, a remake of the Gameboy Advance fan-favorite, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. If you have played the more recent Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (reviewed here), you are likely familiar with the series’ lighthearted tone and the battle system, which focuses on timed button presses to do extra damage or dodge incoming attacks.

From the looks of things, the main storyline remains the same. Peach loses her voice, thanks to a curse from a brand-new enemy and for a nice change of pace, Bowser gets kidnapped. However, this remake will also have an additional mode called “Minion Quest: The Search for Bowser.” In this mode, you play as Bowser’s bumbling underlings, lead by a Goomba with a flag on his head because reasons. Alongside Captain Goomba will be familiar faces like Shy Guy and Boo (and judging by the newly unveiled amiibo, Koopa Troopa as well).

“What is this I hear about amiibo?” you ask. As all us amiibo addicts would hope, with this game comes the release of two additional Super Mario series amiibo, Goomba and Koopa Troopa. The previously released Boo amiibo along with these two will have read/write functionality with the game. Consider me intrigued! Other Super Mario series amiibo are compatible in some capacity as well but no other information was given at this time.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions as well as the Goomba and Koopa Troopa amiibo are scheduled to release on October 6, 2017.

Batman Pin Mates With Camo Batmobile To Be SDCC-Exclusive

by Natalie Kipper

We have less than 40 days until San Diego Comic-Con 2017 and our friends at Entertainment Earth just announced the second of their exclusives (the first being a Pin Mates set that includes Wonder Woman’s Invisible Jet and the super heroine herself in four different outfits). The new reveal is another Pin Mates set, this time featuring Batman in his Dark Knight costume along wth Bane and the Batmobile in camouflage mode. The wheels on the Batmobile even roll, which I think is pretty dang spiffy.

If you find yourself wondering, “What on Earth is a Pin Mate?,” we’ve got you covered! The product line, created by Bif Bang Pow!, was showcased at last year’s Comic-Con. The idea was to take a simple, nostalgic toy design (in this case, the wooden doll) and meld it with pop culture icons. Each doll’s features are handpainted.

Now, back to this particular con-exclusive. The set is limited in edition to 492 pieces and each one is numbered. The good news is that those not attending the con can tentatively pre-order one now and if there are any remaining after SDCC, those orders will be fulfilled. If they sell out, the pre-orders will be refunded. The Batmobile with Dark Knight Batman Pin Mate Set is priced at $24.99.

Those attending San Diego Comic-Con can find this collectible at Entertainment Earth’s booth, #2343.

Gear Up With ThinkGeek’s Newest ‘Breath Of The Wild’ Items!

by Natalie Kipper

Love for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is still alive and well, as it should be. And ThinkGeek is ensuring that gamers can show their fandom in the real world, too. The store recently added not one, not two, but three new items themed to the title. Let’s take a look at what you can spend your hard-earned rupees on!

The first item is the Sheikah Slate Sketchbook, modeled after the Sheikah Slate found in the game. Open this sucker up to find 100 blank sheets of paper (with perforated edges) just waiting to be filled during your adventures. Not only is this item functional but it makes the perfect cosplay item (and con-season is right around the corner)! The Sheikah Slate Sketchbook costs $29.99 and is in-stock and ready to ship.

Next up is Breath of the Wild Shield Backpack, also shown in the header image. Priced at $59.99, this super-cool accessory is modeled after Link’s Traveler’s Shield. Like the sketchbook, this has great cosplay prop potential. Unzip this sucker to reveal  pockets galore – three open ones and one with a zipper closure. Another cool detail that fans will appreciate Sheikah’s Eye symbol printed on the inside of the backpack. It also features a built-in padded laptop/tablet sleeve that fits devices up to 10 and a half inches wide by one an a half inches deep by 12 and a half inches tall (although it could potentially go up to 14 inches tall, if you left top closure of the sleeve undone).

The final item is the Breath of the Wild oil canvas. This work of gaming art costs $249.99 and measures 30 inches by 60 inches. It is limited in edition to 600 pieces (you can see which number you got in the lower-left of your canvas). If you have the space and the money, this is cool way to show off your fandom while also giving you a chance to enjoy a sweeping Hylian vista anytime you wish.

Do any of these items catch your fancy?

Geekscape Reviews: ‘One-Punch Man’ Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack

by Natalie Kipper

The anime One-Punch Man was released on DVD and Blu-Ray recently, and I was given the chance to experience the show by way of the Blu-Ray/DVD combo set. I know that the series has many, many fans, but unfortunately, I am not one of them. I can see that the show has its merits, but it just didn’t grab me. I must not be the target audience or something.

The premise of One-Punch Man is promising enough. It follows the trials of Saitama, a man who became a hero for fun. After taking on a special training regimen, he became so strong that he could defeat any foe with a single hit.

©ONE, Yusuke Murata/SHUEISHA, Hero Association HQ

The show has a wealth of fight scenes and thankfully, they are well-animated. Unfortunately, outside of those scenes, the show was moderately plain. One-Punch Man is billed as an action/comedy, but the humor just falls flat despite the majority of the show attempting to prove it can get laughs. While it might just be a case of the humor being lost in translation, plenty of the jokes are visual, so I don’t think that is it.

©ONE, Yusuke Murata/SHUEISHA, Hero Association HQ

In my opinion, the show had a case of confused identity. I think if it focused solely on the action aspect, I would have liked it a whole lot more. The constant switching between serious and comedic tones was not only jarring but also after a while, a bit annoying.

I am sorry to say that in my book, One-Punch Man gets a 1 out of 5. I understand that despite my dislike for this series, it is much beloved by fans all around the world. I don’t know what I am not seeing that others found enjoyable.

Speaking of fans, the California-based punk rock band, Guns of Eden, liked the show so much that they created a musical tribute to it. You can view it below.

[This review is based on a sample provided by VIZ Media. All opinions are my own.]

Geekscape Reviews: Satoru Noda’s ‘Golden Kamuy’ Vol.1

by Natalie Kipper

Satoru Noda’s Golden Kamuy reminded me of one of those old American Westerns. The main character, Saichi “Immortal” Sugimoto is a veteran of the Russo-Japanese war,  trying to find a cache of gold that was hidden by a mysterious outlaw. He is joined by the young girl, Asirpa, a member of Japan’s indigenous Ainu people. The pair’s dynamic is fun to observe and brings a lot to the flavor of the manga.

GOLDEN KAMUY © 2014 by Satoru Noda/SHUEISHA Inc.

There is a plenty of action contained within these pages, much of which includes projectile weapons of some variety. Noda does a great job of mixing up the battle scenarios so each skirmish feels unique.

GOLDEN KAMUY © 2014 by Satoru Noda/SHUEISHA Inc.

One of the highlights for me was the focus on Ainu culture. Over the course of the first volume, Asirpa teaches Saichi about the equipment used for hunting, survival skills, and even cooking. The segment with Asirpa and Saichi cooking squirrel was particularly amusing. There is also use of Ainu words in some of the dialogue. It added a sense of authenticity to Asirpa’s character.

GOLDEN KAMUY © 2014 by Satoru Noda/SHUEISHA Inc.

The story so far is mostly set in the snowy mountains of Hokkaido and, after reading, I got the sense that the author must have had some experience surviving outdoor cold weather conditions. It wasn’t just the characters’ expressions (although those were fantastic – I got cold just looking at them!) but also the methods they used in various situations, like building an emergency fire for warmth. I don’t want to spoil how they went about starting the fire because it was brilliant.

The character art is relatively simple, with a clean look that is pleasing to the eye. It is in the landscapes and portrayal of animals that this artist really shines. The mother bear and cub that Saichi encounters early on are a perfect example of that.

GOLDEN KAMUY © 2014 by Satoru Noda/SHUEISHA Inc.

I give volume one of Golden Kamuy a solid 5 out of 5. The story and setting are one that aren’t usually touched upon in this entertainment form and Satoru Noda does a phenomenal job keeping the reader engaged. If you are looking for a great shōnen manga that doesn’t involve ninjas or alien warriors, I highly recommend you give Golden Kamuy a look.

GOLDEN KAMUY © 2014 by Satoru Noda/SHUEISHA Inc.

[This review is based on a sample provided by VIZ Media. All opinions are my own.]

Judd And Li’l Judd Get Plush Counterparts, Now Up For Pre-order!

by Natalie Kipper

Man, Nintendo is killing it with the marketing for Splatoon 2, which will be releasing on the Nintendo Switch in late July. Not only will English-speaking fans get a translation of Hinodeya Sankichi’s Splatoon manga in “late summer” but new plushes of characters from the series, manufactured by San-ei Boueki, are now up for pre-order from several import sites. Two plushes that are garnering a ton of attention are Judd and Li’l Judd.

Yes, I realize this is not Judd’s first plush rodeo. However, this time around he is substantially bigger, measuring 28 centimeters high and 26 centimeters wide. This size increase earns him his “M” (for “medium”) subtitle in store listings. Other details include embroidered paw pads on all four paws and his uniquely-shaped tail. Judd (M size) costs ￥3,500.

Li’l Judd is a newcomer to the Splatoon series. His origin remains clouded in mystery. All I can confirm is that the critter is unbelievably cute! Like Judd, he has embroidered paw prints and that recognizable tail. Li’l Judd is 13 centimeters tall and 13 centimeters wide. He costs ￥1,500.

You can find these plushes at AmiAmi (Judd, Li’l Judd), HobbyLink Japan (Judd, Li’l Judd), and Play-Asia (Judd, Li’l Judd). They are scheduled to ship this August.

[Header image via GoNintendo. Thanks for the tip, Loki!]

Geekscape Unboxes: Loot Crate’s May 2017 Wizarding World Crate

by Natalie Kipper

I hope you have been keeping with your classwork in Defense Against the Dark Arts because the latest shipment in Loot Crate’s Wizarding World Crate line celebrates all things dark and evil. Included in this here box are items inspired by the likes of Dolores Umbridge, Percival Graves, and Tom Riddle. Grab your wand and robe and let’s dive in!

Even the box doesn’t beat around the bush about the contents’ theme. The opening seal as well as the box’s inside print both pay homage to the Death Eaters, followers of He Who Must Not Be Named.

Unlike previous months, where the contents list took the form of a scroll, this time’s is disguised as a letter. I suspect this may be a nod to one of the included items, the Chamber of Secrets stationery set. Note that every one of the items in this shipment is exclusive to Loot Crate.

First is the “wearable” starring Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them‘s Percival Graves. The shirt is adorned with his quote,”We’ve lived in the shadows for too long,” as well as the symbol of the Deathly Hallows, which was also found on the pendant he gave to Credence.

Next up is a dish set inspired by those found in Dolores Umbridges’ office. I want to point out that my particular set had an error and rather than four different plates, I received three – one with a duplicate. I was also dismayed to discover that, like that Naruto ramen bowl from Loot Anime, these dishes are effectively “display only.” They cannot be microwaved or soaked and must be hand-washed.

And now for the most impressive item in the box: an enamel pin designed to look like Tom Riddle’s diary. The pin itself has some heft to it and is accompanied by a dangling basilisk took. But here is the cool part: you can pierce the journal with the tooth, just like Harry did in The Chamber of Secrets!

Speaking of the Chamber of Secrets, the stationery set uses the Chamber’s door as a motif in its embossed cards (which are, admittedly a tad hard to see given that the paper is black) as well as its seal press. The set includes cards, envelopes, sealing wax, as well as the seal press. I get that the theme is supposed to be dark and moody but I think completely black cards aren’t all that practical.

The final item is the Azkaban pouch. The case is made to look like the prisoner plates from Azkaban, the wizard prison. It has a faux leather-like exterior that is lined in a black fabric and would make a great pencil case. When I took it out of the crate for the first time, it smelled slightly of paint but airing it out helped.

If this unboxing has you interested in subscribing, you can get some money off of your first crate either by following this link or entering “Geekscape” into the promo code area upon checkout.

[This unboxing was based on a sample provided by Loot Crate. All opinions are my own.]