My daughter is a huge Monster High fan, well G1 Monster High. Anytime Mattel offers a new doll or dolls done in the original style she’s all about it. The new Howliday Love Edition two-pack is no exception. It’s a cute Valentine’s Day doll set.
Recently we ordered the set from Entertainment Earth, which is not sold out. The set cost $59.99 plus tax.
Upon receiving the dolls the first thing that you notice are the colors. They are bright, fun and striking.
The packaging features both Cleo de Nile and Deuce Gorgon as the couple they were in the original series (don’t get me started on the new show’s choices) which is what many fans prefer.
We loved the little snake characters for Cleo and Deuce on the upper left of the packaging.
Snake theming runs through the set. Cleo has snakes for her heels on her shoes and she has them as an accent to her bodice. Deuce has the snake theming in his jacket and snake faces on his shoes.
As always the details are what make Monster High so amazing. Check out the candies in the heart shaped box!
Our dolls are remaining in the box, so I can’t speak to the quality of the dolls outside the boxes, but from what I can see they look great. My daughter commented that she like Deuce’s mold better in this doll than previous versions.
This was the write-up from Entertainment Earth:
“The original Cleo De Nile and Deuce Gorgon dolls have returned, and they’re in love! To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the creators of Monster High introduce a collectible set of everyone’s favorite spooky sweethearts. Iconic looks, deadly details and premium packaging make for a boo-tiful display! Dolls are approximately 10 3/4-inches tall, are fully articulated and cannot stand alone. Doll stands included. Ages 14 and up.
Cleo De Nile doll is royally chic in a satin dress with asymmetric knit sleeves and a ruffled gold mesh hem. Stunning golden hardware at her bodice features two snakes who are smitten! A bespoke purse features the same print as her dress, which is a skullette version of the devoted couple. Matching golden accessories – a detailed headband and serpent heels – polish her look. Deuce Gorgon brings his sweetheart a spiderweb balloon for the morbidly romantic day! He looks dreadfully dapper in a shimmering scale-printed suit and signature tinted shades. Cleo De Nile gifts her boo a heart-shaped box of his favorite dark chocolates, while Deuce Gorgon offers her a rare monster flower from his mother’s garden. Other storytelling pieces include two heart-shaped valentines that feature original artwork.”
Prime Video released an official trailer for the upcoming dark comedy thriller ‘The Consultant.’ The show is a joint production between Amazon Studios and MGM Television with it set to stream the entire first season of eight episodes on the streaming service.
“Today, Prime Video debuted the official trailer and key art for The Consultant, starring Christoph Waltz in the titular role. The new full-length trailer sets up all eight episodes of the chilling and suspenseful new series, which will be available exclusively on Prime Video on February 24,” they said in a press release.
“Based on Bentley Little’s 2015 novel of the same name, the characters and story in this thrilling new series unfold in new and unexpected ways. The Consultant is a twisted, comedic-thriller series that explores the sinister relationship between boss and employee,” they added.
‘Spectre’ actor Christoph Waltz stars as the titular consultant Regus Patoff. He also is an executive producer for the show.
Waltz is joined in the cast by Nat Wolff (The Fault in our Stars) as Craig, Brittany O’Grady (Sometimes I Think About Dying) as Elaine, Aimee Carrero (The Legend of Vox Machina) as Patti, Sloane Avery as Sophie (iShine KNECT), Michael Charles Vaccaro (The Adventures of Captain Fantastic & Mega Mom), and Erin Ruth Walker (This Game’s Called Murder) as Amy.
You can watch the trailer below:
Amazon describes the synopsis as follows,
“When a new consultant, Regus Patoff (Christoph Waltz), is hired to improve the business at the app-based gaming company CompWare, employees experience new demands and challenges that put everything into question … including their lives.”
The creator, showrunner, and executive producer is Tony Basgallop who wrote the miniseries ‘To the Ends of the Earth.’ Matt Shakman, Steve Stark, Andrew Mittman, and Kai Dolbashian are co-executive producers from MGM.
Fans of the dystopian anime ‘Fist of the North Star’ have reason to celebrate with the announcement that Discotek Media is releasing the film ‘The Legends of the True Savior- Legend of Raoh: Chapter of Death in Love’ on Blu-Ray home video release.
Directed by Takahiro Imamura, the movie was released in 2006 by TMS Entertainment, the movie was a hit at the Japanese box office. It serves as a reboot of the original 80s television anime show with new characters, plot alterations, and new details on the world.
Though the release date for the release is February 28, 2023, it is available for pre-order on the Right Stuf Anime website. It will include the English dubbed version of the movie.
You can take a look at the movie poster:
‘Fist of the North Star’ is based on the manga series written by Buronson, illustrated by Tetsuo Hara, and began publication in 1983. The Japanese publisher Shueisha serialized it in their ‘Weekly Shōnen Jump’ magazine.
Wikipedia describes the synopsis as follows,
“The film adapts the Holy Emperor story arc, depicting the conflict between Kenshiro and Thouzer, but introduces a new heroine named Reina, one of Raoh’s army officers who falls in love with him. She and her brother Soga, Raoh’s advisor, play an important part with much of the plot involving Raoh’s relationship with Reina as he conquers the land; most of this portion is new content exclusive to this film. The other side of the story is the retelling of Kenshiro’s attempt to protect the villagers from Thouzer’s army with the help of Shū. There is also a small subplot of Bat returning to his home.”
The film is the first in a film series based on ‘Fist of the North Star: The Legends of the True Savior.’ It is followed by four sequels.
The second season of the mature audiences anime comedy ‘Peter Grill and the Philosopher’s Time’ subtitled “Super Extra” has made its way to HiDive and that includes an English dub from Sentai Filmworks.
Based on the fantasy comedy manga from creator Daisuke Hiyama and publisher Futabasha, the second season is produced by Animation Studio Seven.
HiDive announced the English voice cast on its website:
Peter Grill – Joe Daniels
Luvellia – Savanna Menzel
Mimi – Holly Segarra
Lisa – Delilah Jones
Piglette – Shelby Blocker
Vegan – Joslyn Johnson
Gobuko – Katelyn Barr
Tim – Benjamin McLaughlin
John – Kyle Colby Jones
Lucy – Maggie Flecknoe
Fulltalia – Olivia Swasey
Guild Master – John Swasey
Mitchie – Brittney Karbowski
Vegetalia – Mark X Laskowski
Ngapopo – Alissa Simmons
Zubzbaro – Juliet Simmons
Goblin Queen – Elissa Cuellar
White Lilly Soldier – Louise Smith
Misslim – Brittney Karbowski
Kenji – Andrew Love
Gyt – Cyrus Rodas
Cellulose – Ellen Evans
Glucose – Alyssa Marek
Brassalia – Shelley Calene-Black
Prodigal Son – Dexter Satya
Automaton – Meg McDonald
Gordo – Luis Galindo
Ogre – Jack Stansbury
Kyle Colby Jones works on the project as the ADR Director and writer.
You can watch the trailer below:
Wikipedia describes the synopsis as follows,
“Peter Grill, warrior of the Brave Swordsmen’s Guild, has emerged victorious at an international fighting tournament and is crowned the strongest man in the world. Peter uses this victory to gain permission from Guildmaster Sanctus to marry his beloved daughter and fellow Guildmember, Luvelia. However, women from other races have heard of Peter’s exploits and seek the “seed” of the strongest man to continue their respective bloodlines, with or without his consent. Meanwhile, the Guildmaster’s obsession with his own daughter drives him to find a way to end Luvelia’s relationship, as Peter tries to hide his new lovers from them both.”
The first season of the anime premiered in 2020 and with a series of ten shorts from the animation studio Wolfbane.
The Japanese animation studio OLM has taken over the production of the anime romantic comedy ‘Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro’ subtitling the second season as “Second Attack.” With Shinji Ushiro directing, they began releasing the episodes in January 2023 with Crunchyroll announcing that they would stream the series as well as the English dub from Bang Zoom! Studios.
Nagatoro voiced by Kimberley Anne Campbell (Frederica in 86 EIGHTY-SIX)
Senpai voiced by Erik Scott Kimerer (Gowther in The Seven Deadly Sins)
Gamo voiced by Brittany Cox (Fena in Fena: Pirate Princess)
Yoshi voiced by LilyPichu (Muni in D4DJ First Mix)
Sakura voiced by Kimberly Woods (Tiese in Sword Art Online: Alicization)
Mashiro voiced by Christina Costello (Rio in PuraOra! PRIDE OF ORANGE)
Council President voiced by Henry Mason (Guccio in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure STONE OCEAN)
Dorah Fine works on the project as the English Voice Director with Eric P. Sherman working as the producing.
You can watch this clip below:
The anime is based on the manga released by the Tokyo-based publisher Kodansha since 2017. The publishing company Vertical releases an English version in the United States.
“Every day, Naoto Hachiouji is teased relentlessly by Hayase Nagatoro, a first year student he meets one day in the library while working on his manga. After reading his story and seeing his awkward demeanor, she decides from that moment on to toy with him, even calling him “Senpai” in lieu of using his real name.
At first, Nagatoro’s relentless antics are more bothersome than anything and leave him feeling embarrassed, as he is forced to cater to her whims. However, as they spend more time together, a strange sort of friendship develops between them, and Naoto finds that life with Nagatoro can even be fun. But one thing’s for sure: his days will never be dull again.”
The first season of the rom-com anime was made by Telecom Animation Film which released all twelve episodes in 2021.
My daughter and I are huge Sanrio fans. I remember going to Bon Ton as a child and picking out Hello Kitty stationary and fun little toys. The Sanrio sitemight still cause me to spend some money on cute Hello Kitty and friends pieces. Now you can get a surprise Sanrio t-shirt every month through Amazon!
You can choose between Youth sizes (XS-4T,) Women’s sizes (XS-3XL) and Men’s sizes (S-3XL.) For a roomier fit they recommend going with men’s sizing.
Here’s how it works:
You choose your size and each month Sanrio creates and curates a new design. Then that design is sent to Amazon and they print and ship the t-shirt to you. You can cancel at anytime.
WHAT IS T-SHIRT CLUB? Created for the ultimate fan, T-Shirt Club is a monthly subscription which offers exclusively designed T-shirts from your favorite brands every month, delivered right to your door.
WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL? T-Shirt Club brings you hot off the press, newly released T-shirts with authentic, officially licensed designs direct from the brand. Be among the first to wear exciting artwork of popular characters and fandom deep cuts.
HOW DOES THE SUBSCRIPTION WORK? Your subscription brings you a T-shirt which ships for free every month. You can subscribe with confidence as you can skip a month or cancel at any time. To learn more, please check out the FAQs below.
MATERIAL AND CARE: 100% Cotton; Heather Grey: 90% Cotton, 10% Polyester; All Other Heathers: 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester. Machine wash cold with like colors, dry low heat.
MADE AND FIT: Imported. Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem.
If you want to change the sizing for your order you can do so by going to your “Membership and Subscriptions” page and select “Subscription Settings” button. On this page you will be able to change your selected options.”
Free returns for new and unused items:
“The T-Shirt club qualifies for Free Returns. The item must be returned in new and unused condition. To return T-shirts: (1) Go to Your Orders to start the return; (2) Print the return shipping label; and (3) Ship it!”
The reviews are pretty good on the item as well. 83% are 4 -5 stars. I just signed up so I will review the current T-shirt design personally when it arrives.
You can also visit the Sanrio storeto buy other items, and I highly recommend it. There are so many cute pieces!
Hey! New S.H.Figuarts figures are coming! Oh, they’re based on Disney’s Star Wars… Well, if you’re a fan of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series or the deep fake version of Luke Skywalker that showed up at the end of The Mandalorian‘s second season, these will be right up your alley.
I can say fairly that aside from Luke’s weird face, the new S.H.Figuarts toy does look good. It should, considering these things cost about $60-$90, depending on the retailer. Luke’s cloak has wire sewn in, allowing for more dynamic poses. His lightsaber has optional effects blades, but sadly, no LEDs are built in.
Luke is just about 6″ tall and should start showing up at retailers around July 2023.
Photo Credit: Bandai Spirits
Photo Credit: Bandai Spirits
Photo Credit: Bandai Spirits
Photo Credit: Bandai Spirits
Photo Credit: Bandai Spirits
Photo Credit: Bandai Spirits
Photo Credit: Bandai Spirits
Photo Credit: Bandai Spirits
The last of the Skywalkers comes with the following:
Replacement wrist left 4 types, right 3 types
Lightsaber
Lightsaber effects
Cloak
Now for Obi-Wan. Have I mentioned how much I dislike Disney’s endless mining of Star Wars? Changing lore and canon so the company can scratch out a few forgettable shows and new lines of merchandise? Well, the Obi-Wan Kenobi series is just another in a long line of such things.
Rather than allowing Kenobi the dignity of quietly watching over Luke from a distance, we got The New Galatic Adventures Of Ben, complete with him teaming up with Leia for no reason other than to put her in a series. Oh, and we had to have another battle between Vader and Obi-Wan because Disney is apparently taking cues from fan fiction writers now.
OK, I’ve vented. If you wanted an S.H.Figuarts Obi-Wan figure based on the hermits pre-Sir Alec Guinness days, this would be your chance. Admittedly, the sculpting of the Jedi’s outfit looks good, but there’s something odd about the face.
In the first picture below, he looks like Robin Williams. Hopefully, he’ll look better when the final product is released in June.
Nintendo fans are going to have much to look forward to on their Nintendo Switch consoles in 2023. That is with at least for the first half of the year, based on what Nintendo discussed during their latest Nintendo Direct presentation for February 2023. Speculation had swirled online for a while about when we might see the company talk about its slate for the year, and now we have some insight into it. While fans will have to wait for a bit longer for details on the big games dropping towards the latter half of the year, Switch owners will be busy with a lot to play until then.
So was the Nintendo Direct February 2023 presentation a good showing from Nintendo? There were a lot of games mentioned. Here’s everything important you’ll want to know about what was shown or revealed during the 40-minute presentation. Forget about speculation, here’s the info directly from Nintendo themselves.
Pikmin 4 and More
The show started off with a showcase for Pikmin 4, giving a look at the presentation for the latest entry into the Pikmin series. As usual, players will find themselves on a new planet and working together with the colorful Pikmin allies to navigate many challenges. This came with the introduction of a new dog ally that can help move objects and help you out in various situations, including combat and big boss battles. Pikmin 4 was revealed to be coming out for Nintendo Switch on 7/21/2023, with more information coming out soon.
Afterward, downloadable content for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was shown, including a new character and other bonuses, as well as a tease for the next volume DLC. The Direct also revealed a new Samba De Amigo game, bringing together rhythm and multiplayer fun to the Nintendo Switch. Samba De Amigo Party Central is aiming for a Summer 2023 release.
Fashion Dreamer was shown as a game about being a fashion influencer. The game has over 1000 design items and customization options, allowing you to create a ton of new looks and connect online with others. Fashion Dreamer is exclusive to Nintendo Switch and out in 2023.
Dark Worlds and Dark Games
Dead Cells Return to Castlevania is a collaboration with Castlevania and Dead Cells, showcasing a lot of music and gameplay elements. The new content will be out for Dead Cells on March 6th. A new Tron game was shown right after Tron Identity and is releasing in April 2023
Ghost Trick Phantom Detective HD is also being released for Nintendo Switch, aiming for a Summer 2023 release. Not much was shown, but the game will be out fairly soon. Deca Police is also a new tactical game revealed for a 2023 release, showing a lot of tactical RPG gameplay and a dark vibe.
And finally, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon was shown for Nintendo Switch. The game is part of the Bayonetta series, following Cereza as a young girl and strategic battles. New powers, new paths, and tons of great battles lie ahead for fans of the series. The game will be out on March 17th.
Splatoon 3 Content
Splatoon 3 is getting new content on the Nintendo Switch. The Direct showed a new expansion pass, with two waves of content. The first wave includes Inkopolis, the location from the first Splatoon game. Fans of the series can expect some familiar faces and new shops to check out, as well as other bonuses like performances from the Squid Sisters. The first wave of DLC comes out in Spring 2023.
Wave 2 of the expansion was teased and called Side Order. It will launch at a later date. No other details, other than a cryptic tease were revealed.
More New Nintendo Switch Games
Illusion Island is a Disney game that features Mickey Mouse and his friends. It’s a 2D platformer that allows you to play as multiple characters and explore fantastic areas. Mickey and his friends have different abilities based on their personalities, with 4-player co-op being part of the experience. The game will be out on July 28th.
New Fire Emblem content is coming to Fire Emblem Engage, including new waves of DLC. This will have new characters with new emblems for the game. A lot of this is based on previous Fire Emblem games that fans of the series will recognize. A new story will be unlocked in Wave 4 of the DLC. Wave 2 is out currently, while the other 2 waves will be out at a later date.
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a narrative-based game from Don’t Nod. It’ll have you interacting with various characters and influencing the climax of the story. The game will be out in July of 2023.
The first three Etrian Odyssey games are getting put into an HD collection for Nintendo Switch. RPG fans are going to love revisiting these games in HD, showcasing beautiful visuals and an awesome soundtrack. There are 24 newly made character illustrations and new difficulty options for this collection. Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection be out on June 1st, with each game available separately on the Nintendo eShop as well.
Speaking of strategy games, Advanced Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp is coming out April 21st. It’ll feature two stories with new visuals and classic Advanced Wars strategic gameplay.
Kirby Return to Dream Land Deluxe is also on the way to Nintendo Switch. The game will feature a new playable character, Magalor. The new mode is open to everyone after playing through the game’s story mode, which will allow up to four players together. Kirby Return to Dream Land Deluxe will be out for Switch on February 24th.
Game Boy Comes to Nintendo Switch Online
It’s finally happening. Game Boy games are coming to Nintendo Switch online. You’ll be able to play some big classics with the service. This includes games at launch such as Super Mario Land 2:6 Golden Coins, Tetris, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, and Gargoyles Quest. You’ll also be able to play the Game & Watch Collection, Wario Land 3, Kirby’s Dream Land, and Metroid 2: Return of Samus.
The service will have various filters for the screen to give a new presentation. More games are also coming in the future, including Game Boy Advance games getting added. At launch, Super Mario Advance 4, Wario Ware Inc., Kuru Kur Kuruin, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.
Local and online play is supported for games, including up to four players. More GBA games will get added in the future. With a regular Switch online subscription, you can play Game Boy games, but you’ll be able to play GBA games with the Expansion Pack for Nintendo Switch online.
Metroid Prime Remastered
The original Metroid Prime game is getting remastered for Nintendo Switch. This version of the first Metroid Prime game will have dual stick controls, as well as options for the original control style. The game will have polished visuals, just as you remember on the GameCube.
Metroid Prime Remastered will be out physically for Nintendo Switch on February 22, while the digital version of the game is out now on the Nintendo eShop.
Wave 4 of Mario Kart 8
The fourth wave of Mario Kart DLC is on the way. Yoshi’s Island is a new course that everyone will be able to race on, along with Birdo as a playable character. Birdo was originally playable in Mario Kart Double Dash on the Game Cube.
Wave 4 is out for everyone in Spring 2023, which is included as part of the Switch Online Expansion Pass for subscribers at no extra cost.
A New Look at The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The presentation finished off with a new look at The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It not only gave a tease of the villain giving a voiceover but also showed a lot of new places everyone will visit within Hyrule. A lot of enemies and monsters will appear, as well as new ways to battle them and get around the environment.
Link will be using new machines, gear, and tons of other goodies in the newest game. The game will be out on Nintendo Switch May 1st, 2023. There will be a collector’s edition and new Link amiibo out for purchase on launch day.
Are you excited about all the news from the February Nintendo Direct presentation? What games are you most excited about? Comment down below and let us know your thoughts!
Marvel Studios announced that they are renewing the adult animated action-comedy ‘Hit-Monkey’ for a second season. Though production is moving to 20th Television Animation, most of the original cast and crew are returning, but new faces (or voices) will be introduced.
“After an explosive first season of Hit-Monkey on Hulu where a Japanese snow monkey’s tribe was slaughtered, leading him to join forces with the ghost of an American assassin and together, they killed their way through the Yakuza underworld, Hulu announced today that the animated series will be returning for season two! The action continues in season two as Bryce and Monkey head to the city that never sleeps, New York City,” Marvel said on their website.
The returning cast includes Fred Tatasciore as Hit-Monkey, Olivia Munn as Akiko Yokohama, Jason Sudeikis as Bryce Fowler, and Ally Maki as Haruka. SNL alumni Leslie Jones is joining the series.
One strange thing is that Marvel would no longer be featured in the title or the title card. The Hollywood reporter noted, “With Marvel TV no longer in existence, 20th Television Animation is now the studio for Hit-Monkey — hence the Marvel name being dropped from in front of the show’s title (though the Marvel logo will still be attached to the show in other ways).”
“The series follows Hit-Monkey, a Japanese snow monkey who is mentored by an American assassin’s ghost while he navigates Tokyo’s crime underworld seeking the people who killed his tribe as well as his new mentor.”
The show is co-created by Josh Gordon and Will Speck with Daniel Rojas (Money Monster) working on the series as the composer.
Hit-Monkey was co-created by Daniel Way and Dalibor Talajić, making his comic book debut in his self-titled 2010 series. He would also appear in Deadpool and join the STAKE version of the Howling Commandos.
Production for season one was handled by Marvel Television for all ten episodes.
Originating as a fantasy comedy web novel by the Japanese author known as Miku, ‘The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made’ was picked as a light novel series in 2017 by the publisher Futabasha. In 2021, the Tokyo-based animation studio Hotline released a first season of an anime adaptation that had twelve episodes. Season two had its premiere in 2023 and Crunchyroll picked it up for an English dub.
“One day, a man claiming to be a god suddenly hacks a certain school’s intercoms, ordering all of its students to team up and prepare to be transported to another world. There, they will be given special skills in the hopes that they become that world’s heroes and defeat the Demon King that ravages the land.
The initial transfer is a success. However, Seiichi Hiiragi, who suffers from his classmates’ constant bullying due to his somewhat undesirable appearance, is left behind as no one is willing to be his teammate. Nevertheless, the self-proclaimed god decides to send Seiichi to the parallel world and lets him join his peers. Unfortunately, this fateful ordeal causes Seiichi to arrive at a location deep in the forest, far not only from his schoolmates but from human civilization as well.
Desperately searching for a way to change his predicament, Seiichi’s miserable days only seem to continue to worsen. Yet when all hope seems lost, Seiichi discovers a strange fruit known as the “Fruit of Evolution”—which may be his first step toward a significantly better future.”
Beginning in 2017, Futabasha began publishing a manga version of the stories with Sorano working as the illustrator.
