The comedic action-adventure film ‘Showdown at the Odessa’ is heading to a North American release with Shout Studios acquiring the North American distribution rights to the movie. Not only do they plan on releasing it for streaming or home video, but also on the film festival circuit.
Film producer Christian de Gallegos said in a statement, “There’s no doubt Shout! Studios is the perfect champion for Showdown. Their brand as cult film connoisseurs is perfectly aligned with where we want to be. Thank you to (Shout exec Jordan Fields) and the team for supporting us and coming on board early.”
The synopsis is described as, “The action-comedy adventure follows a proud movie theater owner who must defend his family business from corporate developers alongside a legendary action star as art imitates life in a showdown for the ages.”
Shout Studios said in a statement that, “the multi-platform entertainment distribution and production arm of Shout! Factory, has acquired North American rights to SHOWDOWN AT THE ODESSA from Christian de Gallegos Films and Benaroya Pictures. Written and Directed by Orson Oblowitz (Frank and Ava, The Five Rules of Success), Oscar®-nominee Terrence Howard (Iron Man, Hustle & Flow) and Dolph Lundgren (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, The Expendables) lead a stellar cast of John Savage (The Last Full Measure, The Deer Hunter), Amanda Righetti (The Mentalist, Reagan), Piper Curda (Legacies, The Wretched), Jon Sklaroff (Gifted, Graceland), and Mike Ferguson (Animal Kingdom, Amityville Uprising).”
They added, “Shout! Studios has secured all distribution rights in North America to SHOWDOWN AT THE ODESSA, including theatrical, digital, video-on-demand, and home entertainment for cross-platform releases. Shout! Studios and filmmakers plan a strategic launch of this movie next year, beginning with major film festivals in 2023.”
At this time, they did not specify which film festivals they plan on showing the film but count on it appearing at several major events along the circuit.
‘King Star King’ fans got some good news with the announcement that it will be returning to Adult Swim for a second season after an eight-year hiatus since all seven episodes of the first season were released.
“New galactic adventures will take flight with two animated specials that mark the return of fan-favorite heroes to Adult Swim. KING STAR KING!/!/!/ arrives Monday, February 13,” Warner Media said in a press release.
They continued, “Creator JJ Villard returns to his Emmy-winning Adult Swim series for a new installment with KING STAR KING!/!/!/. Headlined by Tommy Blacha (Metalocalypse), who voices the titular hero, KING STAR KING!/!/!/ also stars Andie MacDowell (Groundhog Day), Will Sasso (MADtv), Rachel Butera (We Baby Bears), and Justin Roiland (Rick and Morty).”
The pilot for the series was produced by Mirari Films with Titmouse and Williams Street taking over for the full series.
“King Star King is back,” the press release added. “And this time he’s a fat, bald, middle-aged slob with a family, a mortgage, and a job at Amazon. Join King Star King, Hank Waffles, Pooza, and Gerbils on a dimension-spanning adventure to save King Star King’s family!”
Villard expressed his excitement in a statement, saying, “King Star King is BACK! And this time he’s battling two horrific enemies! An evil and disgusting tech titan! And the even more evil and disgusting Middle-age Malaise!!!”
“The series revolves around the titular character, King Star King (Tommy Blacha): a tall, blond muscular man. After seducing his love, Princess Snow White, he falls from his higher plane of existence to serve as a fry cook in a run-down waffle house. In order to reclaim his place in the heavens, he must battle his amnesia to defeat the evil Spring Bunny (Eric Kaplan) and rescue Snow White.”
J.J. Villard previously worked on the DreamWorks Animation feature film ‘Shrek Forever After’ as a visual development artist.
More Transformers: The Movie ReAction figures are coming this month from Super7! The line already delivered some bangers like Optimus Prime’s corpse, but now we get a figure based on a toy that never saw the light of day! Included in this wave of 3.75″ scale figures are Ultra Magnus, Cyclonus, Wreck-Gar, Sharkticon, and Quintesson.
Each character is modeled after their appearance in 1986’s feature-length toy commercial, except for Unicron. We’ll get to that later. The entire 6th waveof these ReAction figures can be picked up for $124 or individually at $20 each, except for the supersized Unicron, which goes for $24.
The Unicron ReAction figure is based on the prototype figure, which never made its way to the market. Although unreleased, the photos and videos of the prototype have been floating around for years. It would take decades before Hasbro (and other third-party companies) produced screen-accurate versions of the world-devouring menace.
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“The mighty Unicron is a devourer of worlds who has set his sights on Cybertron! Only the Matrix of Leadership stands between Unicron and galactic domination!”
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“Servants of the evil alien Quintessons, the Sharkticons are ready to tear apart prisoners and battlefield foes alike!”
Whether you welcome these Sharkticons with the universal greeting or not, they come with no accessories.
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“Quintessons are the original creators of the Transformers and they’re determined to exact revenge against their rebellious creations!”
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“Lookout Starscream, Cyclonus is the Decepticons’ new second-in-command and his unwavering devotion to Galvatron means your days are numbered!”
Cyclonus’s only accessory is a single blaster.
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“Following the death of Optimus Prime, the Matrix of Leadership is passed on to Ultra Magnus, who risks it all to keep the Autobots’ greatest hope out of the hands of the evil Decepticons!”
Ultra Magnus comes with one blaster but no Matrix of Leadership oddly.
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“Leader of the Junkions, Wreck-Gar is much more than the sum of his parts and becomes a powerful ally to the Autobots!”
Wreck-Gar comes with a lot of accessories in comparison to the others:
Blaster
Axe
2x Shields
The Unicron prototype was at one point on display at the Heritage Museum. Check out the video below for a look at this massive unreleased action figure:
They’re creepy. They’re kooky. They beat out Stranger Things for the most-watched premiere on Netflix this year! Wednesday Addams has proved herself to be a bigger draw than what the Duffer Brothers had on offer. Not bad for a show about a moody teen who goes to a school owned and operated by either Hot Topic or Stephenie Meyer.
The toppling of ST4‘s viewing numbers isn’t by a largemargin. Wednesday racked up 341.2 million hours during its debut, while the fourth season of Strange Things had 335 million. However, the Hollywood Reporter notes that both of these still failed compared to 2021’s runaway hit Squid Game. Wednesday was 230.56m short of that goal.
The series focuses on the eldest Addams child after she is expelled from a regular high school and is forced to take up her education at Nevermore Academy. She soon discovers that even though the school is full of outcasts and paranormal students, there’s something even stranger going on. Tim Burton directed the first four episodes; the remaining four were helmed by Gandja Monteiro and James Marshall evenly.
Reviews for the Tim Burton-directed and Jenna Ortega-led Netflix series have been all over the place. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series is fresh, with a 70% critical score and an 88% favorable audience rating. Our own PinkyBoo was very positive about the series and addressed the weird backlash regarding the supposed not-up-to-snuff inclusive cast:
As far as I’m concerned, it’s too much of a CW show for me to be interested in, and I’ve been a fan of Tim Burton since he shot Edward Scissorhands in my neighborhood. Sadly, the target demographic here is about three decades younger than me. So I’ll stick to the 1960s series and two perfect films Barry Sonnenfeld directed. What are your thoughts on Netflix’s Wednesday? Does it have you hooked for a second season? Let us know in the comments section below.
HiDive announced that they acquired several new anime television shows and a film for fans to watch on their streaming service. From action to comedy to drama, they all have a planned release at various points in 2023, including the previously reported ‘Oshi no Ko.’
“Conflict-ravaged nations now deploy covert operatives instead of missiles. Lily is recruited into spy-training… but her practical skills are absolutely abysmal. Desperate to pass, she leaps at the chance to join the mysterious “Tomoshibi” team. Too bad the team is filled with even more hopeless spies. Together they must conquer the Impassible Mission and best their genius instructor, but the true purpose behind their classroom is more harrowing than they can imagine… Based on the spy thriller light novel series written by Takemachi and illustrated by Tomari.”
Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible
“Junta Shiraishi has just one goal: to experience youth to the fullest! But this is easier said than done. Junta is so socially invisible that people at school would swear he skipped class even when he’s sitting right behind them. Everything changes when Junta meets Nagisa Kubo. She’s the only person who pays Junta any attention, and her constant teasing is sure to turn Junta’s quiet life upside down because Kubo won’t let him be invisible! Based on the seinen rom-com manga series by Nene Yukimori and serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump since October 2019.”
My Life as Inukai-san’s Dog
“They say every dog has his day. That’s especially true for our protagonist, who was just turned into a dog and now lives every day under the care of his crush, Inukai-san! She happily dotes on her new companion, and while he wants to return to human form someday, there’s something wonderful about being cared for by the person he loves. Enjoy life through the eyes of a dog in My Life as Inukai-san’s Dog! Based on the shonen ecchi rom-com manga series by Itsutsuse and originally serialized in Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket.”
Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte
“Endo and Kobayashi just decided to play A Magical Romance, an otome game featuring a devious villainess named Lieselotte. Kobayashi thinks Lieselotte is a traditionally dastardly villain but Endo insists Lieselotte is just misunderstood. The pair bicker and argue about Lieselotte’s character and motivations. But little do they know that Lieselotte’s in-game fiancé can hear their every word, and their colorful chatter will lead him down a completely different path than his character is supposed to tread! Based upon a fantasy light novel series written by Suzu Enoshima and illustrated by Eihi.”
Tsurune – The Linking Shot(Second Season)
“Protagonist Minato Narumiya has reignited his passion for kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery. Along with his friends in the school kyudo club, he returns for an all-new second season and feature-length film of Kyoto Animation’s beloved Tsurune. Based on the three volume sports light novel series Tsurune -Kazemai High School Archery Club- written by Kotoko Ayano and illustrated by Chinatsu Morimoto. The first novel won a Special Judge Award in the Kyoto Animation Award competition in 2016 and was published by Kyoto Animation later that same year in December.”
The Dangers in My Heart
"The Dangers in My Heart" – Update Teaser Illustration!
“Fascinated by murder and all things macabre, Kyotaro daydreams of acting out his twisted fantasies on his unsuspecting classmates — but an encounter with Anna Yamada, the gorgeous class idol, lights a spark in the darkness of his heart. It’s a classic tale of an antisocial boy falling for a popular girl, but neither are who they appear to be at first glance. Will Kyotaro and Anna defy their expectations of each other — and of themselves? Based on the shonen rom-com slice of life manga series by Norio Sakurai and serialized in Akita Shoten’s Manga Cross.”
HiDive has also received the distribution rights for the 2022 anime movie ‘Tsurune The Movie – The First Shot,’ directed by Takuya Yamamura and produced by Kyoto Animation
I’ll admit I was wrong. When we initially covered this story, I thought backing for this newest HasLabTransformers project had stalled, but with 13 days left, the Deathsaurus crowdfunding campaign has succeeded with nearly 12,500 backers. The initial goal needed 11k. However, for Deathsaurus to get his full array of accessories, the project must pass two thresholds: 14k for Tier 1 and 17k for Tier 2.
Tier 1 unlocks the Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon along with a spiked flail and blast effects.
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The Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon is perhaps one of the most destructive weapons in the Transformers universe. A fully-charged blast from its barrel can erode any metal material, including the living cells of Cybertronian lifeforms. This Deathsaurus figure comes with this signature weapon accessory and his classic spiked flail accessory! Fans can also plug the 6 included blast effects onto the Deathsaurus figure and his weapon accessories.
Tier 2 will deliver some parts crucial for displaying the character. These include the throne, base, and stand pieces made for both the robot and disguise mode.
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The Transformers team has sculpted an imposing throne for Deathsaurus that reflects his awesome power. This 11-inch accessory features premium deco and details inspired by the throne as seen in the anime. Additionally, we know you want to show off Deathsaurus in the most epic poses imagineable. We’re including 2 stand pieces to allow Transformers fans to showcase Deathsaurus in his most powerful stances.
Thankfully, before the first target was met, Hasbro added full-color renders of Deathsaurus to the crowdfunding page. Based on the images below, we may see some “chrome” pieces that were on the original figure, and much of the color scheme looks like what was expected: blue, gold, maroon, white, red, and gray.
Even though the production funding goal has been met [to the tune of $2,248,075 as of the publication of this article], backers won’t see this figure in their homes until the Fall of next year.
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What do you think of Deathsaurus? Let us know below!
Marvel Comics is sending their ‘Miracleman’ graphic novel omnibus back to the printing press for a second release. Planned to be released in March 2023, it will also sport a new cover from artist Alan Davis.
They said on their website, “Last month, Marvel Comics honored the 40th anniversary of Miracleman’s transformative reinvention with the brand-new MIRACLEMAN OMNIBUS! This long-awaited omnibus collected the influential work on the character from all of its legendary creators such as Alan Davis, Garry Leach, John Totleben, and more. A hit with fans, this extraordinary omnibus will return with a second printing this March.”
“This new printing will give readers another chance to witness Miracleman’s incredible origins, his most breathtaking feats, and the relevant and dramatic struggles of his alter-ego, freelance reporter Michael Moran, who must reconcile his life as the lesser half of a god—all depicted in glorious Omnibus format! Considered one of the medium’s greatest masterpieces, Miracleman’s adventures launched a new wave of comic book storytelling, and its extraordinary impact on the Super Hero genre is still felt to this day,” they added.
You can get a look at the cover below:
MIRACLEMAN OMNIBUS will return to shops on March 1: The MIRACLEMAN OMNIBUS, the definitive collection for one of comic books’ most groundbreaking series, is returning with a new printing. The press release follows: Media Release — Last month, Marvel… https://t.co/m3P46gB6jdpic.twitter.com/t0gM6K3NPh
Originally published as “Marvelman,” the character was created in 1954 by UK writer-artist Mick Anglo for publisher L. Miller & Son. The original run ran until 1963 when the indie publisher filed for bankruptcy. The series was picked up by the magazine Warrior where ‘V For Vendetta’ writer Alan Moore gave it a darker tone in 1982. Pacific Comics and later Eclipse would license the character in 1985 where the character would get rebooted as Miracleman.
From 1996 to 2009, the character was involved in some litigation over the rights to Miracleman, ending when original creator Mike Anglo was determined that he retained the rights. He sold them to Marvel Comics in 2013.
Super7 is bringing the Ultimates! Voltron back to the collectibles market, now with a galaxy black and gold paint job. The defender of the universe features the same action figure and accessories as the previously released Ultimates! toy. These pieces include the Blazing Sword, Shield, and two pairs of lion hands. Pre-orders will continue until January 3rd; the expected shipping window is in the Fall of 2023.
Like other characters in this series, Voltron is priced at $55. The original Ultimates! figure was released in April 2021 and has become a pricy collectible. The 6″ tall figure goes for anywhere between $150-$200 on reseller sites. Is the $55 price tag a bit too much? Super7 also offers Voltron in smaller, less expensive forms. The Shogun and cartoon versions of the robotic hero are also available for $20 each.
Suppose you’re concerned about the quality of the Ultimates! figures, check out our review of Super7’s Radioactive Red Rage Toxie figure for an idea of what you can expect from these premium toys.
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Included accessories:
4x Interchangeable hands
2x Lion hands
2x Open mouth Lion hands
1x Blazing Sword
1x Shield
One look at its imposing black and gold colorway and you know that this Voltron means business! Inspired by vintage Japanese die-cast robots, this 7” scale highly articulated Galaxy Black Voltron ULTIMATES! figure features an exclusive black and metallic gold color scheme, includes interchangeable hands along with Blazing Sword and shield accessories, and comes packaged in a collector-friendly deluxe slipcase style box with gold foil accents.
Voltron is made from injected plastic. I noticed many issues with the paint in my review mentioned above. Hopefully, this figure won’t have problems with the gold color. Nothing ruins an all-black toy like messy gold paint. It’s not uncommon in these cases to find flaking paint or gold fingerprints in some areas.
The British supernatural thriller TV series ‘The Devil’s Hour’ was brought to a North American audience through Prime Video, which aired all nine episodes of the Tom Moran and Steven Moffat series. Amazon Studios and Hartswood Films announced that the show has been renewed for a second and third season.
“Prime Video will take viewers into The Devil’s Hour twice more, as the hit UK Original thriller is confirmed to return for a second and third series. Jessica Raine (Patrick Melrose) and Peter Capaldi (Paddington) will reprise their roles as Gideon and Lucy Chambers, alongside Nikesh Patel (Starstruck), Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso), Meera Syal (Yesterday), Benjamin Chivers, and new characters,” they said on their website.
“The next two installments of the critically acclaimed Amazon Original will continue the story of Lucy Chambers (Jessica Raine), a woman caught up in the hunt for serial killer Gideon (Peter Capaldi) in ways she never could imagine. In Series Two, Gideon’s true intentions are finally revealed, as he attempts to involve Lucy in his mission to stop an elusive force of evil. Simultaneously a sequel and a prequel to the first chapter, expect nothing but the unexpected,” Amazon added.
Writer and creator Tom Moran said about the renewal, “Telling a story on television is a precarious business.”
“Series One of The Devil’s Hour was just the beginning—the opening act of a TV novel. I’m so thrilled that we get to keep turning those pages and slotting the puzzle pieces into place. If you thought the final episode of Series One had all the answers, then you haven’t been asking the right questions,” he continued.
You can watch the trailer for season one below:
Dr. Who alumni Peter Capaldi, who played the twelfth Doctor, was cast in ‘The Devil’s Hour’ in June 2021. He had previously worked with Moffat as the Timelord.
Sentai Filmworks announced that they are releasing seven anime films and TV shows for home video and streaming. Fans will be able to access musicals, action flicks, rom-coms, and historical fiction are all heading to audiences in December 2022.
SYNOPSIS: As the last surviving member of her clan, Mirai Kuriyama was born with the ability to control her blood and wield it as a weapon, a power so terrifying she’s been cursed and cast out for the rest of her days. Akihito Kanbara’s blood is only half human, and while the healing abilities of the monstrous half of his lineage let him recover from any wound, it also dooms him to eternal life alone. Perhaps it’s more than just chance that has brought them together, for there are few bonds in creation as enduring as those written in blood. Now, in a world where the creatures of legend are real and nightmarish monsters tread the earth, they will seek out their destiny together in the complete collection of BEYOND THE BOUNDARY!
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SYNOPSIS: A funny thing happened when Chiyo Sakura worked up the courage to confess her feelings to her high school crush: he thought she was applying for a job as his art assistant! Because, unbeknownst to Chiyo, Nozaki secretly creates manga under a feminine pen name, and he’s badly in need of help! This is certainly not what Chiyo had hoped would happen but, since it’s at least a chance to get to know him better, she accepts. And then everything goes sideways when her new boss realizes that he can use his “really a girl” assistant to “research” how girls think and what they find romantic! Can an increasingly frustrated Chiyo pretend to be professional while a clueless Nozaki has all her buttons pushed in the right way for the wrong reasons? It happens when producing the MONTHLY GIRLS’ NOZAKI-KUN!
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
JUST BECAUSE
SYNOPSIS: Relationships are living things: if they’re not constantly nurtured, they can wither, die, or even worse. Haruto Soma, Mio Natsume, and Hazuki Morikawa are in their final semester at Kashiogawa High, and while there are some simmering undercurrents in how they feel about each other, the main focus in their lives is to keep studying until they get their diplomas. But into this perfectly reasonable plan falls a monkey wrench named Eita Izumi, who was their classmate and friend until his family moved away four years ago. Now Eita is suddenly back and fitting him into the current dynamic is going to be awkward. Because people and friendships can change, and when they do, there’s always the chance that someone will be hurt. Not because of malice or deliberate intent, just because that’s the way life can be. JUST BECAUSE.
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SYNOPSIS: Kamitsumihara is a beautiful but mysterious place, a land where traces of ancient magic still exist and a drama two millennium old has yet to play through to its final chapter. For all this time, the Kamiazuma clan have acted as protectors, a fact that Toka Kamiazuma, whose body holds the stone sword Sekiken, has inherited as his duty. But when an unusual girl named Momoka Kawakabe enters his life unexpectedly, Toka begins to discover that they are connected by more than just physical attraction. How are their destinies linked and why? As the strands of fate and bindings to legend pull them ever closer, they will have just a short time to discover their own secrets and undo the ancient tragedy that forever changed their world in TOKA GETTAN: THE MOONLIGHT LADY RETURNS!
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
CHAIKA ~ THE COFFIN PRINCESS
my face when someone says "Anime is only for kids!" [via Chaika – The Coffin Princess -] pic.twitter.com/vwRF2YYucG
SYNOPSIS: The war against the Empire was brutal, and in the final barbaric act, the slain Emperor’s body was cut apart, with the Heroes who slew him each taking home a grisly trophy. Yet while the heroes returned in glory, many of those who fought beneath them were left to fend for themselves in a world that no longer needed their skills. So, when former saboteurs Toru and Akari encounter a strange young girl carrying a giant coffin, they soon find themselves joining her odd mission: to retrieve all of the pieces of the Emperor’s body. But why is she collecting them and who is this girl? The dead Emperor’s daughter, perhaps? Or, as other girls also carrying coffins are spotted across the lands, could she be a vanguard of something far more sinister in the complete collection of CHAIKA – THE COFFIN PRINCESS!
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
CAROLE & TUESDAY
SYNOPSIS: It’s not easy being an orphaned refugee, especially when you’re not on the planet where you were born, but Carole Stanley still has big ambitions. However, while she dreams of forging a career in music, something isn’t quite right yet. There’s a spark that’s missing. Tuesday Simmons has lived a life of comfort, so no one expects it when the shy young woman suddenly runs off to another city, taking little more than her beloved guitar and a need to perform with her. When they meet, Tuesday’s spark ignites Carole’s fire, and their musical ambitions begin burning anew. Achieving their dreams will be hard in a world where music is created by AIs, but if they don’t give up, soon all the worlds will know the names CAROLE AND TUESDAY!
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
TEASING MASTER TAKAGI-SAN 3
Teasing Master Takagi-san had such beautiful moments 🥺 Comment down below your favorite moment! via [Teasing Master Tagaki-san Season 3] pic.twitter.com/aehx8svMBd
SYNOPSIS: Nishikata has become a very confused middle school student. That bothersome girl Takagi has been teasing and pulling tricks on him for what seems like forever now! Nishikata’s initial response of fighting fire with fire by taunting and pranking her back hasn’t been working so well. In fact, it’s been working horribly, because she almost always seems to outthink him. And the really disturbing part? He seems to be getting used to it! No, it’s worse than that! He seems to be getting used to HER! Like she’s worming her sneaky way into his brain! And is he… gasp… starting to care about her sometimes? Is that what their classmates think? Is that what SHE thinks? Exactly what is going on in her mysterious and calculating mind in TEASING MASTER TAKAGI-SAN Season 3?
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
What titles are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below.
