If you’re a Transformers Masterpiece collector who is also a Macross/Robotech fan, Hasbro Pulse‘s reveal this week of MP-57 Skyfire is just what you’ve been looking for!
Aside from the typical stuff we expect from Takara Tomy’s Masterpiece Transformers, Skyfire also comes with a couple of extra figures. Included with the Autobot are miniature versions of Optimus Prime, Wheeljack, and Jazz. Based on the renders, these little guys look like they have some articulation. However, after seeing how easily the previous Sam and Spike figures broke apart, I’m worried Prime and company won’t be that durable.
Skyfire is a reasonably expensive Masterpiece figure, coming in at $274.99. Hasbro is taking pre-orders now, and the Autobot should ship during the first week of August 2022.
Bring the ultimate Transformers experience to your collection with Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-57 Autobot Skyfire! This adult collectible Transformers G1 action figure for adults features authentic Takara Tomy design and deco. The figure is showcased in premium deco and detail and comes in its original packaging with Japanese-language instructions.
This Transformers Masterpiece Autobot Skyfire premium adult collectible action figure is an authentic Takara Tomy product as sold in Japan
Transformers G1 Autobot Skyfire action figure converts from robot to jet mode. Figure also converts to mid-conversion mode
Comes with Optimus Prime, Autobot Meister (Autobot Jazz), and Wheeljack mini figures. Also includes 2 faceplates (surprise and laugh), 2 chest panels, 2 blast effects, and blaster and mask accessories
Autobot Skyfire action figure is fully jointed and highly articulated, allowing for intricate posability in action poses. Pose figure on the included power base stand. Stand assembly required
Whatever you want to call him, Skyfire or Jetfire started off life as the VF-1S Super Valkyrie Fighter from Takara Tomy’s Macross series. This Masterpiece figure still pays homage to the leftover aspects of the original figure, like his alternate faceplate and the GERWALK mode shown above. I’d keep him transformed in the GERWALK position because I always had a soft spot for how that looked in the Macross anime.
For more info on the messy history of Macross, Robotech, and how it related to the G1 Transformers figures, check out Toy Galaxy’s video below.
What do you think of this latest Masterpiece figure? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Hasbro Pulse]
If you’ve been following the Right To Repair movement either in the States or Canada, you know that it has faced an uphill battle with pushback from politicians and the tech industry. Companies like Apple have made it harder and harder for small repair shops or individuals to gain access to the parts needed to make even the most basic of repairs without shelling out for, in my opinion, overly expensive services.
Today, however, RTR made a monumental step forward thanks to the passage of Senate Bill S4104A in the State of New York. All that’s left is for the bill to be either signed or vetoed by Kathy Hochul, the state’s governor. We spotted this fantastic news over at Ars Technica.
Bill S4104A is straightforward. It levels the playing field for all repair shops by requiring original equipment manufacturers to provide the same info that is also shared with OEM authorized repair facilities:
This bill requires original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to make diag- nostic and repair information for digital electronic parts and equipment available to independent repair providers and consumers if such parts and repair information are also available to OEM authorized repair providers.
The bill was sponsored by Neil D. Breslin, a Democrat from the 44th Senate District. The co-sponsors were fellow Democrat Senators Kevin Thomas (6th District). Alessandra Biaggi (34th District), Jabari Brisport (25th District), and Samra G. Brouk (55th District).
One of the prominent people who has been outspoken about the Right To Repair movement is Louis Rossmann, who runs a Macbook repair shop in NYC. His videos outline the need for non-OEM facilities to be allowed to make repairs. Since Apple is known for creating products with built-in obsolescence, the consumer should have the right to repair a failing part rather than dropping another $1k to $5k+ to replace the entire Macbook or iPhone.
I’ve enjoyed his videos over the years, especially when he points out the basic mistakes Apple’s in-house technicians make regarding simple problems like loose connections or faulty parts.
Below is Mr. Rossmann’s comments regarding the bill being passed.
Do you think this bill will have a wide-reaching effect on OEMs and indie repair shops? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Ars Technica]
Sentai Filmworks is releasing a half-dozen anime shows for home video release. ‘Amnesia,’ ‘Non Non Biyori Nonstop,’ ‘Rahxephon,’ ‘Dai Shogun,’ ‘Mother of the Goddesses’ Dormitory,’ and the ‘Vinland Saga’ will all be getting released on Blu-ray with special features.
Their website listed the releases as follows,
Amnesia
“The Heroine has no memory of who she is or where she was. Like a broken record skipping, she keeps waking up in the same place at the same time: in a hospital bed on August 1st. And then there’s the ghost-the spirit only she can see who calls himself Orion. He says not to trust anyone and to never reveal what she can’t remember. But… does that mean she shouldn’t trust him as well? So she runs through flaming buildings, struggles desperately not to drown, and continues to wake up in the same hospital bed. Again, and again, and again. Somehow, somewhere, there must be a clue to her identity in this moebius loop of existence. But how can you know what you’re looking for when you can’t even remember who you are?”
The DVD will include both the Japanese and English dub.
Non Non Biyori Nonstop
“Asahigaoka is just about as small as a town can be, and living in a small village means approaching life a little differently. After moving from the biggest of big cities, Tokyo, Hotaru has fully adjusted to that lifestyle, and she’s learned to find and appreciate pleasures that she would never have noticed before. Like the beauty of nature even in the smallest things. Or the reliability of knowing everyone who works at the same stores that have been there forever. The new faces in town… WAIT! WHAT? NEW FACES??? Yes, shockingly, it’s true! But in the end, one thing remains most important: the fact that everything is still better when you experience it with friends you love and trust. Join Hotaru, Komari, Natsumi, Renge, and Suguru once more as they live life to the fullest…”
English subtitles will be included with the release.
Rahxephon
“For 15 years, the human race has fought an ongoing battle against the Mu, the alien invaders who have trapped the city of Tokyo inside an impenetrable dome where time flows in a different path and the mind-wiped citizens have no idea that their city has been conquered. But as Earth’s military begins to briefly breach the walls, one young man starts to realize that something is very wrong. That nothing is quite as it seems. And when he makes contact with a woman from outside, he learns that he, himself, is somehow at the center of the entire alien plan. A plan that will literally re-write reality itself.”
The complete television series and the film spin-offs are included in the DVD release which also features the English dub.
Dai Shogun
“What if the people of Japan never had to unify because mystical steam-powered robots defended the island from outside attack instead? That’s the history Keiichiro Tokugawa grew up in, but the brash teen has the reckless ambition of helping unite the feuding feudal factions… and with some headstrong heroics and the help of the legendary giant robot Susanoo, he just might be able to do it! However, he’ll have to deal with his girl problems first: the Susanoo requires a co-pilot-a female co-pilot-but every time Keiichiro gets close to a member of the opposite sex, he breaks out in a rash! Can Keiichiro find a nice young lady he’s compatible with? Or will his feminine issues thrash, crash and forever trash his hopes of ending the futile feudal feuding forever?”
English subtitles are included in the series.
Mother of the Goddesses’ Dormitory
That feeling when you've finished all the holiday shopping ✨ (via Mother of the Goddess' Dormitory) pic.twitter.com/XRLdfVYC1x
“Koushi Nagumo’s young life isn’t going well. His house burned down, his worthless father kicked him out, and he’s wandering the streets with no home, no job, and no idea when he’ll eat his next meal. Then he meets an angel. Well, Mineru is actually a college student, but she has a proposition for him… not THAT kind of proposition since Koushi’s still a middle schooler… although one might wonder considering how many half-clad beauties he encounters upon entering the so called “Goddess’ Dormitory.” This is where the local college houses the girls who are too eccentric or unruly to fit in anywhere else, and they desperately need someone to maintain order and keep watch over them. Can Koushi possibly fit in as their ‘Dorm Mother’?”
The English dub is included with the release.
Vinland Saga
“Raised in peace and on fanciful tales of a mythical far-off land without war, young Thorfinn dreams of someday traveling to the fabled Vinland. That dream is shattered when threats from the legendary Jomsvikings put him in the path of a band of Viking mercenaries, forcing Thorfinn’s father to sacrifice himself to the band’s leader: Askeladd. Alone and far from home, Thorfinn joins the forces of his father’s slayer, determined to compel a duel with the mercenary leader and avenge his father. However, Thorfinn quickly finds himself ill prepared for a soldier’s life in the long war between Denmark and England…where the opportunistic Vikings earn coin by fighting for both sides. Now he must learn how to fight and survive, even if it means facing friend and clan in battle…”
This limited edition release contains art cards, a book discussing the series, and the English dub.
DC Comics is returning Batman to middle school in a new series for younger readers ‘Bruce Wayne: Not Super.’ The book is written by ‘Spy School’ author Stuart Gibbs and illustrated by ‘Flash’ artist Berat Pekmezci. It will feature a young Wayne going to a school where a lot of the students are superpowered, yet he is not.
“Next Spring, two new DC middle-grade graphic novels will introduce new takes on the iconic Batman—one through the eyes of a young Bruce Wayne, just discovering how he can be a Super Hero, and one through the eyes of a young Batman super-fan, who is learning how he can be like his hero,” DC Comics said on their website.
They continued, “Bruce Wayne: Not Super follows a 13-year-old Bruce Wayne as he attends an exclusive prep school for the gifted. But, in this book written by Stuart Gibbs (Spy School) with art by Berat Pekmezci (Flash), this school is for the super-gifted. Bruce doesn’t stand a chance of winning a race against the future Flash, or a swim meet against the future Aquaman, and he always gets picked last for dodgeball.”
The book is a “reimagination” of the Batman mythos with an alternative origin where Bruce will encounter future villains who are shown to be bullies in the school while a superpowered student body seems to ignore the bullying going on against the normal human students.
DC Comics describes the synopsis as follows,
“It’s hard enough being in middle school, but it’s even worse when you’re the only kid at your school who doesn’t have super-powers. Bruce does have a goal though: he wants to make a difference in the world. But how can he do that when he doesn’t have any powers? While the Future-Supers are currently content to simply use their gifts to glide through school and court popularity, Bruce struggles to figure out if he has any gifts at all — and if so, how to use them. His challenge comes when he discovers fellow student Jack Napier and his hired bully Bane shaking down lesser-powered students for money, including that hapless kid Dick Grayson. Someone must stand up to them and somehow, it’s going to be Bruce!”
The book is set to hit shelves on February 7, 2023, in both physical and digital formats.
There has been much talk over the years about the state of animation in Japan. From being overworked, being underpaid to working literally to death. After the continually growing concern about these conditions hurting the hard-at-work artists and the anime industry as a whole, there has been several attempts at making changes. Just last year, the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida vowed to bring about changes towards better pay within the animation industry. There’s also a group called Animator’s Dormitory which strives to support and help new members of the animation industry as they step into the world of animation for their first 3 years in the business.
Now a new attempt of change has been created just in May of this year. CloverWorks, WIT STUDIO, Shueisha, and Aniplex have joined together a new company focused on the production of art and animation. CloverWorks and WIT STUDIOS are the animation studio. Followed by Aniplex as the producer, with Shueisha as the publisher. With these three different sectors, they become JOEN.
They describe their vision as: “…high-quality animation is vital to the success of creative works. As such, animation studios have begun to play a greater role in the production process, simultaneously shouldering the growing demands and expectations that accompany it. Even if the final product—or the company that created said product—is successful, it can be difficult to distribute the profits among the staff, creators, and those involved in the animation studio.
To bring about change to the present situation, we aim to collaborate with these studios to build a new business model, wherein profits are directed back to the creators. To nourish the production of high-quality animation, we as a production company would like to lay down the foundation for a long and prosperous future wherein creators can produce animation comfortably. We aspire to introduce a new structure for those involved in the creation of animation, by creating an environment that allows for the continuous production of high-quality animation while ensuring studios and creators are rewarded in line with what they produce.”
As they describe, the name JOEN comes from the word JOIN. Simply add three lines to the letter I, and you get JOEN. “These three stripes are reminiscent of the famous Japanese legend of the Three Arrows, which turned the three arrows into a Japanese symbol of unity and teamwork. Through the incorporation of these three tenets, the company will endeavor to play a supporting role, and facilitate smooth connections between organizations.”
According to the website, “We strive to support the animation industry and related ventures by taking a supporting role and allowing the people involved in planning, production, and distribution to take center stage. We’d like to rise to the challenge of establishing a new framework for the animation industry through cooperation with those who can help us accomplish this goal.
Supporting Creativity, Empowering Creators.”
Hopefully the combination of these major companies can help bring about much needed change towards a healthier environment for everyone for a stronger future of anime content production.
On June 2nd, Gkids announced a new 4k restoration of the entire series of Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water. The sci-fi series is a 1990-1991 anime that comes from visionary director Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion). This award-winning show is loosely based on the works of Jules Verne, and its’ popularity later inspired a film, manga, and video games.
Available August 2, 2022 from GKIDS, the release features an all-new 4K restoration, and includes all 39 episodes of the series in both the original Japanese and an English dub, as well as a number of bonus features including a new booklet featuring character and mechanical designs from the series, a sneak-preview featurette, a TV spot, and more. Fans of the Nadia series can preorder their own copy for $44.98 now by visiting GKIDS.com.
Here is a summary of the story: It’s 1889 and people from around the globe are flocking to Paris to see scientific achievements at the Exposition Universelle despite rumors of dangers lurking in the oceans. While attending the fair, teenaged inventor Jean meets Nadia, a mysterious girl who possesses a highly sought-after crystal called Blue Water. Pursued by nefarious forces, the pair journey by sea and by sky to escape their would-be captors and to discover the secret of the crystal.
Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water: The Complete Series Bonus Features
The latest movie from Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, Belle, was announced on June 1rst by GKids a 4k UHD Collector’s Edition. The film was previously released on all major digital platforms on May 3rd, and then as a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack, as well as a Target exclusive Steelbook edition on May 17, 2022.
This 3-Disc Collector’s Edition Set will include the film in UHD and Blu-ray, and will be available both in the original Japanese and with an English dub. The set will also contain a bonus disc of new special features, wrapped up in beautiful deluxe packaging.
The extensive bonus features on this set include those from the previous Blu-ray/DVDrelease, as well as several new additions, such as new special dialogues with cast, a new interview with Takeru Satoh, a new Eric Wong interview, and more.
Here is a summary of the anime film: Suzu is a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters “U,” a massive virtual world, she escapes into the online persona of Belle, a gorgeous and globally-beloved singer. One day, her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on an emotional and epic quest to uncover the identity of this mysterious “beast” and to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone.
BelleCollector’s Edition Bonus Features
NEW Behind the Japanese Dub
NEW Promo Events with Hosoda and Cast
NEW Special Dialogues with Cast (Kaho Nakamura, Takeru Satoh, Lilas Ikuta)
NEW Interview with Takeru Satoh
NEW Eric Wong Interview
The Making of BELLE
A Conversation with Director Mamoru Hosoda
The Music of BELLE
Hosoda Draws Belle
Finding the Voice of Belle
Scene Breakdowns
Mamoru Hosoda at Animation is Film
Design Gallery
Kylie McNeill Performs “Gales of Song”
Trailers
This Collector’s Set will be available to buy on August 30th, 2022. It is available for pre-order for $51.98. You can now pre-order your copy here.
Do you think you’ll get this set?
See the trailer here:
The dark comedy known as ‘The Outlaws’ is returning to Amazon’s Prime Video for a second season. The group of rabble-rousers will once again bring cheers to the small screen when it returns in August 2022 after an initial season of six episodes.
“Prime Video announced that The Outlaws Season Two will premiere on Friday, August 5. They also released first-look images for the witty and critically acclaimed comedy thriller from award-winning writer and director Stephen Merchant (The Office) and Elgin James (Mayans M.C., Lowriders),” Amazin said in a press release.
You can watch the show trailer below:
Prime Video describes the synopsis as follows,
“‘The Outlaws’ is a comedy thriller about a disparate group of lawbreakers thrown together to complete a community service sentence. Seven strangers from different walks of life are forced to work together to renovate a derelict community center. When one of their number gets dragged into a dangerous world of organized crime, they unite in ways none of them thought possible. Picking up a few months after the climax of Season One, in Season Two, the Outlaws still have time to serve on their sentences, but quickly realize the criminal underworld isn’t done with them yet—not by a long shot. This ragtag group of misfits’ shared past comes back to haunt them, in the shape of a terrifying London drug lord out for blood—The Dean.”
The show stars Rhianne Barreto (Hanna, Dixi) as Rani, Gamba Cole (Hanna, Guerrilla) as Ben, Stephen Merchant as Greg, Christopher Walken (Severance, The Deer Hunter) as Frank, Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark, The Nevers) as Lady Gabby, Darren Boyd (Trying, Fortitude) as John, Clare Perkins (The Wheel of Time, Suspicion) as Myrna, and Jessica Gunning (Back, Fortitude) as Diane.
‘The Outlaws’ is a co-production between the BBC, Amazon Studios, Big Talk, and Four Eyes production.
The pirate comedy ‘Our Flag Means Death’ is getting a second season at HBO Max after a critically successful first season of ten episodes. Series creator David Jenkins serves as the showrunner and executive producer. ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ director Taika Waititi is also an executive producer and stars in the show as the dread pirate Blackbeard.
“We felt the show was special while we were making it, but fans’ open-armed embrace of the inhabitants of the Revenge makes heading into a second season all the more sweet. Thanks to our team at HBO Max, our invested executive producers, and our wildly enthusiastic audience for making another voyage to this world possible,” Jenkins said in a press release.
The show follows actor Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet, a former aristocrat who decides to live the pirate life on board the ship Revenge. He finds friendship with Blackbeard, and later something more. Critics have praised the show for its humor, making it certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
You can watch the trailer below:
HBO describes the plot synopsis as follows,
“Season one was (very) loosely based on the true adventures of 18th century would-be pirate Stede Bonnet, played by Rhys Darby. After trading in the seemingly charmed life of a gentleman for one of a swashbuckling buccaneer, Stede became captain of the pirate ship Revenge. Struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew, Stede’s fortunes changed after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard, played by Waititi. To their surprise, the wildly different Stede and Blackbeard found more than friendship on the high seas… they found love. Now they have to survive it.”
The show also stars Nathan Foad, Samson Kayo, Vico Ortiz, Ewen Bremner, Joel Fry, Matt Maher, Kristian Nairn, Con O’Neill, Guz Khan, David Fane, Rory Kinnear, Samba Schutte, Nat Faxon, Fred Armisen, and Leslie Jones.
Hey! Do you like games overstuffed with DLC? Do you enjoy buggy gameplay that never gets fixed? Do you like the same handful of gameplay loops reused across several video game titles? Then get yourself a subscription to XBOX Game Pass because UbiSoft titles are coming this month!
Not all UbiSoft developed or published games are like that, but the company’s most prominent titles are. Regardless, if you’ve been holding out on games like Assassin’s Creed Origins or For Honor for the past few years, now is your chance to play them without directly handing UbiSoft any of your money. Instead, you’ll be giving it to Microsoft to pay for the Game Pass. Xbox.com shared a post this week outlining the upcoming games headlining the June releases, and two AAA titles from UbiSoft made the list.
For Honor: Marching Fire Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 1
Assassin’s Creed Origins (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 7
Also releasing this month on Game Pass are a few indie titles and the return of Ninja Gaiden!:
Chorus (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 7
Disc Room (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 7
Spacelines from the Far Out (Console and PC) – June 7
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection (Console and PC) – June 2
The following titles will be leaving XBOX’s all you can binge service on June 15th:
Darkest Dungeon (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Greedfall (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Limbo (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Worms Rumble (Cloud, Console, and PC)
For those of you who are on the premium tier of Gass Pass (Ultimate), this month’s perks are below:
Assassin’s Creed Origins: Deluxe Pack – June 7
Upgrade your game experience with the Deluxe Pack as you discover the origins of the Assassin’s Brotherhood. The Deluxe Pack includes: The Ambush at Sea mission, The Desert Cobra pack (including one outfit, two legendary weapons, one legendary shield, and one mount) and three Ability points.
Madden NFL 22: MUT MVP Bundle – Available now
Score Madden NFL 22 Ultimate Team MVP content including a Mahomes or Brady Elite Item and 11 Team Fantasy Packs with the MUT MVP Bundle.
Eternal Return: Skins and Boosts Premium Bundle – Available now
More skins to make your characters look even cooler! What’s not to love? Unlock A-Coin and XP Boosts and 3 skins: Midnight Shinobi Yuki, Champion Jan and Magnolia Oracle Hyejin! Everything you need to leave your mark on Lumia Island!
Smite: Slipknot Starter Pass – Available now
Unlock the Gods for Slipknot! Claim your Slipknot Starter Pass including Poseidon, Chaac, Raijin, and more!
What do you think of June’s offerings for Game Pass? Let us know below.
[Source: XBOX.com]
