The hit Japanese 2021 short film ‘Summer Ghost’ is making its way to the United States and the rest of North America after the distribution company GKids announced they had struck a deal with the movie’s production company Flat Studio.
“GKIDS, the acclaimed producer and distributor of multiple Academy Award nominated animated features, announced today it has acquired the North American distribution rights for SUMMER GHOST, the debut “short feature” from acclaimed Japanese illustrator loundraw,” they said on their website. “Developed from a single illustration from loundraw, the film features original character designs from the artist, and is produced by FLAT STUDIO the all-new animation studio he established in 2019. Joining him on the project are novelist Hirotaka “Otsuichi” Adachi who wrote the screenplay, and internationally renowned pianist Akira Kosemura for the soundtrack.”
While no official release date has been given, GKids said they plan to release the short film in North America sometime in Summer 2022 for a brief theatrical run before giving it a home video release.
Check out the trailer below:
MyAnimeList describes the film’s synopsis as follows,
“A local urban legend claims that lighting fireworks at an abandoned airfield will call the “summer ghost,” a spirit that can answer any question. Three troubled teenagers—Tomoya, Aoi, and Ryo—do not know each other yet, but each has their own reasons to show up one day. When a sparkler is lit, a ghost named Ayane appears, and she reveals she is only visible to those “who are about to touch their death.” The three teens return home, but Tomoya soon begins visiting the airfield alone, as he becomes obsessed with the mystery surrounding Ayane and the true purpose of her visits.
Inspired by one of his own drawings, this remarkable directorial debut from the celebrated illustrator loundraw brings his lush visual sensibility to a poignant supernatural drama about the struggles of growing up, and the importance of living life to the fullest.”
Hirotaka Adachi serves as the main writer for the film.
Anime Short Film ‘Summer Ghost’ Is Coming To America
Two ‘Max Payne’ Games Are Getting Remade for PS5, XBOX, and PC
Thanks to Coming Soon, we discovered that Remedy Entertainment revealed that Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne are being remade. The details were found via the company’s investor website. However, don’t expect the games to appear any time soon, as everything is currently in the “concept development stage” at this point:
Under the development agreement signed today, Remedy will develop the games as a single title for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S using its proprietary Northlight game engine. The game’s development budget will be financed by Rockstar Games, the size of which will be in line with a typical Remedy AAA-game production. Under the agreement, Remedy has a royalty opportunity after Rockstar Games has recouped its development, marketing, and other costs for distributing and publishing the game.
Remedy’s current CEO, Tero Virtala praised Max Payne’s legacy while making it clear that the original games’ tones will be recaptured, “Max Payne has always held a special place in the hearts of everyone at Remedy, and we know the millions of fans worldwide feel the same. We’re hugely excited to be working with our partners at Rockstar Games once again for the chance to bring the story, action, and atmosphere of the original Max Payne games back to players in new ways.”
Max Payne 3 was a solid action game but poor use of the Max Payne franchise. What went from being a dark and moody noir tale turned into a bog-standard cover shooter with OK bullet-time mechanics. I tried replaying it recently while revisiting the first two Max Payne titles and found it to be such a jarring departure from the formula.
What are your thoughts on Max Payne 1 & 2 being remade? Will Rockstar Games allow Remedy to stick to the originals’ gritty and unflinching story? Or will we see the games toned down to appeal to the gaming journo mobs? Let us know your opinions and thoughts in the comments section below.
[Source: ComingSoon.net]
Scream’s Ghost Face Killer Statue Is Going To Murder Your Wallet
Over a quarter of a century ago, iconic director Wes Craven reinvigorated the horror genre with his 1996 slasher film Scream. It mixed a commentary on horror movie tropes with an instantly memorable killer, whose outfit was a “ghost face” Halloween outfit.
Since then, we’ve seen sequel after sequel, but the franchise’s merchandising aspect has been lackluster. There have been figures and a few other collectibles, but nothing I’d throw serious money at until now. For $1,350, you can own a 29.5″ highly detailed statue of the Ghost Face Killer from PCS.
That price may be high, but the level of detail on this thing is impressive. From the splintered door to the curtain rod and even down to the voice changer and lock, this thing is practically begging my savings account to be bled dry.
While the same price, The Exclusive Edition comes with two interchangeable parts: a bloody knife and a bloody mask. So, why wouldn’t you buy this one? Both versions will be shipping out during the Spring of 2023.
The Exclusive Edition of the Ghost Face Statue includes a swap-out bloody mask and bloody knife. Cut to the chase in your collection with these absolutely killer alternate display options.
The mixed-media Ghost Face Statue features sculpted details and tailored fabric elements to give the horror collectible an added element of dynamism. The figure’s mask, pants, and boots are all sculpted while the black fabric cloak, hood, gloves, and sleeves are all tailored to recreate the costume’s deathly appearance. Wiring in the hood and sleeves allows for posing the material. Additionally, the white curtains of the busted window background are fabric with wire support for posing.
Let us know what you think about this expensive piece of horror movie history in the comments section below.
[Source: PCS]
[Source: PCS]
Co-Creator of Doraemon Has Passed Away
Motoo Abiko was found collapsed at his home in Kawasaki, Tokyo on Thursday morning. Police were called for help at around 8:40 am, but by the time officers had arrived, Abiko had already passed away. The police are currently investigating the cause of death, but made note that, upon initial first glance examination, there didn’t appear to be any suspicious wounds or injuries. Motoo Abiko was 88 years old.
Abiko had a pen name which he developed along with Hiroshi Fujimoto. Motoo Abiko was known as Fujiko Fujio (A), and Hiroshi Fujimoto pen named Fujiko Fujio (F), later renamed “Fujiko F. Fujio“. Combined they were known as Fujiko Fujio. Under this pen name, they co-created a highly popular manga series called Doraemon, which ran from 1970-1996. The two men worked together until 1987. Hiroshi Fujimoto passed away in 1996.
Doraemon became an extremely successful children’s media franchise. It has an impressive 41 movies count, plus two specials. The latest one movie just came out in March of this year. And two anime series, with the first airing in 1973. The second anime series began airing in 2005, and is still ongoing and a highly rated weekly Japanese television series.
Motoo Abiko was a manga creator throughout his career. Creating such works as Ninja Hattori (1964), Little Monster (1965), and The Smiling Salesman (1989). He was also creator of several anime titles including adaptions of some of his manga series like The Smiling Salesman and Ninja Hattori. Ninja Hattori was adapted as a T.V. series that ran from 1981-1987, with three anime films from 1982-1984, followed by a 2004 live-action movie. Little Monster was adapted into two television anime series that aired from 1968-1969, and 1980-1982, followed by two anime films in 1981 and 1982. Another series he created was called Pro Golfer Saru, which was adapted into an anime TV special and an anime series that aired from 1985-1988, as well as two anime movies in 1986 and 1987. The Laughing Salesman was adapted into a anime TV series that ran from 1989-1992, with a 2017 anime series called The Laughing Salesman NEW, which followed more of his most recent adaption of his work.
Source: ANN
‘Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr-Hunt’ Introduces New Pilot
‘Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr-Hunt’ is an upcoming mobile app game that is a spin-off of the hit anime series ‘Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans.’ The video game will introduce a new pilot character named Wistario Afam, who was born on a colony near Venus and pilots the Gundam Hajiroboshi. The game will take place between seasons one and two of the show.
The official website describes Wistario as a “boy born and raised in the Radnitsa colony on Venus. He lost his parents early and took over the colony management company “Afam Equipment” at a young age. He is cheerful and determined, and has a big dream of making Venus a tourism-oriented country.”
His Gundam is a “mobile suit hidden behind the power section of the Radnitsa colony. Demner took over the control of the aircraft from his late grandfather and continued to maintain it unknowingly. When the colony was attacked by an unidentified mobile suit, Wistario Afam boarded and woke up from a long sleep,” the website adds.
Wistario will be voiced by the Japanese singer Rina Ikoma who expressed her enthusiasm for taking over the role.
“I feel a lot of pressure to be involved in the Gundam series, a great work with a long history, but I am also very honored and happy,” she said according to Crunchyroll. “I would be glad if I can introduce myself to the fans of the Gundam series and deliver the new Rina Ikoma to those of you who have always supported me! Please look forward to the release of the app in a few more weeks!”
You can watch the preview for the video game below:
The mobile gaming app was developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment with plans for its release in Spring 2022 through the Mobile Suit Gundam IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS G app. The character designs were done by Chiba Michinori.
Josh Brolin Is Searching For Answers In The Trailer For Amazon’s ‘Outer Range’
Amazon Studios dropped the trailer for their upcoming sci-fi Western ‘Outer Range,’ which will feature a first season of eight episodes and stars ‘Avengers: Endgame’ actor Josh Brolin as a ranch owner in the midwest.
“The bold and multifaceted eight-episode season of Outer Range promises surprising twists week-to-week, with two episodes premiering each Friday on Prime Video starting April 15,” Amazon said in a press release. “…beginning the 10-day lead-up to the anticipated series premiere, Prime Video released the official trailer for Outer Range—the thrilling neo-Western starring Oscar-nominee Josh Brolin. The first season of the cinematic Original series will consist of eight episodes (and many surprising twists), with two episodes premiering every week starting Friday, April 15, exclusively on Prime Video…”
The rest of the cast includes Imogen Poots (The Father), Lili Taylor (Leatherface), Tamara Podemski (Four Sheets to the Wind), Lewis Pullman (The Strangers: Prey at Night), Tom Pelphrey (Banshee), Noah Reid (People Hold On), Shaun Sipos (The Vampire Diaries), Isabel Arraiza (Driven), Olive Abercrombie (Stargirl), and Will Patton (The Punisher).
The trailer features Brolin pondering some strange occurrences on his ranch with his family and when a hitchhiker shows up to bring attention to a strange symbol, things start to go awry.
You can watch the trailer below:
Amazon describes the synopsis as follows,
“Outer Range centers on Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin), a rancher fighting for his land and family, who discovers an unfathomable mystery at the edge of Wyoming’s wilderness. A thrilling Western family saga with hints of wry humor and supernatural mystery, Outer Range examines how we grapple with the unknown.
At the onset of the series, the Abbotts are coping with the disappearance of daughter-in-law Rebecca. They are pushed further to the brink when the Tillersons (the gaudy owners of the neighboring profit-driven ranch) make a play for their land. An untimely death in the community sets off a chain of tension-filled events, and seemingly small-town, soil-bound troubles come to a head with the arrival of a mysterious black void in the Abbotts’ west pasture. Wild revelations unfold as Royal fights to protect his family; through his eyes, we begin to see how time contains secrets held in the past and unsettling mysteries foreshadowed.”
The show is created by Brian Watkins who will also serve as showrunner and executive producer.
Anime Comedy Film ‘Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko’ Is Coming To America
The award-winning 2021 comedy anime ‘Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko’ is coming to North America for a limited theatrical release in the summer. GKids announced that they are partnering with Fathom Events to bring the movie to United States audiences.
“GKIDS, the acclaimed producer and distributor of multiple Academy Award-nominated animated features, announced today it will bring FORTUNE FAVORS LADY NIKUKO, the latest feature from lauded Studio 4°C (Children of the Sea, Tekkonkinkreet, Mind Game, MFKZ), and esteemed director Ayumu Watanabe (Children of the Sea) to theaters nationwide this June,” they said on their website.
“GKIDS, continuing their partnership with Fathom Events, will hold fan preview events for FORTUNE FAVORS LADY NIKUKO playing in cinemas nationwide on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Fan preview events will be followed by a limited theatrical release by GKIDS starting June 3, 2022. In addition to the full feature, audiences will see an introduction to the film by Director Ayumu Watanabe and Creative Producer Sanma Akashiya exclusive to the Fathom Events screenings,” they continued.
‘Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko’ has won several awards including the “Axis: The Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence” in Animation at the Fantasia International Film Festival, “Jury Award” at the Scotland Loves Animation event, “Best Animated Picture” at the Hochi Film Award, and the “Excellence Award” at the 25th Japan Media Arts Festival.
You can watch the trailer below:
GKids describes the synopsis as follows,
“From acclaimed director Ayumu Watanabe (Children of the Sea) and STUDIO4°C (Tekkonkinkreet, Mind Game) comes a heartwarming and moving comedy-drama with touches of magical realism. Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko is about an unconventional family and the bonds that they share in their sleepy seaside town.
Brash single mother Nikuko is well-known for her bold spirit, much to the embarrassment of Kikuko, her pensive yet imaginative daughter. In contrast to her mother, Kikuko wants nothing more than to fit in as she navigates the everyday social dramas of middle school. Life in the harbor is peaceful until a shocking revelation from the past threatens to uproot the pair’s tender relationship.”
The movie is based on the novel ‘Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko’ by novelist Kanako Nishi.
Period Romance Manga ‘My Happy Marriage’ Is Getting An Anime
The historical romance manga ‘My Happy Marriage’ is written by Akumi Agitogi with illustrations by Rito Kohsaka is published by Gangan Online. It is set in a fictionalized period of Japanese history and follows a “Cinderella-like protagonist” who is sold at a bride auction and purchased by a military captain. The series has been picked up by the Japanese animation studio Kinema Citrus for an anime adaptation.
Crunchyroll said on their website, “Writer Akumi Agitogi and illustrator Rito Kohsaka’s My Happy Marriage manga is about to make its way to the small screen. A TV anime adaptation was announced via the official accounts this morning, with Kinema Citrus (Made in Abyss, The Rising of the Shield Hero) handling animation production for the upcoming series.”
You can watch the teaser below:
MyAnimeList explains the synopsis as follows,
“Miyo Saimori was the unfortunate child of a loveless, arranged marriage. After her mother died, her father brought in his lover and her own daughter, Kaya. From then on, Miyo’s life was reduced to that of a mere servant. Even worse, while Kaya inherited the family’s psychic abilities, Miyo had none—she was truly the daughter with no merit.
After years of being treated like dirt, Miyo has learned to keep her head down, hide her pain, and obey every order. So, it comes as no surprise that she is arranged to be married to Kiyoka Kudou, a military captain rumored to be so cruel that he has driven away every one of his potential wives so far.
From a painful upbringing to a painful marriage, that’s the future that awaits Miyo—or so she thinks. Contrary to her expectations, her new husband is actually kind-hearted. What really awaits Miyo is a blissful, everlasting marriage full of happiness!”
‘My Happy Marriage’ will star Reina Ueda (Ruri in Dr. STONE) will voice Miyo Saimori and Kaito Ishikawa (Tobio Kageyama in Haikyu!!) will voice Kiyoka Kudo.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Ultimates Wave 3 Is Here!
The third wave of Super7’s Ultimates Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is now available for pre-order! This latest batch of figures brings with it two characters I’d been looking forward two since the line was first announced last year: Lord Zedd and the Dino Megazord!
Oh, yeah … Billy, Zach, and Finster are there, too. Yes, even Lord Zedd’s throne is getting included in the mix.
Each figure is priced at $55, which is the standard when it comes to the Ultimates line. Zedd’s throne, however, is $45. Wave 3 isn’t expected to arrive until Spring 2023.
- 2x Interchangeable Heads
- 1x Regular Head
- 1x Z-Vision Head
- 10x Interchangeable Hands
- 2x Fists
- 2x Gripping Hands (Horizontal)
- 2x Gripping Hands (Vertical)
- 2x Open Hands
- 1x Pointing Hand
- 1x Bomb Holding Hand
- 1x Z-Staff
- 1x Snake
- 3x Growth Bombs
- 4x Interchangeable Hands
- 2x Fists
- 2x Gripping Hands (Horizontal)
- 1x Power Sword
- 1x Mastodon Shield
- 2x Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Miniature Figures
- 1x Mighty Morphin Pink Ranger
- 2x Mighty Morphin Yellow Ranger
- 1x Metal Megazord Power Coin
- 3x Interchangeable Heads
- 1x Zack Taylor Head
- 1x Adam Park Head
- 1x Black Ranger Helmet Head
- 10x Interchangeable Hands
- 2x Fists
- 2x Gripping Hands (Horizontal)
- 2x Gripping Hands (Vertical)
- 2x Expressive Hands
- 2x Martial Arts Hands
- 1x Power Axe
- 1x Toyetic Power Axe
- 1x Power Crystal
- 1x Open Power Morpher
- 1x Extinguisher
- 1x Dragon Shield
- 2x Dragon Shield Arms
- 1x Blade Blaster (Neutral)
- 1x Blade Blaster (Gun)
- 1x Blade Blaster (Blade)
- 1x Toyetic Blade Blaster
- 3x Interchangeable Heads
- 1x Billy Cranston Head (Glasses)
- 1x Billy Cranston Head (No Glasses)
- 1x Blue Ranger Helmet Head
- 10x Interchangeable Hands
- 2x Fists
- 2x Gripping Hands (Horizontal)
- 2x Gripping Hands (Vertical)
- 2x Expressive Hands
- 2x Martial Arts Hands
- 2x Half Power Lances (Combinable)
- 2x Quarter Power Lances
- 2x Toyetic Power Lances (Combinable)
- 1x Power Crystal
- 1x Open Power Morpher
- 1x Foam Gun
- 1x Blade Blaster (Neutral)
- 1x Blade Blaster (Gun)
- 1x Blade Blaster (Blade)
- 1x Toyetic Blade Blaster
- 8x Interchangeable Hands
- 2x Fists
- 2x Gripping Hands (Horizontal)
- 2x Gripping Hands (Vertical)
- 2x Open Hands
- 1x Soft Goods Smock
- 1x Sculpting Tool
- 3x Putty Sculptures
- 1x Pudgy Pig Sculpture
- 1x King Sphinx Sculpture
- 1x Magnifying Glass
[Source: Super7]
Tom Hiddleston’s Loki Is Back As A Highly Detailed 1/4 Scale Statue
Queen Studios is back with another MCU Loki statue. Last time, it was a $3k+ lifesize bust. Now the Chinese company is producing a 1/4 scale statue. So yup, you can get yourself a 52cm tall Tom Hiddleston to do with as you please.
This time around, the Studio decided to go with Loki’s look from the first Avengers film, Infinity Stone staff. The only thing he is missing is his iconic horned crown. Instead, Loki is decked out in an outfit made from fabric and genuine leather. Like many of the company’s other statues, Loki will have rooted hair (made from sheep’s wool).
The body and face are made out of polystone. Judging by the photos, I would have said that the eyes were glass, but that’s just a testament to how well they’re painted.
All these bells and whistles do come at a cost. You’ll have to put down $1,090 to own this Loki. To be more specific, you’ll need all that cash and must live in either Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or South Korea. Sadly, this demi-god isn’t coming stateside.
The estimated release date is the third quarter of 2023.
This Queen Studios’ Loki 1/4 scale statue stands at 52cm tall and captures Loki from Marvel Studios’ Avengers (2012) with incredible movie accuracy. Crafted from polystone, the head sculpt has been painstakingly sculpted to capture Tom Hiddleston as Loki. The Queen Studios team has also used state-of-the-art technology to root his hair made of a fine sheep’s wool creating an authenticity, unlike any other 1/4 statue.
The Infinity Stone does not light up, but that’s a small gripe. It sucks that this one isn’t coming to the US because I’d really like to see all that detail in person.
What do you think of this pricey prince? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Queen Studios]
