‘Kakegurui XX’ is the second season of ‘Kakegurui’ an anime based on the manga written by Homura Kawamoto and illustrated by Tōru Naomura. The show was made by the Japanese animation company MAPPA with Yuichiro Hayashi and Kiyoshi Matsuda serving as co-directors. Sentai Filmworks announced that they are developing an English dub set to have a DVD released in January 2022.
The cast includes Estelle Link, Adam Gibbs, Hilary Haag, Eric Vale, Juliet Simmons, Cat Thomas, John Gremillion, Scott Gibbs, Olivia Swasey, Kailin Coates, Christina Kelly, and Natalie Rial. John Swasey will serve as ADR director.
You can watch an official clip from the dub below:
MyAnimeList describes the plot as follows:
“As Yumeko Jabami’s fame grows and the reputation of the student council dwindles, Kirari Momobami decides to revolutionize the group. To this end, she announces an election for its next president. The rules are simple: each student in the school receives one chip. Whoever has the most chips by the end of thirty days becomes both the new president and the head of the Momobami clan.
Upon receiving news of this development, the Momobami branch families spring into action. Eleven transfer students arrive at Hyakkao Private Academy, each aiming to lead both the school and the Momobami clan. Equipped with unique talents, they will compete to get as many chips as possible—but their chips are not the only things on the line.”
‘Kakegurui XX’ was released on Netflix in November 2019. This season featured twelve episodes which ran from January 8, 2019 – March 26, 2019 on the Tokyo MX television network.
‘Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler’ is the psychological thriller manga that the show is based on. It was first published by Square Enix under the GC Joker imprint. It has been in publication since 2014 for a total of fifteen volumes and has been released in North America through Yen Press.
Netflix previously had the license for an English dub.
Sentai Announces ‘Kakegurui XX’ English Dub
Look Into The Plastic Face of Fear … Judge Fear!
Hiya Toys is making sure Judge Dredd fans get some of the most memorable heroes and villains from the long-running 2000 AD comic book. Previously we’ve seen action figures of Dredd and Judge Death.
We saw that the Big Bad Toy Store now has a listing for another Dark Judge: Judge Fear.
Fear is one of the four Dark Judges. If this is a trend with Hiya Toys, expect Judge Mortis and Judge Fire to be announced sometime this year. So will the escapees from Deadworld all finally be in the same toyline and scale with a Judge Dredd figure? It’s about drokken time!
Judge Fear is a terror-inducing member of the Dark Judges, the alien superfiends from a dimension where all life has been declared a crime. A single look behind the gothic windows of his helmet visor reveals his victim’s worst fear, scaring them to death! Judge Fear features 16 points of articulation and includes shoulder and joint pads, chain and badge of office, utility belt with dimension jump, and his imposing winged helmet. This PREVIEWS Exclusive figure comes packaged in an attractive protective cardboard window box.
Judge Fear does not come with any accessories aside from the fabric cape. In the comics, the specter from another dimension uses traps, like those on his shoulders, to ensnare his victims. Unfortunately, the ones on this toy don’t look detachable, which is a shame.
That’s not the only missed opportunity here. Judge Fear should come with an alternate head with the grate on his helmet opened to show off the sights that would kill ordinary men. Luckily Judge Dredd isn’t an average man and has, in the past, punched straight through the Dark Judge’s head.
What do you think of these new 2000 AD characters being made by Hiya Toys? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]
1999 SEGA Game Shenmue Is Getting An Anime
‘Shenmue’ was a 1999 fan-favorite action-adventure video game that roared into the early console wars with its release on SEGA Dreamcast. Created by developer Yu Suzuki, the game follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki as he searches for a “dragon mirror.” Its popularity led to two sequels that continue Ryo’s story and now the video games are getting an anime adaption to be released on February 5th.
Warner Media announced in a press release that they had partnered with Japanese animation studios Telecom Animation Film and Sola Entertainment to release ‘Shenmue the Animation.’ The series is set to be streamed on Crunchyroll while Toonami will release the English dub version of the show.
“A story of revenge and self-discovery, Shenmue debuted first as a video game by SEGA for the Dreamcast on December 29, 1999. Since then, its captivating characters and riveting storytelling have created a cult following around the globe. Now over 20 years later, the 13-episode anime adaptation aims to capture the same essence of mystery and thrilling martial arts,” the press release stated.
The official synopsis is listed as follows, “1986, Yokosuka. Ryo Hazuki has trained to master the Hazuki Style Jujitsu under his strict father in the Hazuki Dojo from his childhood. However, one day a mysterious man named Lan Di murders his father and takes the “mirror” his father was protecting. Ryo is determined to find the truth behind his father’s murder, but soon finds himself getting stuck in a war between the underground organizations…. Traveling from Yokosuka to Hong Kong, Ryo’s long journey begins!”
They also released a trailer for the series:
The English cast includes Scott Gibbs, Natalie Rial, Cat Thomas, Jeremy Gee, Greg Ayres, Bryson Baugus, Luci Christian, Christine Auten, Cody House, Joe Daniels, and Austin Tindle who will voice the protagonist Ryo Hazuki. He will share the role with Japanese voice actor Masaya Matsukaze.
1999 SEGA Game Shenmue Is Getting An Anime
‘Shenmue’ was a 1999 fan-favorite action-adventure video game that roared into the early console wars with its release on SEGA Dreamcast. Created by developer Yu Suzuki, the game follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki as he searches for a “dragon mirror.” Its popularity led to two sequels that continue Ryo’s story and now the video games are getting an anime adaption to be released on February 5th.
Warner Media announced in a press release that they had partnered with Japanese animation studios Telecom Animation Film and Sola Entertainment to release ‘Shenmue the Animation.’ The series is set to be streamed on Crunchyroll while Toonami will release the English dub version of the show.
“A story of revenge and self-discovery, Shenmue debuted first as a video game by SEGA for the Dreamcast on December 29, 1999. Since then, its captivating characters and riveting storytelling have created a cult following around the globe. Now over 20 years later, the 13-episode anime adaptation aims to capture the same essence of mystery and thrilling martial arts,” the press release stated.
The official synopsis is listed as follows, “1986, Yokosuka. Ryo Hazuki has trained to master the Hazuki Style Jujitsu under his strict father in the Hazuki Dojo from his childhood. However, one day a mysterious man named Lan Di murders his father and takes the “mirror” his father was protecting. Ryo is determined to find the truth behind his father’s murder, but soon finds himself getting stuck in a war between the underground organizations…. Traveling from Yokosuka to Hong Kong, Ryo’s long journey begins!”
They also released a trailer for the series:
The English cast includes Scott Gibbs, Natalie Rial, Cat Thomas, Jeremy Gee, Greg Ayres, Bryson Baugus, Luci Christian, Christine Auten, Cody House, Joe Daniels, and Austin Tindle who will voice the protagonist Ryo Hazuki. He will share the role with Japanese voice actor Masaya Matsukaze.
Darth Vader’s Mythos Statue Is An Intense Tribute To The Dark Lord
With the way Disney is going with Star Wars, we’ll probably never get to see Darth Vader to super badass evil stuff anymore. Everyone character now has to have some sort of overly sympathetic arc.
Do you know what was great about Vader in the OT? He was dedicated to carrying out the Emporer’s will right until the point where his son was being tortured. There were tiny moments of hesitation prior, but not an entire storyline about Vader hand-raising womp rats while on vacation on Tatooine.
Thankfully, Sideshow Collectibles is still producing items that pay tribute to why Vader and other classic Star Wars characters were engrained in pop culture prior to Mickey getting all molesty with the franchise.
The Darth Vader Mythos statue is a sight to behold. The Exclusive Edition adds multiple interchangeable heads and a flaming lightsaber blade. The statue stands at almost 25″ tall and is priced at $650. It can be pre-ordered now for a Q1 2023 release date.
The Darth Vader Mythos Statue features a fully sculpted costume recreating both the intricate hardware of his cybernetic life support systems and the dynamic, flowing movement of his windswept robes and cape. Detailed tatters and tears in his black uniform reveal the burns he sustained during his most fateful duel as well as the mechanical limbs he was gifted with by his new master, Darth Sidious. Darth Vader’s robes also feature striking paint applications that reflect the glow of the flames and the red lightsaber in the figure, adding depth and dimension to the scene.
The Exclusive Edition of the Darth Vader Mythos Statue includes an additional third portrait with a cracked helmet, exposing just a sliver of the man beneath the mask and showcasing the villain’s duality. The powerful Sith Lord also includes a swap-out lightsaber blade designed with a flamelike effect, adding drama and danger to this formidable weapon. Unleash the Emperor’s most lethal protégé in your collection with these exclusive display options.
What do you think of this statue of the dark lord? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Source: Sideshow Collectibles]
NECA’s Next Universal Monsters Turtle is Hunchback Leonardo
Who helped create the FrankenRaph we saw last year? Why Hunchback Leonardo, of course! Based on the common interpretation of Ygor, this newest Universal Monsters mashup with TMNT brings us a creepy-looking figure with a lot of detail.
The Hunchback Leo will be arriving before Halloween. He can be pre-ordered now through Entertainment Earth and should start shipping in June 2022.
NECA is thrilled to announce a new addition to its Universal Monsters x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure collection. The line pays tribute to the world’s most famous turtles and Universal’s icons of horror. Leonardo as The Hunchback reimagines the Turtle as Ygor, faithful assistant to the great Dr. Frankenstein… Or so he would have you believe! For this menacing mastermind has nefarious plans inside even more nefarious plans, and he doesn’t even need to hide them up his sleeve – there’s plenty of space on his back!
Ygor (or Igor) has become a generic term for a deformed henchman. However, this version of the character looks to be based on Bela Lugosi as he appeared in Son of Frankenstein. However, the teeth, beard, and eyebrows give it away.
Personally, I think Leo’s design is better than Raph’s. Plus, the added shelf space under Leo’s shell is clever and pretty unnerving. Using his shelf as a sheath for his katanas is appropriately disgusting. Adding the spider in there, too, was a nice touch. Bravo, NECA.
Since we’ve got two characters based in the same film series, does that mean Mikey and Donnie will also be connected, or will they be partnered up for a different classic Universal Monster movie?
What are your predictions for where the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Universal Monsters line will go next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Source: NECA]
[Source: Entertainment Earth]
Halo Infinite’s Store Prices Were Too Darn High! How About Now?
Even before Halo Infinite‘s official launch date, gamers complained about the prices in the game’s shop. Armor sets, emblems, and other cosmetics carried price tags ranging from $5 to $20+. Yes, nearly twenty dollars for an armor set that may be a palette swap of something you’ve already unlocked.
Jerry Hook, 343’s Head of Design, recently came out to assure players that pricing in the shop would change. This came a bit after 343 announced an increase in the amount of experience gained per match.
We’ve been monitoring the discussions on the Shop, bundles, and pricing closely since launch. Using data and community feedback, we’re going to begin rolling out changes to how we package and price items in @Halo Infinite – and it all starts next week.
— jerry hook (@hookscourt) January 15, 2022
Starting Tuesday, the Shop experience will vary week-to-week. We are focused on reducing pricing across the board, providing stronger values in our bundles, starting to put individual items outside of bundles, and more.
— jerry hook (@hookscourt) January 15, 2022
As it stands right now, here is what you get when you use real money to buy credits:
Once I unlocked all of the levels for the Heroes of Reach Battle Pass, I stopped playing the game. Reach is my favorite Halo title, and I had no reason to continue unlocking the standard cosmetics once I got the armor I wanted. Almost $10 for an emblem and trinket only I can really see while playing was hilariously absurd. I am certainly not the target audience for microtransactions.
If a game is going to have multiple tiers, 100 of them, for me to unlock, then the points I acquire should be based on my or my team’s performance during a match. For example, Griding for hours to unlock a piece of shoulder armor that looks slightly different than the default armor isn’t doing crap for my experience.
Locking hundreds of cosmetic items behind both “experience” and paywalls is a significant turnoff for players like me. The only way aside from playing several back-to-back matches to level up came in the form of challenges that would require players to perform a certain number of kills or earn certain badges with specific weapons. Yawn.
What do you think of the state of Halo’s cosmetics store? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Twitter]
Super7’s Ultimates Lines Welcomes Wrestling Legend Andre The Giant
Clad in his yellow trunks for the Hulk Hogan days, Andre the Giant is ready to toss other Super7 Ultimates toys out of the ring. Standing 8″ tall and weighing in at 16oz, André the Giant is imposing even if action figure form.
Like other figures in the Ultimates line, Andrew comes with lots of articulation and interchangeable parts. He is priced at $55, similar to others in the collection, and will be shipping out in the Fall of 2022.
Making his way to the ring, from Grenoble in the French Alps, weighing in at 476 lbs, he is the 8th Wonder Of The World… ANDRE THE GIANT! The 7’2″ legend makes his way back to the Super7 ULTIMATES! line with his third made-to-order action figure! Andre The Giant wrestled all over the globe, but this time around, Super7 pays tribute to his time on the grandest stage of them all. In 1986, Andre outlasted 19 men in a 20-Man Battle Royal, reminding everyone on the entire roster that he was still a force to be reckoned with.
The 8th Wonder of the World comes with the following accessories:
- 2x Interchangeable heads
- Neutral head
- Grimacing head
- 8x Interchangeable hands
- 2x Gripping hands
- 2x Chopping hands
- 2x Fist Hands
- 2x Open hands
- 1x Beer can
André René Roussimoff was truly larger than life. In stature and personality, the giant from France was an icon in the wrestling world. But, sadly, the genetics that helped him gain fame was also detrimental to his health and overall quality of life. I met André by chance at an airport not long before he passed away. When he shook my hand, I was in awe of André’s size and his gracious nature towards fans even though he was in immense pain. Thank you, Andre, for all you gave.
What do you think of this 8″ tall representation of André, the Giant? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Source: Super7]
Blow Bubbles With Super7’s Universal Monsters Retro Super Soapies
The artists at Super7 sure do know how to scratch that itch for those of us who love ’60s Universal Monsters memorabilia. The Wolfman, Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and others were undergoing a bit of a resurgence during the 1960s and 1970s. This period in history led to a slew of now highly valued toys hitting the market.
The Creature From the Black Lagoon, Frankenstein [sic], the Metaluna Mutant, and the Wolf Man are ready to help you have a childish good time. Not only do these little figures glow in the dark, but they are also filled with a soap solution and bubble wand. Yes, you can have a bit of adolescent fun by blowing bubbles with these novelties.
For me, though, I’d keep them on a shelf after emptying the soap. They glow in the dark! Put that gimmick on anything retro, and I’ll buy it. Each Super Soapie monster is priced at $20 and stands at 10″ tall.
It escaped the Zagon bombardment of Metaluna, and the Metaluna Mutant is bringing you some nostalgic bubbly goodness! Modeled after the novelty bubble bath bottles of the 1960s, this 10” glow-in-the-dark Metaluna Mutant Super Soapies bottle holds 15oz of soapy solution for blowing bubbles using the wand attached to the screw-off top. Add the glow of classic sci-fi nostalgia to your home with Metaluna Mutant Super Soapies!
Now emerging from the depths of the Amazon: the glow-in-the-dark The Creature from the Black Lagoon Super Soapies!
You won’t have to be reminded to clean behind your neck-bolts… er… ears when you’re bathing by the light of the glow-in-the-dark Frankenstein Super Soapies!
You won’t have to wait for the glow of a full moon to enjoy the glow-in-the-dark Wolf Man Super Soapies!
What do you think of the return of the Super Soapies? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Super7]
Beast Wars II Leo Prime Model Kit Look Ferocious
It’s an obscure blast from the past for those who were eagerly following all things Transformers-related in the late 1990s. Leo Prime, or Lion Convoy, is joining Flame Toy’s Furai Model line with an impressive representation of one of the criminally under-acknowledged versions of the heroic leader.
Even if you’ve not seen Beast Wars II, there’s no mistaking that this guy is a version or descendant of our classic Optimus Prime. The head is near identical, and the color scheme is near identical to the G1 counterpart. The only difference is that this guy has a different Autobot symbol and is a bit more … regal?
The model kit does not transform into beast mode, unfortunately. However, it looks like it really could.
The 26th series of Furai Model is the Leo Prime Model Kit! Standing at approximately 7 inches in height, this is a modernized and shape-optimized Leo Prime. With over 50 movable joints, you are able to set the finished figure in any pose easily.
The model kit is made of hard plastic ABS & PE, it will be good for professional model kit users to make their own coloring Leo Prime. The model also comes with a cloth cape! The joints are made of soft plastic so they will have a stable movable performance.
Not familiar with Beast Wars II? I don’t blame you. It was an anime series that launched in 1998. I was only roughly familiar with Leo Convoy based on screencaps in some magazines. Occasionally you’d see bootleg a BWII bootleg VHS at a convention. Now, thanks to YouTube, you can easily find the anime with English dubs.
Now, I’ve not watched all 43 episodes of this one-season show. It’s certainly a step in a different direction from what fans of G1 and Beast Wars are used to. Of course, that being good or bad is entirely subjective. To me, the most appealing thing is Leo Prime’s robot mode.
What do you think of Beast Wars II and this new model kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]
