The 2013 urban fantasy manga ‘Isekai Shokudou’ has been published in English as ‘Restaurant to Another World’ by Seven Seas Entertainment since June 18, 2019. It is written by Junpei Inuzuka and is published by the Japanese magazine Shufunotomo. Its popularity led to an anime adaption in 2017, which kicked off its second season titled ‘Restaurant to Another World 2’ in 2021 after a four-year hiatus.
Funimation announced on their website that they had acquired the rights to produce an English dub that will stream to their app for North American audiences.
“Order up! We’re excited to announce that the Restaurant to Another World 2 English dub is officially headed to Funimation as part of the Fall 2021 anime season lineup,” they explained on their website. “Episode 1 of the Restaurant to Another World 2 English dub arrives on Funimation, returning us all to the fantasy isekai world where the patrons are mythical creatures and beasts of all kinds—and the food is delectable.”
“The English cast of the series includes Christopher R. Sabat (Dragon Ball Super, My Hero Academia) as Chef, Jill Harris (The Quintessential Quintuplets, SSSS.GRIDMAN) as Aletta and Monica Rial (Dragon Ball Super, Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!) as Kuro,” Funimation said.
The rest of the cast includes Corinne Sudberg as Alicia, Charlie Campbell as Artorius, Marcus D. Stimac as Captain, Tyson Rinehart as Gaganpo, Trisha Nishimura as Hilda, Jeremy Inman as Lionel, and Xanthe Huynh as Ranija. Caitlin Glass will serve as ADR Director.
You can check out the trailer here:
MyAnimeList describes the synopsis:
“In Tokyo lies a small restaurant called “Western Cuisine Nekoya,” ordinary in every way―save one. Every Saturday, its door connects to another world! Follow along as a cavalcade of curious guests from half-elves to samurais, dragons, halflings and vampires enter its premises, all with the same goal in mind: to fill their stomachs with the most mouth-watering of foods.”
Funimation Announces ‘Restaurant to Another World’ Season 2 English Dub Announced
Funimation Releases ‘My Senpai is Annoying’ English Dub
The “slice of life” romantic comedy manga ‘My Senpai is Annoying’ is written by Shiro Manta and released through the Japanese publishing company Ichijinsha. It originally hit stores in 2017 and continues its run. In 2021, it was picked up for an anime adaption by the animation studio Doga Kobo and directed by Ryota Itoh. Funimation announced that they were premiering an English dub of the anime.
“Talk about work-life balance! We’re excited to announce that the My Senpai is Annoying English dub is officially on its way to Funimation, and we’ve got your details on the series cast, crew and more,” Funimation said in their initial announcement. “Episode 1 of the My Senpai is Annoying English dub will arrive on Funimation, so if you haven’t met Futaba, Takeda-senpai and the rest of the office crew just yet, you’re about to get the perfect chance.”
They continued, “The English voice cast for the series includes Risa Mei (Kakushigoto, SHADOWS HOUSE) as Futaba Igarashi and Patrick Seitz (My Hero Academia, Kemono Jihen) as Harumi Takeda.
The show also stars Kenny James as Chief, Luis Bermudez as Hijikata, Mark Allen Jr. as Kazama, Austin Sisk as Ooishi, Jennifer AuBuchon as Sakurai, and Madeleine Morris as Tsukishiro. Jerry Jewell is serving as the ADR Director.
You can check out the trailer here:
MyAnimeList describes the synopsis:
“At a certain trading company, saleswoman Futaba Igarashi has managed to hold her respectable job for almost two years thanks to the guidance of her senior coworker—Harumi Takeda. However, due to Igarashi’s short stature, Takeda often teases her and treats her like a kid, leaving Igarashi constantly annoyed by his antics.
Despite this, Igarashi notices Takeda’s reliability as he is always ready to help whenever something at their workplace goes awry. As Igarashi and Takeda spend more time together, their relationship soon develops further than simply being coworkers at the office.”
New Casey Jones and April O’Neil From NECA, Undercover Raph From Super7
I can’t remember a time when classic TMNT, including the cartoon and movies, were so present on store shelves as they are right now. So whether you’re a fan of the original comics, the movies, or the cartoon, you can find an action figure to your liking.
Superhero Hype reported on three new figures coming out. NECA is producing two from 1990’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles while Super7 is making a new Ultimates TMNT figure.
Super7’s Ultimates line is taking advantage of the $55 price tag and is giving us a figure with a whole lot of stuff. Undercover Raph comes with the following:
- 2 Interchangeable heads
- Realistic expression
- Vintage toy-inspired expression
- 10 Interchangeable hands
- Pair of fist hands
- Pair of open hands
- Pair of grip hands (vertical hinge)
- Pair of grip hands (horizontal hinge)
- Pair of Sai gripping hands
- 2 Spy Sais
- 2 Ninja stars
- Night vision goggles
- Private eye pistol
- Super sensitive eavesdroppin’ dish
- TV Camera
- Tripod
- Meat lovers pizza slice
- Soft goods trench coat
- Surveillance spy case with stickers
I’d thought NECA had made all of the characters possible from the original Turtles film, but here we are with a new farmhouse, April and Casey Jones. Both figures come with several accessories, including multiple heads, hands, and props. April also comes with the two sketches we see her working on after the group fled the city.
What are your thoughts on these upcoming releases? Looking forward to the TMNTIII figures that you know will come out sooner or later? Let us know in the comments.
[Source: Superhero Hype]
NECA To Release More of Comic Books’ Original Superheroes
NECA first gave us action figures of Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and Ming the Merciless earlier this year with the Defenders of the Earth version. Each figure sported its costumes and uniforms from the ’80s cartoon. However, for the King Features purists out there, we want comic-accurate heroes and villains.
The trio is back in January, but this time decked out like they’re coming right off the classic comic strips. While The Phantom isn’t too different aside from the striped undies, Ming and Flash are different. Each hero and the legendary villain come with multiple weapons, interchangeable hands, and heads.
Introducing THE ORIGINAL SUPERHEROES line of figures — NECA’s loving tribute to the classic giants of comic books and pop culture! Series 1 includes King Features characters from long-running comic strips that went on to influence the world of superheroes. It includes Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and Ming the Merciless. Each 7″ scale action figure has over 30 points of articulation.
The Phantom features glow-in-the-dark eyes and includes interchangeable hands, two handguns, two detachable muzzle flashes, whip, and Oath Skull. Flash and Ming include interchangeable heads and hands, a laser blaster with two detachable effects, and a sword that fits into a sheath on the belt.
The trio can be pre-ordered right now at the Big Bad Toy Store for $109.99. If you’re looking for only one or two, check out Target come January. These guys are usually priced between $29-32, depending on inflation. Yup, inflation has kicked us, collectors, right in the balls.
What other classic comic book heroes should NECA produce next? I’d personally love a Shadow figure or even someone more recent like The Maxx or a new Judge Dredd. Let us know in the comments.
[Source: NECA]
New ‘Stranger Things’ Teaser Shows Lots Of Action, Little Horror
The evil that was unleashed in Hawkins is heading West. Netflix dropped a teaser trailer for the fourth season of Stranger Things. It may also signal a departure from the show’s horror roots judging by what unfolds in the video below. There’s minimal horror but a lot of action as the series moves its setting to California.
The previous teasers were heavily focused on the horror aspects the show is well known for. How much of the story will take place on the West Coast? Will the action/spy/thriller stuff be as offputting as it was in the third season? We’ll find out soon enough.
The tone of the footage we’ve seen so far does point to something darker. Unfortunately, while the first and second seasons had their fair share of deeply depressing and frightening things, the third season lost its footing. I’m not sure exactly what was to blame. Maybe it was the gigantic cast or the silly underground Super Russian Science Complex (TM). Regardless, I really hope the Duffers pull it back together.
welcome to world of STRANGER THINGS. where are you going first??? #strangerthingsday pic.twitter.com/HBLN6sajjl
— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) November 6, 2021
Stranger Things holds a special place in my heart. During the first season, Netflix invited me out to do a set visit. I met all the kids and remembered a weird energy surrounding the entire production. The Duffers didn’t know it at the time, but they’d captured lightning in a bottle that would help Netflix’s in-house productions skyrocket to major success.
Check out my interviews with Millie Bobby Brown and the rest of the crew below.
What do you think of the hit Netflix series? Is it time for things to come to a close? Should it continue for several more seasons? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
[Source: Netflix]
A First Time Ever ‘Precious Moments’ TV Series is in the Works
There’s been a lot of uncertainty in the world over recent years. One company is hoping to help bring some love, joy, and hope to the world with a brand new first-ever tv series based on the art style and messaging of the Precious Moments brand. Previously, there’s been a series of half hour specials that aired in the 1990s, with the first one being a Christmas special called “Timmy’s Gift” from 1991.
Timmy’s Gift: A Precious Moments Christmas
Cyber Group Studios is developing Precious Moments, an animated comedy and adventure series for children ages 4-6. Scott and Julie Stewart (Kate & Mim-Mim) will be creating 52 11 minute episodes with the plan to also create four 30-60 minute holiday specials.
According to the website description, Precious Moments follows the adventures of 8-year-old Hope and her adorable pet hamster, Sammy, as they work together to help make the children of Heartspring’s precious moments come true. With an abundance of comedy and heart, thoughtful undertones of mindfulness and plenty of fun, action-packed moments, Precious Moments features diverse characters and strong messages of inclusiveness. The series underscores the Precious Moments brand’s core values of loving, caring, sharing, and kindness via stories that emphasize sharing feelings, overcoming fears and anxieties, and more.
Pierre Sissmann, Chairman & CEO of Cyber Group Studios, and Karen K. Miller, President & CEO of Cyber Group Studios USA, both say, “Precious Moments embodies values that have been embraced and celebrated by families for generations. After a very challenging year for all of us, we have a wonderful opportunity to create a series that delivers magical and heartwarming moments with endearing characters who will bring so much joy to viewers of all ages around the world”
“We are thrilled to be working with Cyber Group Studios and a team of thoughtful writers and artists to bring the Precious Moments brand to a new generation of children,” said Shehnaz Safiuddin, Vice President of Product and Marketing, Precious Moments, Inc. “Our updated art style and entertainment content are sure to captivate young audiences while fostering feelings of nostalgia among parents and grandparents.”
The Precious Moments brand, best known for its signature range of collectible porcelain figurines with distinctive teardrop-shaped eyes that help celebrate milestones and special occasions in people’s lives, has been a best-selling range of the gift business for over four decades. The public was first introduced to Precious Moments in 1975 by then 36-year-old illustrator Samuel John Butcher. It began as inspirational greeting cards and posters. In 1978 the first Precious Moments figurines came out, and it quickly became a very sought after collection.
The very first 21 Precious Moments figurines:
Cyber Group Studios is a leading producer and distributor of animated series and a developer of global entertainment brands for children and families worldwide. Founded in 2005 and employing around 150 people, the company has set its headquarters in Paris, two production studios in Paris and Roubaix (France), an office in Los Angeles (USA) and strategic partnerships in Russia and China.
The company mixes various animation styles, switching back and forth between 2D, CG, a mix of 2D and CG, a mix of CG and live action, and real-time animation.
Here are some other shows that have come from Cyber Group Studios:
Zak Jinks (2018):
Taffy (2017):
Sadie Sparks (2019):
Check out more of what Cyber Groups Studios has by going to their website or their Youtube channel.
Did you or a member of your family ever have a Precious Moments figurine or two? Let us know!
The Ghostbusters: Afterlife Proton Pack Has Been Fully Funded!
We did it! The Ghostbusters: Afterlife proton pack has been crowdfunded … on a website run by a multi-billion-dollar toy company. Yeah, I have issues with this kind of thing, but at the same time, I’m glad people came out in droves to get a 1:1 replica on the market for a reasonable price.
How is that issue solved? Stretch goals! Yup. So, if the campaign falls short on backers, then we’ll be left with only a half-realized prop. At least Mattel had the foresight to include a means of connecting their wand to a pack that never materialized.
- We’re making history with this movie-inspired prop replica, scanned directly from the Ghostbusters: Afterlife Proton Pack hero prop! (Yes, Sony Pictures Consumer Products let us play with the real thing!)
- Out-of-this-world tech features lights, sounds, AND a motor for active roleplay and re-creating iconic scenes!
- Two modes of play include lights and sounds from both the 1984 classic film Ghostbusters and the upcoming 2021 Ghostbusters: Afterlife movie. Did we use supernatural sorcery? Nope, we just included a switch!
- Modular and lightweight, this scientific wonder is the closest you can get to strapping a real nuclear particle accelerator to your back (and much less dangerous)!
- Have we mentioned that this Proton Pack is compatible with the Ghostbusters Plasma Series Spengler’s Neutrona Wand (sold separately)? Because it is! The Proton Pack features a metal V-hook bracket that connects to the metal V-hook bracket on the bottom of the Neutrona Wand. So level up your cosplay game by stowing your wand on your pack. When you’re not actively bustin’ ghosts!
- Scary good screen-accurate details include the booster, power cell injectors, bumper, shock mount, and more! Oh, and yeah, you can open the cyclotron and explore its inner workings for the very first time. Seriously, if you don’t fund this Ghostbusters HasLab project it may be a decision that haunts you forever!
- The Plasma Series Spengler’s Proton Pack was designed to be compatible with the ALICE system LC-1 Field Pack Frame and includes connection hardware.
Another positive is that the motherboard of the pack has holes for an ALICE pack. You can find these things easily at army surplus stores and websites. They’re pretty inexpensive, running about $50-$75.
[Source: Hasbro Pulse]
Sofia Boutella Joins Zack Snyder’s Netflix Film ‘Rebel Moon’
‘Star Trek Beyond’ actress Sofia Boutella joins the cast of Zack Snyder’s announced Netflix science fiction film ‘Rebel Moon.’ She is the first confirmed casting for the movie, which Snyder is writing with Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad.
Netflix celebrated the casting, saying in a press release, “Boutella came to be known for her break out turn in the hit franchise film The Kingsman. She went on to star in Universal’s The Mummy with Tom Cruise, Atomic Blonde alongside Charlize Theron, Ramin Bahrini’s Fahrenheit 451 for HBO and A24’s Climax for Gaspar Noé. She can currently be seen in Wyatt Rockefeller’s feature debut Settlers for IFC.”
The synopsis for the film is described as, “Boutella came to be known for her break out turn in the hit franchise film The Kingsman. She went on to star in Universal’s The Mummy with Tom Cruise, Atomic Blonde alongside Charlize Theron, Ramin Bahrini’s Fahrenheit 451 for HBO and A24’s Climax for Gaspar Noé. She can currently be seen in Wyatt Rockefeller’s feature debut Settlers for IFC.”
“This is me growing up as an Akira Kurosawa fan, a Star Wars fan,” Snyder told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s my love of sci-fi and a giant adventure. My hope is that this also becomes a massive IP and a universe that can be built out.”
“I’ve spent the last two or three years building out this universe. Every corner has to be painted in. I’ve been doing designs, constantly drawing and really cultivating its fertile ground to make this world fully realized,” he added. “I’ve been working on this on the side for so long, it’s pretty far along.”
‘Rebel Moon’ is part of the first-look deal between Netflix and Snyder’s Stone Quarry production company. Previously, they had released the zombie film ‘Army of the Dead’ and its prequel ‘Army of Thieves.’
Sofia Boutella is also set to star in the upcoming historical miniseries ‘SAS: Rogue Heroes,’ set to be released on the BBC.
Taika Waititi To Adapt Comic Book Series ‘The Incal’ For Film
‘Thor Ragnorak’ director Taika Waititi is tackling another comic book project with the announcement that he is adaption the Humanoid graphic novel series ‘The Incal.’ The comic books were written by writer Alejandro Jodorowsky and drawn by illustrator Jean Giraud.
SyFy explains, “The series, which first kicked off in 1980, follows John Difool, a lowly detective operating in a seedy dystopian world who finds his entire life upended when he stumbles upon a mystical artifact called The Incal. This unintended discovery puts Difool in the sights of powerful enemies like Metabaron (the galaxy’s greatest warrior) and tasks him with saving all life everywhere.”
“The ideas about who we are and what makes us up … With a lot of things, the more you read something or the more you experience something, the more it unlocks and the more you know. Sometimes, I’ll re-read it and I feel like I know less. Then other times I’ll read it and I know twice as much more or I’ll see something else that unlocks, so it’s always changing for me. But in a good way,” Waititi explained in an announcement video.
On the protagonist, he said, “He doesn’t really know what he’s doing, he looks like an idiot because he’s got that big piece of gauze over his nose and stuff. He’s sort of bumbling his way through this thing and I just love the idea of someone who has no idea what he’s doing in his life [who] is then being charged with saving the universe.”
“Imagine how I feel, that someone other than me will film The Incal,” joked Jodorowsky. “If I were 40-years-old, I would be enraged! Depressed, as if it were stolen from me … But now that I’m 92-years-old, I’m not in any condition to make this huge epic.”
Humanoids began publishing ‘The Incal’ in 1980 and would have a series of spin-offs that developed what many fans call the “Metabarons Universe.”
Oculus to Lose The Facebook-Required Login Next Year, Maybe?
If you were concerned about purchasing an Oculus Quest because it would require creating or attaching an existing Facebook account, you wouldn’t have to … next year. However, Ars Technica reports that backlash and other branding concerns may have forced the social media giant to rethink its connectivity strategy.
Facebook’s VP of VR, Andrew Bosworth, posted a lengthy message on October 28th detailing why the company was moving away from linked accounts on Oculus Quest. The important takeaway was the following, “As we’ve focused more on work, and as we’ve heard feedback from the VR community more broadly, we’re working on new ways to log into Quest that won’t require a Facebook account, landing sometime next year. This is one of our highest priority areas of work internally.”
Why should we care if a Facebook login is required? Well, suppose you’re someone who has lost their account either due to unauthorized access or being banned under the company’s arbitrarily enforced rules. In that case, you can and will lose access to all purchases made on the Oculus Quest’s storefront.
Two years ago, someone had a major issue with me and reported every public post on Facebook, most of which were tepid memes about politicians or societal matters. Somehow, these well-known memes were worthy of multiple warnings and an eventual ban. Yup, I lost my account because someone reported everything that was publically available on my account. Facebook just did it and refused to reinstate my account or even elaborate on how PG-rated memes about Hilary Clinton violated anything in the TOS.
This would be the same issue if Oculus were to require a YouTube or Twitter login. Access to things we’ve purchased should not be restricted due to our online behavior. Imagine every digital purchase you’ve made suddenly vanishing because some thin-skinned moderator took issue with your Let’s Go Brandon meme.
