‘The Dungeon of Black Company’ is an isekai manga by Yōhei Yasumura about a real estate agent who gets transported to a fantasy world. It began publishing in December 2016 through Mag Garden and has been translated into English by Seven Seas Entertainment.
With it is popularity, it is no wonder that the Japanese animation studio Silver Link would adapt into an anime that was released in July 2019. Funimation recently acquired the distribution rights for a North American release and with it an announcement for an English voice cast.
“Ready to be transported to another world, but instead of being a hero, you’re just…stuck doing hard labor? That’s right, The Dungeon of Black Company English dub is on its way to Funimation,” they wrote in a press release. “Episode 1 of The Dungeon of Black Company English dub will be streaming on Funimation, and you won’t want to miss this comedy fantasy take on isekai.”
They continue, “The series stars English voice actors Christopher Escalante (Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU) as protagonist Kinji Ninomiya, Katelyn Barr (My Hero Academia) as Rim, and Stephen Sanders (Golden Kamuy) as Wanibe.”
The series also stars Monica Rial as the narrator, Sarah Roach as Belza, Jim Foronda as Goblin Boss, Cris George as Rim (Dragon), Ian Sinclair as Saruyama, as well as R Bruce Elliot (Skeleton Senpai). Dallas Reid will serve as ADR Director.
You can check out the trailer:
According to the premise, “Kinji Ninomiya is a NEET who has amassed enough money through real-estate investment to fund a penthouse lifestyle without ever having to work. This changes when a portal suddenly transports him to a fantasy world where he quickly ends up enslaved to a mining company extracting crystals from a dungeon. Desperate for a way out of this new poverty, Kinji tries to regain financial stability by any means necessary, gathering himself an unusual adventuring party – the titular black company – in the process.”
‘The Dungeon of Black Company’ English Dub Announced By Funimation
Clint Eastwood Discusses Filming ‘Cry Macho’ At 91
At 91, Clint Eastwood is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to making movies. He is currently in the process of directing, producing, and starring in ‘Cry Macho,’ a film based on the 1975 novel by author N. Richard Nash.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the film is set in 1979 and follows “Mike Milo (Eastwood), a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder who takes a job from an ex-boss to bring the man’s young son home from Mexico. Forced to take the backroads on their way to Texas, the unlikely pair face an unexpectedly challenging journey, during which the world-weary horseman finds unexpected connections and his own sense of redemption.”
Eastwood told EW, “It’s about a man who has been through some hard times in his life and then unexpectedly another challenge is brought to the foreground.”
“He would normally never do it but he is a man of his word. He follows through. And it starts his life over again,” he said, calling it an “uplifting and poignant drama.”
They also released a trailer for the film, due to be released on September 17, 2021.
This is not the first time the novel was to get a film adaption. Previously titled ‘Macho,’ Nash originally wrote the screenplay, but it failed to be optioned as a movie, so he retooled the script into a novel. It had several failed attempts at producing a movie with various stars attached including Roy Scheider, Burt Lancaster, and Pierce Brosnan.
In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was attached to star in the movie with Albert S. Ruddy producing. The movie was delayed after Schwarzenegger’s election to governor of California and was ultimately canceled following his 2011 scandal.
Nash told the Orlando Sentinel, “I had a screenplay called Macho that no one wanted. It occurred to me to do a quick novelization. I got a $10,000 advance and completed it as Cry Macho in two weeks. It got surprisingly good reviews and the instant they appeared, three studios, all of which had rejected the screenplay, started to bid for this awful, little thing. I sold the rights to one. When they asked me to do the screenplay, I gave them what they had rejected — didn’t change a word — and they loved it!”
Scott Snyder Breaks Down His New Comic Book Imprint
“Batman: Court of the Owls” writer Scott Snyder has been busy since the conclusion of the DC Comics story-arc “Death Metal.” He is not only working with Image Comics on ‘Undiscovered Country’ and Dark Horse on ‘Nocterra,’ but he is also launching his own imprint Best Jackett Press which has an exclusive deal with Amazon and Comixology.
He recently sat down with Newsarama to discuss his new comic company and what fans can expect from his imprint.
“The real excitement is about trying something new. What all of us involved want to actualize is that digital comics aren’t an arm of print where it has to be the same price point, the same size, etc. Instead, we’re customizing it for the platform,” he explained. “For example, what we’re doing with Tula, Barnstormers, we’re looking to be more serialized like a comic strip for digital. For the print edition, it might work better as a hardcover graphic novel.”
“Everything is about how to look at each book and determine how it would work best for digital, and then how it would work best for print – independent of one another. That’s what really got me in the door with Comixology, and by extension Dark Horse,” he added.
“Best Jackett Press is totally independent,” he said. “The idea of now being able to do something – to fund and help realize up-and-coming creators’ goals – is great.”
“All we’re asking is to recoup our investment, and a small percentage if it becomes the next Star Wars or something… but nothing predatory. I want to be able to pay it forward, and that’s a big part of what we’re doing at Best Jackett Press. We want to be good players in comics, and do things to push things forward and take risks,” Snyder continued.
‘We Have Demons’ is one of their originals to be released exclusively with Comixology and Amazon. It re-teams Snyder with artist Greg Capullo, who worked with Snyder during their New 52 run of ‘Batman.’
just finished WE HAVE DEMONS #3 for @GregCapullo @jonathanglapion and @DaveMcCaig and I genuinely think it's one of my favorite things I've written. I cannot wait for you to see this series, or our other Best Jackett titles. So excited. pic.twitter.com/wBUnvbXz6q
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) August 4, 2021
Funimation Reveals English Dub Cast For ‘Magatsu Wahrheit’ Anime
Based on the multiplayer RPG from KLab, the ‘Magatsu Wahrheit’ anime was developed by the Japanese animation studio Yokohama Animation Laboratory under the direction of Naoto Hosoda.
Funimation announced that all twelve episodes will arrive on their streaming service and will include the English dub version of the series.
“If fantasy action is your jam, then this one is for you. We’re excited to announce that the MAGATSU WAHRHEIT English dub is officially on its way to Funimation, and we’ve got your first details on the English cast for the series,” they explain in a press release. “Starting August 6, all 12 episodes of the MAGATSU WAHRHEIT English dub will arrive on Funimation, so if you haven’t experienced this series before or want to jump into a rewatch, it’s almost time.”
Funimation adds, “The series English voice cast includes Aleks Le (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba) as Innumael, Stephen Sanders (Golden Kamuy) as Leocadio and Felecia Angelle (My Hero Academia) as Schaake!”
The cast also includes Ray Hurd as Arnold, Mark Allen Jr. as Benjamin, Cody Savoie as Claus, Billy Kametz as Conrad, and Pam Dougherty as Diet Member Marie.
You can check out the trailer:
According to Anime News Network, the synopsis of ‘Magatsu Wahrheit’ explains that “Leokadio and Inimael live in the Wahrheit Empire, which is in the process of relocating its capital. Inumael works as a carrier thinking of the beloved sister he left in his hometown, while Leokadio is a naive young soldier dreaming of his future career. Meanwhile, the empire has been destroying many creatures. It is predicted that this will lead to the return of the “light” that released ferocious monsters into the world the last time it appeared. Inumael and Leokadio are oblivious to this and to each other until a smuggling incident brings them together and changes the course of history.”
‘Girlfriend, Girlfriend’ Creator Opens Up About The Manga
‘Girlfriend, Girlfriend’ is a romantic comedy manga series published by Kodansha that has become a fan-favorite, so much so it has received an anime spin-off. Writer and illustrator Hiroyuki has been working on manga since 2004 with this series launching in March 2020.
The story follows a high school boy who begins dating a girl he has feelings for, only for another girl to confess feelings of love for him. With a lot of confusion, he decides to start dating both of them, even allowing both of them to move in with him. This creates chaos and confusion as they go about their daily lives.
Hiroyuki recently sat down with Crunchyroll, who recently licensed the anime adaption for streaming, to discuss the series and its inspiration.
When asked what inspired the show, he explained that he saw multiple shows where one girl was chosen when in situations like these. The creator said that he wanted to see what would happen if both girls ended up getting the guy.
“While discussing how we felt bad for the girls who weren’t chosen, we wondered what it would be like to write a story in which everyone could be saved,” Hiroyuki said. “Since this is a manga, I’d like to do something that can’t be done in the real world. Even though plenty of attractive girls appear in manga, having to ultimately choose only one of them feels like a wasted opportunity, so I was wondering if something could be done about that. I want to explore life’s possibilities.”
He continued, “For example, if I were in that situation, I’m not certain that I’d be 100 percent voluntarily pushing around my girlfriend. If something is even slightly possible, I want to explore it. I imagine it would be difficult, but it might also be fun. I started writing this series because I wanted to explore that concept through manga.”
“I began wondering what I personally believed would be the most interesting answer to that question. The answer I came up with was to ask the existing girlfriend if he could date both girls. Expanding on this idea ultimately led to the protagonist dating both girls,” he added.
When asked about what fans can expect from the anime, he replied, “Unlike the manga, there’s color, the characters move, and there are voices, sound effects, and music. I believe it adds depth to the series. The involvement of so many people produces movements, voices, and gestures not seen in the manga that make the characters more attractive. In that regard, I believe the anime will make viewers like the characters even more.”
‘Girlfriend, Girlfriend’ is released in the United States through Kodansha USA’s digital platform and the anime is being developed by Tezuka Productions.
You can check out the trailer here:
Funimation Announces ‘Scarlet Nexus’ Anime English Dub
Based on the video game from Bandai Namco, the anime adaption ‘Scarlet Nexus’ is produced by the Japanese anime studio Sunrise. Funimation recently announced that they have acquired the license to do an English dub of the show.
“Are you prepared to harness your psychokinetic abilities? The Scarlet Nexus English dub is officially headed to Funimation, and we’ve got the details on the confirmed cast and crew for the series,” they announced on their website. “Starting August 5, Episode 1 of the Scarlet Nexus English dub will arrive on Funimation, which means your “brainpunk” adventure is about to begin, and it’s the perfect complement to the video game of the same name!”
Funimation also announced that many of the voice cast from the video game will be returning to reprise their roles from the video game.
They add, “From studio Sunrise and director Hiroyuki Nishimura, ‘Scarlet Nexus’ is currently airing as part of the Summer 2021 anime season lineup, and new episodes can be streamed right here on Funimation.”
Check out the trailer for the anime:
The English cast includes:
- Chris Hackney as Yuito
- Erica Mendez as Kasane
- Reba Buhr as Arashi
- Chris Cason as Fubuki
- Aaron Hendricks as Gemma
- Megan Tyler Harvey as Hanabi
- Celeste Henderson as Haruka
- Charlie Campbell as Joe
- Chris Patton as Kagero
- Zeno Robinson as Kaito
- Armen Taylor as Karen
- Lauren Landa as Kyoka
- Zach Aguilar as Luka
- Griffin Burns as Nagi
- Jen Losi as Naomi
- Phillip Reich as Seto
- Phil Song as Shiden
- Xanthe Huynh as Tsugumi
- Aaron Campbell as Wataru
According to the synopsis, the anime is set “in the near future and an alternate reality where humanity develops technology and forms society based on the substances found in human brains. These substances also grant humans extrasensory superpowers. The Other Suppression Force (OSF) recruits members with supernatural abilities to protect humanity from the Others, mindless mutants descending from the Extinction Belt.”
Can Fans Get Marvel vs Capcom 2 HD Re-Released? #FREEMVC2
In 2009 the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 hosted an HD version of one of Capcom’s greatest arcade fighters Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. Sadly, as happened to quite a few titles, it was yanked from the storefronts of both consoles in 2013.
Unless you had already purchased it, you were out of luck. Now fans of the supreme crossover brawler are gathering together to ask Capcom to please re-release the title on current-gen consoles. Can enough voices #FREEMVC2?
According to Comingsoon.net, this call to action comes from Maximilian Dood.
#FREEMVC2 12 years since Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 was re-released & 7 years since it was pulled from stores & sent to digital jail. One of the most celebrated games of all time. Plz RT if you'd like MVC2 out of jail. @CapcomUSA_ @MarvelGames & @DigitalEclipse https://t.co/OPWf6YS5RD pic.twitter.com/Gdwkbdqtqq
— Maximilian Dood (@maximilian_) August 2, 2021
I had MVC2 on the Dreamcast and eventually on the original XBOX. You can still find a copy of the XBOX version online, but prices vary from $50+. That’s not quite so bad now. Before the XB360 release, that version was fetching $100+ on eBay and at Gamestop.
While both of those releases were great for the time, the XBOX Live Arcade and PS3 entries really hit the spot. The HD era made the amazing pixel animation pop, even though it also brought a few graphical oddities due to the widescreen presentation. Balancing all that out was online multiplayer!
MVC2 wasn’t the only crossover fighter that made its way onto seventh-generation consoles. During the heyday of XBOX Live Arcade, we were getting all sorts of classic arcade titles, including X-MEN, Simpsons, and a collection called Marvel vs Capcom Origins.
What are your thoughts on this fan campaign? Should Capcom re-re-release their old crossover fighting games on PC, PS5, and XBSX? Let us know in the comments.
[Source: Comingsoon.net]
April O’ Neil and Mikey Join The Power Rangers X TMNT Series
The Lightning Collection is uniting more Mighty Morphin Power Rangers with TMNT characters! Hasbro’s second set of Power Rangers X Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been announced! Yesterday it was Leo and Donnie; today, it’s April O’Neil and Michelangelo! Mikey is sporting the Yellow Ranger suit, while April is decked out as the Pink Ranger.
The action figures should be out later this year, closer to the end of 2021. They can be pre-ordered now via the Big Bad Toy Store for $54.99. Both figures sport 20 points of articulation, alternate heads, and accessories.
When the teens from Angel Grove are cut off from their powers, Michelangelo and April use the Rangers’ morphers to become the new Yellow and Pink Rangers!
This 6-inch Lightning Collection MMPR x TMNT Collab 2-pack features action figures with premium paint and decorative details inspired by the Boom! Comics crossover miniseries, with over 20 points of articulation in each figure for high poseability. Plus, swappable heads to display the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and April with Ranger helmet or without. Also includes multiple character-inspired weapon accessories, blast effect pieces, and extra pairs of hands for more ways to play or display.
Like the Leo and Donnie pack, these two also come with a few TMNT and Power Rangers accessories.
- Morphed April O’Neil figure
- 2 Head sculpts
- Video camera
- Microphone
- Bow
- Energy arrow
- Blaster
- Morphed Michelangelo figure
- 2 Head sculpts
- 2 Pairs of nunchucks
- Attack effect
It looks like my predictions were wrong. Rather than putting Raph in the Pink Ranger’s suit, it’s going to be April. Michelangelo joins here in this two-pack in the Yellow Ranger gear. So, does this mean Raph is the Red Ranger, and maybe Casey Jones will be the White or Green one? We’ll probably find out tomorrow.
If this line keeps progressing, which obscure characters from TMNT should join the ranks? Maybe some of the grosser mutants like Muck Man or Mutagen Man can morph into versions of Rita’s monsters? Which one would make for the best Goldar? Maybe a Mouser Goldar? Let us know in the comments.
Red Hood Goes Hunting For The Clown Prince Of Crime In ‘Suicide Squad: Get Joker’
Most comic book fans are familiar with the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin, at the hands of Batman’s archnemesis The Joker. While many story-arcs such as “Under The Red Hood” and “Three Jokers” have touched on Todd getting vengeance, DC Comics Black Label is gearing up for another.
In the three-part ‘Suicide Squad: Get Joker,’ we find Jason Todd in Belle Reve prison due to his activities as the Red Hood, but the shadowy figure known as Amanda Waller recruits him to lead Task Force X with one mission in mind: killing the Joker. The creative team behind this “rated R” comic series includes writer Brian Azzarello and artist Alex Maleev.
“I didn’t want to use any of the characters in that team, for one thing,” he said during a press roundtable, according to Syfy Wire. “Tonally, I would say it’s pretty similar. I mean, this book’s Rated R. That’s different for a lot of DC characters… but so is the film, so tonally it’s going to be the same, or similar.”
He continued, “But like I said, I wanted to use characters that hadn’t been around in a while that I could actually do something with. You know, if you throw some characters that you’re more familiar with into the story, I think there’s no tension there, because you know they’re not going to die. The point of this book is that they could die.”
Azzarello also discussed how “unpredictable” the Joker will be leading up to the confrontation with Jason Todd.
“I think it’s always important for the Joker to look dangerous, not funny. This Joker… looks really oily, and nasty,” he explained. “He’s like a stiletto or a switchblade, if I were to pick a weapon. He’s got this look to him that he’s very sharp and angular. And I like it a lot.”
‘Suicide Squad: Get Joker’ issue one is currently available for purchase.
Amazon’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Gets A Release Date
The long-gestating Amazon Studios’ adaption of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ has officially gotten a release of September 2, 2022 where it will be available to view on Amazon Prime. The announcement came with a “first look” image.
On September 2, 2022, a new journey begins. pic.twitter.com/9tnR7WqDoA
— The Lord of the Rings on Prime (@LOTRonPrime) August 2, 2021
“Filming of Season One completed today in New Zealand,” Amazon said in a press release. “The new epic drama brings to screens for the very first time J.R.R. Tolkien’s fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. Beginning in a time of relative peace, thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth.”
Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios said, “The journey begins September 2, 2022 with the premiere of our original The Lord of the Rings series on Prime Video.”
She continued, “I can’t express enough just how excited we all are to take our global audience on a new and epic journey through Middle-earth! Our talented producers, cast, creative, and production teams have worked tirelessly in New Zealand to bring this untold and awe-inspiring vision to life.”
Executive producers J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay expressed their own enthusiasm for the upcoming fantasy project.
“As Bilbo says, ‘Now I think I am quite ready to go on another journey.’ Living and breathing Middle-earth these many months has been the adventure of a lifetime. We cannot wait for fans to have the chance to do so as well,” they said in a joint statement.
Members of the cast include Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Owain Arthur, Maxim Baldry, Nazanin Boniadi, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Ema Horvath, Markella Kavenagh, Joseph Mawle, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, and Sara Zwangobani.
