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Anime Rom-Com ‘Rent-A-Girlfriend’ Enters Its Third Season With An English Dub

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The anime romantic comedy ‘Rent-A-Girlfriend’ has returned in July 2023 for a third season which will have twelve episodes. Directed by Shinya Une, the show is produced by TMS Entertainment with Crunchyroll acquiring the license to stream it in the United States. They have also announced that they are producing an English dub.

Crunchyroll announced the voice cast on their website:

  • Kazuya voiced by Aleks Le (Mash in MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES)
  • Chizuru voiced by Lizzie Freeman (Chisato in Lycoris Recoil)
  • Mini voiced by Lisette Monique Diaz (Jahy in The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated!)
  • Kibe voiced by Nicolas Roye
  • Kuri voiced by Landon McDonald
  • Teppei voiced by Sean Letourneau
  • Ruka voiced by Sarah Williams
  • Jerry Jewell will join as the ADR Director and Colleen Clinkenbeard as the producer.

‘Rent-A-Girlfriend’ is based on the rom-com manga from Reiji Miyajima which is published by Kodansha.

You can watch the trailer below:

MyAnimeList describes the synopsis as follows,

“Kazuya Kinoshita is a 20-year-old college student who has a wonderful girlfriend: the bright and sunny Mami Nanami. But suddenly, he doesn’t. Without warning, Mami breaks up with him, leaving him utterly heartbroken and lonely. Seeking to soothe the pain, he hires a rental girlfriend through an online app. His partner is Chizuru Mizuhara, who through her unparalleled beauty and cute demeanor, manages to gain Kazuya’s affection.

But after reading similar experiences other customers had had with Chizuru, Kazuya believes her warm smile and caring personality were all just an act to toy with his heart, and he rates her poorly. Aggravated, Chizuru lambastes him for his shameless hypocrisy, revealing her true pert and hot-tempered self. This one-sided exchange is cut short, however, when Kazuya finds out that his grandmother has collapsed.

They dash toward the hospital and find Kazuya’s grandmother already in good condition. Baffled by Chizuru’s presence, she asks who this girl might be. On impulse, Kazuya promptly declares that they are lovers, forcing Chizuru to play the part. But with Kazuya still hung up on his previous relationship with Mami, how long can this difficult client and reluctant rental girlfriend keep up their act?”

‘Rent-A-(Really Shy!)-Girlfriend’ is a spin-off manga also written by Reiji Miyajima that began publication in 2021.

‘Reign of the Seven Spellblades’ English Voice Cast Unsheathed

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‘Reign of the Seven Spellblades’ is a fantasy light novel series written by Bokuto Uno, illustrated by Ruria Miyuki, and published by ASCII Media Works since 2018. J.C. Staff premiered an anime adaption directed by Masato Matsune in July 2023. Crunchyroll acquired the license to debut it in the United States on their streaming service and announced they are producing an English dub.

Crunchyroll revealed the cast on their website:

  • Oliver voiced by Drew Breedlove (Bachira in BLUELOCK)
  • Nanao voiced by Veronica Laux (Destra in The Fruit of Evolution)
  • Katie voiced by Jill Harris (Noelle in Black Clover)
  • Guy voiced by Matthew Elkins (Satoru in Natsume’s Book of Friends)
  • Chela voiced by Sara Ragsdale (May in BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense.)
  • Pete voiced by Lexi Nieto (Tomo in Tomo-chan Is a Girl!)
  • Esmeralda voiced by Krystal LaPorte
  • Garland voiced by John Burgmeier
  • Teresa voiced by Nia Celeste
  • Chloe voiced by Alexis Tipton
  • Mackley voiced by Kayla Parker

Jonathon Rigg is working on the project as the ADR Director.

You can watch the trailer below:

MyAnimeList describes the synopsis as follows,

“In the world of magic, there exist deadly irreversible techniques commonly known as spellblades. These sparse and elusive spells, along with their casters, are shrouded in mystery and only their absolute lethality is known to the masses.

Every year, the spring blossom signifies a new intake of students to the prestigious magic school Kimberly. With reactions of awe and bewilderment, a ceremonious parade complete with magical beasts welcomes the newcomers to the institution. Among them is the mysterious Oliver Horn, whose indifference changes to fascination as he notices a peculiar figure—a girl wearing strange attire equipped with a Japanese sword.

From the entrance ceremony onward, Oliver realizes that not all is as it seems at Kimberly, as the emergence of labyrinths, monsters, and other threats endanger the new student body. Nanatsu no Maken ga Shihai suru explores the intertwined fates of two warriors as they uncover the dark truths that lurk within the walls of the academy.”

The Japanese publisher Kadokawa Shoten released a manga version of the series which is brought to North America by Yen Press.

Sentai Filmworks Announces August 2023 DVD Release Slate

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Sentai Filmworks announced that they will be releasing several of their licensed anime on home video. There will be isekai, fantasy, and musical series included with the DVDs. This time around, the releases will not include any dubs but will be released in their original Japanese audio with English subtitles.

They revealed the slate on their website:

VERMEIL IN GOLD

“Magic student Alto Goldfield isn’t having much luck at summoning, but it’s required to advance to the next grade. Then he chances upon an old grimoire and summons a lot more than he anticipated – a very beautiful and naked demon girl named Vermeil! The good news: she’s willing to become his familiar! Unfortunately, she also wants to “bond” in another way, live off his mana, and isn’t crazy about wearing clothes. This is probably going to get awkward, but in a school where the bullies have dragons, could it hurt to have a familiar who can kick a dragon’s tail? Welcome to Demon keeping 101, where, with any luck, Alto will hopefully survive summoning VERMEIL IN GOLD!”

SHINEPOST

“When the idol group TiNgS is summoned to their company president’s office, they’re shocked to learn that they’re going to be disbanded unless they can sell out a major concert in one month! However, to help reach that goal, they’re getting a new personal manager to help turn their attendance around. Except…their new manager doesn’t know this yet and doesn’t even want to manage Idol groups anymore! But are Tamaki, Nabatame, and Seibu going to go down without a fight? Nope, not even if it means exploring other options like selling tickets at competitors’ concerts. Meanwhile, their new manager has a secret special talent of his own that might just save the day in SHINEPOST!”

THE LIFE OF BUDORI GUSUKO

“Once upon a time, when he lived in the forest with his parents and younger sister, Budori Gusuko’s life was wonderful. Then the weather began to change, the lands and forest died, and the other villagers moved away. The tragedy took Budori’s family, leaving him alone in the world, wandering. At long last he found another place to live, but once again the weather began to change, ultimately taking everything he treasured once more. Now, an older Budori has found a job working with people who study volcanoes… but when the weather starts to change again, Budori must a decision. A decision that might save many but could ultimately bring an end to THE LIFE OF BUDORI GUSUKO.”

MIRAGE QUEEN PREFERS CIRCUS

“No one knows the real identity, age or even gender of the Master Thief known as the Queen, but once they set their desires upon a target, it’s as good as taken. Until the Queen’s plans for the spectacular gem known as the Rose of Linden are thrown by a rogues’ gallery of circus performers stealing the jewel first! A thief with their own private Airship is used to changing plans on the fly, however. Will hypnotists be dazzled, and acrobats fall? And will the last laugh be upon a criminal clown? The greatest show on Earth is about to unfold in MIRAGE QUEEN PREFERS CIRCUS!”

REINCARNATED AS A SWORD

“When you’re killed in one reality and wake up as a sentient sword in a world where magic is real, what else can you do with your steely new existence except become an adventurer? Even though his shiny new form can levitate itself around, our slicing implement without a name also craves a wielder: a mighty warrior with whom to partner, explore and slay monsters. Instead, he gets Fran, a young cat girl, former slave, and trouble magnet who names him Teacher. It’s as odd a pairing as they come, and whether they’ll be sharp enough to make the cut in the realm of high adventure will be anyone’s guess in REINCARNATED AS A SWORD!”

MY MASTER HAS NO TAIL

“When a young tanuki (a dog-like creature resembling a raccoon) named Mameda tries to disguise herself as a human and cause mischief, it turns out that modern city slickers are just too sharp for Mameda’s country tricks. But then Mameda discovers Rakugo, a Japanese entertainment form in which a storyteller uses a fan, unique gestures, and clever wordplay to tell tales with surprise twists and endings. It’s not exactly the same thing as being a trickster… but then again, it sort of is! The tale that follows will have more than a few twists as a teller of tales takes on tutoring one untried tailed trickster in MY MASTER HAS NO TAIL!”

The DVDs will be released between August 1st and August 29th.

Google Wants To See If Employees Can Work Without Internet Access

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A pilot program at Google is going to see if employees will be able to perform with no internet connection. How am I supposed to spend 8-hours reading Pirates and Princesses, the best theme park blog out there, every day?

What first sounds like yet another cost-cutting measure from the tech giant turns out to be a way of limiting cyber attacks. The plan affects 2,500 employees, according to CNBC.

At first, the security measure was arbitrarily assigned to employees, but this was rolled back following concerns from Googlers. Now Google’s plan can be opted out of, but for how long?

Cutting employees off from essentials isn’t new. Earlier this year, we discussed Google taking staplers and basic office supplies away from workers.

Let’s speculate about other cost-saving measures Google may implement:

  • Googlers will be bringing in their own patch cables so that they can hardwire into the system.
  • Subsidized pens.
  • Bring your own toilet paper.
  • Chairs (for earners).
  • Fresh air (for earners).
  • Take your mistress to work day.

Sadly, the jokes from the Sebben and Sebben Employee Orientation episode of Harvey Birdman are becoming a reality at a megacorp like Google.

While Google may be taking things away, Microsoft is giving Teams users free makeup! AI-generated makeup, that is!

We spotted this odd bit of news over at PC Mag. A new app for the virtual meeting room now has a built-in Maybelline Beauty application that’ll slap some rouge and lipstick on your face.

The Geena Davis Institute worked with the beauty brand’s parent company (L’Oreal) and Modiface to create a dozen looks to help those who just rolled out of bed appear presentable in front of the shareholders.

Modiface's AI generated makeup.
Image Credit: Modiface

Maybelline’s beauty-enhancing tool is not available to the general public yet, but will be “rolled out slowly for Microsoft Teams enterprise customers.” Will you be taking advantage of AI to not look hideous at your next Teams meeting? Let us know below!

[Source: CNBC] [Source: PC Mag]

 

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Season 2 English Dub Cast Brings New Voice Talent And Some Old Favorites

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Now under the direction of Shōta Goshozono, the Japanese animation studio MAPPA brought the dark urban fantasy anime ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ back for a second season. The first arc is a prequel that explores teacher Gojo’s early years as a student battling cursed spirits. Crunchyroll has been streaming the series in the United States since season one. They are also producing an English dub with the season two bringing in some new voices as well as some familiar ones.

Crunchyroll revealed the cast on their website:

  • Satoru Gojo voiced by Kaiji Tang (Dazai in Bungo Stray Dogs, Kashin Koji in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations)
  • Suguru Geto voiced by Lex Lang (Yuuri in MEGALOBOX, Tow Line in Transformers: Robots in Disguise)
  • Toji Fushiguro voiced by Nicolas Roye (Tetta in Tokyo Revengers, Kibe in Rent-A-Girlfriend)
  • Shoko Ieiri voiced by Ryan Bartley (Ram in Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Dodonko in Konosuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World!)
  • Riko Amanai voiced by Reba Buhr (Nikaido in Dorohedoro, Llenn in Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online)

Suzy Goldish has been tapped as the ADR Director with Jamie Simone on board as the producer. Jeff Nimoy is working on the English adaption within the scripts.

You can watch the trailer below:

The synopsis is described by Wikipedia saying, “The first story arc focuses on Satoru Gojo’s days as a young sorcerer working alongside his friend Suguru Geto alongside others from the Jujutsu Academy, taking down Curses. The second story arc takes place years later with Gojo as an adult as his students deal with massive amount of Curses attacking Shibuya.”

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ is based on the manga written and illustrated Gege Akutami. It has been published by Shueisha in their ‘Weekly Shōnen Jump’ since 2018 with Viz Media bringing the collected edition to North America.

McFarlane Toys Goes Batman Crazy! Even Spawn Joins In!

Batman! Everywhere! There are so many Batmen on the way, thanks to McFarlane Toys. Whether you’re a fan of the comic book version that teamed up with Spawn or if you have a weird fetish for nipples on Batsuits, there’s something here for you.

The Ultimate Movie Collection 6 Pack will come packed with Batman as he appeared in the films released between 1989 and 2022. These include:

  • Justice League
  • The Dark Knight
  • Batman and Robin
  • Batman Forever
  • The Batman
  • Batman (1989)

The set isn’t all-inclusive. You won’t get the Returns suit or the Begins outfit. However, you will get Batnipples on the Sonar Suit and George Clooney’s Batsuit. Yay!

The figures are 7″ tall and will have up to 22 points of articulation. Included in the display case is a light-up Bat Signal with interchangeable symbols.

The set goes for $119.99 but is rapidly selling out at various retailers. Expect it to release this October.

The Ultimate Movie Collection will come with the following features and accessories:

  • Includes real light-up bat signal with interchangeable discs and six bases
  • The Batmen figures are based on their looks from their films
  • Includes six collectible art cards with character art on the front and character biography on the back

The comic book crossover two-pack comes with the following:

  • Includes a specialized base with a backdrop and 2 figure bases
  • Bats includes extra hands and batarang. Spawn includes a sword
  • Included 2 collectible art cards with character art on the front and character biography on the back

Check out some previously announced Dark Knight merchandise here!

What do you think of the new Caped Crusader collectibles? Let us know in the comments section below.

[Source: McFarlane Toys Website] [Source: McFarlane Toys Website]

Mattel Creations’ Jurassic Park Gates Crowdfunder Falls Way Short

Only two days remain to back Mattel Creations’ oddly titled ‘Jurassic World The Gates Crowdfund.’ The toy, based on the very first Jurassic Park film, needed to hit 5,000 backers by July 27th. So far, the campaign has flatlined at 1,513 people willing to throw down $250.

The name probably didn’t help. Had I not seen pictures, I would have assumed this collectible was part of the Jurassic World films and not the Steven Spielberg classic. Universal should let Mattel separate this license into two separate brands. The Jurassic World movies diluted the power of the original film and book’s message.

Jurassic World The Gates Crowdfund
Photo Credit: Mattel Creations

I specifically mentioned this crowdfunding campaign in our 2nd D-Rezzed Podcast episode. It’s a gate – a tall piece of plastic with some lights and a motor that opens the faux-wood doors. Yet, Mattel thought that this thing was worth $250. Sure, it came with a slightly more detailed version of the previously released Jurassic Park Ford Explorer, but still.

Also, the stretch goals were so all over the place. Unlock #1 made the most sense and made the entire campaign the most enticing. You got an electrified Tim and an LED-lit electrical fence. For display purposes, this was great, although it should have been included in the $250 price tag.

The second tier, after the main funding goal, would have given us the T-Rex from The Lost World. Why? That dinosaur wasn’t even on the same island! The sequel never took us back to the original location of these iconic gates!

The final unlock, which would require 8,000 backers, would have delivered possibly the smallest “perk” I’ve ever seen from a major company’s crowdfunded: Lex and a goat with a removable leg. Yup. That’s it.

Why isn’t Lex Unlock #1, Tim #2, and the T-Rex the third? I guess Mattel was greedy and wanted that bonus money from Ariana Richards fans.

If you want something that celebrates Spielberg’s work, get his first-ever action figure that’s coming out next month.

[Source: Mattel Creation Crowdfunding Page]

Exo-6’s Latest Star Trek Figures: Major Kira, Lt. Data, and Tom Paris!

EXO-6 is adding another character from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine to the mix! Major Kira Nerys is the first Bajoran to join the line of museum grade 1:6 scale collectibles. Although, I have to say that she doesn’t quite look like Nana Visitor. I think the eyes are just a tad too small. Regardless of that, her outfit looks fantastic.

Kira is currently up for pre-order, which will close on August 8th. The expected ship date is during the 4th quarter of this year. The Major will run you $240.

Photo Credit: EXO-6

Major Kira Nerys will come with the following:

  • Bajoran phaser. The phaser can be worn in a holster that attaches to her belt.
  • TR-590 Tricorder X: This standard Starfleet tricorder which is held closed and open by a magnet.
  • PADD (Personal Access Display Device): the data display device used onboard Deep Space Nine.

Star Trek: The Next Generation is back. This time, Lt. Commander Data arrives wearing his uniform from the series’s third season. With him comes the Mark II phaser and tricorder.

Act fast because pre-orders for Data will only be taken until July 26th. He should arrive at the same time as Kira, but he’ll cost slightly less: $215.

Photo Credit: EXO-6

The almost-human synthetic lifeform will come with the following:

  • Starfleet Duty Uniform: Meticulously researched, this duty uniform matches the pattern, and color of the original costume recreated in 1:6 scale. Magnets are sewn into the uniform so the holsters for the tricorder and phaser can be attached. An authentically scaled communicator badge is permanently affixed to the tunic.
  • Four interchangeable hands;
    • One pair of relax hands
    • One left phaser holding hand.
    • One Right tricorder holding hand.
  • Boots: Soft plastic boots sculpted to match the cut and style of the original movie footwear.
  • Display Base: A hexagonal display base featuring the transporter pad will provide additional support for the figure. Two different inserts for the floor of the base can represent the transporter pad or the center of the transporter array.
  • Type II hand phaser. The phaser can be worn in a black holster that magnetically attaches to the jumpsuit.
  • TR-580 Tricorder VII: This standard tricorder can be opened or worn in a holster.

Tom Paris, the smooth-talking Junior Grade Lieutenant from Star Trek: Voyager, is here to annoy Janeway, or will he make weird amphibian babies with her? Unfortunately, pre-orders for Paris are already closed.

If you ordered the figure, the good news is that he’ll be arriving in August!

Photo Credit: EXO-6

Tom Paris comes with the following:

  • Starfleet Duty Uniform Jumpsuit: Meticulously researched, this duty uniform matches the pattern, and color of the original costume recreated in 1:6 scale. Magnets are sewn into the uniform so the holsters for the tricorder and phaser can be attached. An authentically scaled communicator badge is permanently affixed to the tunic.
  • Boots: Soft plastic boots sculpted to match the cut and style of the original series footwear.
  • Hands: A total of six interchangeable hands are included so he can be displayed holding the various accessories.
  • Display Base: A hexagonal display base featuring the transporter pad will provide additional support for the figure. Two different inserts for the floor of the base can represent the transporter pad or the center of the transporter array.
  • Autograph card: An informational LCARS card that can used to get an autograph from the performer and displayed with your figure.
  • Type II hand phaser. The phaser can be worn in a black holster that magnetically attaches to the jumpsuit.
  • TR-590 Tricorder X: This standard tricorder can be opened or worn in a holster.
  • PADD (Personal Access Display Device): the data display device used onboard Voyager.

These three join EXO-6’s Quark, which was announced last year.

[Source: EXO-6] [Source: EXO-6] [Source: EXO-6]

‘Cowboy Bebop’ Creator Shinichirō Watanabe’s New Show ‘Lazarus’ Picked Up By Adult Swim

Warner Bros. Discovery is bringing ‘Cowboy Bebop’ creator Shinichirō Watanabe’s new series ‘Lazarus’ to North America on the Cartoon Network programming block Adult Swim.

“Adult Swim is currently in production with acclaimed director Shinichirō Watanabe for a new Toonami original anime series “Lazarus.” Celebrated for his influential body of work that includes “Cowboy Bebop,” “Samurai Champloo” and “Kids on the Slope,” “Lazarus” marks Watanabe’s return to the sci-fi action genre with a globe-trotting thriller set in the near future,” Warner Bros. Discovery said in a statement.

The series will also feature action sequences from ‘John Wick’ director Chad Stahelski.

“Produced by Sola Entertainment and animated by Studio MAPPA, “Lazarus” will feature high-octane action with sequences meticulously designed by Chad Stahelski, renowned stuntman and director of the “John Wick” film franchise, and brought to the screen by Watanabe. Additionally, as many familiar with Watanabe’s oeuvre will expect, “Lazarus” will also feature a captivating score by a collection of renowned jazz and electronic artists including jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington (West Coast Get Down); producer, DJ, and musician Floating Points (Floating Points Ensemble); and producer, DJ, and musician Bonobo,” Adult Swim continued.

Watanabe expressed his enthusiasm for the show saying, “As I embark on this creative journey, I can’t help but feel that this project will serve as a culmination of my career so far.” He added, “I hope you enjoy it.”

Adult Swim dropped a trailer for the show:

The series is described in a press release,

“The year is 2052 – an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity prevails across the globe. The reason for this: mankind has been freed from sickness and pain. Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner has developed a miracle cure-all drug with no apparent drawbacks called Hapuna. Hapuna soon becomes ubiquitous… and essential. However, soon after Hapuna is officially introduced, Dr. Skinner vanishes.

Three years later, the world has moved on. But Dr. Skinner has returned – this time, as a harbinger of doom. Skinner announces that Hapuna has a short half-life. Everyone who has taken it will die approximately three years later. Death is coming for this sinful world – and coming soon.

As a response to this threat, a special task force of 5 agents is gathered from across the world to save humanity from Skinner’s plan. This group is called “Lazarus.” Can they find Skinner and develop a vaccine before time runs out?”

The series will receive a “first look” at the Adult Swim Festival in San Diego on July 22nd.

‘Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon’ Serves Up An English Dub

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Based on a comedy isekai light novel series by writer Hirukuma and artist Itsuwa Kato, the Japanese animation companies Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ released the anime ‘Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon’ in July 2023. Crunchyroll announced that they would stream the series in the United States and produce an English dub.

Crunchyroll revealed the English cast on their website:

  • Boxxo voiced by Garret Storms (Fafnir in Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid)
  • Lammis voiced by Emily Neves (Sylphiette in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation)
  • Munami voiced by Marisa Duran (Hori in Horimiya: The Missing Pieces)
  • Suori voiced by Macy Anne Johnson (Mei in Hell’s Paradise)
  • Karios voiced by Jarrod Greene (Shinso in My Hero Academia)
  • Gorth voiced by Bryan Massey (Flail in FIRE FORCE)
  • Missus voiced by Monica Rial (Bulma in Dragon Ball Super)

Noriaki Akitaya directed the anime and Cris George works on the project as the ADR director.

You can watch the trailer below:

MyAnimeList describes the synopsis as follows,

“A vending machine fanatic meets his demise when he is, quite ironically, crushed by a vending machine. To his dismay, he finds himself reincarnated as a vending machine in another world. Having reemerged within a forest inhabited by frogmen and other monsters—and supplied with only two products—Boxxo the Vending Machine requires coins to keep itself stocked, powered, and upgraded with new skills.

Luckily, the automat is rescued by a young woman who quickly realizes that it is sentient, and she carries it to a human settlement. Thereafter, the strange piece of machinery gradually makes an impact in the world around it, gaining numerous allies along the way despite being utterly incapable of speech or movement and communicating only by playing out pre-recorded vending machine phrases.”

ASCII Media Works publishes a manga version of the series illustrated by Kunieda and released in America by Yen Press.

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