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Bofuri’s Maple Clashes With The Shield Hero Naofumi In An Anime Collaboration

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Two isekais collided with a special collaboration for “The Hardest Shield Day” with Maple from ‘Bofuri’ and Naofumi from ‘The Rising of the Shield Hero’ clashing in a visual teaser for the two anime.

“Chosen because of the combination of 3 and 15, which reads 3 (sa), 1 (i), 5 (ko) meaning “strongest” in Japanese, March 15 marked the second-ever “The Hardest Shield Day” for both BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense. and The Rising of the Shield Hero—two titles that are devoted to the underappreciated power of the humble shield,” Crunchyroll reported. “Another special collaboration illustration was released by the official Twitter accounts for both anime series, depicting an angelic Maple facing off against a demonic Naofumi.”

They released the promo image on the official Bofuri and The Rising of the Shield Hero Twitter page:

‘Bofuri: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense’ is an anime from the animation studio Silver Link and based on the light novel series by Japanese author Yuumikan.

Wikipedia describes it as, “Urged on by her friend, Kaede Honjō begins playing the VRMMORPG NewWorld Online under the name Maple. Not wanting to get hurt, Maple opts to be a shield user with maxed-out defense stats, and continues putting every status point she earns in the game into increasing only her defense level. As a result, she is left with slow foot speed and no magic, but her high defense allows her to endure most hits without taking any damage. This, along with her basic-level creative thinking, allows for her to make unexpected accomplishments in the game, its quests and events. By doing this, she ends up earning all kinds of equally unexpected skills and becomes one of the strongest players in the game.”

‘The Rising of the Shield Hero’ is an anime currently produced by DR Movie and based on a light novel series written by Aneko Yusagi.

IMDB explains, “Stories of old tell of four otherworldly heroes – wielding the sword, spear, bow, and shield – who defended the land from wave after wave of calamity. With the fate of the world in balance, the kingdom of Melromarc summons these legendary figures; in modern-day Japan, the call is answered, and the unwitting heroes are transported to this fantasy universe. Thrust into Melromarc and given the title of “Shield Hero,” otaku Naofumi Iwatani is labeled the weakest due to his lack of offensive capability and apparent inexperience. When the heroes part ways to start their journeys, he only has one willing companion: the beautiful princess Myne Melromarc. However, she soon betrays him, steals all his money, and accuses him of taking advantage of her. For his alleged crimes, Naofumi is branded a criminal and made outcast of society. With hatred filling his heart, he sets out alone, vowing vengeance against those who wronged him.”

The second season of ‘BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense’ is currently airing while a third season of ‘The Rising of the Shield Hero’ has been announced.

DC Releasing Webtoon ‘Batman: Wayne Family Adventures’ As A Graphic Novel

DC Comics is bringing the hit Webtoon ‘Batman: Wayne Family Adventures’ to print with the announcement that the first twenty-five episodes are being collected into a graphic novel.

They said on their website, “DC today revealed the expansion of its creative partnership with WEBTOON, the world’s largest digital comics platform, into the global book market beginning in fall 2023.”

“Batman: Wayne Family Adventures Vol. 1,” DC notes. “… will hit shelves in October, introducing a new audience of comics fans to the DC Universe and DC’s iconic characters.”

“The smash-hit collaboration between DC and WEBTOON began with Batman: Wayne Family Adventures in September 2021. The Eisner Award-nominated webcomic series, exploring Batman’s adventures as a father to a dynamic group of adopted, fostered, and biological superhero children, is currently in its second season, with new digital episodes rolling out weekly,” DC continued.

The Webtoons follow the escapades of Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, the Signal, and other members of the Batcave as they assist Bruce Wayne in the war on crime.

DC’s senior vice president and general manager Anne DePies said, “Fans can’t get enough of our DC and WEBTOON content.”

She added that expanding DC’s creative partnership with WEBTOON into print with books like Batman: Wayne Family Adventures reflects this demand. Each page of these new volumes is meticulously reproduced to be read seamlessly in book narrative format. DC’s continuing partnership with WEBTOON combines legendary franchises with new technologies and global fandoms, and we can’t wait to get these new print editions into your hands.”

They also released a look at the graphic novel’s cover:

DC Comics and Webtoons plan to release the novel on August 1, 2023.

‘Batman: Wayne Family Adventures’ launched in September 2021 and has launched into its second season. The Oracle, Spoiler, and Red Robin also appear in the series at various points in the series.

Five New Anime Are Coming To HiDive For Spring 2023

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The streaming service HiDive has announced that they are adding five new anime series to their library. From comedy to dramas to science fiction, these new titles are sure to bring some fun to fans.

They revealed the list on their website:

Alice Gear Aegis Expansion

Centuries ago, mankind abandoned planet Earth after the Vice, a race of mechanical aliens, drove them from their home into a life adrift in space. Now resigned to starships forged of pieces of Earth’s shattered moon, the final hope for humanity lies in the hands of Actresses, young women born with the ability to wield the only weapons that can harm the Vice: Alice Gears, mechanical suits that can finally turn the tide against the alien incursion.

Insomniacs After School

Ganta Nakami is a high school student who suffers from insomnia. One day, he meets Isaki Magari, a girl with the same condition. A strange, but special relationship forms as they share a secret and catch up on their sleep in their school’s abandoned observatory…

Otaku Elf

Takamimi Shrine has an unusual resident – Elda, an ancient elf who’s obsessed with video games! The shrine’s teenage attendant, Koito Koganei, keeps this reclusive otaku well supplied with energy drinks and junk food. Even though she loves 100%-ing her games, Elda has duties to attend to, and Koganei is bound and determined to make this otaku elf fulfill them! It’ll just take an offering or two to bribe—um, we mean convince Elda to put down her new game…

Tokyo Mew Mew New (Season 2)

The scientists of the μ(Mew) Project use DNA of endangered species to create a team of heroines imbued with amazing abilities. Armed with the skills of an Iriomote cat, Ichigo must band together with other Mew Mew girls to repel an alien incursion.

Too Cute Crisis

Invading alien Liza Luna wants nothing more than to destroy planet Earth… after she gets in a little sightseeing, first. But her travels soon take her into a cat café, where the furry felines inside invade her heart just as surely as Liza invaded Earth! Destroying the world won’t be so easy now that she’s discovered the joys of kitty cats…

These are part of the HiDive Spring 2023 simulcasts which will allow them to arrive in North America on the same day or week as their debut in Japan.

Super7 Kicks Off Wave 1 of Bruce Lee ReAction Figures

Fifty years ago, the legendary Bruce Lee passed into the mysterious beyond. To celebrate his enduring status as one of the greatest martial artists in pop culture, Super7 has announced the first wave of Bruce Lee ReAction Figures.

Available now: Wave 1 of the Bruce Lee series includes some of his most iconic characters. The Protector (Fists of Fury), The Challenger (Game of Death), and The Warrior (Enter the Dragon). Each Lee is priced at $20 and stands 3.75″ tall. The card back sports a retro-styled poster showing off the available characters and letting us know they have five points of articulation.

Bruce Lee ReAction Figure
Photo Credit: Super7

The Warrior features battle damage and black nunchucks.

Bruce Lee ReAction Figure
Photo Credit: Super7

The Protector figure is the only one in Wave 1 which does not come with an accessory.

Bruce Lee ReAction Figure
Photo Credit: Super7

The Challenger comes packed with yellow nunchucks to match his iconic yellow and black jumpsuit.

Bruce Lee ReAction Figure
Photo Credit: Super7

Bruce Lee passed away on July 20th, 1973. He left behind iconic martial arts films that would forever change cinema. These movies and Lee’s personality helped break down barriers during a turbulent time in America’s past. Super7 had previously released a special edition Bruce Lee ReAction Figure last year. The company is also working on a second wave of Ultimates figures.

I hope Chuck Norris signed on so we can get a figure of his character from The Way of the Dragon. The Bruce Lee line would be an excellent opportunity for Super7 to make Kenner-styled playsets. Dojos, temples, the possibilities are endless. Include those disc platforms that can be moved with little rods!

The army-building collectors would buy generic goons if they were made for the Bruce Lee toy line. You’d need about 25 of them to recreate the dojo fight from Fist of Fury.

Which characters from Bruce Lee’s filmography would you like to see show up in future waves? Let us know below.

[Source: Super7]

TMNT’s Last Ronin Statue Delivers Awesome Motorcycle Action

TMNT’s The Last Ronin story continues to get more collectibles. Michelangelo’s journey to avenge his fallen brothers will receive another high-end statue from Premium Collectibles Studio.

The statue depicts Mikey running down a few M112 Mousers atop his motorcycle. The Last Ronin statue features interchangeable parts. The katana held in his right hand can be swapped out for a spinning nunchuck. Sadly, there are no LED effects.

The collectible features two swap-out right arms holding his turtle tools of the trade: a katana formerly belonging to Leonardo and his own spinning nunchaku. With the sword in hand, the statue measures 21″ tall, and with the nunchaku, the statue measures 24.75″ tall. The piece also includes a removable sword handle for the sheath on his back when the sword arm is not on display.

Only 500 of these 24.5″ tall statues are being made. If you’ve got a spare $1,350, you can pre-order the grim version of Michelangelo through Sideshow Collectibles. The expected release window is between September and November 2023.

This is the best version of The Last Ronin I’ve seen. Well, it should be at that price tag. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, try the Playmates and NECA versions of the TMNT character. However, if you want to spend more money, the tearjerker statue goes for $1,629.99.

TMNT - The Last Ronin and Bike Statue
Photo Credit: PCS
TMNT - The Last Ronin and Bike Statue
Photo Credit: PCS
TMNT - The Last Ronin and Bike Statue
Photo Credit: PCS
TMNT - The Last Ronin and Bike Statue
Photo Credit: PCS
TMNT - The Last Ronin and Bike Statue
Photo Credit: PCS

The Last Ronin also carries other tokens from his fallen brothers, like Donatello’s bo staff and Raphael’s sai. The Last Ronin Statue is completed with sculpted costuming details including his black domino mask and hood, weathered brown armor padding, and red goggles around his neck.

The Last Ronin statue measures 24.5″ H x 15″ W x 26.5″ D.

What do you think of TMNT’s The Last Ronin story? Let us know in the comments section below.

[Source: PCS]

The Statue Of Sonic’s Buddy Tails Sadly Does Not Come With Cigarettes

If you’ve had your fill of Sonic the Hedgehog collectibles over the past few years, maybe it’s time to focus on Tails! The collectibles company First4Figures has revealed that the latest SEGA statue celebrates the speedy needle mouse’s long-time two-tailed buddy.

Due out during the first quarter of 2024, the statue captures the character very well, even if he is missing his iconic plane or a pack of smokes. And yes, First4Figures found a way to create three different versions of the Tails statue. Here’s the rundown:

  • Sonic The Hedgehog – Tails (Standard Edition) – $474.99
    • Premium Painted Resin Statue of Tails
    • Energetic pose with him leaping into the air
    • Brilliantly colored base inspired by the Miles Electric handheld gadget
  • Sonic The Hedgehog – Tails (Exclusive Edition) – $479.99
    • Premium Painted Resin Statue of Tails
    • Energetic pose with him leaping into the air
    • Brilliantly colored base inspired by Miles Electric handheld gadget
    • Interchangeable left arm, with Tails holding a wrench
    • An LED light-up function for the base
    • Limited edition numbering
    • Authentication Card
  • Sonic The Hedgehog – Tails (Definitive Edition) – $534.99
    • Premium Painted Resin Statue of Tails
    • Energetic pose with him leaping into the air
    • Brilliantly colored base inspired by Miles Electric handheld gadget
    • Interchangeable left arm, with Tails holding a wrench
    • An LED light-up mode for the base
    • Expanded base with three (3) additional Wisps
    • Limited edition numbering
    • Authentication Card

Sonic The Hedgehog Tails Statue SEGA

Photo Credit: First4Figures

Sonic The Hedgehog Tails Statue SEGA
Photo Credit: First4Figures
Sonic The Hedgehog Tails Statue SEGA
Photo Credit: First4Figures
Sonic The Hedgehog Tails Statue SEGA
Photo Credit: First4Figures

It’s hard to believe that over thirty years have passed since Tails’ first appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Of course, side characters are always hit or miss, but Tails managed to become a franchise staple, even after multiple reboots. The little fox was also a highlight in the recent live-action Sonic sequel.

If Tails isn’t to your liking, First4Figures also made an Amy Rose statue.

What do you think of the Tails statue? Let us know below.

[Source: First4Figures]

Microsoft’s Latest Layoffs Target The Entire AI Ethics Team

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The end times are upon us! Soon AI will become self-aware and unethical! It will start posting rude messages on Twitter. But no one will be around to pull the plug. Why? Because Microsoft laid off the entire AI ethics team!

A story from Tech Radar this week let us know that even though Microsoft has a staffed Office of Responsible AI, the team ethics and society team for the AI initiatives has been terminated. The article mentions that the group had at one time consisted of 30 “engineers, designers, and philosophers.

At the time of the layoffs, the team comprised only seven employees. Considering that the entire team got the boot, I have a feeling they weren’t doing a whole lot. However, how do we know this septuplet wasn’t the only barrier between us and a human-hating rogue AI?

Imagine that: a Bing-powered terminator. Not only does it give you the wrong answers to your search engine inquiries, but it also thinks it’s time for carbon-based lifeforms to end.

The more significant concern is the trend of big tech downsizing. It comes right as companies explore more extensive applications for artificial intelligence. The cuts at Microsoft were nowhere near as severe as Meta’s recent 10K cut announcement. Nevertheless, it raises an interesting question: Is AI’s future in jeopardy if Microsoft and Meta only dedicate small teams to it? Meta’s “Year Of Zuck” isn’t going to see any real advancements in the AI sphere, that’s for sure.

Speaking of unethical uses of AI, check out the video below depicting the atomic bomb blast at Hiroshima as if it were a sports broadcast.

What are your opinions on AI? Are our lives destined to be ruined by it? Will it be an easy tool to cut down on overhead employees? Let us know below!

[Source: Tech Radar] [Source: GeekWire]

Spider-Man And Daredevil Team-Up In A Noir Adventure

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The noir versions of Spider-Man and Daredevil are joining forces in a new series by Marvel Comics. Taking place in the pages of ‘Spider-Verse Unlimited,’ we see 1930s New York City face a new threat that only the webhead and the man without fear can handle.

Marvel said on their website that the comic is “from creators Amy Chu, Diogenes Neves, and Antonio Fabela: In the midst of a massive rally in New York City, Spider-Man Noir teams up with Daredevil Noir to stave off disaster in SPIDER-VERSE UNLIMITED #41. Until Spider-Man Noir hears…the voice of an old foe…”

The comic book issue is available on the Marvel Unlimited app for readers to download.

They added that “readers can expect a crossover event culminating in one giant mystery that’s already been teased in SPIDER-VERSE UNLIMITED #38-40! Stay tuned as ‘The Mystery Man’ story heats up.”

First appearing in 2009, ‘Spider-Man Noir’ was part of an imprint that saw several Marvel Comics characters experience more mature-themed adventures. The first adventure featuring Spidey was written by David Hine and Fabrice Sapolsky, with artists Carmine Di Giandomenico and Marko Djurdjevic handling the illustrations. It would see Peter Parker before, during, and after the Second World War.

There would be two sequels ‘Eyes Without a Face’ and a second volume, though the character would make sporadic appearances in Spider-Verse stories. Nicolas Cage would voice the characters in the 2018 animated film ‘Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.’

‘Davedevil Noir’ would make his debut in a 2010 comic book series written by Alexander Irvine and drawn by Tom Coker. This version sees Matt Murdock living in Hell’s Kitchen during the Prohibition Era.

Marvel Comics legendary editor Stan Lee co-created both Spider-Man and Daredevil in 1962 and 1964, respectively. The two have had several crossovers throughout their published years including on television during season three of ‘Spider-Man: The Animated Series’ in 1996.

‘Nier: Automata’ Anime Series English Cast Revealed

The hit action RPG video game ‘Nier: Automata’ by Square Enix debuted an anime adaption ‘Nier: Automata Ver1.1a’ from Japanese animation studio A-1 Pictures. It is directed by Ryouji Masuyama who co-wrote it with Yoko Taro, the original creator of the game. It was released in January 2023 on Crunchyroll in North America with Aniplex announcing they would be producing an English dub.

Anime News Network revealed the voice cast on their website:

  • Kira Buckland as 2B
  • Kyle McCarley as 9S
  • Cherami Leigh as A2
  • D. C. Douglas as Pod 042
  • Abby Trott as Pod 153
  • Greg Chun as Adam
  • Ray Chase as Eve
  • Alexis Tipton as Pascal
  • Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Commander
  • Cassandra Lee Morris as Operator 6O
  • Connor Kelly-Eiding as Operator 21O
  • Erica Mendez as Lily

Jun Nakai was tapped to work on the anime television show as the chief animation director and character designer. The music company MONACA handled the soundtrack and score for the series.

You can watch the trailer below:

MyAnimeList described the synopsis as follows,

“In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by alien-crafted “Machine Lifeforms,” humanity is preparing for its last stand. Forced to retreat to the Moon for safety, humans are pinning their hopes on a group of man-made androids known as YoRHa soldiers. Led by the all-purpose battle android YoRHa 2-gou B-gata “2B,” the group will fight to take control of the Earth back from its invaders.

As war against the machines rages on, the YoRHa slowly begin to see the first shards of truth underlying the brutal conflict. Facing the harsh reality before her, the unwavering warrior 2B starts to question her very existence and just how much she must sacrifice for the sake of humanity.”

The video game ‘Nier: Automata’ was first released in 2017 and had crossovers with ‘Soulcalibur VI’ and ‘Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers.’

Hasbro Re-Releases Star-Lord’s Helmet For GotG 3

Hasbro has dusted off an old Marvel Legends roleplaying since Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is due out in the not-too-distant future. So if you’ve wanted to cosplay as Peter Quill (Star-Lord), his helmet will return to the collectibles market!

The Marvel Legends roleplaying helmet popped up yesterday at Entertainment Earth. It has an April 10th release date. The replica of Star-Lord’s headgear appears identical to the one released a few years ago. Even the weathering and scuff marks are the same. Yes, the electronics are also identical:

  • COSMIC LIGHT FX: Prepare for battle by pressing the button on the side of the helmet to illuminate the red LED light FX
  • POWER-UP SOUND FX: Trigger the Marvel Legends Star-Lord Premium Electronic Roleplay Helmet’s distinctive sounds with the touch of a button and launch into galactic action

Like Hasbro’s other replicas, the asking price is above $100. However, it’s doubtful you’ll need to pay $131.99 to get your hands on this. Like the others in the Marvel Legends line, Star-Lord’s helmet will turn up on clearance quickly.

Keep an eye on sites like EE, GameStop, and Best Buy. I’ve been able to scoop up a number of these replicas at 30-50% off not long after release.

Star-Lord Helmet Guardians of the Galaxy 3
Photo Credit: Hasbro
Star-Lord Helmet Guardians of the Galaxy 3
Photo Credit: Hasbro
Star-Lord Helmet Guardians of the Galaxy 3
Photo Credit: Hasbro

Peter Quill blasts into intergalactic action as the blaster-wielding, music-blasting hero, Star-Lord—complete with the helmet essential to his adventures across space. Equipped with thermal vision, HUD, and oxygen purification, the helmet has seen Peter through his most challenging of fights—including the Battle of Earth.

Star-Lord’s helmet is one of the better Hasbro-made replicas. The scale is pretty accurate, more so than the Darth Vader helmet. The biggest negative is that the helmets are all plastic and look cheap. No matter Hasbro’s hard work, the company cannot correct metallic paint. Takara Tomy doesn’t have this issue.

[Source: Entertainment Earth]
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