In This Week in Animation News, I’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation in order to get you caught up on everything you might have missed. It’s your one-stop shop for news regarding cartoons, anime, and animated web series. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!
For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!
- ‘BoJack Horseman’ Season 5 Trailer Reveals a New Role for the Sitcom Star
- ‘Stretch Armstrong’ Directors Tease What’s Ahead for the Flex Fighters in Season 2
- Exclusive: Dee Bradley Baker Brings Comic Book Creatures to Life in a New ‘Marvel Rising’ Video
- New ‘Care Bears’ Series to Premiere on Boomerang
- Celebrate ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ 25th Anniversary with the Sing-Along Edition Blu-ray
- New ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ Trailer Teams Jake Johnson and Shameik Moore
'Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition' Blu-ray Details
Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition, one of the most anticipated Blu-ray releases of 2018, will now include a Digital version in the all-encompassing package befitting the series’ revered place among all-time fan-favorite entertainment. Remastered for the first time since its broadcast airing from 1992-1995, the stunning Blu-ray box set will now be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and DC Entertainment on October 30, 2018.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the Emmy Award-winning series captured the imaginations of generations, setting the standard for super hero storytelling for the past quarter-century with its innovative designs, near-perfect voice cast and landmark approach to DC’s iconic characters and stories. Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition box set includes all 109 thrilling episodes, plus two bonus disks containing the recently-remastered, fan favorite animated films Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero, The box set’s premiere bonus feature is, The Heart of Batman, an impressive 90-minute documentary on the making of Batman: The Animated Series that includes interviews with nearly three dozen members of the cast and crew, detailing the intricacies of production behind the landmark animated show.
The impressive Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition package features approximately 2,700 minutes of entertainment spread over 10 Blu-ray discs, plus the two bonus discs – not counting 11 specially-selected episodes with audio commentaries by cast and crew. In addition, Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition includes an exclusive ensemble of collectibles highlighted by three Funko mini-figurines (Batman, Joker, Harley Quinn) and seven beautifully-designed lenticular art cards. The entire box set is housed in a stunning layflat-book with a dazzling slipcase.
Marvel's Avengers Assemble in the First Trailer for 'Black Panther's Quest'
The Black Panther must decide his loyalties. Is he an Avenger first or King of Wakanda? As the mysterious Shadow Council rises to challenge Wakanda, T’Challa teams up with his sister Shuri to go on missions that no other Avenger can.
It’s a globe-trotting journey of espionage and mystery as old foes resurface and new friends are made. In the end, Black Panther must balance defending his home and stopping threats before they start. Is he a sword or a shield? Only he can decide.
Don’t miss the season premiere of Marvel's Avengers Assemble: Black Panther's Quest 9/23 at 9:00PM on Disney XD!
'MFKZ' English Voice Cast and Release Dates Revealed in New Teaser
GKIDS has announced the English voice cast for MFKZ, released under the name "Mutafukaz" in international territories. MFKZ is a collaboration from French comic artist Guillaume "Run" Renard, original creator of the "Mutafukaz" comic series, and ultra-hip Japanese animation house Studio 4°C, creators of the acclaimed anime features "Tekkonkinkreet," "Genius Party," and "Mind Game."
The film will feature the voices of Michael Chiklis (The Shield, American Horror Story) as Crocodile, Giancarlo Espositio (Breaking Bad, The Usual Suspects) as Mr. K, Jorge Gutierrez (The Book of Life, Son of Jaguar) as El Tigre, Dascha Polanco (Orange is the New Black, Joy) as Luna, RZA as Shakespeare, Vince Staples as Vinz, and Danny Trejo (Machete, Predators) as Bruce.
The "Tekkonkinkreet" dream team of co-director Shojiro Nishimi and art director Shinji Kimura reunite to bring to life MFKZ, a dark but stunningly animated sci-fi vision mélange of anime, film noir, and Lucha Libre, which made its world premiere at the 2017 Annecy International Film Festival.
Presented by GKIDS and Fathom Events, MFKZ debuts in U.S. cinemas on Thursday, October 11th at 7:00 p.m. (local time) with an encore on Tuesday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m. (local time). Both showings are dubbed in English. The film will also receive a limited theatrical release by GKIDS starting Friday, October 12th. Tickets for MFKZ are available now at www.MFKZmovie.com or at participating box offices.
MFKZ centers on young Angelino and his skull-and-flame pal Vinz, who live in a seedy tenement in an L.A.-inspired dystopian metropolis - a burnt-out, gang-and-cockroach-ridden, neo-urban hell. Following a scooter accident Angelino starts experiencing migraines, strange hallucinations and fits of rage-inspired superpowers, as he slowly awakens to the truth of his origins: he is half human and half Macho, a supernatural alien race that is bent on taking over the planet.
'The Laws of the Universe: Part I' Trailer Teases the Eleven Arts Release
Eleven Arts Anime Studio have announced that they will be distributing the sci-fi and action anime The Laws Of The Universe: Part One in the US and Canada. The film is a follow up to Laws Of The Universe Part 0 and is set to premiere in the United States simultaneously with its release in Japan on October 12, 2018. It has a considerable pedigree behind it, coming from Isamu Imakake (director of Captain Tsubasa, and an animator on projects including Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop The Movie) with character designs by Masami Suda (Fist Of the North Star, Yokai Watch).
The film is the latest in a series of anime movies made by Happy Science. The organization's founder Ryuho Okawa is credited with the original story, the first of a planned trilogy.
Here's the synopsis:
University students, Ray, Anna, Tyler, Halle, and Eisuke are enjoying college life and pursuing their dreams, but in reality, They have a secret mission, to fight against invading Reptilians from outer space. One day, Ray travels back in time to 330 million years ago on Earth, to find his missing friend Tyler who has fallen into a trap set by the evil alien, Dahar.
During that time, Alpha, the God of the Earth, was planning to create a new civilization on Earth and invited Queen Zamza and her fellow Reptilian from the planet Zeta, to Earth.
What is the intention of Dahar? What will happen to Ray and Tyler?
And what is “the plan of the God of the Earth"?
The film will screen with an English dub, with the cast to be announced. Visit Eleven Art's website for more details.
GFM Animation Unveils Two New Projects: 'A Greyhound of a Girl' and 'Father Christmas'
As ScreenDaily reports, London-based studio GFM Animation recently unveiled two new feature projects. First up is an adaptation of the Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle's A Greyhound of a Girl, a ghost story centered on a midnight car journey taken by four generations of women. Enzo D'Alo (Lucky and Zorba, Pinocchio) will direct. Production is slated for Spring of 2019.
The second adaptation, this one from Raymond Briggs' 1973 children's book "Father Christmas", will come to life as Another Bloomin’ Christmas. Produced by Illuminated Film’s Iain Harvey (Little Princess, When The Wind Blows and Christmas Carol: The Movie), the project aims to start production in early 2019 in time for a Christmas delivery in 2021. Dave Unwin (The Little Reindeer, The Wind In The Willows), who directed the previous Father Christmas short, directs.
'Liz and the Blue Bird' Trailer Offers Up Another Coming-of-Age Anime
ELEVEN ARTS Anime Studio has acquired the North American distribution rights to Liz and the Blue Bird, another coming-of-age story from the director of A Silent Voice.
The LA-based distribution company ELEVEN ARTS Anime Studio has set November 9th, 2018, as the theatrical release for the film, which made its premiere at Anime Expo in the US and will debut in Canada. The film will screen with the original Japanese dialogue and English subtitles.
2nd Annual Crunchyroll Expo Boasts 45,000 in Attendance and One-of-Kind Moments
Crunchyroll, the world’s largest destination for anime and manga, just wrapped their second annual Crunchyroll Expo in San Jose, which featured three jam-packed days of panels, premieres, guest appearances, exhibits, and more.
Crunchyroll Expo is a showcase of the best of what Japanese animation and pop culture has to offer, and this year’s convention drew more than 45,000 in turnstile attendance over Labor Day Weekend, an incredible turnout for a second-year convention.
Crunchyroll Expo 2018 featured nearly 250 artists, over 60 special guests, and more than 135 panels and premieres. Highlights from Crunchyroll Expo 2018 include:
“Alita: Battle Angel” - From Manga to Film - Director Robert Rodriguez, Producer Jon Landau, and Alita herself, Rosa Salazar sat down with Crunchyroll’s head of events Dallas Middaugh to discuss how the project grew from influential manga to the big screen. The film premieres December 21, 2018
Sports Anime with Johnny Weir - Olympic figure skater and anime fan Johnny Weir led a deep dive into iconic sports anime
“Anime Crimes Division” season 2 - Director Freddie Wong and actor Riley Rose Critchlow unveiled an exclusive sneak preview of “Anime Crimes Division” season 2, premiering September 7, 2018 on Crunchyroll.
Crunchyroll announced a huge slate of fall simulcast titles, including: “Double Decker,” “Goblin Slayer,” “Golden Kamuy Season 2,” “Radiant,” “RErideD – Derrida, who leaps through time –” “SENRAN KAGURA SHINOVI MASTER,” “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime,” “Black Clover,” and “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5”.
Crunchyroll Super Fan Pack Launch - J-Novel Club, ANiUTa, Utomik, Munchpak, and Right Stuf Anime were announced as partners for Crunchyroll’s Super Fan Pack subscription, a $15/month bundle launching in the US in Q4 2018.
Dan Memo Hime Collaboration - Crunchyroll’s very own Hime will now be featured in the mobile game, DanMachi: Memoria Freese, published by Crunchyroll Games.
Additional special guests featured over the weekend include Yuji Horii, series creator and game designer of “Dragon Quest,” Ryo Horikawa, Japanese voice actor for Vegeta in the Dragon Ball series, producer Yūichi Fukushima, director Atsushi Nishigori, and character designer Masayoshi Tanaka of “Darling in the FRANXX,” Akiyo Nagano, creator of “Bananya,” Akira Himekawa, manga creators A.Honda and S.Nagano, voice actors Justin Briner, Luci Christian, Clifford Chapin and Colleen Clinkenbeard of “My Hero Academia” among many others.
Plus, this super-sweet moment:
'Bob's Burgers' Teams Up with BoxLunch for Charity
Teaming up for the third mouth-watering year, 20th Century Fox Consumer Products has collaborated with cause-driven pop culture retailer BoxLunch to develop Bob’s Burgers merchandise. The partnership includes a wide assortment of series-inspired products ahead of the Emmy Award-winning series’ ninth season premiere on Sunday, September 30th (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Starting September 10th, a Louise Belcher Funko Pop! collectible figure will be sold exclusively at BoxLunch stores and BoxLunch.com. The nationwide collaboration supports Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month™ which brings attention to the reality of food insecurity in the United States and promotes ways for individuals to get involved in the movement to help end hunger. The Louise Belcher Funko Pop! will retail for $12.90 and each purchase will help provide 10 meals* to Feeding America.
The BoxLunch menu of exclusive “Bob’s Burgers” merchandise available in stores and online also includes:
- Funko Pop! Rides Espresso Trip Tina & Unicorn Vinyl Figure (SRP: $40.00)
- Tina Butts Women’s Long Sleeve T-Shirt (SRP: $32.90)
- Bob’s Burgers Espresso T-Shirt (SRP: $28.90)
- Wonder Wharf Tote Bag (SRP: $19.90)
- Kuchi Kopi Pet Chew Toy (SRP: $14.90)
Additionally, Fox Consumer Products also announces a wide-range of additional never-before-seen merchandise including:
Jay Franco – Fans will dream cheeseburgers when Jay Franco releases a fun collection of “Bob’s Burgers” themed sheets, comforters and pillows. The line, found only at Target and Hot Topic, releases this month.
Habitat – Fans have the chance to take their skate skills up a level with Habitat’s line of series-inspired skateboards and apparel, available on Zumiez and Shop.Fox.com. Showcasing the series’ characters, these limited-edition items are must-haves for the ultimate “Bob’s Burgers” fans. The line also includes pro-model skateboards featuring illustrations of the Habitat crew interacting with Bob, Linda, Louise, Tina, Gene, Mr. Fischoedor, and Teddy.
USAopoly – The classic CLUE mystery game comes with a twist in this special “Bob’s Burgers” edition, custom illustrated by the show creators themselves! Minds are put to the test as players attempt to solve the crime of WHO killed “Ned Boddy” at Linda Belcher’s dinner party, WHAT weapon they left at the scene of the crime, and WHICH room of the Belcher apartment they did it in.
Kidrobot – To help kickstart the month-long celebration, Kidrobot has collaborated with Fox Consumer Products to create art toys, collectible figures, keychains, and pins. From the 7” Kuchi Kopi Glow in the Dark Collectible Art Figure to the Equestranaut Bobcephala Bob Belcher Collectible Art Figure and the Badder Tina Belcher 7” Collectible Art Figure, this “Bob’s Burgers” collection has something for every fan. Keep an eye out for even more Kidrobot x Bob’s Burgers products coming in 2019!
Rizolli – The latest collaboration with Rizolli offers fans The Official Bob's Burgers Sticker Book, including 100 removable stickers, 16 pages of trivia, quotes and songs from the show, and The Official Bob's Burgers Guided Journal, a guided journal that gives a creative framework for fans to unleash their imaginations and write their own stories about burgers, butts or whatever else they like! And don’t forget Rizolli’s New York Times Best Selling book, The Bob's Burgers Burger Book: Real Recipes for Joke Burgers
Penguin Books – Including 21 all-new, hilarious stories inspired by the series, Bob’s Burgers Grand Re-Opening Mad Libs is a second serving of fun following the success of the first Bob’s Burgers Mad Libs.
Blue Apron – The fun continues with Blue Apron’s summer-long partnership, including the tastiest “Bob’s Burgers” creations from Chef Alvin Cailan. Fans can get to cookin’ the final recipe, “The Absentee Shallot Burger,” available via Blue Apron the week of September 17 and featured on the season nine premiere of “Bob’s Burgers” on FOX.
Plus, an additional assortment of “Bob’s Burgers” merchandise on Shop.Fox.com