In an attempt to keep up with news in the world of animation, we've collected a few of the week's biggest headlines for our new recurring Animation Roundup. Are you a fan of classic video games adapted into animated TV series? Then you'll want to check out the latest Mega Man project that's in the works. More interested in the next big thing in anime? Well then maybe word of the first new Dragon Ball series in nearly 20 years will pique your curiosity. And for those of you who love DC characters but want to see them in animated action, then we've got you covered with new efforts from Batman Unlimited and Justice League. Check them out below!
New 'Mega Man' Animated TV Series from Man of Action
According to Deadline, Dentsu Entertainment USA and Man of Action Entertainment are teaming up to bring Capcom's Mega Man back to TV in an animated series. The plan is for a 26-episode season due to launch some time in 2017 in order to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary. Man of Action Entertainment, which will be responsible for creating, writing, and executive producing the new series, made their marks with Ben 10 and Generator Rex, as well as Marvel's Avengers: Assemble and Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man properties. They now inherit the massively successful franchise which has previously been adapted for an animated TV series on a few occasions: once, poorly done in Captain N: The Game Master, and then a more fitting version in the mid-90s Mega Man, followed by Mega Man NT Warrior and Mega Man Star Force. Fingers crossed for this latest version.
'Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem' Blu-ray Trailer
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a trailer and box art for Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem. This all-new original animated movie sees Batman teaming up with Red Robin, Nightwing, Green Arrow, and Cyborg to take down the Joker, Scarecrow, Clayface, Silver Banshee, and Solomon Grundy as they hit the streets on Halloween night.
The second film in the Batman Unlimited series will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on August 18th, while it will be available in Digital HD on August 5th. Check out the trailer above.
'Dragon Ball Super' Premieres in Japan on July 5th
As Anime News Network reports, the first new Dragon Ball series since 1996-7's Dragon Ball GT is set to debut in Japan on Sunday July 5th at 9am. Dubbed Dragon Ball Super, this iteration takes place a few years after the defeat of Majin Buu when peace has come to Earth once again. Masako Nozawa, the voice of Goku, Gohan, and Goten, is returning for the series, and Toei Animation's Kimitoshi Chioka will direct.
And though we don't have any plot information at this time, the important thing is that Kazuya Yoshii will perform the opening theme "Chōzetsu☆Dynamic" (Excellent Dynamic) with rock band Good Morning America performing the ending theme, "Hello Hello Hello."
'Justice League: Gods & Monsters Chronicles' Coming to Machinima
If you enjoyed the above trailer for Bruce Timm's Justice League: Gods & Monsters Chronicles, then you'll be happy to hear that the animated series will be available to watch online from June 8th to June 12th. Hat tip to ScreenRant for bringing this one to my attention, especially because these free episodes will offer fans a look at the new takes on famous characters before the Justice League: Gods & Monsters Blu-ray hits shelves July 28th. Check out the synopsis below and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments:
From visionary producer and animator Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series), Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles turns the DC Universe upside-down. In this dark, alternate world, telling the good guys from the bad guys is never easy: Superman is not the son of Jor-El, he’s the son of General Zod; Wonder Woman is not from peaceful Themyscira, but rather the warring nation of Ares; and Batman is more vampire-bat than man…and he’s not Bruce Wayne. It is unclear if our greatest heroes are here to protect us…or to rule us. Machinima has already announced a second season, which will come out in 2016.
