In This Week in Animation News, I’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation news 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!
- Cort Lane on ‘Marvel Rising’ and Bringing Superheroes to Life in Ways Never Seen Before
- Exclusive New Trailer for ‘My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic’ Holiday Special
- ‘Hilda’ Review: Netflix’s Series Is the Happiness We Need in This Dark, Cruel World
- ‘South Park’s Season Premiere Took Searing Aim at America’s Indifference to Gun Violence
- See What It Takes to Become an Ace Pilot in the New ‘Star Wars Resistance’ Trailer
- Exclusive: ‘Big City Greens’ Gets a Spooky New Opening for Its Halloween Special
- Exclusive ‘Bravest Warriors’ Clip Finds Danny Embracing His Destiny as “The One”
- Exclusive ‘SuperMansion’ Clip Reveals Minnie Driver’s Mysterious Character
'RWBY' Vol. 6 Premiere Arrives in Theaters Thanks to Fathom Events
Be the first to see the newest episode of RWBY Volume 6 on the big screen! All aboard the Argus Limited! Team RWBY and their friends are taking their first steps towards transporting the Relic of Knowledge to Atlas. Making their way to another continent won't be a simple journey, and the question on everyone's mind isn't "if" things will go wrong... but "when."
This fall, RWBY fans will have the exclusive opportunity to be the first to see the newest episode of Volume 6 during the “RWBY Volume 6 Premiere” one-night event. This exclusive cinema event will feature the premiere of the first episode from “RWBY Volume 6” along with several chapters of Volume 5 to catch fans up on all the western-style anime action from the creators of RWBY.
Tickets for “RWBY Volume 6 Premiere” can be purchased at www.FathomEvents.com and participating theater box offices now.
Fathom Events and Rooster Teeth present “RWBY Volume 6 Premiere” in approximately 400 select movie theaters on Thursday, October 25th at 7:30 p.m. local time, through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
“We’re thrilled to partner with Fathom again for the premiere of RWBY Volume 6,” said Gray G. Haddock, head of animation at Rooster Teeth. “Events like this premiere allow the RWBY community to celebrate the launch of a new volume together, and that’s really special."
“Fathom is proud to bring this popular anime series back to theaters nationwide,” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “Fans don’t want to miss this opportunity to view Volume 6 Chapter 1 alongside other passionate fans.”
New Trailer for 'MIRAI' Shows Off a Time-Traveling, Whimsical Adventure
From acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda (Summer Wars, Wolf Children) and Japan's Studio Chizu comes MIRAI, a daringly original story of love passed down through generations. When four-year-old Kun meets his new baby sister, his world is turned upside down. Named Mirai (meaning "future"), the baby quickly wins the hearts of Kun's entire family. As his mother returns to work, and his father struggles to run the household, Kun becomes increasingly jealous of baby Mirai... until one day he storms off into the garden, where he encounters strange guests from the past and future - including his sister Mirai, as a teenager. Together, Kun and teenage Mirai go on a journey through time and space, uncovering their family's incredible story. But why did Mirai come from the future?
An official selection at Cannes Directors' Fortnight, and the epic capstone of director Mamoru Hosoda's career, Mirai is a sumptuous, magical, and emotionally soaring adventure about the ties that bring families together and make us who we are.
'Harvey Birdman: Attorney General' Special Teased in New Trailer
Harvey Birdman, Attorney General centers around newly elected megalomaniac billionaire President, Phil Ken Sebben who announces Harvey Birdman as this country's next Attorney General. In his new role, it’s up to Harvey Birdman to find a way to remove President Phil Ken Sebben from office, before everyone starts to worry it’s more than the ridiculous plot to an animated show.
The new special features the original cast of voice actors reprising their roles from the beloved animated series Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. Representing Harvey Birdman will be Gary Cole. The spokesperson (literally) for Phil Ken Sebben is Stephen Colbert. Mentok the Mindtaker is represented by John Michael Higgins. Paget Brewster is spokesperson for Birdgirl and Peter Potamus by Chris Edgerly, while X the Eliminator and Black Vulcan will be represented by Peter MacNicol and Phil LaMarr, respectively.
'MFKZ' Gets New, Explicit, NSFW English-Language Trailer
Genre-mashup MFKZ is the collaboration of French comic artist Guillaume “Run” Renard and ultra-hip Japanese animation house Studio 4°C, creators of Tekkonkinkreet, Genius Party and Mind Game. The Tekkonkinkreet dream team of Shojiro Nishimi and art director Shinji Kimura reunite to bring to life a dark but stunningly animated sci-fi vision that mixes anime, film noir, and Lucha Libre in an orgy of video game-inspired mayhem.
The film centers on young Angelino and his skull-and-flame pal Vinz, who live in a seedy tenement in an LA-inspired dystopian metropolis – a burnt-out, gang and cockroach-ridden neo-urban hell. Following a scooter accident Angelino starts experiencing migraines and strange hallucinations, as well as 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. Rated R for bloody violence, language and some sexual content.
MFKZ features the voices of Michael Chiklis, Giancarlo Esposito, Jorge Gutierrez, Dascha Polanco, RZA, Vince Staples, Danny Trejo, and more. In addition to the exciting feature, the event will also include an exclusive behind-the-scenes look and interview with the film’s creators.
For theater info and to buy tickets, visit GKIDS Tickets
ELEVEN ARTS Anime Studio to Premiere 'The Laws of the Universe - Part I' at Awareness Fest
The Laws of the Universe - Part 1 will make its World Premiere on Saturday, October 6th at 8PM, at the Regal Cinema at LA Live as part of Awareness Film Festival 2018. The film will be presented with English audio dub. Cast members will be in attendance and hold a q and a after the screening. Tickets can be purchased here.
Now in its 9th year, the mission of the Awareness Film Festival is bringing awareness and to open eyes to some of our world’s pressing issues: Ecological, Political, Health/Well Being and the Spirit. The Awareness Film Festival was formed by Heal One World, a non-profit charity. This Festival is also a fundraiser for Heal One World. Any net profits from this event will go completely to charity, including our partner organizations. The festival is from September 27 – October 7th, 2018.
For more information on Heal One World and their initiatives, please visit: http://healoneworld.com/
ELEVEN ARTS Anime Studio will be distributing the sci-fi and action anime film The Laws of the Universe - Part 1 in the US and Canada on October 12th, 2018, as the Simultaneous World Premiere date with Japan. The birth of the Earth, the secret of the creation of humankind, interactions and battle with various aliens, and for the first time, revealing the existence of "the God of the Earth."
Fathom Events Presents 'Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us' in Theaters
This fall, Fathom Events and The Pokémon Company International invite Pokémon fans to experience the highly anticipated Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us on the big screen, with U.S. screenings on November 24th, 26th, 28th and December 1st, plus additional events in select territories.
Tickets for U.S. screenings of Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us are now available for purchase at www.FathomEvents.com and participating theater box offices.
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us will be shown in more than 800 movie theaters in the US on November 24th and December 1st at 12:55 p.m. (local time), as well as November 26th and 28th at 7:00 p.m. (local time) through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of participating theater locations, visit the www.FathomAnimation.com (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Based on the globally popular Pokémon brand, “Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us” tells a new story of Ash and Pikachu as they team up with diverse characters to face unique challenges and thrilling Pokémon battles in this heartwarming film that illustrates the value of teamwork.
NYCC to Host the World Premiere of 'Constantine: City of Demons'
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will host the World Premiere of Constantine: City of Demons – The Movie in a special screening on Thursday, October 4 at 7:00pm at the AMC Empire 25 (234 West 42nd Street, New York). The 90-minute film is rated R – no one under the age of 18 will be admitted without an accompanying parent or guardian.
Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the special screening of Constantine: City of Demons – The Movie must RSVP via email to ConstantineNYCC@gmail.com. Ticket requests will be fulfilled on a “first come, first served” basis, and fans will be notified via email by the end of Monday, October 1.
The body of all fan RSVP emails MUST include the name of the entrant, number of tickets being requested (limit four per entry), and valid email address (written in the body of the email). Please enter only once, and do not enter if you can not attend. This is an example of exactly how the body of the RSVP email should appear:
- John Constantine
- 2 tickets
- Hellblazer@gmail.com
Here’s a breakdown of the panels – and confirmed talent to date – also appearing at New York Comic Con for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
Thursday, October 4
12:45-1:45pm - LEGO® DC Super-Villains: An Inside Look at the Villain-Centric Adventure Game – Join the team behind the LEGO DC Super-Villains videogame, including Arthur Parsons (Head of Design, TT Games), Ames Kirshen (Vice President, Interactive Animation, DC Entertainment), Nyambi Nyambi (voice of Green Lantern), Grey Griffin (voice of Catwoman & Lashina) and Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Clock King & Desaad) for an inside look at the first LEGO game to put players at the center of a villain-centric adventure packed with favorite locations and characters from across the DC Universe. Moderated by Victor Lucas (founder and host of EPN.tv), this celebration of villainy will provide fans with a look at the story, customization options and character reveals. Players have the ability to create and play as a Super-Villain throughout LEGO DC Super-Villains, unleashing mischievous antics and wreaking havoc in an action-packed, hilarious story written in collaboration with DC Comics. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and The LEGO Group will release LEGO DC Super-Villains on October 16, 2018. Javits Main Stage
Thursday, October 4
2:30-3:30pm – Constantine: City of Demons – The Movie – The Hellblazer is back in an all-new twisted tale of mystery, intrigue and the occult with Constantine: City of Demons, a full-length, R-rated feature film based on the acclaimed DC animated series from CW Seed. A decade after a tragic mistake, family man Chas and occult detective John Constantine set out to cure Chas’s daughter Trish from a mysterious supernatural coma. With the help of the mysterious Nightmare Nurse, the influential Queen of Angels, and brutal Aztec God Mictlantecuhtli, the pair just might have a chance at outsmarting the demon Beroul to save Trish’s soul. In a world of shadows and dark magic, not everything is what it seems, and there’s always a price to pay. The path to redemption is never easy, and if Constantine is to succeed, he must navigate through the dark urban underbelly of Los Angeles, outwit the most cunning spawns of hell, and come face to face with arch-nemesis Nergal – all while battling his own inner demons! Join producer Butch Lukic, screenwriter J.M. DeMatteis, lead character designer Phil Bourassa, actors Damian O’Hare (voice of Chas Chandler) and Rachel Kimsey (voice of Angela) and moderator Peter Girardi (Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Warner Bros. Animation & Blue Ribbon Content) for an entertaining advance look at the riveting 90-minute film, complete with never-before-seen footage and some inside tales on the making of the latest Hellblazer film. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Blue Ribbon Content and DC Entertainment, the action-packed Constantine: City of Demons – The Movie will be distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment starting October 9, 2018 on Ultra HD Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, and Digital. Javits Main Stage
Friday, October 5
11:00am-12:00pm Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set – As the most acclaimed super hero animated television series in history, Batman: The Animated Series has captured the imaginations of generations with its innovative designs, perfect voices and landmark approach to characters and stories. In late 2018, fans will finally be able to enjoy a remastered Blu-ray release from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Join many of the key forces behind Batman: The Animated Series for a celebration of the series, an extended look at the newly-remastered footage, and additional details about this monumental Blu-ray box set. Join many of the key individuals behind the creation of this beloved series – including Kevin Conroy, the fan-favorite voice of Batman; Tara Strong, voice of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl; Loren Lester, voice of Robin; Diane Pershing, voice of Poison Ivy; and producers Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski – for a revealing panel discussion … and maybe a few unique prizes. Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on October 30, 2018. Javits Main Stage
Saturday, October 6
6:00-7:00pm – Exclusive NYCC First Look: Reign of the Supermen – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment extends its annual tradition of offering New York Comic Con fans the exclusive “first look” at the next DC Universe Movie. The critically acclaimed The Death of Superman took summer by storm, and the second half of the treasured DC Comics tale – Reign of the Supermen – completes the heroic package with its examination of a world first without Superman … and then with several vying for the ultimate title. Come enjoy an hour-long mix of never-before-seen animated clips and lively discussion amongst executive producer James Tucker, producer/director Sam Liu, screenwriters Jim Krieg & Tim Sheridan, character designer Phil Bourassa, and actors Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul), voice of Hank Henshaw, Toks Olagundoye (Castle), voice of Cat Grant, Nyambi Nyambi (The Good Fight, Mike & Molly), voice of Martian Manhunter, and some potential surprise guests. Reign of the Supermen arrives from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment in Early 2019. Javits Main Stage
WBHE panels will be live-streamed for fans unable to make the trek to New York. Please check the NYCC website (www.newyorkcomiccon.com) for streaming details.
SCAD AnimationFest 2018: 'Smallfoot', 'Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell' and More Screened
SCADFILM presents SCAD AnimationFest, a three-day gathering of working professionals, industry luminaries and the next generation of talent examining the evolving world of animation. Expand your knowledge during panel discussions, enjoy exclusive sneak peeks and screenings, and network with top talent.
Features of the festival's schedule included:
Screening of Smallfoot:
The story of a Yeti who thinks that humans are real, "Smallfoot" is the animated event of the fall with comedy, music, and heart for the whole family. It has an all-star voice cast including Channing Tatum, James Corden, Zendaya, Common, LeBron James and Danny DeVito.
Screening of Adult Swim's Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell:
Join the creative crew behind the hit dark comedy, followed by a discussion on the development of their vision of Hell through the integration of 3-D animation into a live-action production.
Plus, today's Saturday Morning Cartoons, the SCAD Animation Showcase, and the 20th Annual Animation Show of Shows! Put this one on your calendar for next year!
GKIDS to Release 'Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki' in North America This Winter
Coming Soon - Winter 2018
In 2013, film director and animator Hayao Miyazaki suddenly announced his retirement at the age of 72. But he couldn't shake his burning desire to create. After an encounter with young CGI animators, Miyazaki embarked on a new endeavor, his first project ever to utilize CGI. But the artist, who had been adamant about hand-drawn animation, confronted many challenges. The film even faces the danger of being cancelled. Can an old master who thinks he's past his prime shine once again? This program goes behind the scenes over two years as Miyazaki overcomes struggles to create his short film using CGI.
LA Femme International Film Festival to Showcase 'Megalobox' Episodes
LA Femme Film Festival will host a female-centric anime event at the 14th Annual LA Femme International Film Festival on Friday, October 12th, 4 pm at the Regal Cinema at LA Live. The segment will feature episodes of the popular anime series Megalobox. There will be a Q&A panel following the screening with series producer Minako Fujiyoshi, moderated by writer Joelle Sellner.
Admission is free of charge and reservations can be made at rsvplafemmefilmfestival@gmail.com.
Megalobox (13 x 30 minute episodes) began from the enthusiasm throughout the world for the celebration of Tomorrow's Joe’s 50th anniversary. Megalobox will have a new type of retro-anime style that will begin a trend that states: what is old is new again. As a reboot of the iconic anime series Tomorrow's Joe, the show is a futuristic boxing drama that appeals to a broad age range. The younger crowd enjoys the cool retro art style and the older crowd reminisces about the classics. The dramatic animation and contemporary hip-hop music have added dimension to the series and drawn in audiences.
Minako Fujiyoshi debuted as the producer with the Megalobox project. Her previous experience involved working within the TMS production division, and she has worked on numerous titles such as HAMTARO, ANPANMAN Movies, LUPIN THE THIRD: THE WOMAN CALLED FUJIKO MINE and SWEETNESS AND LIGHTNING (original title: AMAAMA TO INAZUMA).
Joelle Sellner has written for animated shows including SONIC BOOM, BEN 10: OMNIVERSE, TEEN TITANS, and AVENGERS: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES. Her animated web series work includes DC SUPERHERO GIRLS, and Mattel’s MONSTER HIGH. Joelle has also written comics for DC, Marvel, Dynamite, Blizzard and IDW, as well as Lion Forge/Roar Comics including SAVED BY THE BELL, and PUNKY BREWSTER.
Leslie LaPage from LA Femme states: “We are thrilled to be able to screen and have such wonderful female animation creators Minako Fujiyoshi and Joelle Sellner. Women have long been appreciated more in Animation overseas then on the domestic coast but the overall advancement of women in animation is starting to be seen worldwide with a rippling effect in the US”.
LA Femme is offering this screening as a FREE event, on a first come first serve bases at Regal Cinemas:
- 1000 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015.
Go to www.lafemme.org to read about other animation and special screenings.
Nicholas Hoult to Star in Stop-Motion Comedy 'Crossing Swords'
As Variety reports, Hulu has ordered up Crossing Swords, a stop-motion animated comedy that stars Nicholas Hoult as "Patrick, a goodhearted peasant who lands a coveted squire position at the royal castle. His dream job quickly turns into a nightmare when he learns his beloved kingdom is run by a hornet’s nest of horny monarchs, crooks and charlatans. Even worse, Patrick’s valor made him the black sheep in his family, and now his criminal siblings have returned to make his life hell."
Additionally, Luke Evans, Seth Green, Tony Hale, Wendi McClendon-Covey, Breckin Meyer, Adam Pally, Adam Ray, Tara Strong and Alanna Ubach join the 10-episode season, set to premiere on Hulu in 2020.
John Harvatine IV and Tom Root, behind such stop-motion series as Robot Chicken and SuperMansion, created the show and will executive produce along with Green, Matt Senreich and Eric Towner. As you might expect, the team's Stoopid Buddy Stoodios will produces Crossing Swords, which will be distributed by Sony Pictures Television. (It's curious that Hulu picked it up and not Sony's own streaming service Crackle where SuperMansion resides.)