Sunday, June 30, 2024

Anime Expo Update #14 Oh Yeah, That Other Stuff

 


Things you might have missed that can make you AX a little bit better.

Beat the Traffic by Taking a Shuttle 

Don't forget, once you get your badge you can ride AX shuttles around LA for free.

Free transportation is provided to Anime Expo badge holders between the Los Angeles Convention Center and select official Anime Expo hotels. Information signs are posted at each shuttle boarding location on West Road in front of the JW Marriott ballrooms. If you have any questions about transportation or if you need to make an advance reservation for a wheelchair-accessible shuttle, please see the Anime Expo shuttle coordinator at the shuttle boarding area.

Odd the arcade has it's own room as it used to be part of Kentia Hall or Entertainment Hall.

Happy to report on many more food options, though they'll be overpriced, but everything is downtown. 

Guys! They're giving away over 60 items! Over 60! This is such a strange claim to get people to come.

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Anime Expo Minute #13 Viz, The DiC of Modern Anime

 


 Here's all the info on what's Viz's doing at AX, it's very Bleach heavy. You also won't be able the booth for Viz, it'll have a big sign with the logo on it in the main hall. VIZ Media booth - Booth #1914, Exhibit Hall, South Hal.


    Saturday 7/6, 10AM - 11:20AM (80 mins), Main Events - BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict Panel - Presented by VIZ Media
        Clash of the Quincies! Join voice actors Derek Stephen Prince (Uryu Ishida), Robbie Daymond (Jugram Haschwalth), and Xander Mobus (Bazz-B) as they revisit BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Parts 1 & 2. Don’t miss major announcements around BLEACH and a sneak peek of Part 3 during the panel! Plus, score exclusive BLEACH giveaways and prizes, and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the anime with the cast!

    Friday 7/5, 6:30 - 11:30AM - 12:20PM (50 mins), JW Platinum - VIZ Industry Panel
        Please welcome our special guests Derek Stephen Prince, Robbie Daymond, and Xander Mobus, the English voice actors of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War. Check out what's coming for your favorite series and the new VIZ Originals One-Shot program! Plus, special giveaways and trivia prizes.

    Special Guests
        Derek Stephen Prince
        Robbie Daymond
        Xander Mobus
        Hisashi Sasaki
        Fawn Lau


    SIGNINGS: BLEACH: Thousand Year Blood War signings, feat. BLEACH VA’s
        July 5, 2024, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
        July 6, 2024, 12:30pm - 1:30pm

    Anime Expo Manga Lounge - EVERYDAY
        Sit back and relax with your favorite series at the Manga Lounge in room 502B, sponsored by VIZ

Friday, June 28, 2024

Mel Brooks & Blazing Saddles July 27th

You might want to go. The man just turned 98, don't know how many more events we'll see Mel Brooks at before he's a hologram.

Anime Expo Minute #12 My Deer Friend Nokotan & Bandai Namco Summer Showcase

 



This one. THIS ONE LOOKS INSANE. My Deer Friend Nokotan seemingly doesn't have a presence at AX this year. It however is coming out worldwide July 7th. You'll be able to watch this new series about high school girls...where one might be a deer, via Crunchyroll, Prime Video, ADN, Anime Onegai and more.

I hope there's cosplay or some sort of marketing scheme for this show like a deer crossing at the crosswalks at the convention center.

The Bandai Namco Summer Showcase is coming to AX though with massive floor plans. Other gaming companies might have abandoned us, but Bandai is there.

"Bandai Namco’s show floor activities invite fans to come visit themed booths that will transport them into their favorite anime universes. Spanning across several booths, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. will be in booths #2300 and #2600 with photo-ops, collectibles, and game demos that will let Anime Expo attendees be among the first to experience hands-on play with DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO, SWORD ART ONLINE FRACTURED DAYDREAM; the GUNDAM BREAKER 4 game demo will be at booth #2406.

Bandai Namco Summer Showcase” takes place from 5:30 to 6:50 pm PDT on July 5 in Petree Hall. Like year’s past, the panel-style presentation brings together top anime game makers from Japan to deliver a string of game news and reveals. The showcase promises to unveil exciting news and updates for DRAGON BALL, GUNDAM, SWORD ART ONLINE, and more, with surprises in store. "

 


Thursday, June 27, 2024

Can't Deny It

Anime Expo 2024: Top Picks Again

Here's our top picks for panels and special events for Anime Expo 2024, but also a big list of all the big panels.


PREMIERES

  • BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War

    • Sneak peek of Part 3 w/ Derek Stephen Prince (Uryu), Robbie Daymond (Jugram), Xander Mobus (Bazz-B) and more

  • HAIGAKURA

    • Series premiere from Frontier Works Inc. (animate GROUP)

  • MOMENTARY LILY

    • Series premiere from GoHands

  • ONE PIECE Egghead Arc English Dub

    • Premiere of English-dubbed Episodes 1090 and 1091 of the new arc

  • OSHI NO KO Season 2

    • Episodes 1 and 2 w/ Yurie Igoma (Ruby) and Series Producer Shimpei Yamashita

  • Suicide Squad ISEKAI

    • Series premiere; performance by ED theme song artist Mori Calliope

  • Tower of God Season 2

    • Exclusive premiere of Season 2 Episodes 1 and 2


SPECIAL EVENTS

  • Blue Exorcist Special Event

    • Be there as Aniplex welcomes special guest Nobuhiko Okamoto, the Japanese voice actor for Rin Okumura, for updates on the series and new game, Alterna Vvelt -Blue Exorcist Another Story-!

  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Fifth Anniversary Special Event

    • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba celebrates the show’s 5th Anniversary with a special event featuring special guests Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado), Takahiro Sakurai (Giyu Tomioka), and Producer Yuma Takahashi!

  • GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Special Event

    • The story continues! Get an exclusive sneak peek at what's next for GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- from some very special guests with insider info!

  • HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE! 

    • The popular rhythm game, HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE! will be hosting a panel for one day only at Anime Expo. Come meet special guests Ai Furihata, the voice of Airi Momoi, and Mayu Yoshioka, the voice of Haruka Kiritani! 

  • MY HERO ACADEMIA SPECIAL EVENT

    • Hosted by TOHO animation. Dive into a world of quirks, heroes, and villains and hear directly from the Japanese voice actors.

ANIME INDUSTRY PANELS

  • Aniplex of America x A-1 Pictures Industry Panel

    • Get ready to find out more about Aniplex USA’s line-up for 2024 and beyond, along with a deeper look at the anime studio: A-1 Pictures! 

  • BLUE LOCK panel

    • Join special guests Kazuki Ura (Voice of Isagi Yoichi), Nobunaga Shimazaki (Voice of Nagi Seishiro), Megumu Tsuchiya (BLUE LOCK Manga Editor), and Ryoya Arisawa (BLUE LOCK Anime producer) for the very first Los Angeles BLUE LOCK series panel!

  • JUJUTSU KAISEN panel, powered by Crunchyroll

    • Join Crunchyroll and special guests Junya Enoki (Japanese voice of Yuji Itadori), Shota Goshozono (Director of Season 2), and Keisuke Seshimo (Animation Lead Producer, MAPPA) in celebration of the mega-hit series - JUJUTSU KAISEN

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Weekly What To Do: Getting Close To July


June 27-30, 2024
Landmark Theatres Sunset 8000 W. Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
$

It looks like it's gotten a bit smaller, not seeing those big crazy musicals we've loved seeing at this festival. (Sigh)
Jun 28 • 7:00 pm
California African American Museum
600 State Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90037 

Celebrate summer at CAAM! Enjoy a warm night and cool vibes with CAAM and KCRW, featuring live sets from KCRW DJs Francesca Harding and Tyler Boudreaux, food trucks, a beer garden, and more! You’ll have after-hours museum access to all CAAM exhibitions, which include solo exhibitions by Simone Leigh, Paula Wilson, and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, as well as historical looks at Black beach life and African Americans in rural California.
 
Journey back to 18th century Austria, where a woman faces a grim fate for a horrifying crime. As Agnes prepares for her wedding, sinister forces stir, plunging her into darkness and despair.

THE DEVIL'S BATH is coming to Shudder Friday, June 28.
 
 
Obon Festival
Saturday, June 29th from 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 30th from 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center, 12953 Branford Street, Pacoima, CA 91331
Admission Free

Obon Festival now features demonstrations by SFV Japanese American Community Center Clubs. Visit the gym and dojo to watch our talented community perform, and then head to the yagura for taiko and obon dancing.








D23 x SFC present: Mary Poppins (60th Anniversary)
Sat, Jun 29 at 08:30 PM PDT at Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
$22
 
FANS WILL BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE A ONCE-IN-A-LIFE TIME UP CLOSE LOOK AT THE CAROUSEL THAT INSPIRED WALT DISNEY TO BUILD DISNEYLAND!
 
 All three of these new shows will be released  Friday, June 28th at 11am PST online
“30 Years Later (1994)”
 big, group show celebrating your favorite films released in 1994.  In addition to this amazing Forrest Gump painting by Carles Ganya, you’ll see pieces inspired by The Mask, Lion King, The Crow, Ed Wood, Dumb and Dumber and more!
 
“The Lovers, the Dreamers and Me” by Amanda Conrad
Next we have a solo show from the incredible Amanda Conrad.
Amanda has created a Muppet themed collection featuring your favorite characters, including Kermit, Gonzo and Beaker.
 
A brand new collection from Bruce Parker.Bruce has 10 original cut wood pieces, including this Twilight Zone beauty.  You’ll see other pieces inspired by Ghostbusters, Aliens and Die Hard (just to name a few).
 


 
Kirbyvision: A Tribute to Jack Kirby
OPENING RECEPTION
June 29, 2024 | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
ON VIEW
June 29 – August 3, 2024
COREY HELFORD GALLERY
571 S. Anderson St. Los Angeles, CA 90033

Group exhibition celebrating Kirby's artwork and profound influence on comics, art, and popular culture. Featuring new works, inspired by one of the most influential and prolific creators in the history of comics, from over 70 of the top artists in the New Contemporary art scene, alongside original artworks by Kirby.
 
Open to the public (all ages) and free of charge, with cosplay being encouraged, the exhibition opening is Saturday (6/29) from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm in the Main Gallery and Gallery 3, alongside a solo show by Canadian illustrator and designer Bennett Slater, titled YONDER!, in Gallery 2. Both shows will be on view through August 3rd.
 

 

 

Opening Reception:
Saturday, June 29th 6-10pm
with DJ, refreshments, live painting, video projections and more
A SMALL WORKS GROUP SHOW
SMOL (Gallery I)
HENDRA “HEHE” HARSONO
Once Upon A Blue Light (Gallery II)
ALVARO NADDEO
Reaganomics Killed America’s Middle Class (Gallery III)
Z The Rat (AKA ZEINAB DIOMANDE)
Seeing Through Arbitrary Realms (Gallery IV)

 

 


Q Pop in Little Tokyo is hosting Hideyuki Tanaka, best known for creating Milk Chan. There's gonna be a Hideyuki Tanaka art show & and Super Milk Chan Pop-Up Shop.It's taking place June 29th through July 14th.
 
Sunday, June 30 · 12 - 5pm
3911 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90037
$25 – $45
 
Get ready for a day of excitement at the first-ever Pawlympics 2024, happening at the Los Angeles Coliseum on June 30th! This fun-filled event features friendly competitions, alongside photo ops, mindful pet business shops, and plenty of chances to mingle with other dog lovers. More than just a party, the Pawlympics supports local dog rescue. Join us for a summer celebration with your furry friends, complete with a French market atmosphere. Don't miss out on this unique, joyful gathering!
 
 
 
 
 
Further out:
June 28-30, 2024
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura, CA
Starting at $58
 
"Epic Performances: For the first time, X Games is bringing together the ultimate combination of high-octane sports and star-studded musical performances, featuring GRAMMY® and Golden Globe-nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa and eight-time GRAMMY Award-nominated electronic music icon Kaskade.
Expanded Experience: This year's event is twice the size of last year's, offering improved viewing options, interactive fan experiences, and a diverse range of entertainment."
 
Extra: 
 

OFF THE 405 is the Getty Center's annual outdoor summer concert series, bringing some of today's most exciting bands to the stage for a memorable experience amid stunning architecture and breathtaking sunset views.

 
UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.
 


American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.
 

Street Food Cinema-Outdoor cult or recent hits you'll love.

Check out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level. Rooftop Movies at The Montalbรกn.


 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style

Cinelounge - Hollywood based tiny theater, showing off indies you've never heard of
 
Brain Dead Studios-manages to fill its schedule almost every night
611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
 
Vidiots -A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema. A small theater is more than made-up for with the constant content and special screenings.
4884 Eagle Rock Blvd
 
 
Art
 
March 2-Sept 1
Japanese American National Museum
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Admission $

Giant Robot Biennale 5 features artists Sean Chao, Felicia Chiao, Luke Chueh, Giorgiko, James Jean,
Taylor Lee, Rain Szeto, and Yoskay Yamamoto, among others. Since 2007, JANM has partnered with Eric Nakamura, founder of Giant Robot, to produce the Giant Robot Biennale, a recurring art exhibition that highlights diverse creative works celebrating the brand’s ethos.
 
 
05.02.2024 (Thu.) – 11.03.2024 (Sun.)
JAPAN HOUSE Gallery, Level 2
Free
 
 “Yes, KAWAII is Art -EXPRESS YOURSELF-” is the first exhibition in which Masuda, known as the “King of Kawaii,” brings together multiple artworks unravelling the concepts within the phenomena while introducing his personal story of sharing kawaii with the world. Through his collection of artifacts from the origins of the culture and dazzling immersive art installations, visitors are invited to explore the cultural context and significance of the kawaii movement and step into the colorful world to feel the aesthetic for themselves, emphasizing its role in fostering a sense of joy, innocence, and community as a tool for self-expression and representation of a worldwide tribe to which we can all belong.
 
March 9, 2024 – September 8, 2024
Bowers Museum 
$ Admission
 
 Never-before-seen at a museum and making its American debut, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form presents the largest ever selection of original artworks from Asian comics, displayed alongside their printed, mass-produced forms. This exhibition is a vivid journey through the art of comics and visual storytelling across Asia. From its historical roots to the most recent digital innovations, the exhibition looks to popular Japanese manga and beyond, highlighting key creators