Vintage Anime Club Podcast

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A group of friends, a disc of anime, a bottle of wine... Better make it two bottles.

Episode 100 - That's No Yoda (Slayers Next 5 of 6) 0

Jul 2, 2020

Yes, even we find it hard to believe. But here we are, episode 100! In continuing with Slayers Next discussion, we're getting very close to the end. We got late game villains popping up every which way! So come join hosts Dennis, Kate, Ed, Karen, and Garrett in our penultimate Slayers Next discussion. We talk some Star Wars parallels, Gaavs terrible fashion sense, Xellos' "true" motives, romance among our heroes, and still waiting for Sylphiel.

Support the show by purchasing Slayers seasons 1-3 on DVD through our Amazon affiliate link! DVD: https://amzn.to/2KFsahF

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Garrett: @blkriku | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan

For Black Lives Matter
For LGBTQ+ Charities
For Trans Rights
For Poland LGBTQ+ Aid

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Episode 99 - A One Way Boomerang (Slayers Next 4 of 6) 0

Jun 18, 2020

For today's episode, we took a week off to let other voices be heard, with the world being the in awful state that it is in right now. But your favorite wine drinking, anime watching crew is back, and we're over halfway done through our Slayers Next rewatch! Ed, Diana, Karen, Kate, Garrett, and Dennis go over the next four, mostly standalone episodes before we get back into the main story. Lina and Amelia put on an idol concert! Everyone wear mascot costumes? Martina does her namesake proud with a fantasy tennis match. And Gourry dons the dress once again.

Support the show by purchasing Slayers seasons 1-3 on DVD through our Amazon affiliate link! DVD: https://amzn.to/2KFsahF

For Black Lives Matter
For LGBTQ+ Charities
For Trans Rights
For Poland's LGBTQ+ Aid

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Episode 98 - The Seiyruun Accords (Slayers Next 3 of 6) 0

May 28, 2020

It's part 3 of our revisit with Slayers Next! Garrett's now a full-fledged host, joining Diana, Ed, Dennis, Kate, and Karen discussion episodes 10-13 (36-39 per Funimation's website). Lina tries to get her magic back, Xellos actually starts being useful, inspiration for Avengers: Age of Ultron, who's the actual mastermind behind these monsters, and Lina's new magic hotness. You better get ready!

Support the show by purchasing Slayers seasons 1-3 on DVD through our Amazon affiliate link! DVD: https://amzn.to/2KFsahF

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Episode 97 - Iron Chef Cowboy (Slayers Next 2 of 6) 0

May 14, 2020

On this episode, the big three are back with your next batch of Slayers Next episode recaps. We're going over Slayers Next episodes 6-9 (or 32-35 on Funi's website). So join Ed, Kate, and Dennis as they discuss what is most likely the first of many of Martina's returns, a cowboy chef training montage in regards to dragon hunting and dragon cuisine, the absolute disrespect for Zelgadis, more Xellos being Xellos, getting deeper with a season 1 plot point with Amelia's father, and more hilarity with Lina and crew.

Support the show by purchasing Slayers seasons 1-3 on DVD through our Amazon affiliate link! DVD: https://amzn.to/2KFsahF

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Kate: @TaikoChan

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Episode 96 - Basically the Truth (Slayers Next 1 of 6) 0

Apr 30, 2020

On this episode, we're going back to the fun, fantasy anime universe with Slayers season 2, more commonly known as Slayers Next! Even though it's been only a few months since we finished season 1, we thought we could use a little bit of fun by revisiting this series. Ed and Diana lead the discussion also featuring Garrett, Karen, Kate, and Dennis. We discuss recurring gag comfort food, not trusting a priest again, finding out another of Lina's weaknesses, secret secrets are no fun, and Mr. Freeze.

Support the show by purchasing Slayers seasons 1-3 on DVD through our Amazon affiliate link! DVD: https://amzn.to/2KFsahF

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Episode 95 - Lofi Hip Hop Beats to Podcast To (Whisper of the Heart) 0

Apr 16, 2020

On this episode, the club revisits the 1995 Ghibli movie Whisper of the Heart. Prepare to get "Take Me Home, Country Roads" stuck in your head for the next few days! We discuss great quarantine/background music YouTube channel chilledcow, middle school crushes, nostalgia for analogue, chonky cats, dapper cat couples, and deciding your career path as a preteen.

Thanks to special guests Alicia (@nightkinks) and Jet (@jetspectacular) for joining us!

Support the show by purchasing Whisper of the Heart on Blu-ray/DVD through our Amazon affiliate link! https://amzn.to/2Vwsqof

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan

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Episode 94 - Count Erfeit (Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro) 0

Apr 3, 2020

Hope everyone is being safe out there. On this episode, the club gets together online again to discuss Miyazaki's first ever directed feature, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro. This 1979 film was made by a bunch of people who would eventually make up the early core of Studio Ghibli. So it's a Ghibli film in spirit, but not technically a Ghibli film. We go over some of the reception to Lupin's portrayal, some differences in the Streamline version that's on Netflix, Lupin's age, old currency, extreme Home Alone, and so much more. Hope you have enough wine with you to enjoy this one, because it's a long one. And don't forget to wash your hands!

Support the show by purchasing Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro through our Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/2US1GOA (at the time of the episode, it is sold out, but is available to stream on Netflix)

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan | Garrett: @blkriku

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Episode 93 - Transporter Kenshiro (Riding Bean) 0

Mar 19, 2020

With self-quarantining and social distancing well underway, we scrap our initial choice for this episode to one that we can all stream legally and discuss over Discord. So instead of Garzey's Wing, club members Dennis, Ed, Kate, and Karen discuss 1989's Riding Bean from Kenichi Sonoda. We're revisiting Chicago in an anime again! There's exciting car chase sequences, a tricked out super car, Mission Impossible style disguises, a different looking Rally Vincent, what is and isn't bulletproof, and some major gaslighting.

Support the show by purchasing Riding Bean on DVD through our Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/2xLwLeN

While we are not affiliated, you can also purchase Riding Bean on Blu-Ray through Animeigo's website, and officially stream it in English through HiDive/VRV.

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan

Be safe, stay indoors if you can, and watch some anime. Kanpai!

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Episode 92 - I Never Give Up Forever (Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket) 0

Mar 4, 2020

On this episode, the crew goes extra long after a corrupted hard drive loses the first half of our Gundam 0080 talk. So instead, Dennis, Ed, Karen, Kate, and returning guest Jet discuss all 6 episodes of War in the Pocket. We discuss Al's super powers of marathon running, terrible trade skills, Chris being the best girl next door, Garcia and Mikhail's dub accents, crocodile tears, and bad Federation policies. So grab yourself a hamburger, because daddy's coming home for Christmas.

Special thanks to returning guest Jet! (@jetspectacular)

Support the show by purchasing Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket through our Amazon affiliate link! https://amzn.to/2IliDLe

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan

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Episode 91 - She's Got a Gun-nife (Gunsmith Cats) 0

Feb 6, 2020

On this episode the crew goes over the 1995 OVA series Gunsmith Cats, from Kenichi Sonoda. Action, thrills, excitement -- all in the classic anime setting of...Chicago? Hope you like action and fast cars. Where have we heard that tagline before? We discuss May's psyche, the picturesque look of the city, searching for a private yacht club in South Michigan, and why is Rally allowed to be so heavily armed as a private citizen. Featuring the voices of Dennis, Ed, Karen, Kate, and Garrett.

Gunsmith Cats is currently available to purchase through Animeigo's website.

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan | Garrett: @blkriku

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Episode 90 - Anime, Drugs, and Rock N' Roll (On Your Mark) 0

Jan 23, 2020

On this episode, we have more than a full clubhouse to discuss the animated short video of On Your Mark, with music by Chage & Aska and animation by Studio Ghibli from 1995. Diana, Ed, Kate, Dennis, Karen, Garrett, and Sam are joined by special guest Eron, making his first actual episode appearance (he was on the Project A-Ko Facebook Live we did on New Years Eve). There's a brief history on the super duo CHAGE & ASKA, trying to explain what went on in the music video visuals, some inspirations behind Miyazaki's imagery, and surprisingly so much more than what would be your normal music video discussion.

Thanks to special guest Eron (@eronrauch) for joining us on this episode!

On Your Mark is not available for purchase in North America, but you can officially own it in the Studio Ghibli Short Film Collection that was released in July of 2019.

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Episode 89.5 - Vintage Anime: 25 Years, 1995 Edition (Anime Los Angeles 2020 Panel) 0

Jan 16, 2020

Recorded live from Anime Los Angeles in Ontario, California, the Vintage Anime Club discusses some popular anime from 1995. Enjoy the music and the trip down memory lane!

Dennis: @ichnob | Diana: @binkxy | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan | Garrett: @blkriku

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Episode 89 - Big Bad Beetleborgs (El-Hazard: The Magnificent World 3 of 3) 0

Dec 19, 2019

On our last episode for 2019, the club gets together one more time this year to discuss the last two episodes of El-Hazard: The Magnificent World. While we all knew how things would ultimately play out, it was more about the reveals and repercussions. What is Fatora actually like? Will we know more about the Phantom Tribe? How do Nanami and Shayla Shayla feel about Ifurita? How will all this timey-wimey nonsense resolve itself? Featuring the voices of Dennis, Ed, Karen, Kate, and Garrett.

Also stick around for an extended post episode stinger. Before we go over this episode's wine pairings, we also discuss our favorite anime titles of 2019.

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan | Garrett: @blkriku

Unfortunately, the Pioneer El-Hazard OVA set is out of print. You can still find it on the secondary market. But RightStuf/Nozomi Entertainment will be re-releasing the set sometime in 2020.

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Episode 88 - Hubba Hubba Zoot Zoot (El-Hazard: The Magnificent World 2 of 3) 0

Nov 20, 2019

On this episode, we're down to a trio of hosts with Ed, Kate, and Dennis to discuss episodes 4 and 5 of El-Hazard: The Mysterious World. Ifurita is awake, and wrecking things. But there's more going on in El-Hazard than an ancient demon weapon. What's the deal with Galus and Nahato? Shayla Shayla and Nanami exchange insults, including a dub translation that probably wouldn't work today. Bugram party times, including a reference to one of the oldest AMVs we can remember. And our heroes' plans not really working out all that well for now. Luckily, you won't have to wait 10,000 for the conclusion. But we are pushing back the finale by a week.

Watch the Jinnai and the Bugrom LIVE! by Studio Hybrid on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/OIM2dV9R7fA

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Kate: @TaikoChan

Unfortunately, the Pioneer El-Hazard OVA set is out of print. You can still find it on the secondary market. But RightStuf/Nozomi Entertainment will be re-releasing the set sometime in 2020.

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Episode 87 - I Don't Know Her (El-Hazard: The Magnificent World 1 of 3) 0

Nov 7, 2019

On this episode, Diana hosts for one of her favorite anime series ever, El-Hazard: The Magnificent World, along with Karen, Ed, Kate, Dennis, and Garrett. We go over the first three episodes of this seven-part 1995 OVA series that came out when Pioneer was the dominant laser disc company. We talk bad princess etiquette, maniacal laughs, cute bugs, best cats, same sex relationships in the 90s, and being a functional alcoholic.

Unfortunately, the Pioneer El-Hazard OVA set is out of print. You can still find it on the secondary market. But RightStuf/Nozomi Entertainment will be re-releasing the set sometime in 2020.

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Episode 86 - Book Friends for Life (Captain Harlock: Arcadia of My Youth) 0

Oct 23, 2019

On this episode Garrett and Han make their return to join Ed, Kate, and Dennis as they revisit another Leiji Matsumoto title, 1982's Captain Harlock: Arcadia of My Youth. Origins of Harlock, pirate radio frequencies, alliance changes, gene memories, and friendships that transcend time and space -- this film has a lot to unpack, and we try to make sense of it all!

Thanks to returning guest Han for also joining us!

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Kate: @TaikoChan | Garrett: @blkriku

Support the show by purchasing Captain Harlock: Arcadia of My Youth on Blu-ray or DVD through our Amazon or RightStuf affiliate links!

Amazon Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/31FuWJC
Amazon DVD: https://amzn.to/35ZNVls
Rightstuf Blu-ray: http://shrsl.com/1w99i
Rightstuf DVD: http://shrsl.com/1w99j

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Episode 85.5 - Gundam Movie Trilogy Bonus Chat 0

Oct 18, 2019

On this bonus episode, Karen and Kate were finally able to watch Mobile Suit Gundam Movie III: Encounters in Space. Lots of feelings were had, so Dennis discusses it with them.

Dennis: @ichnob | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan

Support the show by purchasing Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Trilogy on Blu-ray or DVD through our Amazon or RightStuf affiliate links!

Amazon Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/2L4vFPD
Amazon DVD: https://amzn.to/2L1bGkW
RightStuf Blu-ray: http://shrsl.com/1s2zp
RightStuf DVD: http://shrsl.com/1s2zr

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Episode 85 - Sokan's Next Top Empress (Like the Clouds, Like the Wind) 0

Oct 10, 2019

On this episode, Karen, Ed, Kate, and Dennis visit the made for TV 1990 anime movie Like the Clouds, Like the Wind. You think it's similar to the Prince and the Pauper set in ancient fantasy mainland Asia, but instead it turns Game of Thrones on us. And even though it might seem like it is an uncredited Studio Ghibli project, thanks to the sleuthing from Diana, we get down to the bottom of that error from so long ago. Yup, Diana also joins us near the end! We also talk ancient studying, Tamyun being the best girl, OG Mean Girls, and why boredom is dangerous.

Dennis: @ichnob | Diana: @binkxy | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan

Support the show by purchasing Like the Clouds, Like the Wind on Blu-ray or DVD through our Amazon or RightStuf affiliate links!

Amazon Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/2p9GNSE
Amazon DVD: https://amzn.to/2OBaHKg
Rightstuf Blu-ray: http://shrsl.com/1vew5
Rightstuf DVD: http://shrsl.com/1vew6

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Episode 84 - That Newtype Ability (Mobile Suit Gundam Movie 3: Encounters in Space) 0

Sep 26, 2019

On our final Gundam movie trilogy talk, Ed and Dennis are joined by Mike L over Discord to discuss Encounters in Space. Mike hasn't been on since Pom Poko, so it was a great chance to have him on again. Those missing epic battles from movie 2? Turns out they're all here in movie 3. We've also got suprise love squares, psychic battles and telepathy, horse back riding, fencing, betrayal after betrayal, and so much more regarding Newtypes. We think we're finally starting to understand them...maybe. Salute to the best ship names: Camel, Kwamel, and Swamel.

Thanks to special guest Mike L (@HolySpacePug) for being on through Discord!

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi

Support the show by purchasing Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Trilogy on Blu-ray or DVD through our Amazon or RightStuf affiliate links!

Amazon Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/2L4vFPD
Amazon DVD: https://amzn.to/2L1bGkW
RightStuf Blu-ray: http://shrsl.com/1s2zp
RightStuf DVD: http://shrsl.com/1s2zr

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Episode 83 - It's Newtype, not Smartype (Mobile Suit Gundam Movie 2: Soldiers of Sorrow) 0

Sep 12, 2019

On this episode, we've got the a quartet of hosts in Ed, Karen, Kate, and Dennis discussing the second movie in the Gundam Movie Trilogy, Soldiers of Sorrow. Released just a few months after the first movie, the constant battles that White Base has endured begins taking its toll on the crew. Sayla, Amuro, and Kai become insubordinate. White Base security is non-existant. Fan favorite side characters have to die. Mirai shower scene? Won't someone think of the children!

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan

Support the show by purchasing Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Trilogy on Blu-ray or DVD through our Amazon or RightStuf affiliate links!

Amazon Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/2L4vFPD
Amazon DVD: https://amzn.to/2L1bGkW
RightStuf Blu-ray: http://shrsl.com/1s2zp
RightStuf DVD: http://shrsl.com/1s2zr

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Episode 82 - "Get in the Robot, Amuro" (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Movie) 0

Aug 29, 2019

On this episode, the club revisits one of main catalysts for anime mecha fandom and plastic model kit builders. That's right, we're going over Mobile Suit Gundam, at least in its movie trilogy format. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, what better time to watch the one that started it all. Joining the hosts Dennis, Ed, Kate, and Karen, we have returning guest Mike, and brand new special guest Jet! Thanks to these two Gundam experts, we go over the first parts of the One Year War. From Amuro being a pro at reading the manual, figuring out what exactly Char is up to, Garma's fabulous hair, wondering why kids are on a battleship, and swooning over Matilda, let's go back to the year Universal Century 0079. Grab yourself a Gunpla kit, we're in the One Year War.

Many thanks again to our special guests Mike and Jet (@jetspectacular) for being on!

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan

Support the show by purchasing Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Trilogy on Blu-ray or DVD through our Amazon or RightStuf affiliate links!

Amazon Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/2L4vFPD
Amazon DVD: https://amzn.to/2L1bGkW
RightStuf Blu-ray: http://shrsl.com/1s2zp
RightStuf DVD: http://shrsl.com/1s2zr

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Episode 81 - Golden Bendy Straws (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind) 0

Aug 16, 2019

On this episode, Dennis, Kate, Karen, and Garrett go over the 1984 pre-Ghibli founding classic Nausicaa of the Vally of the Wind. We discuss Yupa's all-around badassery, Nausicaa breaking standard princess archetypes, some Captain Planet and Metal Gear Solid references, and the return of special features talk thrown in for good measure.

Dennis: @ichnob | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan | Garrett: @blkriku

Support the show by purchasing Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind on Blu-ray through our Amazon or RightStuf affiliate links!

Amazon Blu-ray/DVD: https://amzn.to/31IyStK
RightStuf Blu-ray/DVD: http://shrsl.com/1r9xe

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Episode 80 - Gig Economy Woes (Kiki's Delivery Service) 0

Aug 1, 2019

On this episode, Ed, Kate, Dennis, and Karen have survived SDCC and have gathered to talk about a much more wholesome anime title, Kiki's Delivery Service. While we do take a moment to reflect on the tragedy of the Kyoto Animation fire, there are some places where you can donate to help those affected. Every little bit helps. After that, we discuss problems of growing up at age 13, how not to talk to girls, the kindness of strangers, red earrings on moms, Jiji being best cat, and lots and lots of bloomers.

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Karen: @RyaCosplay | Kate: @TaikoChan

Support the show by purchasing Kiki's Delivery Service on Blu-ray through our Amazon or RightStuf affiliate links!

Amazon Blu-ray/DVD: https://amzn.to/2YDW5PC
RightStuf Blu-ray/DVD: http://shrsl.com/1qe83

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Episode 79 - Devil is in the Details (Belladonna of Sadness) 0

Jul 18, 2019

On today's episode, special guest Byram returns to join Ed, Kate, and Dennis as we discuss 1973's Belladonna of Sadness. This film deals with a lot of heavy, mature themes, and is definitely not one for the kids to watch. So have a listen, and maybe don't make a deal with the devil.

Thanks to special guest Byram, who you can follow on Instagram @radierase.

Dennis: @ichnob | Ed: @ippennokuinashi | Kate: @TaikoChan

Support the show by purchasing Belladonna of Sadness on Blu-ray through our Amazon affiliate link! (It is not available on RightStuf)

Amazon Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/2XZTziF

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Anime Expo 2019 Recap 0

Jul 16, 2019

Unlike last year's Anime Expo, the temperature never reached the triple digits in Fahrenheit. Instead, there were other issues that complicated things. Lines to get in were absurdly long, even for AX standards. Two significant earthquakes surely frightened many out of state and out of country visitors who have never experienced an earthquake before. That said, I still had a blast at this year's event, being allowed to cover a number of panels with fellow Vintage Anime Club members Kate and Sam.

First up, the Katsuhiro Otomo panel. Besides the man of the panel himself, he was joined on stage by Sunrise producer Yasumasa Tsuchiya, Sunrise president and CEO Makoto Asanuma, Kodansha director Shohei Yoshida, and Shochiko producer Motoki Mukaichi. Actor Ezra Weiss was the panel moderator, and he seemed even more passionate on stage than most of the fans in the audience. And that's pretty impressive since the entire audience was excited to be there. Otomo's latest film Oribtal Era was teased, a science fantasy film with a young male protagonist set on a space colony. While there are no release date details, there is definitely a lot of hype surrounding Otomo's first feature film in over 15 years, and I fully expect Sunrise to throw as much talent as it can. Next up, a collection of art titled Otomo: The Complete Works is also in development by Kodansha. Featuring as much artwork and stories since some of his earliest work from 1971, this compendium hopes to inspire artists and creatives worldwide. The most surprising panel announcement had to be the new Akira animated series project. It's already made known that this will not be a sequel, but a full blown new anime series, that hopefully tells as much of the story from the six books as possible. Jokes about Akira: Brotherhood aside, this is something I had personally wanted for since reading the Dark Horse published volumes back in the early 2000s. Finally, Akira will be getting a 4K remaster release as well in Spring 2020, with a North American release to follow.

As stated on the July 4 episode of the podcast, Kate was representing The Promised Neverland anime as an offical Mama/Isabella cosplayer for Aniplex. We were both able to attend the panel, featuring series director Mamoru Kanbe, producer Kenta Suzuki, animation producer Yuichi Fukushima, joined the principal voice actors for the children on stage: Sumire Morohoshi and Erica Mendez as Emma, Maaya Uchida and Jeannie Tirado as Normal, and Mariya Ise and Laura Stahl as Ray. While mainly recapping what it was like on the first season, there were plenty of fun anecdotes by all, and a confirmation that the second season will be on the way soon. With the success and critical praise from season one, I know many of us are looking forward to season 2. Of note, Morohoshi even gave Kate a shoutout at the end of the panel. Since Kate was cosplaying as Isabella, it made Morohoshi very nervous to be on that stage.

One of the panels that I had the most fun with was also perhaps the most controversial on my Twitter feed: the Gundam 40^th anniversary panel. Panelists included Toshiro Fujiwara from Sunrise Sales, Gundam marketing manager Kenichiro Ikeuchi, writer Harutoshi Fukui or Gundam Unicorn and Narrative, and Sunrise Beyond President Masakazu Ogawa, producer of Build Fighters, Build Divers, and Iron-Blooded Orphans. One of the key things that were dividing fans was Fukui's comparison of himself and Gundam series creator Yoshiyuki Tomino to the likes of JJ Abrams and George Lucas with today's Star Wars movie saga. Though it was a bold claim to make, Fukui did have enough charm and charisma with most of the audience that we were okay with the metaphor, or jokingly accepted the comment. Others, including some online, found it more disrespectful to Tomino, or way too arrogant of a claim to make. And they are not wrong in feeling that way, either. Being around for forty years, Tomino has done so much with the Gundam universe and continues to do so, with the movie compilation for Gundam Reconguista in G in development. But that wasn't all. Ogawa later mentioned that they were working on the next IBO and Build-series, while also promising new Alternate Universe stories soon. While there are plenty of fans for IBO and Build, just as many made it known that they were also hoping for a new property. Having only seen a few episodes of Build Fighters and only the first season of Iron-Blooded Orphans, I am not one who can legitimately say they have stayed too long. If it's still profitable, they'll keep making them.

The other panel I had the most fun with was the +Ultra panel by Fuji TV. No, it's not My Hero Academia related, though that joke was not lost on the audience or panelists. The day before this panel, I attended the Production IG panel in hopes of seeing the next season release date for Haikyuu!!, but unfortunately any news about that will happen at Crunchyroll Expo at the earliest. But guest of honor and famed character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto was a special guest at the panel, and teased his new project that was going to debut at the +Ultra panel, which is why I attended. First up, Fuji TV general manager Yoko Matsuzaki and Studio Bones President Masahiko Minami were there to talk about +Ultra, their partnership with Netflix, wanting to get high quality anime stories seen globally, and most importantly, Carole and Tuesday. Podcast listeners are familiar with the many praises Ed has sung for this show, and it makes me very happy that we can finally watch it on Netflix later this year (mainly because I'm too lazy to get a VPN for Netflix Japan). The audience loved episode 1, with the stellar music and visuals. You'd expect nothing less coming from Shinichiro Watanabe. The last announcement was for their next Netflix partnered project The Great Pretender. With panelists of series director Hiro Kaburagi of Hozuki's Coolheadedness and 91 Days, character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto of Evangelion, FLCL, and being one of Gainax's founders, writer Ryota Kosawa of Parasyte live-action, and WITS President George Wada, episode 1 was also a ton of fun. What starts out as a comedic series featuring a con-man turns into something much more high stakes in this globe-trotting adventure involving the criminal underworld. No actual release date yet other than sometime in 2020 unfortunately. And with it also being a +Ultra/Netflix partnership, don't expect to be able to watch it in the US until close to 20 episodes are out in Japan, and we'll only get half of it at the time.

Finally, the last panel I was able to cover was the One Piece 20^th Anniversary Panel for the anime. At the time, they just released the first episode starting the Wano arc, so everyone was hoping for some brand new announcements. Panelist included Funimation Senior Brand Manager Paul Frugé II, Funimation Social Content Producer and host of the One Piece at a Time Podcast Josellie Rios, actor and voice of Franky Patrick Seitz, Vice President of Global Shonen Jump Sasaki Hisashi, and Bandai Namco's Dmitryi Khlynin. They discussed reading One Piece legally through the Shonen Jump, Viz Media, or Manga Plus apps, excitement for the upcoming anime arc, and Pirate Warriors 4. They also answered some standard Q&A style questions, such as how they got into the series, favorite moments, first impressions, etc. There was even two special video messages: one from Hollywood star Jamie Lee Curtis and another from Luffy's voice actor Mayumi Tanaka. While both messages were a joy to listen to, unfortunately the panel ended with no new information regarding the One Piece anime. We don't know if the next movie is coming to the Western markets, and we don't know if the dub will be continuing anytime soon. Patrick Seitz still wants to voice Franky, it's just that Funimation has a lot of titles to produce, especially with their push for simuldubs.

That was my experience in a nutshell with Anime Expo. While it differs from yours, I'm still hoping that they will someday figure out lines and security, along with not having to pay for a masquerade ticket. Thanks out there for reading this, and I hope you'll continue listening to the podcast as well. Kanpai!

-Dennis “ichnob”