In a surprising move during noitaminA’s 10th Anniversary event, the expected sequel to sci-fi anime Psycho-Pass not only received a trailer, which you can check out below, but a movie has also been announced. More info has been added to the official website.
Psycho-Pass 2 will be aired during the fall season in October this year while the anime film is penciled in for winter. To amp up the hype and re-jog our memories, a newly edited recap of 11 episodes from the first season will air in July.
Taking place in the future, Psycho-Pass is set in a society that can now measure a person’s tendency to commit a crime as well as decide an individual’s employment prospects. The story is centered around enforcement officer Shinya Kougami and detective Akane Tsunemori.
If you haven’t seen our reviews for the first season, be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 published by Funimation.
Ubisoft‘s much anticipated game has suffered a few delays, but fans will finally be able to get their hands on the hotly anticipated title on on May 27th, 2014. In Watch Dogs, players will follow the adventures of Aiden Pierce, a hacker who has witnessed an event that marked him as a wanted man. With the help of a special smartphone, Pierce will hack his way to vengeance by using the environment to his advantage. Pierce is more than just a hacker, he is a skilled free runner and is more that capable of going toe to toe with a few enemies that have the misfortune of being in the way.
With the help of the smartphone, players will be able to raise blockades to shake pursuing vehicles off their tails, drop cargo containers on enemies, and, as the trailer succinctly states, “turn the city into a weapon.” The game will feature roughly 30-40 hours of content, including multiplayer support. Players can join their friends in the city for a variety of multiplayer modes or sneak into their enemies’ games to steal precious information from their smart phones.
Watch Dogs will be released for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, and Windows PC. Be sure to check out the new story trailer to learn more about Watch Dog’s plot and Aiden Pierce.
The thought of high expectations having negative effects on an anime series is something that hit me in full only recently. Though I’ve experienced this many times throughout my anime-watching life, it is only now that I’ve finally decided to question whether or not fans of anime SHOULD have any expectations for a series at all. Anticipation is an incredibly powerful feeling for people and with anticipation comes excitement, with excitement comes expectation, and with expectation comes a level of comparison so powerful it is almost enough to break a series for some viewers.
“Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann” was and still is an absolutely brilliant anime series that will go down in history as one of the greats, which is a fantastic feat for those who put so much time and effort into the development of the series, unfortunately for those people when they come together again to create another series, fans have already decided in their minds that it MUST be better than that of their previous one.
This seems to be the case with series’ like “Kill la Kill” and “Space Dandy”, two new animes that are still airing and have somewhat been victims of the affects of high expectations, it is just lucky for those two shows that they have now proven themselves as “legendary” works. At least, for most people watching.
Though the popularity level for animes like the two just mentioned is quite high at this present moment, there was a time (before they were even released) where fans were already comparing them to other works; “Kill La Kill” to “Tengen Toppa Gurren Laggan” and “Space Dandy” to “Cowboy Bebop”. That comparison which lead to a high expectation of the two could have potentially meant failure for the new animes and I’d go as far to say that, at the start of their run, they were affected by these expectations.
I noticed it on a small scale with friends mentioning how they hope “a” is as good as “b”, and “a” worked on “b” so “c” better be great, comments of that kind flew around social circles of mine quite frequently and they have been for a very long time, it is only once I caught myself doing it that I realised maybe it has to stop. I’m sure fans of “Baccano!” had high expectations for “Durarara!!” and I’m sure fans of “Fullmetal Alchemist” had somewhat high expectations for “Silver Spoon” despite the fact that they are two totally different series’ only connected by the “mangaka” that created them.
Once again, they were lucky enough to live up to the hype but what about those who don’t? What about the fantastic pieces of work that get pushed to the wayside simply because they didn’t live up to what becomes unreachable expectations? A lot of people choose to follow a series based on the the creator of that series and their past works.
On a past CC Anime podcast, us Capsule Computers anime fans spoke about Goro Miyazaki and his past “failures”, for lack of a better word. We ended up agreeing on the fact that it was high expectations that “ruined” projects like “Tales From Earthsea”. Had his last name not been “Miyazaki” maybe people would not has asked so much of him and maybe those same people would have greatly enjoyed his film, but that doesn’t seem to have been the case. If you’re interested, you can listen to that episode of the CC Anime Podcast by Clicking Here. Maybe I’m looking too much into this, even I can see why people would think that because, for every series affected by high expectations, there are a great deal that don’t.
It is obvious that my knowledge on anime throughout the years is not infinite so I’d like to ask this question to all of you out there: High Expectations – Are They Wrecking Anime? Please use the comments section below or our official Twitter @CCAnimeOfficial to voice your opinions on this topic. I and the entire team at Capsule Computers would love to hear your thoughts.
Nobunagun Gun No. 12: Operation Stone Forest (Part 2)
After a long and explosive fight last episode, Sio finally managed to put a bullet between the enemy squid/octopus thing’s eyes. Battleship sunk. Victory achieved…or so you would think. Well similar to any situation where somebody says, “Things can’t get any worse,” things took a turn for the worse. Time for round two against an opponent who has transformed all the weaknesses of its predecessor into strengths. Should be any easy fight.
Fully armed and completely dangerous
Poor Sio. Just when you think she’s done fighting, a second giant cephalopod emerges from the briny deep and gets a lot too personal with her right off the bat. Am I the only one who doesn’t understand the pragmatism behind tearing her uniform in two specific locations? I understand how it fits into the hierarchy of anime but seriously alien dude? That’s your attack strategy? Anyway, regardless of how restrictive her new situation is, Sio manages to pull of something no other character has been seen doing: Activating an AU weapon from a different limb. I know it’s not exactly practical enough to have made an appearance prior to this moment, but it was interesting to see that it’s possible. Just another example the series throws at us to show how inventive Sio can be in combat.
Now I know the enemy are specifically classified as Evolutionary Invasion Objects, but holy crap. Who’da thunk they could force such radical changes in such a short time? Over the course of a single fight, the species managed to create a new member capable of combating every single weakness its “parent” possessed. These kinds of changes have always happened off screen and in between fights, to see it happen specifically due to the fight being shown was more involving in a way. Like the enemy continues to push forward faster and faster, inventing new ways to just screw over humanity. Not that we can’t do the same in return. I of course speak of the power of science. When forced into the middle of combat, I was kinda worried that Hunter would remain the archetypal coward. Then part of me remembered that this is the final fight and when that magical time rolls around, the cowards cut loose in one way or another. Utilising the power of his smart sciency brain, he devised a plan that was equal parts brilliant and malicious. I mean, having an army tear itself apart? Brutal. Though truly more Hunter’s speed. After damn near breaking down after killing an Object, the series reminds us that not every DOGOO soldier was built for this kind of duty. A fact that’s easy to forget when most weeks focus on Sio or Jack. In the same vein, we are given a brief glimpse of society, struck by awe and fear as their entire lives are turned upside down. It served to show that there is a world beyond DOGOO, full of people without the power to fight back. It really puts things in perspective doesn’t it?
Battered, bruised, but not beaten
Speaking of, Jack and Geronimo also got a chance to lets their slasher smiles show as they tore through roughly 1000 Objects each. Now that’s one hell of a kill/death ratio. In order to win the slaughter bet they agreed upon (the body counter was a nice touch), Geronimo unleashes a new power, a mode change entitled Ghost Protocol. Though not 100% explained, the mode grants her a power boost with an apparent increase in her aggression. Also a gratuitous amount of weaponry sprouting from every limb. I’d call it ridiculous if it weren’t so damn effective. On the topic of bizarre transformations, our old friend Jack also receives a combat upgrade in the form of some shiny new wings…made of knives. Contrary to Geronimo however, this mode change was not instigated by Jack, but rather the soul of the Ripper who dwells within. Possessing the unexplained ability to see Sio from kilometres away, through a wall of stone might I add, the spirit tells Jack to help her. Now, this exchange alone is rather interesting because it expresses that there is a dialogue possible between E-Gene and Holder. Our main example up to this point has been Sio who is consumed by Nobunaga’s persona, so I definitely liked getting the chance to see this different kind of relationship.
Oh yeah, it turns out that Jack also has two E-Genes within him. That kinda came out of nowhere. In addition to Jack the Ripper, Jack also houses the spirit of Florence Nightingale, manifested in the gloriously winged Nightingale Mode. Now I know I say this a lot, but man was that an interesting turn of events. Nothing from previous episodes hinted at the possibility that two E-Genes could co-exist in one body, let alone the spirits of a serial killer and a nurse. Though they never said it wasn’t possible. This situation could be the reason that Jack is not so readily consumed by the desires of his E-Gene, having two dragging him in separate directions. The implantation of both may have also been on purpose, as a way to utilise the “talents” of Jack the Ripper without losing control of such a volatile spirit. Perhaps that’s why the Ripper always seems so polite to Jack? Either that or he’s that kind of suave villain type. Regardless, I’m definitely curious to see what Florence Nightingale brings to the fight. (I honestly think that’s the first time that sentence has ever been written)
The Angel of Death
Well folks, I’m gonna say it like it is. The world is in crisis. From the brief glimpse we gained of the other platoons, the fight isn’t exactly leaning in humanity’s favour. But with a newly transformed Jack and the iron willed Nobunagun, we just might have a fighting chance. Though they might want to pick up the pace a little, there’s only one episode left.
Kodansha Comics confirmed over the weekend that one of its newest manga titles “The Heroic Legend Of Arslan” will be hitting North American shores sometime in the near future.
Unfortunately no specific release date was announced for the manga though but it has definitely been confirmed for a release outside of Japan. The manga series, written and illustrated by acclaimed “mangaka” Hiromu Arakawa – who is known for the brilliant series “Fullmetal Alchemist” and the great slice-of-life series “Silver Spoon” which was only recently adapted into an anime series – follows the story of Arslan; a prince whose kingdom has been taken over by a neighbouring nation.
Now kicked out of the throne, Arsland must gather the lands greatest warriors in order to build a powerful army and take back the land that is rightfully his. The manga is Hiromu Arakawa’s take on the the original “The Heroic Legend of Arslan” which is a series of Japanese fantasy novels written by Yoshiki Tanaka that are actually still being written to this day.
As mentioned above; there is no exact release date for the manga but as soon as one is released you can guarantee it will be reported on here at Capsule Computers so stick around.
It just keeps on going, baby! Any good anime fan would know that “AnimeJapan” went on over the weekend and directly from there came some news from a “Space Dandy” panel that the series has been picked up for a second season, something I and a lot of the other Capsule Computers employees are extremely excited about.
This was confirmed by both the staff and cast of the series, and actually doesn’t come as any sort of surprise seeing as how very popular the series is. Judging by some of the Tweets posted by con-goers who were there for the panel it seems as though the second season is set to be even more extravagant than the present one and we hope it will delve more into the overarching story of “Space Dandy”, possibly confirming the “CC Anime Podcast” teams theories on what exactly is going on within the series (Check out the Space Dandy-centric podcast episode Here).Though that may be a long shot.
We wont be waiting too long for the next season because it has already been said to be airing in June as part of the Summer anime season. Remember though, “Space Dandy” season one is still airing so don’t forget to check it out each week! You don’t want to miss even one episode of this fantastic anime release.
Shinichiro Watanabe’s upcoming Summer 2014 noitaminA anime series Zankyo no Terror has just been featured in its first teaser trailer. The trailer remains largely ambiguous and vague but does give a glance at what to expect from the thriller mystery.
Zankyo no Terror takes place in a post-terrorist attack Japan, following two teenagers behind the incident who collectively call themselves Sphinx. This is clearly a very different type of anime series for Watanabe and it looks to be a very intriguing one at that.
Take a look at the trailer for Zankyo no Terror below. Are you excited for Watanabe’s latest work? Let us know in the comments section.
This makes five! Last week we brought you some news straight from “David Production” – an animation studio that has recently been working on an anime adaptation of of Horihiko Araki’s long-running Shonen anime “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” – in the form of a promotional video focusing on one of the characters from season three of the “JJBA” anime; Jean-Pierre Polnareff.
The promo video from last week was the fourth to be released for the series, the first one revolved solely around an older Joseph Joestar, and each are released with the intention of (re)introducing audiences to characters they may or may not have seen in the past in the lead up to the actual release of the series which is set to begin its air on the 4th of April. This week the the video promo centres around a man that goes by the name of “Jotaro Kujo”; THE main character of the third season of the “JJBA” series titled “Stardust Crusaders”.
Taking the lead as the main character for this “JJBA” series, Jotaro Kujo is a juvenile delinquent with a bit of a problem; he’s got supernatural powers and doesn’t know what the hell to do with them. He’s first introduced while holding himself within a jail cell, he fears his new-found powers could hurt others so he locked himself away to avoid such incidents.
His grandfather, “Battle Tendency’s” Joseph Joestar, flies in from overseas at the request of his daughter to sort out his grandson and as soon as he sees the young man has the supernatural powers of a “Stand” he immediately understands both what he’s going through and what needs to happen next. Jotaro’s “Star Platinum” (his “Stand”) is extremely powerful and incredibly fast as well as accurate, this makes Jotaro’s “Stand” one of the most deadly in the “JJBA” universe and he proves this with every battle won.
The voice of Jotaro Kujo will be provided by the amazing voice artist Daisuke Ono who you may know from his work as Captain Erwin (Attack On Titan/Shingeki No Kyojin), Daikoku (Noragami), Cain Dressel (Valvrave The Liberator) and so many others. Just from watching the short promotional video, one can already see how incredible of a voice actor Mr. Ono is and why he was the best choice to play a character such as Jotaro Kujo. With each and every promotional video released the series is looking better and better, luckily for everyone it is only about two weeks away from beginning its series run (April 4th) so we wont be waiting long to see these powerfully flamboyant characters in action once again.
Like a breath of fresh air, Spring 2014 is soon upon us and with that comes a new slew of anime. Spring has always proven to be a solid to great season of anime year in year out and this season looks to be no different in my eyes. As I do each season I’ll be listing off the series that look most promising going into Spring 2014. This looks to be a ripper of a season and I for one can hardly wait to feast my eyes on a bunch of these series. With a sweet mix of sports, action and slice of life, I’m looking to have my cake and eat another one too. So without further adieu, these are the series that I will be watching this season of anime:
Haikyu!!
If you’ve read any of my previous anime picks this would come as no surprise to you. I’m a sport anime lover through and through and Haikyu!! ticks all the right boxes for me. It is a sports anime based upon a great Shonen Jump manga series, it is produced by Production I.G, it is about volleyball. How could I resist this series?
As a fan of the manga which this series is based off, I know how very good Haikyu!! is and I am simply ecstatic to see that it is being animated. I cannot wait to see Hinata and the rest of the Karasuno team in action. It may be shonen sports anime at its purest form, but what’s wrong with some simple and exciting fun? This looks to be the sports anime hit of the season.
Baby Steps
Yeah I know, another sports anime. But damn this one looks good. I’ll admit that I wasn’t aware of the Baby Steps manga until just recently, but the critical acclaim and rabid fandom that the series is known for has coloured me intrigued. I’m a huge Prince of Tennis fan and have played tennis competitively myself in the past, so with a great deal of love and appreciation for the sport I’m eagerly anticipating Baby Steps take on the tennis tale. That being said, I do have some reservations about the series, mostly the fact that it is being animated by Pierrot, a studio that has seen a steep decline in quality in my eyes. But I’ll hold opinion until I see Baby Steps in motion. For now I’m quite optimistic about what looks to be another great sports anime this coming season.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders This has been one of my most anticipated anime series for quite some time. After the long wait following the conclusion of Part 2 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, the arrival of Part 3 is a godsend. After taking a gander at the trailer for the new series, it is evident that the manga I adore so much is getting the treatment it rightfully deserves and getting another superbly animated season from David Production. This is undoubtedly the most popular arc in the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series and I for one cannot wait to see Jotaro and the gang kick some vampire ass. Yare yare daze!
One Week Friends It’s 50 First Dates animated! Well not quite, there no goofball Adam Sandler in sight, but the story itself is pleasantly familiar. One Week Friends follows two high school students, one girl who forgets all her memories every single week and the boy who becomes her friend over and over again every single week. It is a sweet story to say the least and I feel that it could be the real sleeper hit of the season. The potential here is boundless and I’m looking for something a bit more emotion-driven and this seems like it will be that series for me.
Ping Pong I love noitaminA and this looks weird as can be. That can be a winning combination depending on who you ask. If you asked me, Ping Pong could be quite good. But it could also be very very bad. The art style is putting a lot of people off the series but to me it has an interesting allure to it. I’ve seen plenty of comparisons between the art here and that of Aku no Hana but I feel that this series fits this style whereas Aku no Hana didn’t fit its style.
At the end of the day the series looks to be a bit of fun, it is Ping Pong for god’s sake, how bad could it be? Regardless of all that, Ping Pong is a bit of an on the border series for me. The first episode could make or break this one for me. I have faith in the noitaminA brand and I feel that Ping Pong could be another sleeper series for Spring. I’m down for Ping Pong, baby.
Selector Infected WIXOSS This will probably be an absolute train-wreck, but you know what they say about train-wrecks, you can’t help but watch. With the drama queen herself, Mari Okada, at the helm of the series, we can expect things to get pretty sappy. The plot of the series itself is pretty interesting, but Okada has a habit for grand dramatic moments and her track record for pacing and logic isn’t exactly the greatest. In anyone else’s hands a ‘survival game’ series such as this would be pretty straight forward but in Okada’s hands this proves to be something truly interesting. She has a habit for scattershot original anime series and the unfortunately titled Selector Infected WIXOSS will likely be the next in a long ling of them. Okada is by and large the type of creator who throws a lot of different colours on a canvas and hopes that it paints a picture. This kind of scattershot work has made her an interesting figure in the anime industry and Selector Infected WIXOSS is going to be one of two things, very good or painfully bad. Either way, strap me in for some Okada-madness.
Bokura Wa Minna Kawaisou This is the one that has really caught my eye. It focuses on a bunch of eccentrics all living in the same complex. It is a simple premise no doubt but the potential for greatness is there. I love Brains Base studio and if any of their previous slice of life series is anything to go on we have something special in store for us here with this series.
For me the real hook here is that it comes from the director of Blood Lad, a series full of eccentrics in its own right. This series looks like all kinds of fun and I am looking forward to hanging out with the gang at the Kawai Complex. Crazy fun awaits!
Honorable Mentions:Mushi-shi Season 2, Mangaka and Assistants, Marvel Avengers: Disk Wars and Love Live 2.
