CAPTAIN HARLOCK FEATURE FILM TRAILER - CG ANIMATION

CAPTAIN HARLOCK : THE REBIRTH 
OF A LEIJI MATSUMOTO CLASSIC

BROKEN BLADE - ONE OF THE BEST MECHA ANIME EVER

 
BROKEN BLADE RATING

THE LOWDOWN:

It's a future filled with kingdoms, crystals, magic and mecha.

 In Broken Blade, two kingdoms clash for reasons that aren't entirely clear (just like the real world, eh).  And in battle,  the military's weapon of choice are these human-piloted giant robots. But unlike your usual mecha, these robots are controlled by crystals and "magic" (not the kind where in you conjure spells...it's something closer to something like telekinesis.)

In fact, any kind of machinery in this world, including guns, are powered by "magic".

And once in a blue moon, there are people who are born without "magic" (these misfits are called unsorcerers), rendering them powerless to maneuver any kind of machinery.

Enter Rygart...former schoolmate and dear friend to the King whose country is under siege. Rygart is an unsorcerer.  He is invited by the king and queen to look at an ancient mecha that was dug up by the government.

To make a long story short, the mecha from the ancient times uses traditional technology (something the future world doesn't understand).  And Rygart who accidentally ends up in the old mecha's cockpit becomes its first "registered" user in a very long time. This old mecha is infinitely superior to the newer mechas--but controlling it is quite a hassle.

This narrative element drives the whole story arc into interesting and entertaining places.

Broken Blade treats mechas as weapons and nothing more.  Ironically, this treatment gives the mechas their personality in many ways. In this anime mechas break and are actually repaired on a regular basis.

On that merit alone, we must conclude by saying  that this is probably one of the best mecha-based animes of all time.

Go get it!

Dareka no Manazashi Trailer - SHINKAI'S NEW SHORT FILM

Dareka no Manazashi by Makoto Shinkai Saw this trailer uploaded by Pireze from Youtube

MANGA STUDIO EX 4: ALMOST THE BEST COMIC SOFTWARE

MANGA STUDIO EX 4: ALMOST THE BEST COMIC SOFTWARE


MANGAKA YOSHIKADU USING COMIC STUDIO (MANGA STUDIO)FOR HIS ECHII MANGA, TSUGUMOMO

HERE ARE SOME COMIC BOOKS MADE USING MANGA STUDIO FROM WRITER/ARTIST DOUG TENNAPEL

I've been doodling with Manga Studio since the first quarter of last year and I think it's one of the most phenomenal programs for comic book artists ever.

Anyone with Photoshop or Illustrator experience will be able to transition easily to Manga Studio. The program interface is extremely intuitive and the program tools mimic the the real-world tools very well (real-world tools meaning tools that comic artists really use). It's as if the software developers went into a comic artist studio and watched him/her work--then went out and built an application based on the work flow they saw.

So what makes Manga Studio Stand out? Let me enumerate:
1.) Panel Tools (from simple panel cuts to advanced panel layouts). 2.) Speech Balloon Tools - The most professional-looking speech balloons can be achieved here. I've seen people who use other programs for speech balloons...and the results can be very disappointing. And as any artist knows, lousy balloons can kill the best artwork.

3.) Ruler Tools. MS EX 4 has the most comprehensive and flexible set of rulers (perspectve, concentric, parallel, etc.). So get rid of that T-square and that extra piece of paper you had to stick to your art board for your vanishing point.

4.) INKING Tools - The best pens that simulate G-Pens (Japanese dip pens) Maru pens, etc.

There's so much more but I don't have the time to list 'em all down.

So, why do I think that Manga Studio is almost the top software for making comics and not the top software for making comics?

I think it lacks just a tiny bit of bells and whistles compared to the original Japanese version. In Japan, Manga Studio is actually called Comic Studio (developed by the Japanese company, CELSYS)...and I've seen quite a few Youtube videos of professional mangakas using Comic Studio. They were using tools that seemed to have extra improvements. I just hope that Manga Studio EX 4 gets a few updates soon. Manga Studio is available from the good people of SmithMicro.

Go on! Make a comic!

I ordered Tsugomomo from Amazon Japan to see how Yoshikadu's lines translate to the printed page---and they are awesome. I think Yoshikadu makes full use of the program. If you want to study Yoshikadu's art you'll have to be around 18 or above. Unfortunately, his comic has mature content...extremely funny though. If you want to learn about lines, composition and the other possible techniques of illustrating with Manga Studio, you should watch all of Yoshikadu's "speed art" on youtube.

KATSUHIRO OTOMO IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF BRUTUS

Copyright 2012 Anime Institute

KATSUHIRO OTOMO IN BRUTUS
This publication is all in Japanese.  I don't read Japanese but I just had to get it.This issue pretty much celebrates Katsuhiro Otomo and his work (mostly on Akira).  There's even a feature of Otomo together with Takehiko Inoue...another one of my favorite manga artists.  Now, if only someone can translate!

This issue coincides with Otomo's Genga exhibition and Genga book to be released this month (April).  If you're looking for big pics of  his work, this magazine is NOT for you.

On that note, his Genga book will be available on Amazon.jp or Play-Asia.com ! :-) Cheers!  Check this site out!

http://www.otomo-gengaten.jp/

A MESSAGE FROM THE CLOWNS AT ANIME-INSTITUTE

A MESSAGE FROM THE CLOWNS AT ANIME-INSTITUTE

WACOM CREATES, WE DROOL
A step up from the Cinti21UX. Looks perfect for manga artists and animators.

Hands on video shared from Engadget...thanks Engadget!

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Rebuilding Japan - Artwork

Copyright 2011 TATJARI

ART HEART JAPAN
Artists continue to express their support for the people of Japan through their work.  Here's an original created by one of the best Singapore-based graphic designers we know. (Who also happens to be a good friend of the Institute)

HERR DIREKTOR - MAKOTO SHINKAI

MAKOTO SHINKAI INTERVIEW ONLINE Credit goes to Youtube user, TABRISRP, for posting this video online.

Makoto Shinkai

Date of Birth: March 9, 1973
Place of Birth: Koumi-cho, Nagano Prefecture

Best Known For: Voices of a Distant Star, 5 Centimeters Per Second, The Place Promised in Our Early Days

1 Makoto Shinkai graduated from Chuo University, majoring in Japanese literature. 

2 He admires the work of Hayao Miyazaki, particularly Laputa - Castle in The Sky.

3 Learned CG when he worked at a Japanese gaming company.

4 He did all the animation in his early films--most notably the anime short, Voices of a Distant Star.

5 Most of his films have themes about long distances (physical) and its effects on the relationships, wants and dreams of people.

GUNDAM & NISSIN CUP NOODLES UNITE!

GUNDAM & NISSIN CUP NOODLES UNITE!

Here's a little tie-up between one of the biggest anime franchises and the biggest instant cup noodle manufacturer.  Something to pick up the hopes of the Japanese people.

That cup was released last year though...it's a must have.

(Thanks to the Halcyon Realms blog)

Studio Ghibli's Kokurikozaka Kara 2011

GHIBLI'S NEW FILM  KOKURIKOZAKA KARA GOES UNDER OUR RADAR

A new Ghibli film going unnoticed by our blog?  Unthinkable!  But it did happen.  We've been busy.

So let's head straight for the prime rib.

From what we gathered on the net, KOKURIKOZAKA KARA seems to be based on an old shojo manga series published in Japan...way, way back when we were still wearing short pants in grade school.

Set in 1980, the story revolves around a young girl who must grow up quickly when her father goes missing.

The general plot should be the same for the Ghibli film.  But further research reveales that Ghibli's director, Goro Miyazaki, and writers ,Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa, changed the setting to the early 60s in Yokohama.

So far this coming-of-age anime's been doing well against the big box office heavyweights in Japan.

Enjoy the clips! (No subs yet)

NOT SO MECHA COKE VENDO

NEW VENDO MACHINES INVADING THE CITY.

MAKOTO SHINKAI ON IMAGINE-NATION (NHK)

MAKOTO SHINKAI ON IMAGINE-NATION (NHK)
The director who gained international recognition for his anime short, "Voices of Distant Star",  is getting some face time on NHK.   This is a rare feature, so you better set those digital recorders (or VCRs).  The episode will air on July 26, 2011 at 23:30 UMT.

SHARPEN YOUR JAPANESE!

SHARPEN YOUR JAPANESE!
If you can't stand watching English dubbed anime...learn a little Japanese.  Here's an interactive site that teaches you how to use popular Japanese words and phrases often used in manga and anime!

Log on and enjoy!

http://www.anime-manga.jp/

MESSAGES OF ENCIOURAGEMENT FOR JAPAN FROM AROUND THE WEB

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR JAPAN

THROUGH ART

From PIXIV website/portal

From Skye Nicolas (a projected image of Grendizer on a NY skyscraper)

From Jame Jean

Thoughts & Prayers

Herr Direktor - Isao Takahata

Isao Takahata

Date of Birth: October 25, 1935

Place of Birth: Ise City, Mie Prefecture

Best Known For: My Neighbors The Yamadas, Graveyard of the Fireflies, Pompoko

1 Isao Takahata took up French literature in Tokyo University.

2 He admires French director, Paul Grimault, for his film Le Roi et L'oiseau.

3 He never drew before becoming a full-time director.

4 Isao Takahata directed Hols: Prince of the Sun under Toei Doga Animation Company. 
The studio unjustly blamed Isao for the film’s box office failure.

5 He co-founded Studio Ghibli with Hayao Miyazaki and is considered to
be one of the greatest anime directors of all time.

Heat Seeker - Macross-ing My Fingers

MACROSS-ING MY FINGERS

When Macross came out in the 80’s, I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread.  It was a space opera juiced up with mecha madness.  There were planes that turned into robots, giant aliens, monumental battles and the occasional pop idols. But even this winning combination couldn’t stop me from eventually disliking mecha for very, very long time. 

I don’t know what it was, but something about the Maross craze just made me lose interest and actively seek out other anime genres. It took nearly a decade and a half before I’d see another Macross anime—thankfully, it was the limited OVA series, Macross Zero.  And it was this five-episode 20^th anniversary prequel which restored my faith in mecha-based storylines. 

So, fast forward to January 22, 2011.  It’s just a few days before the premiere of Macross Frontier: Sayonara No Tsubasa, in Japan. This new movie is directed by Macross veteran, Shōji Kawamori. 

From the trailer, it looks like the filmakers made sure all the standard elements were in the mix. That could actually be a bad thing.  If they expect Macross’s audience to grow, the plot has to take off from a different angle. 

JJ Abrams did just that when he envisioned the genisis of Star Trek.  Abrams kept all the standard Star Trek elements but he gave the story-telling a new spin. It's true that loyal fans of the aging franchise had mixed feeling about it.  Some loved it.  Some hated it.  But one thing’s for sure, Abrams laid down a stronger and wider foundation for the newer generation of Star Trek fans to tread on.

Let’s hope Shōji Kawamori's newest Macross film delivers something that will not only keep his old fans happy, but something that will entice a larger and younger fan base.

I’m crossing my fingers.

--Mori

Randomimity - One Piece featured on NHK Today's Close-up

ONE PIECE FEATURED ON NHK TODAY'S CLOSE-UP
Watching NHK World on cable is pretty much like playing the lotto.  Sometimes you get lucky.

I had just gotten home from work.  I was clicking away, channel-surfing, when I chanced upon TV host, Hiroko Kuniya, interviewing a very distinguished-looking gentleman. When the camera pulled away from the guest, I was pleasantly surprised. The whole Today's Close-up set was plastered with enlarged images from the One Piece Manga. 

I hit the jackpot.

The show discussed the reasons behind the popularity of One Piece.  (With over 200,000,000 books sold, One Piece is the best-selling shonen of all time.) I wasn't able to get the name of the guest but I've seen enough of these programs to know that he was either a university professor or independent expert on Japanese pop culture.

The guest gave credence to the social changes that swept Japan in the late 90's for One Piece's success.  Apparently, in the late 90's, working Japanese adults felt that they were not being rewarded for their hard-work.  This made a lot of them gravitate towards One Piece's colorful storylines--which dealt mainly with themes of insecurity, pride, determination, alienation and friendship.

To be honest, I was never really a fan of One Piece.  The fact that it was so popular made me avoid the manga and the anime. But after watching Today's Close-up and learning about the socio-cultural implications of the most successful manga in Japan, I think I'll give it a whirl.

--Mori