Otakus & Geeks Essential Anime Episode 11: Now & Then, Here & There

By Justin D Williams

Shuzo "Shu" Matsutani, a rambunctious adolescent kendo student, encounters a mysterious girl named Lala-Ru in an abandoned factory near his home. When she's captured by hostile mecha, Shu is taken with her to another world, to the unfortunately named fortress-ship Hellywood, ruled by the psychotic King Hamdo. The apparently ancient Lala-Ru can produce vast quantities of water, which Hamdo desires. Shu is imprisoned, beaten, and tortured before being inducted into Hamdo's army of child-soldiers. He doggedly insists that he must protect Lala-Ru, despite her great powers. They escape Hellywood, wander through the desert, and reach a pueblo-like village where they defeat Hamdo. The rambling storyline recalls both El Hazard and Escaflowne. What sets Now and Then apart is the gritty realism of the violence: unlike other anime characters, Shu seems to feel real pain when Hamdo's thugs beat him. Although the rape of the Earth girl Sara is suggested rather than depicted, she has to decide whether to keep or abort the child. These depictions of the brutality of war give Now and Then a grim power many better-written and better-animated series lack. The most interesting segment on the "bonus disc" juxtaposes the animated version of the final episode with the storyboards. "From Then to Now" includes clips from the audition tapes of the actors playing Hamdo (Jack Taylor) and Shu (a surprisingly burly Ed Paul) along with interviews and standard behind-the-scenes footage of the recording sessions. Rated 16 Up for considerable violence, minor profanity, adult themes

Otakus & Geeks Essential Anime Episode 9: Elfen Lied

By Justin D Williams

Lucy is a special breed of human referred to as "Diclonius," born with a short pair of horns and invisible telekinetic hands that lands her as a victim of inhumane scientific experimentation by the government. However, once circumstances present her an opportunity to escape, Lucy, corrupted by the confinement and torture, unleashes a torrent of bloodshed as she escapes her captors.

During her breakout, she receives a crippling head injury that leaves her with a split personality: someone with the mentality of a harmless child possessing limited speech capacity. In this state of instability, she stumbles upon two college students, Kouta and his cousin Yuka, who unknowingly take an injured fugitive into their care, unaware of her murderous tendencies. This act of kindness will change their lives, as they soon find themselves dragged into the shadowy world of government secrecy and conspiracy.

Anime NYC to Host "Infini-T Force" Screening with Producer Kaz Haruna

By Justin D Williams

Anime NYC powered by Crunchyroll today announced Kaz Haruna, Producer of Tatsunoko Production’s highly-anticipated “Infinit-T Force,” will appear as a Guest of Honor in partnership with the largest manga and anime publisher in America, VIZ Media. VIZ Media will present an “Infinit-T Force” screening at the convention in addition to a panel featuring Haruna and an autograph signing for fans.

Anime NYC is a Japanese pop culture convention coming to the Javits Center (655 W. 34th St.) November 17-19, bringing fans together with creators and companies from across America and Japan. Kaz Haruna and VIZ Media’s “Infinit-T Force” events are the latest high profile features added at the show, which also includes highlights such as a day-long tribute to “Sailor Moon”; the U.S. premieres of the live-action “Fullmetal Alchemist” and “Gundam Thunderbolt: Bandit Flower” films; the NYC Ramen Summit showcasing globally-renowned ramen chefs; and the Anime Diva Night concert starring exciting performers straight from Tokyo.

“Infini-T Force,” created in celebration of Tatsunoko Production’s 55th anniversary, pulls together four of the studio’s most iconic characters, creating a team-up of legendary Japanese heroes Gatchaman, Tekkaman, Hurricane Polimar, and Casshan. Tatsunoko Production is one of Japan’s oldest animation studios and pioneered the industry with memorable hits like “Speed Racer” and “Gatchaman,” and their new “Infini-T Force” presents a look into anime’s technological future with its use of 3D CGI.

As part of VIZ Media’s “Infini-T Force” panel, Haruna will be joined onstage by noted classic anime expert Mike Toole, where they will discuss both Tatsunoko and “Infini-T Force’"s unique places in anime history. Anime NYC’s “Infini-T Force” schedule is as follows:

• “Infini-T Force” Special Screening - Fri, Nov 17 - 7 PM - Panel Room 1
• Inside the Action of “Infini-T Force” with Kaz Haruna - Sat, Nov 18 - 2 PM - Panel Room 1
• “Infini-T Force” Signing with Kaz Haruna - Sat, Nov 18 - 4:30 PM - Autograph Room

“We’re honored to work with VIZ Media to present Kaz Haruna, Mike Toole, and ‘Infini-T Force’ at Anime NYC,” said Peter Tatara, Anime NYC’s Show Director. “Truly a special event, ‘Infini-T Force’ celebrates the past half-century of Japanese animation, and we’re excited to bring this tribute to New York City!

“VIZ Media is thrilled to bring the excitement and action of ‘Infini-T Force’ to Anime NYC’s inaugural event,” said Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media’s Director of Animation Marketing. “We’re looking forward to meeting all the fans in the Big Apple for a special inside look of Tatsunoko’s anniversary project and the classic heroes featured."

VIZ Media’s “Infini-T Force” events are exclusively open to Anime NYC attendees, with tickets to the convention available now at www.animenyc.com. Anime NYC passes range from $35-60.

In addition to Kaz Haruna, Anime NYC’s guests include Fumihiko Sori, Masaki Tachibana, Naruyoshi Kikuchi, Yoko Ishida, Chihiro Yonekura, TRUE, Cherami Leigh, Cristina Vee, Danny Choo, LeSean Thomas, and Stephanie Sheh, and its partners and sponsors include VIZ Media, Crunchyroll, Funimation, Kinokuniya, Kodansha, Sentai Filmworks, SUNRISE, Tokyo Otaku Mode, Vertical Inc, and Yen Press.