‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)’ Clip Sends Twitter Into a Frenzy

December 5, 2021December 6, 2021 Jamal Michel

“PART ONE?!” is essentially what social media exclaimed into the ether when the official Twitter page for Into the Spider-Verse (which has since changed its username and banner) dropped a surprise clip for the upcoming sequel film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The animation opens with the same ending sequence from the 2018 Oscar-winning masterpiece, with an older looking Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) catching up after some time apart.

Animation, Interview, MoviesLeave a comment

Jeff Kinney and Brady Noon Discuss Bringing ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ to Animation

December 2, 2021 Michael Lee

Jeff Kinney’s long-running Diary of a Wimpy Kid children’s novel series went through four different live-action film adaptations in the past decade. But its latest iteration takes a much more animated approach that stays true to the visual styles of the source material. Disney relaunches the franchise by turning Diary of a Wimpy Kid into an all new animated adventure that centers on middle school student Greg Heffley (Brady Noon) who illustrates his life in a diary – which he tells himself is a journal in order to avoid bullying from older kids.

Animation, Movies, Sci Fi1 Comment

Thoughts (and Just Thoughts) from Watching ‘The Animatrix’ for the First Time

November 29, 2021November 29, 2021 Lauren Lola

With The Matrix Resurrections now less than a month away from release, it was time to make one more dive into the world of the Wachowskis’ creation, but through multiple different lenses. In 2003, the same year the second and third films came out, an animated anthology film called The Animatrix was also released. In collaboration with several Japanese animation studios, side stories, origin stories, and stories of random characters within the Matrix are explored through these nine different shorts.

Animation, DC Comics, Movies

New Trailer for ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ is Unleashed

November 23, 2021November 23, 2021 Mike Manalo

What do you get when you cross Secret Life of Pets with the DC Universe? DC League of Super-Pets!

Animation, DC Comics, Movies1 Comment

New ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ Images Reveal a Look at DC’s Top Dogs

November 19, 2021November 19, 2021 Mike Manalo

Next May, get ready to super-sit, super-stay, and super-roll over with Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart! DC and Warner Animation’s upcoming animated romp, DC League of Super-Pets hits theaters next summer, and today DC and WB unveiled two new images for the upcoming animated comedy.

Animation, Movies, Music

Adassa and Mauro Castillo Celebrate Colombian Culture Through Music in ‘Encanto’

November 19, 2021November 19, 2021 Michael Lee

Encanto, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 60th film, is an animated musical that tells the story of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family who live in a magical casita hidden in the mountains of Colombia. Every Madrigal child is blessed with a unique magic gift, like super strength and healing powers, to use to help the family and surrounding town. Unfortunately, Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) is the only one who didn’t receive a gift. But when she discovers that the magic is in danger of disappearing, she sets off on a quest to save it while also learning more about her family and realizing her true worth.

Anime, Music, Streaming

Putting the ‘Bebop’ in ‘Cowboy Bebop’ with Steve Aoki and John Cho

November 19, 2021November 19, 2021 Mike Manalo

It’s time to jam Bebop fans! Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop debuts today! And while it isn’t perfect, it’s still pretty fun in a pretty campy way. However, the one thing the show gets right is the music! And heavily inspired by the terrific music of the original anime, the music in the new adaptation pays homage, while managing to carve out its own identity for itself (much like the show as a whole). And someone who knows all about that is iconic DJ Steve Aoki!

Anime, Streaming

Funimation and Crunchyroll Invite Fans to Special ‘One Piece’ Episode 1,000 Event

November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 Adonis Gonzalez

The worldwide, cultural impact of anime has come a long way, hasn’t it? From dragon balls to giant space robots, the icons of the past have fought valiantly for anime’s future. And some of those shonen warriors are still fighting the good fight; like One Piece.

Anime, Podcasts, Star Wars

The Middle Geeks Episode 32: The Promise of ‘Star Wars: Visions’

November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 Swara Ahmed

We’re excited to have Meg Humphrey of Rogue Podron on to discuss Star Wars: Visions, the new anime anthology on Disney+ that breathes fresh life into this franchise with Japanese creators, crafting stories in a universe that was *heavily* inspired by their own culture.

Animation, Podcasts, Toys

‘Merchandise Spotlight’ with Griffin Newman

November 17, 2021November 17, 2021 Shelf Conscious

Shelf Conscious returns just in time for the second half of Masters of the Universe: Revelation on Netflix! This time, Keith is joined by Orko himself, Griffin Newman!

Animation, Movies

Pixar’s ‘Turning Red’ Promises Teenage Angst and Red Panda Transformations

November 17, 2021November 19, 2021 Michael Lee

Disney•Pixar has released the latest trailer for their forthcoming animated feature Turning Red. From the mind of Academy Award-winner Domee Shi, the coming-of-age film follows the teenage Mei (voice of Rosalie Chiang) who goes through a unique kind of growing pain that’s different from any other teenager. Anytime Mei exhibits a strong emotion, she turns into a giant red panda. So, think of a cuter and cuddlier version of how Bruce Banner turns into the Hulk.

Animation, Movies, Reviews

NOC Review: ‘Encanto’ is Mostly Enchanting

November 17, 2021November 18, 2021 Mike Manalo

First of all, score one for Walt Disney Animation for putting out two releases in one year that celebrate different stories from different cultures! With the terrific Raya and the Last Dragon earlier this year, and now the charming Encanto, it’s refreshing to see that the House of Mouse has been more proactive in telling stories that aren’t just rooted in Western European fairy tales. I think Moana really opened the door for this, and as far as our site is concerned, we couldn’t be happier.

Animation, Interview, Marvel

Ally Maki Brings the Asian American Girl Club to Hulu’s ‘Hit-Monkey’

November 16, 2021November 18, 2021 The Nerds of Color

On November 17, Hit-Monkey, Hulu’s latest TV-MA rated animated Marvel property, makes its debut on the streaming platform. Based on the comic by Daniel Way and artist Dalibor Talajić, Hit-Monkey tells the tale of a Japanese snow monkey who seeks revenge against the gangsters that decimated his family. One of the characters drawn into Hit-Monkey’s orbit is Detective Haruka, played by the incomparable Ally Maki.

Anime, Reviews, Streaming1 Comment

NOC Review: ‘Cowboy Bebop’ is a Mixed Bag That Will Test the Purists

November 15, 2021November 18, 2021 Mike Manalo

So much like my review for Snake Eyes, I will set a disclaimer about the fact that I’m by no means a hardcore Cowboy Bebop fan. I’ve seen the full series once through in my life, and I do like it. And I’ve rewatched some of my favorite episodes numerous times, particularly in preparation for the release of this series. But I’m not as emotionally attached or invested in the series as many out there are.

Animation, Interview, Streaming

NOC Interview: Josh Gad Talks Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘Olaf Presents’

November 11, 2021 Sophia Soto

Josh Gad is back as the voice of Olaf for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Olaf Presents. The series of new animated shorts starring everyone’s favorite talking snowman launches November 12, exclusively on Disney+. Gad has also brought the character to life in Frozen, Frozen Fever, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Frozen II, At Home with Olaf, Once Upon a Snowman, and Lego Frozen Northern Lights.

Animation, DC Comics, Interview

‘Young Justice’ Creators Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti Discuss the New Season

November 8, 2021November 9, 2021 Swara Ahmed

After the long wait since the conclusion of its third season, Outsiders, the critically acclaimed series Young Justice is back streaming on HBO Max with Phantoms. Praised for its writing, deep characterizations, diversity, action, and thrilling storytelling, Young Justice is one of the best DC onscreen projects that has retained a cherished place with numerous fans. Five episodes into the new season, so much has already happened, and the Team will have to deal with unforeseen threats at every turn.

Animation, Movies

‘Encanto’ Directors and Writers Find Magical Realism in Colombian Culture

November 5, 2021November 8, 2021 Michael Lee

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto is an animated musical that celebrates Lantine and Latinx culture, specifically everything Colombia offers. The film follows Mirabel Madrigal (Stephanie Beatriz), the only child not blessed with a magical gift. As she struggles to find her place within her multigenerational enchanted family, she finds out that the magic that has helped them and the town is in danger of disappearing. So she sets off on an adventure to prevent that from happening.

Animation, Movies, Music

Lin-Manuel Miranda on the Challenges of Songwriting in ‘Encanto’

November 5, 2021November 5, 2021 Michael Lee

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto tells a story about family and individuality through the Latin American lens, specifically a Colombian one. The film follows the Madrigal family, where every child was blessed with a magical power that they are to use to help the family and better the community. Well, every child except Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz), who has to face the frustration of being the only one without a blessing.

Animation, Interview, Television

Yvette Nicole Brown Talks the New Amazon Original ‘Fairfax’

October 29, 2021October 30, 2021 Sophia Soto

Yvette Nicole Brown voices the character of Trini in the new Amazon Original adult animated comedy series, Fairfax. All eight episodes began streaming October 29, exclusively on Prime Video.

Animation, Interview, Television

Kiersey Clemons and Skyler Gisondo Preview ‘Fairfax’

October 27, 2021October 30, 2021 Sophia Soto

Kiersey Clemons and Skyler Gisondo voice the characters of Derica and Dale in the new Amazon Original adult animated comedy series, Fairfax. All eight episodes will premiere October 29, exclusively on Prime Video.

Animation, Movies, Sci Fi

Star Command is Calling! Teaser and Poster for ‘Lightyear’ Lands

October 27, 2021October 27, 2021 Mike Manalo

Back in 1995, when Andy went through his “Buzz Lightyear” phase, didn’t you wonder what all the fuss was about? Well Pixar, leaving no stone unturned, is finally going to show you! And they’re bringing out Steve Rogers from retirement to do it!

Anime, Streaming

‘Cowboy Bebop’ Official Trailer and New Poster Drop

October 26, 2021October 26, 2021 Mike Manalo

We are almost to November 19 everyone! Which means we’re that much closer to the premiere of Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop!

Animation, DC Comics, Movies

DC FanDome: ‘Catwoman: Hunted’ Leads DC Animation’s 2022 Movie Slate

October 16, 2021October 16, 2021 Mike Manalo

It was a huge day for the Bat and the Cat today! In addition to the new trailer for The Batman dropping, featuring Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight opposite Zoe Kravitz’s Catwoman, DC Animated Movies announced their next big offering, coming February 8, 2022, Catwoman: Hunted!