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.

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.

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, Anime, Interview

Jacob Hopkins talks ‘To Your Eternity’

September 29, 2021September 29, 2021 Patrick Strange

Yo! Yo! Yo! It’s Kuya P back again with another interview for my friends here at the NOC! I recently sat down for a conversation with Actor, Jacob Hopkins to discuss his latest project on CrunchyRoll & HBO Max, To Your Eternity! Check out our conversation and then head over to CrunchyRoll or HBO Max to check out To Your Eternity streaming now!

Anime, Streaming, Television

Netflix Unleashes ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Opening Credits

September 25, 2021September 25, 2021 Mike Manalo

Our first footage of Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop is finally here! As predicted, right on the heels of the poster drop yesterday, the streaming service teamed up with the show’s cast during today’s TUDUM event to unveil the first look to all the rabid fans who have been patiently waiting to see it! And it didn’t disappoint! It’s an almost perfect recreation of the classic anime’s intro!

Anime, Streaming, Television1 Comment

New Poster Revealed for Netflix’s ’Cowboy Bebop’

September 24, 2021September 24, 2021 Mike Manalo

This morning Netflix dropped a sweet poster ahead of Netflix’s #TUDUM event tomorrow. Check it out here!

Anime, Star Wars, Streaming

Masi Oka on ‘Star Wars: Visions’ and How His Career Came Full Circle

September 22, 2021September 22, 2021 Laura Sirikul

Masi Oka’s life in the Star Wars Universe has come full circle. When he was fresh out of college, he took a job with Industrial Light & Magic as a digital and visual effects artist working on the Star Wars prequels. Now, the actor is voicing a Jedi in the new anime-inspired Star Wars series, Visions.

Anime, Streaming

Netflix’s ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Drops a Release Date and Awesome First-Look Images

August 23, 2021August 23, 2021 Mike Manalo

Count it down, folks! Because Cowboy Bebop is finally coming to Netflix on November 19!

The eagerly awaited live-action adaptation of one of the most beloved animes of all time is coming after many years of delays caused by the pandemic and star John Cho sustaining a set injury during filming.

Animation, Anime, Gaming

The VO Actors of Global Majority You Need to Know: Krizia Bajos

August 23, 2021August 23, 2021 Edward Hong

Over the past three years, I’ve encountered some truly remarkable voiceover actors from the PGM (People Of Global Majority) community, so remarkable that I thought it would be a worthwhile endeavor to dedicate an article about themselves, their accomplishments, and where you can find them and do so every week. When will this end? Most likely never so as I cackle at the infinite posts this may generate, I am so very happy to tell you all that my spotlight for this week is on Krizia Bajos!

Animation, Anime, Television

The VO Actors of Global Majority You Need to Know: Belsheber Rusape Jr.

August 16, 2021August 15, 2021 Edward Hong

Animation, Anime

The VO Actors of Global Majority You Need to Know: Ryan Colt Levy

August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 Edward Hong

Animation, Anime

The VO Actors of Global Majority You Need to Know: Emi Lo

July 26, 2021July 26, 2021 Edward Hong

Over the past three years, I’ve encountered some truly remarkable voiceover actors from the PGM (People Of Global Majority) community, so remarkable that I thought it would be a worthwhile endeavor to dedicate an article about themselves, their accomplishments, and where you can find them and do so every week. For this week, my spotlight is on Emi Lo! (Banner design by the incredible VO artist/graphic designer Belsheber Rusape Jr.)

Anime, Conventions, Horror

Anime Expo Lite’s ‘Trese’ Panel Talks Origin Story, International Release, and Anime Adaptation

July 6, 2021July 6, 2021 Lauren Lola

A panel all about the Filipino horror comic series, Trese, is one of many available for VOD through this year’s Anime Expo Lite. Moderated by Megan Peters of Comicbook.com, the conversation brought together comic writer Budjette Tan, artist KaJO Baldisimo, Ablaze Publishing co-founder Rich Young, and executive producer and showrunner of Netflix’s anime adaptation, Jay Oliva, to discuss everything about this beloved story of a badass investigator and her adventures surrounding the supernatural creatures of Filipino folklore.

Anime, Conventions, Manga

2021 Anime Expo Lite Live Updates

July 3, 2021July 6, 2021 Jamal Michel

This year, The Nerds of Color has got your back on everything Anime Expo Lite! Be sure you’re tuned in on the program’s website to watch the online press conferences, and keep our tab open to catch live updates. This year, the expo is focusing on amplifying AAPI voices, as well as combating racialized violence with ticket proceeds going to Hate Is A Virus, a nonprofit community of mobilizers and amplifiers to dismantle racism and hate.

Anime, Conventions, Star Wars

‘Star Wars: Visions’ Headed to Anime Expo Lite

June 17, 2021June 17, 2021 Mike Manalo

I know we all miss the con experience. But I will say I’m grateful some of the larger ones have found a way to deliver in-home experiences to comply with safety standards (we do have to still acknowledge that we’re coming off a pandemic, after all). And thankfully, Anime Expo is bringing fans Anime Expo Lite from July 3-4 this year. And one of the most intriguing panels featured will be a sneak preview of the mysterious Star Wars: Visions!

Anime, Streaming, Television

Netflix’s ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Adaptation Release Date Confirmed

June 10, 2021June 10, 2021 Mike Manalo

Earlier this week, Netflix released a very tiny featurette about its Cowboy Bebop adaptation revealing a number of awesome bits of news:

John Cho’s hair as Spike
John Cho’s hair as Spike
John Cho’s hair as Spike
The original composer of the original anime series will be returning for the Live-Action Series
The show will finally debut on Netflix this Fall!
John Cho’s hair as Spike

Anime, Horror, Reviews, Streaming

Netflix’s ‘Trese’ Spotlights Filipino Folklore Through Binge-able Storytelling

June 10, 2021June 10, 2021 Lauren Lola

The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo’s comic book series, Trese, is at last available to stream on Netflix. The adventures of hardcore investigator Alexandra Trese spring from the black-and-white comic illustrations into this beautifully animated, heavily detailed world, filled with tons of action, Filipino folklore, and a destiny cemented by circumstances but defined by respectable character.

Anime, Horror, Streaming1 Comment

Netflix Gives First Look at ‘Trese’ Anime Series

May 21, 2021May 21, 2021 Lauren Lola

Tabi-tabi po!

The trailer for Trese is here and it looks so good! The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo’s popular comic book series of the same name brings the black-and-white illustrations to life in color and with animation that looks so beautiful, it makes even the gory parts a stunning sight.

Anime, Reviews, Streaming1 Comment

‘Yasuke’ is a Beautiful and Bloody Love Letter to the First Black Samurai

April 29, 2021May 15, 2021 Adonis Gonzalez

Yasuke. A real life folktale. Not so much in the sense that he never existed. It’s more like there isn’t much known about his mysterious life, aside from how challenging it must have been.

All that’s known about history’s first Black samurai is that he was likely born around 1540 in Africa, around the Mozambique area. At some point in his life he came in contact with Oda Nobunaga, a feudal lord of Japan, and became a member of his samurai guard.