tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33689010632537417562024-03-14T02:21:20.132-04:00AstroBoy WorldNews and Views on the Mighty Atom! Dedicated to AstroBoy, the works of Osamu Tezuka, and other related anime and manga. This site will feature the latest on the upcoming CGI animated film, as well as articles, interesting artifacts, video, humor, and more!Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.comBlogger534125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-58019353107972961392015-04-07T20:02:00.000-04:002015-04-07T20:03:46.960-04:00One Last Time: ASTROBOY Reboot.<b>Hello</b>. It has been a very long time, hasn't it?<br />
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There are many reasons why I had to neglect this site and leave it by the wayside for years. Mainly, I went back to school to study Video Game Art, which took up an incredible amount to time and energy. I graduated with distinction (a 4.0 GPA) and have been looking for a job, and hopefully a new home to go with it. Despite my admiration of the work of Osamu Tezuka, I had to let this site go and concentrate on other things.<br />
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But with the news and first footage of the new "ASTROBOY Reboot" project, I figured it was time to come back and do <b>one last post</b>! <br />
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ASTROBOY Reboot is a French/Japanese animated co-production from Paris based studio <a href="http://www.caribara.com/">Caribara Animation</a>. There are set to be 26 half hour episodes. It will have a new storyline and new characters. You can see more about this exciting new series on <a href="http://www.cartoonbrew.com/tv/first-teaser-for-the-french-astro-boy-reboot-110615.html">Cartoon Brew</a>.<br />
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Even before the CGI movie was released, I knew that no matter what kind of reception it got, Astro Boy would be animated yet again. It was only a matter of time. When I first started AstroBoy World, it seemed like here were only a few scattered sources of info on the world of Osamu Tezuka, and only a little bit of actual celebration on his accomplishments and influence. But now, with this <b>new series</b>, <b>digital manga</b> and multiple successful <b>Kickstarters</b> (and that other big one that we don't need to talk about), and announcements of a <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/astro-boy-heading-big-screen-770119">live action Astro movie</a>, it seems like <b>Tezuka is everywhere</b>! Everyone knows how great the work of Tezuka is, and there is demand for more! The future of Tezuka seems brighter than ever, and so this seems like as good of a time as any to say goodbye to AstroBoy World. And it's no coincidence that I'm posting this on April 7th, Astro's Birthday.<br />
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The site will remain online for the foreseeable future and I will still read any comments that happen to be posted, but it will remain inactive. I would like to say thank you to Astro Boy movie director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0101047/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1">David Bowers</a>, the gang at <a href="http://www.astroboy-online.com/wiki/">AstroBoy Online</a>, <a href="http://tezukainenglish.com/">Tezuka in English</a>, my friend <a href="http://letsanime.blogspot.ca/">David Merill</a>, and everyone else who has helped with this site, contacted me, commented, and kept the spirit of Osamu Tezuka and his great characters alive. I especially want to thank former Imagi art director <a href="http://felixip.blogspot.ca/">Felix Ip</a>, who got in touch with me very early in the life of this site and added so much legitimacy with everything he did.<br />
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If you would like to keep in touch with me, please <a href="https://twitter.com/SykoGrafix">follow me on Twitter</a> and check out my website <a href="http://www.sykografix.com/">SykoGrafix.com</a>, as well as my other endeavors at my <a href="http://about.me/ninjatron">About.me</a> page.<br />
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Working on Astro Boy World was quite time consuming, but I had a lot of fun with it while I could. I regret having to leave the site abandoned for long, but I'm glad I get the chance to come back, just this once, to talk up this upcoming animated series, because I'll be watching it right along with all of you!<br />
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Sayonara.Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-9465267645239380662012-05-31T15:59:00.000-04:002012-05-31T16:01:26.644-04:00The Comic Book History of Comics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xzk0ShuERo/T8fJ4MXaiAI/AAAAAAAAB64/BQ44Nvt_siQ/s1600/history.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xzk0ShuERo/T8fJ4MXaiAI/AAAAAAAAB64/BQ44Nvt_siQ/s320/history.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=astwor-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1613771975&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FFFFFF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
It's a comic book, about comic books! That's right, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1613771975/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=astwor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1613771975" target="top">The Comic Book History of Comics</a> tells the story of how comic books became what they are and features some of the medium's most influential figures.<br />
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It was created by Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey and originally released in 6 issues by <a href="http://www.idwpublishing.com/" target="top">IDW</a>. Now, a volume collecting the entire series is being released and <a href="http://www.comicsalliance.com/" target="top">Comics Alliance</a> has a preview featuring the chapter on the the life of Osamu Tezuka and the rise of manga in Japanese culture. <a href="http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/05/23/comic-book-history-manga-osamu-tezuka/" target="top">Check it out</a>!<br />
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You can <a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/gp/product/1613771975/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=astwor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1613771975" target="top">purchase a copy of this book here on Amazon</a> and <b>help support AstroBoy World</b> in the process. You will also find even more pages to preview there.Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-61814998933814901502012-05-02T18:55:00.001-04:002012-05-03T20:34:52.553-04:00Don Dracula, Leo, Melmo, & more now on Viki.Not too long ago I <a href="http://astroboyworld.blogspot.com/2012/03/black-jack-21-uncut-80s-astro-boy-now.html">reported</a> on <a href="http://www.viki.com/" target="top">Viki.com</a>, the free streaming site that presents international video with crowd sourced subtitles. They had added 80's Astro Boy and Black Jack anime to their service, and it looks like they are <b>not stopping there</b>!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.viki.com/player/medias/59965?hide_timed_comments=false" width="500"></iframe><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJCAmVvBwic/T6G2Nez3HMI/AAAAAAAAB2c/nZTMYf5AoAU/s1600/melmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJCAmVvBwic/T6G2Nez3HMI/AAAAAAAAB2c/nZTMYf5AoAU/s200/melmo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Another <b>huge batch</b> of classic Tezuka anime has been added to Viki, and there is an <b>incredible selection</b>! Not everything is available with English subtitles yet, but you can now watch the following list anime from Tezuka Productions.<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.viki.com/channels/5838-jungle-emperor-leo" target="top">Jungle Emperor Leo: The Movie</a>, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.viki.com/channels/5848-don-dracula" target="top">Don Dracula</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.viki.com/channels/5842-the-three-eyed-one" target="top">3 Eyed One</a></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.viki.com/channels/5846-marvelous-melmo" target="top">Marvelous Melmo </a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.viki.com/channels/5845-moby-dick" target="top">Hakugei: Legend of the Moby Dick</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.viki.com/channels/5847-blue-blink" target="top">Blue Blink</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.viki.com/channels/5887-legend-of-the-forest" target="top">The Legend of The Forest</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.viki.com/channels/5850-ambassador-magma" target="top">Ambassador Magma</a></span></li>
</ul>All of this is <b>100% free and legal</b>!<br />
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(The Ambassador Magma anime is not very good, but hey, it's the thought that counts!)<br />
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Let's hope that the streaming rights for more shows can be acquired and that the offerings continue to expand. <b>Princess Knight</b> would be a fantastic addition. Let them know what else you want to see!Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-60175146739430652612012-05-02T18:55:00.000-04:002012-05-03T20:34:12.247-04:00Tezuka Museum Tourism VideoThe <a href="http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/" target="top">Hyogo Tourism Association</a> and the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LetsJapanCh?feature=watch" target="top">Let's JAPAN Channel</a> have put together this video look into the <a href="http://tezukaosamu.net/en/museum/" target="top">Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum</a> in Takarazuka, Japan. It's a very detailed look on what spending a day at this museum must be like. Give it a watch!<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oaIzVn5j9DA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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One day, I will be there! It will be my pilgrimage.Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-84550691459798806852012-04-30T16:26:00.000-04:002012-04-30T16:27:22.354-04:0060th Anniversary Vinyl Astro FigureTo celebrate the <b>60th anniversary</b> of the Astro Boy manga, <a href="http://www.zcgirl.com/v2/index.aspx" target="top">ZC World</a> has released this new collectable figure in Japan.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trGIG-fh6Y4/T57zVqSMvrI/AAAAAAAAB14/uot5GwBK59Y/s1600/313128c846611c1633d634b7b972f92b1335066943_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trGIG-fh6Y4/T57zVqSMvrI/AAAAAAAAB14/uot5GwBK59Y/s400/313128c846611c1633d634b7b972f92b1335066943_full.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This figure retails for about <b>¥12,000</b> ($147) and comes with a wooden box. Astro is depicted looking very young here and sure displays a lot of personality!<br />
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Check out more great pictures of this great collectable on <a href="http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/04/22/zc-world-celebrates-60-years-of-astro-boy" target="top">Crunchyroll</a>.Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-84282652703416055372012-03-29T02:09:00.000-04:002012-03-29T02:09:33.460-04:00Astro BusLet's turn back the clock and go all the way back to the year 2009 for some pictures of a bus decorated to advertise the November 5th release of the <b>Astro Boy</b> movie in <b>Singapore</b>. Glad someone was able to capture these images, as I didn't see anything like it at the time. I guess you could call this a <b>promotional vehicle</b>!<br />
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<object width="450" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf?1"><param name="flashvars" value="id=142689204&width=1337"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf?1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="385" flashvars="id=142689204&width=1337" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br><a href="http://tintinspartan.deviantart.com/art/Astro-Boy-Bus-142689204">Astro Boy Bus</a> by ~<a class="u" href="http://tintinspartan.deviantart.com/">tintinspartan</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">deviantART</a><br />
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<object width="450" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf?1"><param name="flashvars" value="id=144307029&width=1337"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf?1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="385" flashvars="id=144307029&width=1337" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br><a href="http://tintinspartan.deviantart.com/art/Astroboy-Flying-Over-Taxis-144307029">Astroboy Flying Over Taxis</a> by ~<a class="u" href="http://tintinspartan.deviantart.com/">tintinspartan</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">deviantART</a><br />
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<object width="450" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf?1"><param name="flashvars" value="id=145490102&width=1337"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf?1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" height="385" flashvars="id=145490102&width=1337" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br><a href="http://tintinspartan.deviantart.com/art/Astroboy-Soaring-To-The-Roads-145490102">Astroboy Soaring To The Roads</a> by ~<a class="u" href="http://tintinspartan.deviantart.com/">tintinspartan</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">deviantART</a><br />Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-6477784501738327752012-03-29T02:00:00.001-04:002012-03-29T02:00:42.173-04:00Crime and Punishment and Tezuka<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ik7gJ3bGyDY/T3P3pwa3hgI/AAAAAAAAB0k/n2kah5Uh1Hg/s1600/cp1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="top"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ik7gJ3bGyDY/T3P3pwa3hgI/AAAAAAAAB0k/n2kah5Uh1Hg/s200/cp1a.jpg" width="121" /></a>Check out <b>David Merill</b>'s classic anime blog <a href="http://letsanime.blogspot.ca/" target="top">Let's Anime</a> for a great article about the rare English language edition of <a href="http://letsanime.blogspot.com/2012/03/crime-and-punishment-and-tezuka.html">Osamu Tezuka's manga adaption of Crime and Punishment</a>.<br />
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I mean, where else are you going to find a write up on <b>Russian Literature</b> turned into <b>Japanese manga</b> turned into <b>a tool to learn English</b>?Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-61160145021679925682012-03-22T16:21:00.002-04:002012-03-22T16:21:42.512-04:00Black Jack 21, Uncut 80's Astro Boy Now Streaming on Viki<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3i3fexSv_M/T2uIkQjxVvI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/6Rrax2lHjmA/s1600/bj21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3i3fexSv_M/T2uIkQjxVvI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/6Rrax2lHjmA/s200/bj21.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A great new way to watch Tezuka anime has recently appeared, and it's all <b>100% free and legal</b>!<br />
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<a href="http://www.viki.com/" target="top">Viki</a>, a website with international video entertainment, authorized for streaming with crowd sourced subtitles, is now offering the the complete <a href="http://www.viki.com/channels/5840-astro-boy" target="top">80's Astro Boy series</a>, the <a href="http://www.viki.com/channels/5843-black-jack" target="top">Black Jack</a> anime, and the sequel series, <a href="http://www.viki.com/channels/5844-black-jack-21" target="top">Black Jack 21</a>.<br />
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The 80's Astro Boy has been legally streaming in other forms before, but what makes this special is that this is the <b>Japanese release</b> rather than the English dub. All <b>52</b> episodes are accounted for, including he original versions of the first and second episode, which were edited and combined into one episode for the English language broadcast. So, this may be the first time some of you have seen the <b>full origin of Atlas</b>! This was absent from the region 1 DVD release. I haven't gone through it all, but I imagine other episodes may have scenes missing from the English version. These episodes even feature the original Japanese title cards.<br />
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Unfortunately, due to the nature of crowd sourced translations, there are some mistakes in the subtitles. One embarrassing instance has the famous villain character call himself "<b>Skank</b>" instead of "<b>Skunk</b>". However, by registering for an account, one gains access to a <b>subtitle editor</b>, and so the translation can be continuously improved upon by the users watching it.<br />
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This is one of the <b>bigger</b> developments in Astro-Fandom for quite awhile! Plus, we get Black Jack 21, which has never been streamed with English subtitles before. This is very exciting stuff, and it bodes well for future releases of more Tezuka shows and other classic anime. <br />
<br />Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-18871640806236800882012-03-11T15:08:00.001-04:002012-05-31T16:06:09.274-04:00Ganbare Japan!!!One year ago, Japan was struck with a series of natural disasters, but in the wake of these terrible events, a <b>powerful spirit of perseverance and support</b> had emerged. This artwork is my small tribute to that great inspirational spirit.<br />
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<a href="http://ninjatron.deviantart.com/art/GANBARE-289729123">GANBARE!!!</a> by *<a class="u" href="http://ninjatron.deviantart.com/">ninjatron</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com/">deviantART</a><br />
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I wanted to draw something that focused on the unbreakable will and positive outlook that has been exhibited in the months since the disasters. Two of the anime world's most popular and positive characters, <b>Goku</b> and <b>Astro Boy</b>, give the thumbs up to show that inspirational, never give up, can-do attitude.<br />
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Please continue to support Japan!Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-54093603360754121642012-02-23T01:14:00.000-05:002012-03-03T22:16:34.995-05:00Ravex in Tezuka World<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Os6h7uBqUH0/T0WF5tzfDMI/AAAAAAAABoA/o9ZpdEsS3yM/s1600/Ravex%2B%252857%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Os6h7uBqUH0/T0WF5tzfDMI/AAAAAAAABoA/o9ZpdEsS3yM/s200/Ravex%2B%252857%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4qpKeG9hzWA/T0WGLIy2AOI/AAAAAAAABoU/QTBICgdu0JA/s1600/Ravex+%2810%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4qpKeG9hzWA/T0WGLIy2AOI/AAAAAAAABoU/QTBICgdu0JA/s200/Ravex+%2810%29.jpg" width="200" /></a>Produced in time for what would have been Osamu Tezuka's 80th birthday, Ravex in Tezuka World is a short animation featuring characters from Tezuka's body of work meeting an animated version of the musical trio Ravex. It was included as an extra DVD with the group's debut album.<br />
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I first reported on this <a href="http://astroboyworld.blogspot.com/2009/03/new-astro-anime-short.html">a couple of years ago</a>, and in reading that now I'm kind of surprised at how <b>unfavorable</b> my initial reactions where! I was kind of harsh on it when this project was first announced.<br />
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Well, it's taken awhile for me to see it, but it's out there now thanks to a <b>recent fansub</b>. You're on your own if you want to see it for yourself, but I thought it would be fun to give it a quick review with some screenshots right here on ABW for those who are curious. After finally seeing it, I can say that it's at the very least worth being curious about because watching this is <b>kind of bizarre</b>! Whether it's good or bad, it sure is different, so let's go through the the whole story.<br />
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Click on the images for a bigger look. Feel free to leave your comments because I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to say.<br />
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<tr> <td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNxuDRUDYC8/T0WkMw2_WfI/AAAAAAAABoc/L_pmEfrVebU/s1600/Ravex+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNxuDRUDYC8/T0WkMw2_WfI/AAAAAAAABoc/L_pmEfrVebU/s200/Ravex+%282%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0MHHU2mZoU/T0WkOaJjtDI/AAAAAAAABok/5bCUVpWP5wA/s1600/Ravex+%283%29.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0MHHU2mZoU/T0WkOaJjtDI/AAAAAAAABok/5bCUVpWP5wA/s200/Ravex+%283%29.jpg" width="200" /></a> </td> <td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtREiYtNvHk/T0WkPiINCQI/AAAAAAAABos/XGaQ8pfgsu0/s1600/Ravex+%284%29.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtREiYtNvHk/T0WkPiINCQI/AAAAAAAABos/XGaQ8pfgsu0/s200/Ravex+%284%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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Before it starts, we get a very cool animated bit featuring several Tezuka characters and a <b>giant birthday cake</b>. Astro lights a large candle, and then other candles illuminate in the shape of the number <b>80</b>. This is just a wonderful heartwarming tribute to Tezuka.<br />
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But after that, well... <b>things get weird</b>!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJiRZGob37M/T0WkWu-VYhI/AAAAAAAABo0/nRu7hxZ2NZk/s1600/Ravex+%285%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJiRZGob37M/T0WkWu-VYhI/AAAAAAAABo0/nRu7hxZ2NZk/s320/Ravex+%285%29.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
As soon as the story gets started, there is some kind of dance party where we are treated to seeing <b>dancing girls shaking their butts</b>. And we are given a particularly close viewpoint of these shaking butts too, though I will refrain from including an image of that specific shot.<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRUisJvoV28/T0WkbSuvgSI/AAAAAAAABpM/54tOWBiNmzg/s1600/grab02498.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRUisJvoV28/T0WkbSuvgSI/AAAAAAAABpM/54tOWBiNmzg/s200/grab02498.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-illt7jgsso4/T0WkXqDZKeI/AAAAAAAABo8/Qt3wIXE88xw/s1600/Ravex+%288%29.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-illt7jgsso4/T0WkXqDZKeI/AAAAAAAABo8/Qt3wIXE88xw/s200/Ravex+%288%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Dc82h1wIuM/T0WkZQBiXMI/AAAAAAAABpE/E_neYP-c76Y/s1600/Ravex+%289%29.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Dc82h1wIuM/T0WkZQBiXMI/AAAAAAAABpE/E_neYP-c76Y/s200/Ravex+%289%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This dance party is the result of <b>Ravex</b>, comprised of "The Passion" <b>Shin</b>, "The Heart" <b>To</b>, And "The Brain" <b>Taku</b>. Known as the "Music Healers", they fly in a space ship bringing music to dark planets as they explore the galaxy.<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uM4VCJ1q9bo/T0WsD_8zqDI/AAAAAAAABro/83FCdzelwXM/s1600/Ravex%2B%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uM4VCJ1q9bo/T0WsD_8zqDI/AAAAAAAABro/83FCdzelwXM/s320/Ravex%2B%252811%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9KPckgZHsk/T0WsEO3ppTI/AAAAAAAABrw/efx75IYvQTY/s1600/Ravex%2B%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9KPckgZHsk/T0WsEO3ppTI/AAAAAAAABrw/efx75IYvQTY/s320/Ravex%2B%252812%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DwZmt0yQyCg/T0WsosZwavI/AAAAAAAABsA/AMtxE3bqP9k/s1600/Ravex%2B%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DwZmt0yQyCg/T0WsosZwavI/AAAAAAAABsA/AMtxE3bqP9k/s320/Ravex%2B%252813%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Later, their ship discovers a something floating in space. It's <b>Astro</b>, and in an interesting bit of continuity, he is melted to a piece of metal from when he flew into the sun in his final adventure.<br />
<br />
So Ravex decides to bring him aboard and they use their music to revive him. Congratulations, Astro Boy! You have been brought back from the dead to help this band sell some albums!<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M52_iBgsPuo/T0WvHEPw-CI/AAAAAAAABs8/tHPl9tLnjE8/s1600/Ravex%2B%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M52_iBgsPuo/T0WvHEPw-CI/AAAAAAAABs8/tHPl9tLnjE8/s320/Ravex%2B%252814%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UNAQpvbHzg/T0WvFiaYXKI/AAAAAAAABsw/J3fnDWxJZ3o/s1600/grab05251.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UNAQpvbHzg/T0WvFiaYXKI/AAAAAAAABsw/J3fnDWxJZ3o/s320/grab05251.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Actually, Astro immediately tells Ravex about how the planet <b>Reearth</b> is in danger. "<b>The Dark Silence</b>" is attacking the planet and is out to conquer the universe! They are evil robots from a world with no music or dance or joy. They step on a butterfly and shoot a litlle girl's doll, so <b>you know</b> they are bad. How Astro knows about all of this as soon as he wakes up after being melted for who knows how long, I do not know. It is <b>never explained</b>. Let's just go with it though. Ravex vows to stop Dark Silence, but Astro is unable to help as he was built on Earth and can not get power on Reearth.<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfn15mIV7ws/T0Wte6-mn1I/AAAAAAAABsM/zYmhn8RK8wk/s1600/Ravex%2B%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfn15mIV7ws/T0Wte6-mn1I/AAAAAAAABsM/zYmhn8RK8wk/s320/Ravex%2B%252816%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu5tLIi6pjY/T0WtfCAB9kI/AAAAAAAABsY/Rp8Cr9mLxIs/s1600/grab07776.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu5tLIi6pjY/T0WtfCAB9kI/AAAAAAAABsY/Rp8Cr9mLxIs/s320/grab07776.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fElKw9giT0/T0WtfZJ-nLI/AAAAAAAABsk/tPB1t7pH97Q/s1600/grab07788.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fElKw9giT0/T0WtfZJ-nLI/AAAAAAAABsk/tPB1t7pH97Q/s320/grab07788.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>So they go to this planet and we see <b>naked Sapphire</b>! WOAH! She is attacked by evil robots and quickly changes into her <b>Princess Knight</b> gear to beat them up. Forgive me for saying this but... <b>she's pretty hot</b>!<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcHP6y1apwU/T0WviqhKOCI/AAAAAAAABtI/YF8nVr2fH6A/s1600/Ravex%2B%252818%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcHP6y1apwU/T0WviqhKOCI/AAAAAAAABtI/YF8nVr2fH6A/s320/Ravex%2B%252818%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnOjPt95Y1k/T0Wvi3DTv8I/AAAAAAAABtQ/_VyhQTcEFm0/s1600/Ravex%2B%252819%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnOjPt95Y1k/T0Wvi3DTv8I/AAAAAAAABtQ/_VyhQTcEFm0/s320/Ravex%2B%252819%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Astro and Ravex meet up with <b>Spider</b> and young <b>Melmo</b>. She doesn't like being talked down to as a kid so she eats one of her special candies and becomes older. She is <b>also pretty hot</b>. Maybe that's creepy since she can change age, but Taku also thinks she's hot, so it's actually in there!<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pqK_FIfOcw/T0WwOgdWUzI/AAAAAAAABts/cSKer-Q1ARc/s1600/Ravex%2B%252821%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pqK_FIfOcw/T0WwOgdWUzI/AAAAAAAABts/cSKer-Q1ARc/s320/Ravex%2B%252821%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaK8N_LMTyo/T0WwOqqwC8I/AAAAAAAABtg/PMBLdKsR0FM/s1600/Ravex%2B%252820%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaK8N_LMTyo/T0WwOqqwC8I/AAAAAAAABtg/PMBLdKsR0FM/s320/Ravex%2B%252820%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Sapphire arrives and explains the history of the planet Reearth. They could not defend themselves against the invaders, and their leader <b>Rattoo</b> (Rock Holmes) was wounded and hasn't recovered. <br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFPR9wbhjQc/T0WwOylSxxI/AAAAAAAABt4/T8uepebzsrs/s1600/Ravex%2B%252822%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFPR9wbhjQc/T0WwOylSxxI/AAAAAAAABt4/T8uepebzsrs/s320/Ravex%2B%252822%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_eP95h4C8k/T0WwPI9g34I/AAAAAAAABuE/6AipHhRbi0o/s1600/Ravex%2B%252824%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_eP95h4C8k/T0WwPI9g34I/AAAAAAAABuE/6AipHhRbi0o/s320/Ravex%2B%252824%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Everything is hopeless and everyone is depressed, but that's not going to stop Ravex from <b>partying down</b>! They play their music to pick up the mood and Tezuka's characters dance around. Even <b>Kimba</b> and <b>Unico</b> get in on it.<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjrfYwTJBKo/T0Wx0skE62I/AAAAAAAABuQ/HBsUwxwIgdM/s1600/grab12654.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjrfYwTJBKo/T0Wx0skE62I/AAAAAAAABuQ/HBsUwxwIgdM/s320/grab12654.jpg" width="320" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-XwAfwCQBA/T0Wx0kTs9wI/AAAAAAAABuY/LLahqYddkFg/s1600/grab12881.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-XwAfwCQBA/T0Wx0kTs9wI/AAAAAAAABuY/LLahqYddkFg/s320/grab12881.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But besides all this dancing, Shin has an <b>actual plan</b>! You might have noticed his distinctively familiar hair style. Seems it must run in the family because his big brother is a very famous surgeon who wanders the universe. That's right, <b>SPACE JACK</b> has arrived! SPACE JACK. Space Black Jack. Black Space Jack. <b>SPACE</b>.<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ2QP9qxDs8/T0WyZQ_T_nI/AAAAAAAABuo/TbMmGmvHZfw/s1600/Ravex%2B%252826%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ2QP9qxDs8/T0WyZQ_T_nI/AAAAAAAABuo/TbMmGmvHZfw/s200/Ravex%2B%252826%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QS3GvCCipMI/T0WyZic-jyI/AAAAAAAABuw/N3QXv6pTSTk/s1600/Ravex%2B%252828%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QS3GvCCipMI/T0WyZic-jyI/AAAAAAAABuw/N3QXv6pTSTk/s200/Ravex%2B%252828%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoFW9bOA_PU/T0WyZ8C6JKI/AAAAAAAABu8/GQSZ1Uu2I6k/s1600/Ravex%2B%252829%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoFW9bOA_PU/T0WyZ8C6JKI/AAAAAAAABu8/GQSZ1Uu2I6k/s200/Ravex%2B%252829%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Space Jack and <b>Dr. Ochanomizu</b> perform an operation on Rattoo and Astro in a very vague sequence to create a new green and blue hero, <b>Ratom</b>! Of course, Ravex plays their music the entire time to bring Ratom to life. I don't really know if Ratom is a rebuilt Astro or a revived Rattoo or what. It's not really clear. Again, let's just go with it!<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtvB3RqMSCw/T0XIAo8ScGI/AAAAAAAABvM/lL5DmdDKiC0/s1600/Ravex%2B%252836%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtvB3RqMSCw/T0XIAo8ScGI/AAAAAAAABvM/lL5DmdDKiC0/s200/Ravex%2B%252836%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLRPaG5iw8Q/T0XIAu7-bgI/AAAAAAAABvU/qgULJIPx6_Y/s1600/Ravex%2B%252834%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLRPaG5iw8Q/T0XIAu7-bgI/AAAAAAAABvU/qgULJIPx6_Y/s200/Ravex%2B%252834%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZyolnBTbgY/T0XIBOGSzxI/AAAAAAAABvk/_p5ktaYqo0A/s1600/Ravex%2B%252831%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZyolnBTbgY/T0XIBOGSzxI/AAAAAAAABvk/_p5ktaYqo0A/s200/Ravex%2B%252831%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The Dark Silence attacks and there is a huge fight. Ratom shoots his lasers and starts busting out kung fu moves. It's a fairly impressive little bit of animation. Sapphire fights too, and Ravex uses their music to fight the robots. Even Melmo gets in on the action.<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MNexTisbrPQ/T0XKlpORrRI/AAAAAAAABv4/MrIz40rUvg0/s1600/grab17431.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MNexTisbrPQ/T0XKlpORrRI/AAAAAAAABv4/MrIz40rUvg0/s320/grab17431.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2bMUuXAe_c/T0XKlT_EapI/AAAAAAAABvw/Jr6rnXXReS0/s1600/Ravex%2B%252844%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2bMUuXAe_c/T0XKlT_EapI/AAAAAAAABvw/Jr6rnXXReS0/s320/Ravex%2B%252844%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ravex spin around Ratom while playing their music and Ratom morphs into an <b>awesome armored super robot</b> who wipes out all the remaining evil robots. <b>Holy cow</b>!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okZtpLJQWDc/T0XLYmfn8mI/AAAAAAAABwI/nYwSJcJdA6I/s1600/grab17784.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okZtpLJQWDc/T0XLYmfn8mI/AAAAAAAABwI/nYwSJcJdA6I/s400/grab17784.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Now, all that's left is the Dark Silence leader. So he <b>eats Ratom</b>. Yep. He just goes and swallows the kid.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ReetePO69c/T0XLqrOhHUI/AAAAAAAABwU/1nu7oGVSoto/s1600/Ravex%2B%252848%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ReetePO69c/T0XLqrOhHUI/AAAAAAAABwU/1nu7oGVSoto/s400/Ravex%2B%252848%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
With their only hope lost, what will Ravex do? If you guessed "Play music", <b>you are right</b>! At this point, the music playing animation has been <b>reused 3 or 4</b> times. A glow shaped like the <b>Phoenix</b> appears and the bad guy vanishes forever because music is so powerful or something!<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8al67x7nHuE/T0XL6QlDahI/AAAAAAAABwg/o7xsJtjB2rc/s1600/Ravex%2B%252850%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8al67x7nHuE/T0XL6QlDahI/AAAAAAAABwg/o7xsJtjB2rc/s320/Ravex%2B%252850%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVqwol6AcFs/T0XL6tvJIqI/AAAAAAAABwo/JSTsk0QCipQ/s1600/Ravex%2B%252851%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVqwol6AcFs/T0XL6tvJIqI/AAAAAAAABwo/JSTsk0QCipQ/s320/Ravex%2B%252851%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The war is over, so To and Taku get to <b>cuddle</b> with Sapphire and Melmo, and Shin is mobbed by <b>several dozen random brunettes</b>. I guess that's his thing.<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwRs1urL_qc/T0XMYdlrU2I/AAAAAAAABxA/qYRqiQwbv6s/s1600/Ravex%2B%252854%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwRs1urL_qc/T0XMYdlrU2I/AAAAAAAABxA/qYRqiQwbv6s/s320/Ravex%2B%252854%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nhekzu_azc/T0XM4Aqo07I/AAAAAAAABxQ/R5f-3QPQpoo/s1600/Ravex%2B%252859%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nhekzu_azc/T0XM4Aqo07I/AAAAAAAABxQ/R5f-3QPQpoo/s320/Ravex%2B%252859%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Space Jack was promised treasure in exchange for his services. It turns out that the treasure of the planet Reearth are "The Creations of our Children", which are <b>cheap kids' toys</b>. Nope, not love or happiness or knowledge or anything metaphorical, just cheap toys. I have to admit, I did not see that coming! Pinoko liked it though.<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuAo2jAddQo/T0XOgBTLoeI/AAAAAAAABxc/_6v2pFxUrVE/s1600/Ravex%2B%252823%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuAo2jAddQo/T0XOgBTLoeI/AAAAAAAABxc/_6v2pFxUrVE/s200/Ravex%2B%252823%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-mGXTb83ww/T0XOgQICBWI/AAAAAAAABxo/QhkSxwDW794/s1600/Ravex%2B%252855%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-mGXTb83ww/T0XOgQICBWI/AAAAAAAABxo/QhkSxwDW794/s200/Ravex%2B%252855%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1cbz6fraIc/T0XOglg9sDI/AAAAAAAABx0/90yxRay1JnQ/s1600/Ravex%2B%252856%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1cbz6fraIc/T0XOglg9sDI/AAAAAAAABx0/90yxRay1JnQ/s200/Ravex%2B%252856%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As if there was any doubt as to how this was going to end, we get to watch yet another music and dance sequence with reused animation. Astro and Ratom dance at the same time, which is amusing to see, but confusing since it seemed like Ratom actually was supposed to be Astro. <b>Whatever, man</b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuZQ-SMToMk/T0XPYlqHKkI/AAAAAAAAByA/k8BnF4kdUbc/s1600/grab21940.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuZQ-SMToMk/T0XPYlqHKkI/AAAAAAAAByA/k8BnF4kdUbc/s400/grab21940.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Leaving no Tezuka reference untouched, even <b>these things</b> get to dance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmscewBi2bk/T0XPxVusfbI/AAAAAAAAByM/yAS-1Eigz0w/s1600/Ravex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmscewBi2bk/T0XPxVusfbI/AAAAAAAAByM/yAS-1Eigz0w/s400/Ravex.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The story is over but we are informed that <b>MUSIC NEVER END</b>.<br />
<br />
That's pretty much it. All in all, it's a rather <b>strange</b> little film. The plot somehow manages to be both paper thin in its simplicity while confusing in its vagueness. The animation has got that really bright, shiny, but washed out overproduced visual quality that many modern productions suffer for, and there are several reused sequences that stand out by how obvious they are. But it's only 18 minutes long and was only made to be a special extra, not something to be consumed in any major way or be taken seriously. And that winds up being its strong point, allowing for things to <b>get crazy</b> and have fun with the story.<br />
<br />
I have nothing of note to say about the music. It didn't add or detract from the story in any major way. It was just background noise to me, and I suppose that for a project that was based around a musical act, that's not a very good thing. The tunes just didn't do much for me.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtHQUup5whI/T0XQM7O5QJI/AAAAAAAAByY/N4xtjvUpPd4/s1600/Ravex%2B%252849%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtHQUup5whI/T0XQM7O5QJI/AAAAAAAAByY/N4xtjvUpPd4/s320/Ravex%2B%252849%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I have a few problems with how Astro was handled. They bring him back quickly without explaining how (using the power of music, I guess,) only to have him immediately go into exposition mode with the whole Dark Silence thing. How does he know all of this when he was melted? And then, he can't even do anything about it because of his energy, which was a cheap excuse to bring in this new green and blue guy that looks just like him. I don't want to think about it to the point where it bothers me, but I kind of feel like Astro got <b>exploited</b> here.<br />
<br />
However, there are some really cool things here too. The <b>fight scenes</b> are very well animated and fun to watch. It was great seeing so many of Tezuka's characters at the same time and interacting together in brand new story. Some of them had futuristic redesigns that looked great. Finally, Sapphire and Melmo where pretty hot. Yeah, I mentioned that already, but in all seriousness they really stole the show in general and popped off the screen whenever they were around.<br />
<br />
Again, <b>you're on your own</b> if you want to watch this for yourself. I can't help you find it, so don't ask, but I don't think it should be too hard. <b>Google</b> is your friend.<br />
<br />
I think it was worth watching just to see so many Tezuka characters together in a new way, and it was pretty interesting in that respect to see how these characters would be used in the story. Since this was a one-off special, there were some surprises with how Tezuka's character were utilized and the result was kind of a unabashedly <b>hyperactive</b>, cool-for-the-sake-of-cool kind of thing. And that's alright, I really like it for that. I know that Tezuka Productions is very open to reimaginings of these characters in order to keep them relevant. I just wish it would have been for <b>a better purpose</b> than publicity for a band.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNSAGwDRtKE/T0XSdEFjWgI/AAAAAAAAByk/IJhxmtlz-Rw/s1600/Ravex%2B%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNSAGwDRtKE/T0XSdEFjWgI/AAAAAAAAByk/IJhxmtlz-Rw/s320/Ravex%2B%252815%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a>Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-25088607731160999722012-02-22T04:00:00.000-05:002012-02-22T04:01:37.862-05:00Osamu Tezuka Manga Movable Feast<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifqzJRuG-0s/T0St0oh919I/AAAAAAAABn0/PGng6-cgOBo/s1600/3333.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifqzJRuG-0s/T0St0oh919I/AAAAAAAABn0/PGng6-cgOBo/s320/3333.png" width="81" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mangacritic.com/" target="_blank">Manga Critic</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.mangacritic.com/" target="top">The Manga Critic</a> for a <b>huge celebration</b> into the life and work of Osamu Tezuka. Many reviews and articles are being collected and anyone is able to participate. This is going on right now and new content is being added throughout the week. Here's some <a href="http://mangacritic.com/2012/01/31/call-for-participation-osamu-tezuka-manga-movable-feast/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+mangabookshelf+%28Manga+Bookshelf%29" target="top">more info</a>.
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<blockquote>
From February 19th through February 25th, I will hosting a week-long tribute to legendary manga-ka Osamu Tezuka, creator of Astro Boy, Black Jack, Buddha, Dororo, Jungle Emperor Leo, MW, Ode to Kirihito, Phoenix, Swallowing the Earth, and many other titles. Everyone is encouraged to participate, whether they wish to review one of the many Tezuka titles available in English, write an in-depth article about Tezuka’s star system, or trace his influence on other famous manga-ka.</blockquote>Seems like <b>Tezuka tributes</b> are becoming a<b> common occurrence</b>! All is as it should be.Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-64962784153856053892012-02-10T19:31:00.000-05:002012-02-10T19:32:44.547-05:00Manga Artists Make Tezuka TributesThis week marked the <b>23rd anniversary</b> of Osamu Tezuka's passing. He died on <b>February 9th, 1989</b>. While it's much better to celebrate the life of someone rather than mark the occasion of their death, I mentioned on <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/SykoGrafix/status/167530237884760064" target="top">Twitter</a> that the best way to pay homage to Tezuka's legacy on that day would be to draw something.I was happy to see my message spread around a bit, and a number of people did do a Tezuka inspired drawing.<br />
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It looks like I wasn't the only one with that idea, as several Japanese manga artists have also created new illustrations of famous Tezuka characters<br />
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Here is one I really like by <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=62743" target="top">Keiichi Tanaka</a>, creator of a story called "<a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=7524" target="top">Doctor Chichibuyama</a>".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ko4WOIioSI/TzW1556io4I/AAAAAAAABnk/cSat0oIue7s/s1600/keiichi-tanaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ko4WOIioSI/TzW1556io4I/AAAAAAAABnk/cSat0oIue7s/s320/keiichi-tanaka.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can find more at <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-02-10/manga/anime-artists-draw-tributes-to-osamu-tezuka" target="top">Anime News Network</a>.<br />
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I drew some cool anime-esque robots for another project that I'm working on, but you'll have to wait a bit before you get to see those!Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-80414982944592715302012-01-31T23:19:00.000-05:002012-01-31T23:19:47.671-05:00Melmo Figures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmSjQRUV8yQ/Tyi8IPFc_-I/AAAAAAAABmw/b2agNJUiJtA/s1600/melmo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmSjQRUV8yQ/Tyi8IPFc_-I/AAAAAAAABmw/b2agNJUiJtA/s320/melmo1.jpg" /></a></div>Officially licensed by Tezuka Productions, these two <b>Marvelous Melmo</b> figures stand 3.5 and 5.5 inches tall and are made of PVC plastic.<br />
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Older Melmo is a little risque, but they're out there if you're into that stuff!Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-75880773245931040772012-01-29T03:52:00.000-05:002012-01-29T03:52:22.529-05:00Astro Boy and the God of Comics - Live!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3KQomPodENk/TyUH3MpomvI/AAAAAAAABl4/4t_kwHdWr_o/s1600/play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="182" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3KQomPodENk/TyUH3MpomvI/AAAAAAAABl4/4t_kwHdWr_o/s320/play.jpg" /></a></div><iframe align="right" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=astwor-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=tf_til&asins=1604732210" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>A new live theater stage production based on the life and work of Osamu Tezuka is set to debut in <b>Washington D.C.</b> next month. <b>Natsu Onoda Power</b>, who wrote <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604732210/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=astwor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1604732210">God of Comics: Osamu Tezuka and the Creation of Post-World War II Manga</a> will be bringing "<b>ASTRO BOY AND<br />
THE GOD OF COMICS</b>" to the Studio Theater starting on <b>February 15th, 2012</b>. <br />
<br />
Here's a brief description from the show's creator herself:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Astro Boy and the God of Comics combines three narratives — the fictional story of Astro Boy, the story of how the Astro Boy series was created, and the story of the series’s creator, Osamu Tezuka. It’s about a little boy robot who tries to be “human” and fails (and eventually come to terms with his identity... he is a robot and he is proud); it’s about a comic book series that becomes a national icon; it’s about a cartoonist who is admired as the “god of comics”; it’s about a young artist transforming the dehumanization of World War II into something hopeful. It’s really about “trying to be human,” whatever it means in all these different situations. I am hoping to explore this theme in the staging too... what does it mean to be “live theatre with real humans”?</blockquote><br />
You can read the entire text on the <a href="http://www.studiotheatre.org/calendar/view.aspx?id=2917" target="top">Studio Theater website</a>, or by clicking the link below for an archived version.<br />
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Sounds like a <b>very exciting</b> project! Wish I could go see it. If anyone in the Washington area is lucky enough to be able to check it out, please let me know what you thought of it.<br />
<br />
<span id="fullpost"><br />
<blockquote><b>Trying to Be Human: Astro Boy and the God of Comics</b><br />
Natsu Onoda Power is a director, writer, and designer. As rehearsals for Astro Boy and the God of Comics approach, Literary Director Adrien-Alice Hansel chatted with her about the inspiration behind her newest work, which combines Tezuka’s life, the history of Japanese animation, and the fictional world of his greatest creation: Astro Boy, a crime-fighting boy robot.<br />
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<b>AH:</b> You’ve literally written the book on Osamu Tezuka (God of Comics: Osamu Tezuka and the Creation of Post-World War II Manga) and now you’re exploring his life and cartoons theatrically for Studio 2ndStage. Why are you drawn to Tezuka’s work?<br />
<br />
<b>NOP:</b> I’ve loved his work since I was a child. He is a genius at borrowing techniques from other art forms, like theatre or film, to make his comics alive and interesting. One of the most interesting things that he does is what he calls the “Star System” — he “casts” his comics from an ensemble of fictional “stars” (really, stock characters) that he has created. It’s like the Star System in film, where an actor brings all kinds of associations with him/her into a character, making the character all the more complex. Tezuka is also a master storyteller. He can create absorbing narratives, but will always pull you back and make you aware that you are reading a comic book. It’s really Brechtian.<br />
<b><br />
What do you hope to explore in the story of Astro Boy?</b><br />
<br />
Astro Boy and the God of Comics combines three narratives — the fictional story of Astro Boy, the story of how the Astro Boy series was created, and the story of the series’s creator, Osamu Tezuka. It’s about a little boy robot who tries to be “human” and fails (and eventually come to terms with his identity... he is a robot and he is proud); it’s about a comic book series that becomes a national icon; it’s about a cartoonist who is admired as the “god of comics”; it’s about a young artist transforming the dehumanization of World War II into something hopeful. It’s really about “trying to be human,” whatever it means in all these different situations. I am hoping to explore this theme in the staging too... what does it mean to be “live theatre with real humans”?<br />
<br />
<b>That’s fascinating—the idea of playing with real humans and real action on stage. Astro Boy, like some of your other work, will feature live animation—actors drawing while the audience watches. Why do you think it’s so engaging to watch people draw on stage?</b><br />
<br />
I am obsessed with watching skilled people carrying on a task. I love great acting for that reason, but I also enjoy watching people draw, paint, cook, knit, build things. I once stood outside watching a person spread plaster on a wall on stilts for an hour. It was completely mesmerizing. There is magic to witnessing an object come into existence in front of you. Sort of the same idea as an open kitchen.<br />
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<b>You describe this play as a sort of high tech/low tech retro-sci-fi piece. Can you talk a little bit about the aesthetic you’re going after and how you and your design team are hoping to achieve it?</b><br />
<br />
Astro Boy gives us a vision of the “future from the past”... an image of the early 21st Century from the perspective of the 1950s-60s. I just love this. Growing up, I was also obsessed with Tex Avery cartoons from the 50s (“The Farm of Tomorrow,” “Cars of Tomorrow” and the like). It is completely anachronistic. Astro Boy periodically has to “change his vacuum tube” because they sometimes fail... like an old TV. I am trying to do something similar with the staging. We will use video (Jared Mezzochi, who is doing projection design for the show, is the master of high-tech), but mix it with low-tech elements like drawing. It should be clunky and cartoony. Not at all slick. My goal is to make the show look like it was an animation made by Tex Avery or Tezuka in the 50s/60s: “The Theatre of Tomorrow.”</blockquote></span>Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-43356801095504345952012-01-29T03:12:00.001-05:002012-01-29T03:54:41.013-05:00Astro Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-010ZN9thO4M/TyT--wnPdbI/AAAAAAAABls/4mZbR1ocld0/s1600/AstroboyCuteBest-Giftsz009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-010ZN9thO4M/TyT--wnPdbI/AAAAAAAABls/4mZbR1ocld0/s320/AstroboyCuteBest-Giftsz009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This PVC toy is most likely a bootleg and was found on <a href="http://www.dinodirect.com/wholesale-astro-boy-toy-17cm-ecofriendly-pvc.html">dinodirect.com</a>. Looks more like a baby dressed up as Astro than it looks like the actual Astro, but I have to admit, it's kind of cute. I guess.Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-42189711009620121532012-01-20T00:47:00.000-05:002012-01-20T00:47:06.655-05:00About Comments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3OF3avjhnc/Txj7qYEjlUI/AAAAAAAABjE/AnqJ5t4I5FA/s1600/astroboy_18_94.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3OF3avjhnc/Txj7qYEjlUI/AAAAAAAABjE/AnqJ5t4I5FA/s320/astroboy_18_94.gif" width="320" /></a></div>Back when I was moving and could not update AstroBoy World very often, I was getting <b>bombarded with spam comments</b>. There were <b>dozens</b> of them. I tried to delete them as soon as possible, but when I had limited access to the Internet, there wasn't much I could do about it. So, unfortunately I had to disable comments completely. It wasn't a big deal since I wasn't able to update the site at all during that time so there was nothing new to comment on, but didn't like stopping people from legitimately discussing the posts that were already here. <br />
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I definitley did not miss getting the constant stream of comment notification e-mails my phone was getting only to find it was just some automated garbage trying to sell things!<br />
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Anyway,<b> comments are back now</b>, so go ahead and post! The difference now is that in order to leave a comment, you have to have a <b>Google</b> or <b>OpenID</b> account. No more anonymous posters will be allowed. I was kind of annoyed at all the anonymous posting going on anyway, especially when there would be more than one Anon in the same blog entry and nobody knew who was talking. So please get yourself set up with an account and use it to share your thoughts!Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-27472495845901719192012-01-20T00:25:00.000-05:002012-01-20T00:25:14.747-05:00Astro TV Boy<b>Breaking News</b>: Astro Boy removes own head, replaces with TV. Can now watch TV at all times, even when eyes closed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPxd3W5Iouw/Txj53dCWUhI/AAAAAAAABi4/7O5SYkucv08/s1600/58950-550x-astro_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPxd3W5Iouw/Txj53dCWUhI/AAAAAAAABi4/7O5SYkucv08/s320/58950-550x-astro_001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Actually, it's a customized toy sculpture by <a href="http://thunderpanda.com/" target="top">Eric Wirjanata</a>. More pictures can be found on <a href="http://www.tomopop.com/eric-wirjanata-s-astro-tv-boy-beheads-a-pop-culture-icon-14707.phtml" target="top">tomopop.com</a>Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-3019560152495535912012-01-18T02:03:00.000-05:002012-01-18T02:03:59.718-05:00Tezuka's "Barbara" Pledged to Life!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nHNF8e8eY8/TxZkQ_R8g_I/AAAAAAAABiY/v0dpuRWGI7k/s1600/21601-620x-barbara-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nHNF8e8eY8/TxZkQ_R8g_I/AAAAAAAABiY/v0dpuRWGI7k/s320/21601-620x-barbara-main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A few months ago, <a href="http://www.dmpbooks.com/">Digital Manga Publishing</a> created a <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/" target="top">Kickstarter</a> campaign to raise money to bring their release of Osamu Tezuka's <a href="http://astroboyworld.blogspot.com/2008/04/swallowing-earth.html">Swallowing the Earth</a> back into print. It was a huge success. Now, they're using Kickstarter again to bring a new Tezuka license that has never been released in English before: <a href="http://tezukainenglish.com/bm/series/barbara/index.shtml" target="top">Barbara</a>. <br />
<br />
The goal was to raise <b>$6,500</b> in <b>30 days</b>. It only took <b>2 days</b> to reach that goal, and now the campaign is over <b>$10,000</b> strong!<br />
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Check out the <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/digitalmanga/publish-osamu-tezukas-barbara-in-english" target="top">Barbara Kickstarter right here</a>! It ends on <b>Feburary 13, 2012</b>.<br />
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So, now Barbara is <b>definitley</b> being released, but the campaign continues. There are multiple bonus options available to those who pledge depending on the amount, in addition to copies of the book itself when it is released. I would really like to make a pledge myself but I'm unable to use a credit card at the moment. <br />
<br />
The success of this campaign opens the doors for several other Osamu Tezuka manga releases that might be off the beaten path to be released in a similar fashion through Kickstarter, so the future bodes well for more Tezuka! Plus, it could also result in more classic manga from other famous creators. I would love to see Mazinger Z, Devilman, Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, Kamen Rider... the list goes on!<br />
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We can look forward to Barbara being published in <b>July 2012</b> should everything go as planned. Check back right here at <b>ABW</b> for more information as it develops.Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-78883671751991199452011-12-17T15:32:00.000-05:002011-12-17T15:32:05.869-05:00Crazy Astro FontI found this image of a really strange <b>Astro Boy themed premium typeface</b> a few weeks ago. It came from some kind of marketing exhibition in Japan. These letters are... <b>unique</b>, to say the least.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5lR8PrG853g/Tuz7B4o82PI/AAAAAAAABfU/LjLf3q0EHlU/s1600/astrofont.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5lR8PrG853g/Tuz7B4o82PI/AAAAAAAABfU/LjLf3q0EHlU/s400/astrofont.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>I bet that someone will have some fun with this font when it's made available, but I'm not sure that I'd ever really want to read anything longer than 2 or 3 words looking this way.Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-26729055875153842032011-12-17T14:41:00.000-05:002011-12-17T14:41:34.827-05:00It's Tezuka Day!Hey, it sure has been a while, huh? Well, I moved to a new city and thus have been busy with other things, but I'm looking to devote some time back into this site, starting now with this <b>incredible fan movement</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLVlvu3rzrI/TuzuN34IZMI/AAAAAAAABfI/wfr2jQI6qEM/s1600/tezukaday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLVlvu3rzrI/TuzuN34IZMI/AAAAAAAABfI/wfr2jQI6qEM/s200/tezukaday.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tezukaday" target="top">Tezuka Day</a> was created by some anime fans in Brazil, who upon discussion of <b>Osamu Tezuka</b> on his birthday in November, decided to set aside a day to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions that Tezuka made towards the world of anime and manga. The day was chosen simply to give enough time to research, and just about every anime website and blog in Brazil has gotten on board. Now it's spreading all across the world via <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23TezukaDay" target="top">Twitter</a>.<br />
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The purpose of Tezuka Day is to make fans aware of how <b>important</b> and <b>significant</b> Osamu Tezuka has been to the development of anime and manga. Many people claim to be anime fans, yet know little about who Osamu Tezuka was and what he did. So let's change that! Brazil has got the right idea, but <b>everyone</b> can join in on the fun, help spread the word, and get the <b>whole planet hooked on Tezuka</b>! <br />
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Some great great resources to start out with are <a href="http://tezukainenglish.com/index.shtml" target="top">TezukaInEnglish.com</a>, which has posted an excellent summary of <a href="http://tezukainenglish.com/bm/about/tezuka-life/index.shtml" target="top">Osamu Tezuka's life</a>, <a href="http://helenmccarthy.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/tezuka-day/" target="top">Helen McCarthy's Tezuka Day blog post</a>, and <a href="http://manga.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/OsamuTezukaManga.htm" target="top">About.com's listing of 17 Tezuka manga published in English</a>.<br />
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So take some time out to tell a friend, watch some anime, read some comics, and pay homage to the God of Manga. Of course, for people like me, <b>every day is Tezuka Day</b>!<br />
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<a href="http://mranyone.deviantart.com/art/Tezuka-Day-274360800" target="top">Tezuka Day</a> by ~<a class="u" href="http://mranyone.deviantart.com/" target="top">MrAnyone</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com/" target="top">deviantART</a>Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-45690233067763572692011-07-29T11:23:00.000-04:002011-07-29T11:23:35.928-04:00Black Jack by Ayami KojimaHey there. It's been a long time. I haven't had much time to post as I was super busy with a big annual project for <a href="http://www.tfcon.ca/" target="top">TFcon</a>, the Canadian Transformers convention. 8 pages of full color comic book art. You can check that out <a href="http://www.tfcon.ca/tfcon-2011-live-script-reading-prelude-comic">here</a> if you're interested.<br />
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I'll be doing my best to make up for the lost time here and post some of the cool news that has come out recently when I get a chance. Until then, here is a cool image I stumbled upon. It's artwork of Osamu Tezuka's <b>Black Jack</b> illustrated by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayami_Kojima" target="top">Ayami Kojima</a>, who is well known for her work with the video game series <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlevania" target="top">Castlevania</a> (Akumajo Dracula in Japan) for Konami.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFwH-mIcsf4/TjJWVJymv5I/AAAAAAAABbE/sNoqIvTQe9k/s1600/blackjack-ayamekojima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFwH-mIcsf4/TjJWVJymv5I/AAAAAAAABbE/sNoqIvTQe9k/s320/blackjack-ayamekojima.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Source: <a href="http://mrmarkrobson.com/blog/?p=6404" target="top">mrmarkrobson.com</a>Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-59844482895824027732011-07-02T16:32:00.001-04:002011-07-02T16:40:19.856-04:00Black Jack Returns to Manga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbL2eGxvSes/Tg9-NzBELOI/AAAAAAAABa8/E09N5tWjgq4/s1600/bjnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbL2eGxvSes/Tg9-NzBELOI/AAAAAAAABa8/E09N5tWjgq4/s200/bjnew.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>That's right, Osamu Tezuka's famous doctor character will soon be <b>drawn again</b> in manga form. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitoshi_Iwaaki" target="top">Hitoshi Iwaaki</a>, the creator of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasyte" target="top">Parasyte</a>, will write a new Black Jack series to be drawn by <a href="http://www.mangaupdates.com/authors.html?id=2382" target="top">Masaaki Nakayama</a>, artist on PS -Rashōmon-.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weekly_Sh%C5%8Dnen_Champion" target="top">Weekly Shonen Champion</a> magazine will be running this new version of Black Jack as it did with Tezuka's original back in 1973. It will begin in Japan on <b>September 8th</b> and run under the title "<b>Black Jack - Aoki Mirai</b>".<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-06-14/parasyte-iwaaki-to-start-new-back-jack-manga-series" target="top">Anime News Network</a> - <a href="http://blog.esuteru.com/archives/3547203.html" target="top">Hachima Kiko</a>Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-55640237837716767062011-06-08T15:31:00.000-04:002011-06-08T15:31:21.490-04:00Interview with Buddha Director Morishita<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdMG50QCLW4/Te_Nf_qD4HI/AAAAAAAABaw/ohlwKcIqrEg/s1600/109641NC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdMG50QCLW4/Te_Nf_qD4HI/AAAAAAAABaw/ohlwKcIqrEg/s320/109641NC.jpg" /></a></div>The <a href="http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/" target="top">Daily Yomiuri Online</a> recently published an incredible interview with <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=169" target="top">Kozo Morishita</a>, the director of the first movie based on <a href="http://wwws.warnerbros.co.jp/buddha/" target="top">Osamu Tezuka's Buddha</a>. This man is a true veteran of the animation business and has quite an <b>incredible resume</b>. Check out this sample from the article.<blockquote>Morishita joined Toei Animation more than 40 years ago, when it was still known as Toei Doga. Since then, he's risen through the ranks to become vice president, and it's probably safe to say that the Shizuoka Prefecture native knows more about the firm than anybody else. After a break of more than two decades, Morishita recently dusted off his director's cap to call the shots for Osamu Tezuka's Buddha--The Great Departure (Japan title: Tezuka Osamu's Buddha--Akai Sabaku yo! Utsukushiku), which opened last month.</blockquote>That's right, this dude worked on <b>Transformers</b>, and now he's worked on Tezuka. Awesome.<br />
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You can read the entire interview <a href="http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/arts/T110601007038.htm" target="top">here on the Daily Yomiuri</a> or by clicking the link below for an archived version. You can also read about the <b>Japanese premier</b> of the Buddha film, with statements from the cast and crew including Morishita-san, <a href="http://tezukaosamu.net/en/news/?p=3497" target="top">here on tezukaosamu.net</a>.<br />
<span id="fullpost"><blockquote><b>Breathing life into 2 dimensions / Toei Animation's Morishita relishing return to hands-on duties</b><br />
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Makoto Fukuda / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer<br />
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Even if the name Toei Animation doesn't immediately ring a bell, chances are you're familiar with much of the company's output: Over the years, the Tokyo-based firm has produced some of the nation's most celebrated cinematic and TV anime.<br />
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Similarly, you may not have heard of Kozo Morishita, but you're likely au fait with at least a few of the anime titles he's helped coax into life, including Dragon Ball Z and Saint Seiya.<br />
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Morishita joined Toei Animation more than 40 years ago, when it was still known as Toei Doga. Since then, he's risen through the ranks to become vice president, and it's probably safe to say that the Shizuoka Prefecture native knows more about the firm than anybody else. After a break of more than two decades, Morishita recently dusted off his director's cap to call the shots for Osamu Tezuka's Buddha--The Great Departure (Japan title: Tezuka Osamu's Buddha--Akai Sabaku yo! Utsukushiku), which opened last month.<br />
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Morishita, 62, has been a movie fan since childhood and says he always wanted to work in a related field. While attending a vocational college with the aim of becoming a designer in the TV industry, he happened to hear about the entry test for Toei Doga. He recalls, "I initially thought the exam was for the Toei film company, but [Toei Doga] turned out to be a different firm altogether!"<br />
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When Morishita joined Toei Doga in 1970, it was known for making feature-length cinematic productions such as Nagagutsu o Haita Neko (The Wonderful World of Puss in Boots [1969]). However, the company was also starting to make strides with full-blown TV anime. Starting with Kikku no Oni (Demon Kick), Morishita served as a director's assistant, learning the ropes under experienced senior colleagues.<br />
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He made his directorial debut with an episode of Kyuti Hani (Cutie Honey) in 1974, and also had a hand in such titles as Kotetsu Jigu (Steel Jeeg) and UFO Robo Gurendaiza (UFO Robot Grendizer), both produced in 1975. His first outing as chief director came in 1981, when he was handed the reins for Tiger Mask II. In 1983, he directed Tatakae! Cho Robotto Seimeitai Toransufoma (The Transformers) and in 1988, while handling directorial responsibilities for Saint Seiya, he was made a producer.<br />
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===<br />
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Contrasting TV and movies<br />
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TV anime and cinematic anime are very different beasts. On TV, it's all about presenting the characters in an engaging way within the framework of a limited number of drawings and a limited budget.<br />
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Explains Morishita: "[We learned that] if you endow the female protagonist with generous breasts, it puts a smile on kids' faces. Also, we turned the limitations associated with static images into a plus by effectively employing very detailed drawings of robots and such like.<br />
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"Working within such constraints let staffers heighten their powers of expression."<br />
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It may have been a slightly unrefined approach, but in their pursuit of each protagonist's "cool" factor, the staff helped coalesce the traditions of Toei Doga's production methods.<br />
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Morishita brought the full range of his skills to bear on Saint Seiya, which was produced in conjunction with Shueisha Inc. and its publication Weekly Shonen Jump. The project ate up large amounts of time and money: Clouds were drawn with multiple gradations, lavish action scenes were common and staffers poured their hearts and souls into the work.<br />
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Morishita recalls, "We used far too much cash, and consequently, I was made a producer so I could learn how to disburse funds appropriately."<br />
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Morishita then produced the Dragon Ball series--again based on a Weekly Shonen Jump manga story--which led in turn to Dragon Ball Z. Dragon Ball starts off as a heartwarming tale, but as the protagonist, Son Goku, grows up, he becomes involved in numerous fierce battles. This change in narrative direction, coupled with Toei Animation's depiction of the resultant action scenes, increased the show's popularity.<br />
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In 1978, to deal with a shortfall in personnel, Morishita traveled to South Korea and trained staff there. Five years later, at the invitation of U.S. firm Marvel, he began visiting the United States to help make and direct The Transformers, the success of which brought great benefits for Toei Animation.<br />
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Morishita's personal standing rose, too, and he began to have a say in the running of the company.<br />
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Animating 'Buddha'<br />
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About six years ago, Toei Co. President Yusuke Okada told Morishita he was interested in turning Osamu Tezuka's Buddha into an animated feature film. Numerous directors and scriptwriters were then tasked with drawing up pilots and plots.<br />
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"At the end of the day, however, none surpassed the impact of the original work, and I realized that a straight reading of the story would be best," recalls Morishita. "As I was the one who'd had the original conversation with President Okada, I decided it would be best if I tackled the project myself."<br />
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Fulfilling his role as a senior manager naturally kept Morishita very busy, so he'd hit the studio at night and on weekends to hammer away at storyboards for the project.<br />
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"I'd order in food and fill out expense sheets; I guess staff in the administration department probably wondered, 'Who the heck's Morishita?'" he says with a laugh. "They probably didn't expect me to be working on the shop floor, as it were."<br />
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As for getting into the thick of things again, he notes: "I'm one of only a few people who were around in the era when Toei Doga was churning out full-length cinematic features.<br />
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"TV anime attracts viewers through the accentuation of popular characters, whereas movies can afford to spend a long time concentrating on story composition, development and presenting a world view," he adds. "Within these two genres, the director's job is completely different. But when you tackle these roles, you find that it becomes easier both for yourself and for the people who come after you."<br />
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The animation master's directorial efforts continue apace, and he's currently working on several projects slated for eventual cinematic release, including George Akiyama's Ashura.<br />
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Notes Morishita: "Director Hayao Miyazaki is proving there's still an audience out there for high-quality cinematic anime."<br />
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Morishita has a strong desire to see his company once again churn out top-notch feature-length movies a la Hakujaden and its many successors. In this regard, the industry veteran's focus and enthusiasm may well serve as a valuable legacy for future Toei Animation staff.<br />
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Tezuka's 'Buddha' trilogy launched<br />
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Toei Animation's Osamu Tezuka's Buddha--The Great Departure is based on Tezuka's manga series Buddha, which traces the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.<br />
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The first film in a projected trilogy, it sees the birth of Prince Siddhartha in the Indian kingdom of Shaka, about 2,500 years ago. On becoming acquainted with a number of young female thieves, the young prince begins to ponder the merits of his caste-based society. Meanwhile, Chapra, a slave-turned-military leader from the kingdom of Kosala, invades Shaka.<br />
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"We endeavored to make the kind of entertainment that the whole family can enjoy, while still conveying the story's main themes," says director Kozo Morishita. "Ideally, we'd like to spark people into thinking about the fate of those burdened by troubles, or about hurdles that can't be overcome."<br />
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Steering clear of needless flash, the film's treatment of the characters' inner struggles and conflicts is handled in an orthodox manner, but with care and gravity, impressing upon viewers the fundamental strengths of Toei Animation.<br />
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The movie features the voice talents of such actors as Hidetaka Yoshioka, Masato Sakai, Kiyokazu Kanze, Sayuri Yoshinaga and Nana Mizuki. The theme song, "Scarlet Love Song," was penned by X Japan.<br />
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Original artwork by Tezuka and a statue of Buddha are among the many items being showcased at an exhibition titled Buddha: The Story in Manga and Art, running at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, Tokyo, until June 26.</blockquote></span>Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-8641620315016834672011-06-01T01:06:00.000-04:002011-06-01T01:06:15.845-04:00Black Jack OVA #11?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Scjx-sHZO_w/TeXITabUvFI/AAAAAAAABak/95IZnke-4xc/s1600/blackjack11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="245" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Scjx-sHZO_w/TeXITabUvFI/AAAAAAAABak/95IZnke-4xc/s320/blackjack11.jpg" /></a></div>Somehow, this amazing news had totally slipped by me until now!<br />
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The <b>Black Jack OVA</b>, directed by the legendary <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osamu_Dezaki" target="top">Osamu Dezaki</a> who unfortunately passed away recently, is getting <b>one more volume</b>. The first volume was released in Japan in <b>1993</b>, and this new is coming more than 10 years after the 10th volume, which was released in 2000.<br />
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The <b>original voice actors</b> for Black Jack and Pinoko are returning, and apparently did a live video stream of a recording session on May 14th.<br />
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And now I am reading that not only will there be this 11th new episode, but a <b>12th</b> one as well. An amazing final gift from the great Osamu Dezaki. You can read more (in Japanese) <a href="http://tezukaosamu.net/jp/news/n_709.html">here</a>.<br />
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No word on any English-language release yet, of course. The previous 10 volumes were released on region 1 DVD by the now defunct <b>Central Park Media</b> and it's now likely harder to find a complete set. You can download subtitled episodes from Tezuka Productions on <b>iTunes</b>.<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-05-11/osamu-dezaki-black-jack-ova-gets-11th-volume" target="top">Anime News Network</a>.Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368901063253741756.post-26054527117280668152011-06-01T00:46:00.000-04:002011-06-01T00:46:25.829-04:00TeZuKa - The Dance Show.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzJJ82IirQ/TeXDtPwsdLI/AAAAAAAABac/59XcQ1_Io_U/s1600/0146eresizedcredit-shinji-hosono.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxzJJ82IirQ/TeXDtPwsdLI/AAAAAAAABac/59XcQ1_Io_U/s320/0146eresizedcredit-shinji-hosono.jpg" /></a></div>The <a href="http://www.sadlerswells.com/">Sadler's Wells</a> theatre in Islington, London, England will be holding a new stage production featuring music, dance, and multimedia, celebrating the work of Osamu Tezuka. It is being choreographed by <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2009/dec/17/sidi-larbi-cherkaoui-dance">Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui</a> and will have 5 performances this September.<br />
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More information from <a href="http://www.sadlerswells.com/show/Sidi-Larbi-Cherkaoui-TeZukA">the website</a>:<blockquote>Visionary Japanese animator and manga artist Osamu Tezuka provides the inspiration for internationally renowned choreographer and Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s brand new work - TeZukA.<br />
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Working with a cast of nine dancers, two musicians, an actor and a calligrapher, all drawn from Europe and Asia, Cherkaoui explores Tezuka’s fascinating world - a blend of tradition, science fiction and contemporary reality. Two of Tezuka’s manga stories which are well known in Japanese popular culture – Astro Boy and Buddha – have particularly captured Cherkaoui’s imagination in creating this new work.<br />
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TeZukA will feature a specially commissioned score from award-winning composer Nitin Sawhney with lighting and visual design by Willy Cessa, plus projections of Tezuka’s original illustrations alongside work by video artist Taiki Ueda. Using the dancers’ movements to trace the physical evolution of Tezuka’s drawings - from a line on a blank page to a single Japanese kanji (letter) to a fully-formed manga character - Cherkaoui will bring the “God of Manga’s” philosophy, drawings and characters to life.</blockquote><br />
You can book your tickets here. The September 9th performance will include a talk with <a href="http://helenmccarthy.wordpress.com/" target="top">Helen McCarthy</a>.<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-05-24/sadler-wells-sets-osamu-tezuka-to-dance-in-september" target="top">Anime News Network</a>.Ninjatronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422140631759518593noreply@blogger.com0