Hello Kitty Collab

Hey, everyone!

Here’s what’s going in the world of Anime today:

  • MomoCon 2024 Keynote Speaker is announced.

  • Blue Lock Project: World Champion Smartphone Game Gets English Release on April 23rd

  • Hello Kitty Returns for a Second Game This Summer with the Los Angeles Dodgers

  • Naruto Studio President Admits "Demon Slayer Was a Major Turning Point of the Anime Industry"

  • The Pokémon Center Re-Releases Van Gogh Collaboration and Sells Out Most in Under 24 Hours!

  • Cardfight!! Vanguard DivineZ Anime's 2nd Season Reveals July Debut in Video.

Meme of the Day

MomoCon 2024Keynote Speaker Announced

Goichi "Suda51" Suda

MomoCon 2024, one of the Southeast United States' premier anime and gaming conventions, is making a grand return to the Georgia World Congress Center from May 24th to May 27th. Renowned game developer Suda51 was recently announced as the keynote speaker for this year's event.

As the founder and CEO of Grasshopper Manufacture, Goichi "Suda51" Suda has made significant contributions to the gaming industry as a director, writer, and game designer known for titles like Shadows of the Damned, killer7, and the No More Heroes series, as well as his work on the cult classic Lollipop Chainsaw, Suda51 will take the stage on Saturday, May 25th at 4 pm to share insights into his career, game development, and upcoming projects.

In addition to the keynote speech and guest panels, MomoCon 2024 will offer musical performances, merchandise booths, and opportunities to try out demos from indie game developers. Those planning to attend should visit the official website for the latest updates and details.

Blue Lock Project: World Champion Smartphone Game Gets English Releases This Week

©Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura, KODANSHA/BLUELOCK Production Committee

Rudel Inc. has announced the release of the Blue Lock Project: World Champion smartphone game in English, set to launch on April 23rd. The game will be available for free, with optional in-app purchases.

Described as a unique soccer training simulation game, players train strikers, assemble their strongest team, and engage in intense matches against rivals. While the game will initially launch worldwide, some regions may be excluded, and there may be delays in the AppStore in France. Rudel Inc. plans to add support for other languages in the future. To learn more, click here.

Hello Kitty Returns for a Second Game This Summer with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Hello Kitty

Get ready for another adorable night at Dodgers Stadium because Hello Kitty is returning for her second appearance this summer! The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially confirmed "Hello Kitty Night" for August 19th, 2024, at 7:10 pm (PT), following the first edition's success on April 17th.

The collaboration between Hello Kitty and the Dodgers promises to be even more exciting this time, with a stadium-wide giveaway planned for the event. The team's official X (formerly Twitter) teased the news with the announcement, saying, "A second Hello Kitty Night? Done. Join us on 8/19 for Hello Kitty Night, featuring a stadium-wide giveaway. More details to come."

Via The L.A. Dodgers X account

Fans can secure their tickets for the event and stay tuned for further announcements. Don't miss out on this adorable collaboration between Hello Kitty and the Los Angeles Dodgers; purchase tickets here!

Naruto Studio President Admits "Demon Slayer Was a Major Turning Point of the Anime Industry"

Tanjiro Kamado and Naruto

Michiyuki Honma, the president of Studio Pierrot, acknowledges Demon Slayer's profound impact on the anime industry. Speaking to Comic Natalie, Honma attributes Demon Slayer's success to its quality and influence on other studios and the industry.

Honma said Demon Slayer catalyzed series like Bleach and Kingdom to transition to shorter seasonal adaptations. He emphasizes the need for change in the anime creation process, prompted by Demon Slayer's success. Despite Pierrot's reputation for long-running weekly series adaptations like Naruto and Bleach, Honma recognizes the risks associated with such projects, including high budgets and time constraints.

While Honma acknowledges Demon Slayer's influence, My Hero Academia has also made significant contributions. Toho's CEO Hiroyasu Matsuoka credits the series for setting the stage for Toho Animation's blockbuster anime lineup, including Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, The Apothecary Diaries, Spy x Family, and Haikyu!!. Matsuoka also notes My Hero Academia's role in reducing piracy and boosting overseas anime film success, such as Demon Slayer's Mugen Train and Jujutsu Kaisen 0. You can read the full interview here.

The Pokémon Center Re-Releases Van Gogh Collaboration and Sells Out Most in Under 24 Hours!

Pikachu and Eevee

The Van Gogh Museum and the Pokémon Company teamed up for an exclusive merchandise line last September, but its launch faced chaos due to scalpers and safety issues. Now, the products are back on sale, excluding the rare "Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat" trading card that caused trouble. The Pokémon Center website offers some items, but most are already sold out, reflecting the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise. While the absence of the trading card has improved sales, the event highlights the challenges of managing high demand and limited supply.

For your shot at purchasing what's left, visit the official site.

Cardfight!! Vanguard DivineZ Anime's 2nd Season Reveals July Debut in Video

Art

Get ready for more card-battling excitement with the upcoming second season of CARDFIGHT!! VANGUARD Divinez will be released in July 2024. The announcement was shared via the official CARDFIGHT!! The VANGUARD account on X (formerly Twitter) features a teaser video about "a new story" for Akina and his friends.

Tweet from official site

Details are scarce, but I'm sure more updates are coming. Crunchyroll streamed the first season of CARDFIGHT!! VANGUARD Divinez, along with the preceding seasons, CARDFIGHT!! VANGUARD Overdress and CARDFIGHT!! VANGUARD Will+Dress. Keep an eye on the news feed for further developments! Watch the announcement video here.

Did you know?

In CARDFIGHT!! VANGUARD Divinez, Akina Myodo's sole motivation for fighting is to cure his younger sister.

Akina Myodo

Akina, a family-oriented brother, assumes the role of caregiver for his sickly younger sister, Hikari Myodo, while their father is occupied with work. To fulfill his desire to assist his frail sister, he enters the "Fated Clash," a competition where participants battle until only one remains standing, with the victor granted any wish. Driven by his determination to cure his sister, Akina engages in intense battles against formidable opponents.

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