Customise Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorised as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyse the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customised advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyse the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Home Blog Page 37

Toho Reveals Promo & Cast Additions for New ‘Rose of Versailles’ Movie

Staff working on the new animated feature film The Rose of Versailles, based on the classic manga by Riyoko Ikeda, have been sharing new info and promotional materials, including a new sneak-peek video and additional voice stars, ahead of the film’s January 31 release in Japan through Toho.

The theatrical debut will be preceded by free streaming of the anime series cross Japan, with five episodes dropping each week from January 17 to March 7.

Beginning in the court of Marie Antoinette on the cusp of the French Revolution, Ikeda’s “story of love and intrigue” (originally serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Margaret from 1972-73) centers on a young woman raised as a boy, serving as a palace guard.

The Rose of Versailles [c/o Toho]

Film Synopsis: Oscar François de Jarjayes is the heir of a general’s family — a beautiful woman who dresses as a man and was raised as their “son.”

Marie Antoinette is a noble and elegant queen who came from neighboring Austria.

Andre Grandier is a commoner, who is Oscar’s servant and childhood friend.

Hans Axel von Fersen is a handsome and intelligent Swedish count.

They meet in the glorious court of Versailles, France in the late 18th century — and, despite being at the mercy of the times, they each live out their own beautiful destinies.

The newly announced voice cast additions are Fumi Hirano as Madame Noailles, Hōchū Ōtsuka as Louis XV, Saori Hayami as Rosalie, Jin Yamanoi as Colonel d’Agout, Akio Ōtsuka as General Bouille, Sumi Shimamoto as Madame Jarjayes and Kenshō Ono as Robespierre.

They join previously announced voice stars Miyuki Sawashiro as Oscar, Aya Hirano as Marie Antoinette, Toshiyuki Toyonaga as André, Kazuki Katō as Hans, Shunsuke Takeuchi as Alain de Soissons, Takuya Eguchi as Florian de Gerodelle, Miyu Irino as Bernard Châtelet, Fukushi Ochiai as Louis XVI, Banjō Ginga as General Jarjayes and Mayumi Tanaka as Maron Glacé Montblanc.

The Rose of Versailles [c/o Toho]

The new film is produced by MAPPA and directed by Ai Yoshimura (Daily Lives of High School Boys, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) and written by Tomoko Konpanu (Ashita no Nadja, Uta no Prince-sama – Maji Love 1000%), with character design by Mariko Oka (First Love Monster, Hell Girl) and music by Hiroyuki Sawano (Attack on Titan) and Kohta Yamamoto (Kaina of the Great Snow Sea). The theme song, “Versailles,” is performed by Ayaka.

The Rose of Versailles manga is available in English from Udon Entertainment, and the 40-episode anime most recently received a U.S. release remaster from Discotek in 2021. The story has also inspired a prior animated movie in 1990 as well as musicals staged by the all-female Takarazuka Revue, a live-action French/Japanese film in 1978 and a 2019 video game.

verbara-movie.jp

[Source: Anime News Network]

Spain’s DeAPlaneta Ent. Celebrates 25th Anniversary

This year, Barcelona-based DeAPlaneta Entertainment is marking its milestone 25th anniversary since launching through Grupo Planeta and De Agostini. To commemorate the event, DeAPlaneta Entertainment launched a new logo that will accompany the productions and new releases for 2025.

In the last quarter century, the company has seen success with its distribution business — handling Oscar-winning films like The Pianist, The King’s Speech and 12 Years a Slave and box-office hits including Saw, The Invisible Guardian and Girl on the Train — as well as production efforts including the animated kids’ hit Milo, and more recently in the universe of gaming and immersive content with IP like Magic Lilly.

In recent months, DeAPlaneta has enjoyed the success of its distribution titles Longlegs and Conclave, which won the Golden Globe for best screenplay. Upcoming titles on its slate include Nuremberg, starring Russell Crowe and Rami Balek; How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (shortlisted for the International Film Oscar); Jason Statham thriller Mutiny and The Physician 2 starring Tom Payne.

2025 will also see the release of DeAPlaneta-produced series Love You to Death, joining previous popular offerings such as etective Touré and What Are You Waiting For?and family comedy movie Who Is Who?

Milo
Milo

DeAPlaneta Entertainment’s 25th anniversary will coincide with the half-century commemoration of the creation of Maya the Bee, an animation classic owned by DeAPlaneta Kids & Family, which will be celebrated with a series of special actions and events for its fans.

The company’s kids and family content branch will also begin production of new series, such as Magic Lilly and Karters, and the third season of Milo, a global phenomenon among preschool audiences that debuted in the United States on PBS Kids in 2024, adding new fans to an audience that spans more than 170 countries on four different continents. Also making an impression is U.S. brand WonderPals, whose relaunch by DeAPlaneta Interactive has established it as one of Web3’s most recognizable brands.

This global reach attests to the performance of DeAPlaneta Kids & Family’s international offices in Italy, France, Germany and CEE, managing successful IPs such as Miraculous Ladybug, Gormiti, David the GnomeHeidiThe SmurfsCare Bears and Unicorn Academy in a multitude of territories.

“2025 will give us the opportunity to look back and review the path that DeAPlaneta Entertainment has traveled for a quarter of a century hand in hand with the public,” said Ignacio Segura de Lassaletta, CEO of DeAPlaneta Entertainment. “If today we have their trust, as well as the respect of the entire entertainment sector, it is because we have been faithful to the purpose of offering a diverse, innovative and carefully curated catalog, always with the viewers as our priority. But this is not a nostalgic occasion: we will celebrate both the milestones we have achieved and those that promise a very promising future for our company.”

DeAPlaneta is planning an anniversary for the spring, gathering the company’s clients and collaborators to celebrate in the heart of Madrid. Details will be announced at a later date.

deaplanetaentertainment.com

L.A. Fires: Resources, Closures & Event Cancellations

As multiple fires rage across the Los Angeles area with limited containment, the animation industry is affected by studio closures and event cancellations. More than 27,000 acres have burned as of Thursday morning and thousands of structures have been destroyed, with close to 180,000 people under evacuation orders across the county and nearly another 200,000 under evacuation warning according to LA County Sherriff Robert Luna.

To report updates, please contact edit@animationmagazine.net.

 

Resources for Evacuees

 

Studio & Event Space Closures

  • Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (L.A.) – Closed
  • Dolby Theater (Hollywood) – Mandatory evacuation
  • Paramount Pictures (Hollywood) – Employees encouraged to work from home.
    • Studio lot tours canceled
  • Sony Pictures (Culver City) – Optional in-office for employees
  • Universal Studios (Universal City) – Open to essential employees only
    • Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and Universal CityWalk also closed
  • Walt Disney Studios (Burbank) – Lots and offices closed
    • All offices in L.A. and Ventura counties closed thru Friday, Jan. 10
  • Warner Bros. Studios (Burbank) – Lots and offices closed

 

Awards & Events Cancellations

  • Academy Awards – Nominations announcement postponed until Sunday, Jan. 19
    • Nominations voting extended thru Tuesday, Jan. 14
  • AFI Awards – Annual luncheon canceled, to be rescheduled
  • Critics Choice Awards – 30th awards ceremony postponed until Sunday, Jan. 26 
  • Netflix Live: In Conversation with Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl directors Nick park and Merlin Crossingham – Canceled, to be rescheduled
  • Producers Guild Awards – Nominations announcement postponed until Sunday, Jan. 12
  • Writers Guild Awards – Nominations announcement postponed until Monday, Jan. 13

A Day in The Life: Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal

This month, we have the pleasure of tagging along with Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal, the charming and brilliant creators of Disney’s popular animated series Kiff (which premiered last March). The new full-length Kiff special Lore of the Ring Light premieres on Jan. 21 (National Squirrel Day) on Disney Channel (and streams the next day on Disney+):

1


Lucy and Nic arrive at Titmouse studio in Burbank for a hard day making a cartoon.

2


It’s time to plan new episodes for the second season of Kiff.

3


Here we are knuckling down in the writers room.
From left: Shannon Whalen (script coordinator), Nic Smal,
Quinn Scott (ass. story editor) and Lucy Heavens.

4


We’re checking in with the exacting and scrupulous design team!

5


Nic had to rush home to write a song!

6


Let’s all get into the recording booth. From left: Nic Smal (Principal Secretary), Lucy Heavens (Helen), Kimiko Glenn (Kiff), Kent Osborne (Sweepy Steve and Doctor Lyon), H Micheal Croner (Barry and the show’s voice director!)

.

7


Getting the energy up for a spectacular episode of Kiff!

Oni Press to Launch New ‘Adventure Time’ Comics in April

Fans can return to the Land of Ooo this spring, as multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher Oni Press announces a new on-going Adventure Time comics series. The first issue will launch in April 2025, bringing the popular franchise back to panels for the first time in almost a decade and picking up where the previous Eisner-winning adventures left off.

In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP) and Cartoon Network, Oni is kicking off a new era of epic adventure for Finn, Jake, Marceline, Princess Bubblegum and the cast of literally thousands that call Ooo home, featuring a rotating roster of creative talents across its first year —  including cartoonist and animator Nick Winn (Bloody Mary), 2024 Eisner Award winner Caroline Cash (PeePee PooPoo), former Adventure Time writer/storyboard artist and 2024 LA Times Book Prize Finalist Derek Ballard (Cartoonshow), Asia Simone (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Wreck and Roll), Jorge Monlongo (Over the Garden Wall: Hallow Town), Brenda Hicke (My Little Pony) and more.

Beginning with part one of the all-new story arc “Best of Buds” by Winn, Adventure Time #1 will plunge into an unexpected new quest for Finn the Human and Jake the Dog that will bring new challenges, new creatures and a brand-new princess crashing into their path. In the months to follow, readers can catch all-new stories and unexpected surprises from Cash, Ballard, and more from esteemed talents working in comics today.

Adventure Time was such a huge part of me growing up,” said series writer and artist Winn.” Not only was it hilarious, but it had such an emotional intelligence that very few shows could pull off back then. Being able to revisit the Land of Ooo through Oni Press has really been such a joy and a challenge to build something new while still keeping the energy and charm the show cast on me in middle school!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome readers back to distant lands with all new adventures featuring their favorite Adventure Time characters,” said series editor Megan Brown. “The Land of Ooo has long been home to some of the most radically unique comics, and we’re excited to add to their rich legacy with an incredible creative team crafting a story that is full of friendship, heart, and wild new challenges for Finn & Jake to overcome. BEST OF BUDS is the perfect jumping-off point for new readers — and a return to form for old friends!”

Adventure Time #1
On sale April 9, 2025 ($4.99) | IOC Feb. 27 | FOC March 17
Writing & art by Nick Winn with Derek Ballard

  • Cover A by Nick Winn
  • Cover B by David Nakayama
  • Cover C by Trung Le Nguyen
  • Cover D (Returnable) by Tillie Walden
  • Cover E – Blank Sketch Variant
  • Cover F – “Finn Blue” Sketch Variant
  • Gold Foil Variant ($7.99) by David Nakayama
  • Silver Foil Variant ($7.99) by Trung Le Nguyen
  • Infinite Interlocking (1:10) by Shelli Paroline & Braden Lam
  • Variant Cover (1:20) by Caroline Cash
  • Variant Cover (1:50) by Erica Henderson
  • B&W Variant (1:100) by David Nakayama

Studio 100 Races to EFM with ‘Rally – From Paris to the Pyramids’

Studio 100 Film has added the high-octane animated feature Rally – From Paris to the Pyramids to its 2025 film slate and announced it will present the first footage of the film to buyers at this year’s European Film Market.

The movie is produced by leading Scandinavian studio Qvisten Animation, known for box office hits such as Captain Sabertooth and Cattle Hill, and directed by Norwegian filmmaker Rasmus A. Sivertsen (Captain Sabertooth and the Countess of Grel, Captain Sabertooth and the Magic Diamond, Three Robbers and a Lion, In the Forest of Huckybucky) from a screenplay written by Rob Sprackling (Gnomeo & Juliet, The Queen’s Corgi, Heidi – Rescue of the Lynx) in collaboration with Karsten Fullu. Rebecca Padoin produces.

Synopsis: This action-packed adventure for family audiences follows Reodor Felgen, a brilliant but eccentric inventor, and his two unlikely friends — Solan, a daring magpie, and Ludvig, a timid hedgehog — as they attempt to redeem themselves by competing in the legendary Paris-to-the-Pyramids rally. Equipped with their extraordinary racecar, Il Tempo Gigante, the trio embarks on a high-stakes journey through bustling Paris, the perilous Italian Alps, and the scorching Egyptian desert. With their home, friendship, and lives on the line, they must prove that ingenuity and determination can conquer any challenge.

Inspired by the amazing universe of Norwegian creator Kjell Aukrust and the iconic Il Tempo Gigante, one of the most beloved cars in Norway’s automotive culture, the film is set to honor and introduce Aukrust’s legacy to a new generation.

“Kjell Aukrust loved fast cars and bold journeys. This film captures that spirit with unforgettable characters and a race like no other,” said director Sivertsen.

Rally – From Paris to the Pyramids is set for delivery in 2025 and will be distributed in Scandinavia by Nordisk Film Distribution during Christmas 2025.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the talented team at Qvisten Animation on this action-packed rally adventure that promises great entertainment for the whole family, especially car enthusiasts,” said Lorena Booth, Senior Acquisitions & Sales Manager at Studio 100 International. “Following these unlikely heroes on their journey to overcome obstacles with ingenuity, determination, and creativity will captivate audiences of all ages. We couldn’t be more excited to unveil the first footage at EFM.”

Studio 100 Film will be at EFM, presenting an initial teaser trailer to kick off presales for Rally – From Paris to the Pyramids, and will be located at the Marriott Hotel, 10th floor, Suites 1050 & 1052.

studio100film.com | qvisten.no

5 Animated Features Nominated for Art Directors Guild Awards

The Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) has announced the nominees for its 29th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards. The ceremony, hosted by acclaimed actress and comedian Rachael Harris, will take place on February 15, at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. The ADG Awards celebrate excellence in production design across theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos and animated feature films.

This year’s nominees for Animated Feature Film are:

Flow
Art Director: Gints Zilbalodis
Inside Out 2
Production Designer: Jason Deamer
Moana 2
Production Designer: Ian Gooding
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Production Designer: Matt Perry
The Wild Robot
Production Designer: Raymond Zibach

 

The 2025 Cinematic Imagery Award will be presented to Academy Award-nominated director and filmmaker Jason Reitman, whose body of work includes Juno, Up in the Air and Saturday Night. In addition, the ADG will honor Lisa Frazza, Barbara Mesney, Dan Sweetman, and J. Dennis Washington with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Legendary production designer Carl Jules Weyl will be inducted into the ADG Hall of Fame as part of the ceremony.

“This year’s nominees showcase the incredible artistry and vision that define our craft and our industry. We’re thrilled to bring the Guild together to celebrate the achievements of these incredible Production Designers and their Art Departments,” says award show producers Michael Allen Glover, ADG, and Megan Elizabeth Bell, ADG, in a joint statement.

See the full list of nominees and find more information at adg.org.

You can read more about the production design triumphs and challenges behind the year’s top animated features in Animation Magazine‘s feature story here

‘Ghost Cat Anzu’ Brings Wholesome Haunt to Blu-ray

Ghost Cat Anzu

On March 4, the festival favorite anime feature Ghost Cat Anzu comes to Blu-ray from GKIDS, with distribution by Shout! Studios, following a successful theatrical run in the U.S. in November. Bonus features for the release include teasers and trailers.

The film will also be available on digital platforms, including Amazon, Apple, Google, Fandango, Microsoft, and iNDEMAND, on January 28.

Synopsis: Precocious tween Karin finds herself abandoned by her father in rural Japan. Living in a temple with her grandfather, she meets Anzu, a giant “ghost cat” and notorious lay-about tasked with looking after her. Distrustful of her new guardian, Karin sabotages Anzu’s odd jobs for the townsfolk and befriends the eccentric local forest spirits. In an effort to win Karin over, Anzu accidentally makes a deal with the devil, and all Hell breaks loose.

Ghost Cat Anzu was first filmed in live action, with the animation rotoscoped based on this footage. The film is co-directed by artist Yôko Kuno, who makes her feature directorial debut, and live-action helmer Nobuhiro Yamashita (Linda Linda Linda); co-produced by Shin-Ei Animation (Japan) and Miyu Productions (France) with music by Keiichi Suzuki (EarthBound).

Pre-orders are now open at Shout! Factory Store and GKIDS Store.

Sanrio & Netflix Launch ‘My Melody & Kuromi’ Stop-Mo Series

The globally adored Sanrio characters are coming to life in a new animated adventure this year in My Melody & Kuromi, a stop-motion series coming to Netflix in July of this year.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi, the series takes viewers on an adventure in Mariland, their whimsical home. A sneak peek video just released reveals the characters in their cuddly stop-motion form.

My Melody & Kuromi

My Melody is a straightforward, cheerful girl who cares deeply for her younger brother. She enjoys baking cookies with her mother. Since her debut in 1975, she has continued to be loved by a wide range of fans.

“Our animation with Kuromi-chan is starting this summer! ♡ I want to bring lots of excitement to all my friends.♪ Please look forward to it. ♡” — My Melody

Kuromi, who debuted in 2005 as My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival, may seem like a troublemaker, but she’s actually quite feminine. She is one of the most popular characters, having ranked in the Top 3 in the 2024 Sanrio character ranking.

“A new anime with My Melody and me is starting! All you KUROMIES around the world, you’re gonna watch it, right? Don’t miss my cuteness. ★” — Kuromi

“I’m thrilled that this project is finally announced in this important year marking the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi!” commented series director Tomoki Misato (Pui Pui Molcar). “This momentous project motivated all of us to come together, take on various challenges, and push the envelope with stop-motion. I hope everyone will enjoy this exciting story set in our handcrafted Mariland, the thrilling action that pushes the limits of stop-motion, and, of course, the cute and dynamic characters.”

My Melody & Kuromi is produced by Toruku, marking its first stop-motion series project. The studio was established as part of anime powerhouse WIT. Award-winning playwright Shuko Nemoto wrote the script.

netflix.com/mymelody&kuromi

Netflix Reveals New ‘Sakamoto Days’ Trailer & Cast Announcements

Get ready to rock the konbini this weekend when Netflix premieres Sakamoto Days, the new anime series based on the hit manga created by Yuto Suzuki. The streamer today debuted a new trailer for the action-comedy show, and announced the English-language voice cast.

The 11 x 23′ series launches January 11, rolling out a new episode each week (Part 2 will arrive in July). Ahead of the launch, fans can check out new Sakamoto swag on the Netflix Shop!

Sakamoto Days ©Yuto Suzuki/Shueisha, Sakamoto Days Project

Sakamoto Days follows the action-packed story of legendary ex-hitman Taro Sakamoto, as he bands with comrades to face off against the looming threat of assassins to ensure a peaceful life with his beloved family.

The English-language voice cast features Matthew Mercer (Blood of Zeus) as Taro Sakamoto, Dallas Liu (Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender) as Shin Asakura, Rosalie Chiang (Turning Red) as Lu Shaotang, Rosie Okumura as Aoi Sakamoto, Xolo Maridueña (Cobra Kai) as Heisuke Mashimo, Aleks Le (Solo Leveling) as Nagumo, WWE superstar Lexi Cabrera (a.k.a. Alexa Bliss) as Obiguro, SungWon Cho (Netflix’s Delicious in Dungeon) as Boiled, Du-Shaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall as Son Hee and Toru Uchikado (Castlevania) as Bacho.

Sakamoto Days ©Yuto Suzuki/Shueisha, Sakamoto Days Project

Sakamoto Days is the next generation of great anime and I leaped at the opportunity to work with one of my new friends: Dallas Liu,” said Maridueña.

“The most exciting thing about being involved with Sakamoto Days is getting to work with Xolo and Aleks, but also I was a huge fan of the manga before coming onto the project, so being a part of it as Shin — the one and only — I’m super excited,” Liu added. “Voice acting is something I’ve never been able to do before, and this getting to be my first project is super surreal for me… I’m super excited for people to watch.”

Animated by Japan’s TMS Entertainment (Lupin the 3rd, Dr. Stone, Baki), Sakamoto Days is directed by Masaki Watanabe (Battle Spirits franchise, KADO: The Right Answer) with series composition by Taku Kishimoto. The creative team also includes character designer Yo Moriyama, background designer Yukiko Maruyama and composer Yuki Hayashi. The opening theme “Run Sakamoto Run” is performed by Vaundy.

netflix.com/sakamotodays 

 

Heritage Announces Weekly Animation Art Auctions

Heritage Auctions, the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer, has announced that it will be offering its popular curated collections of animation art, artefacts and ephemera on a weekly basis.

The Animation and Anime Art, Disneyana and Disneyland Select Auctions will take place every week, opening for bidding on a Tuesday and ending with a live session at 6 p.m. CT the following Tuesday. Bids can be placed anytime during the week.

The first auction is already open for bidding and it closes on Tuesday, January 14. Highlights include:

 

Fantasia Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice Animation Drawing (Walt Disney, 1940)

Fantasia Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice Animation Drawing (Walt Disney, 1940). Graphite with yellow pencil highlights and blue pencil guidelines. The image appears in the film around the 34:25 timestamp. Fred Moore and Bill Tytla were the animation supervisors for this third sequence in Fantasia. Approximate image size is 5″ x 4.5″; the art is matted and framed with glass for an overall size of 18.25″ x 16.25″. All frames are sold as-is. Photos are not representative of actual frame condition. Art condition is Good to Very Good with some visible handling wear and age-related paper toning. (View)

 

Northwest Hounded Police Wolf in Prison Clothing Animation Drawing (MGM, 1946)

Northwest Hounded Police Wolf in Prison Clothing Animation Drawing (MGM, 1946). Full-figure original 12 field animation drawing of the Wolf in his striped prison suit from the Tex Avery-directed short. Fraphite drawing on animation paper, approximate image size of 4.75″ x 5″. In the lower edge between the second and third pegholes is a studio stamp that notes this as from production 144, the studio’s number for Northwest Hounded Police. The drawing is in Good to Very Good condition with handling, edge wear, and very slight moisture exposure to the lower edge, not affecting the image. (View)

 

The Flintstones Wilma and Pebbles Public Service Announcement Production Cel (Hanna-Barbera, c. 1990s)

The Flintstones Wilma and Pebbles Public Service Announcement Production Cel (Hanna-Barbera, c. 1990s). Very rare cel created for a PSA that promoted a Los Angeles City Water Conservation project. Hand-painted 12 field 3-peghole production cel, approximate image size of 4″ x 5.25″. The cel is placed on a scene-appropriate print background that appears to be a Key Master used in the film; the background image is trimmed-to-edge and mounted on a sheet of blue backing board with pegholes and production notes. The setup is in Very Good condition with minor handling and edge wear. (View)

 

GoBots Fitor and Sparky Pair of Color Model Cels (Hanna-Barbera, 1984)

GoBots Fitor and Sparky Pair of Color Model Cels (Hanna-Barbera, 1984). Lot includes two hand-painted 12 field 3-peghole color model cels for Fitor (full figure of him transformed with a side view and bottom view of his plane form) and Sparky (two full figure poses of the character transformed), used to keep the characters’ color palette consistent throughout the series. Poses measure roughly 7.5” x 6.5” and 10.25” x 7.5” combined with several color codes on Sparky’s sheet. Both feature the GoBots logo and copyright from Hanna-Barbera Productions. Good condition overall with light debris, pinholes, staples at the top edges, and the cels stuck to the paper below. (View)

 

Iron Man The Mandarin Production Cel with Production Background (Marvel, 1994)

Iron Man The Mandarin Production Cel with Production Background (Marvel, 1994). Ooriginal hand-painted 12 field production cel from Season 1 Episode 2, “Rejoice! I Am Ultimo, Thy Deliverer.” Approximate image size of 12′ x 8.5′, placed on a hand-painted gouache on board background from an unknown production. Background measures approximately 14′ x 10′. The setup is in Very Good condition with minor handling wear. (View)

Award-Winning Animated Feature ‘Flow’ Makes Digital Debut

Gints Zilbalodis’ independent animated feature effort Flow, which this week stunned awards watchers by snagging the Golden Globe amid competition from Pixar, DreamWorks and Aardman, has sailed onto Digital platforms. The dialog-free, painterly CG adventure is now available to rent or buy from outlets including Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home.

Released in the U.S. by Sideshow and Janus Films, Flow premiered in the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard sidebar last summer before screening at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it won four awards to kick off a run of dozens of accolades. In addition to the Golden Globe, Flow has picked up the European Film Award and National Board of Review Award for Best Animated Feature, in addition to honors from several film critics associations and festivals, including OIAF, Animation Is Film, Guadalajara, Melbourne and Athens.

The film is currently nominated for four Annie Awards and two Critics Choice Awards, as well as qualifying for the Academy Awards in both the Animated Feature and International Feature categories (representing Latvia).

Synopsis: A wondrous journey, through realms natural and mystical, Flow follows a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood. Teaming up with a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog to navigate a boat in search of dry land, they must rely on trust, courage and wits to survive the perils of a newly aquatic planet.

In addition to directing, Zilbalodis (Away) wrote the screenplay with Matiss Kaza, created the original score with Rihards Zalupe and served as producer alongside Kaza, Ron Dyens and Gregory Zalcman. Flow is produced by Zilbalodis’ Dream Well Studio (Latvia), Sacrebleu Productions (France) and Take Five (Belgium).

‘Coraline’ Roblox Experience Nears 18 Million Visits

On the heels of LAIKA’s 15th anniversary re-release of its first film, Coraline, which took in a record-breaking $56 million at the global box office last Summer and Fall, the award-winning studio launched its first official immersive experience on the Roblox platform, Coraline: Evade the Others on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28, 2024). Since its release, the gaming experience has been played by over 10 million unique users, earned a 90%+ rating, and regularly exceeds 5,000 concurrent players.

The experience is playable on iOS, Android, PC, Mac here.  A brand new, playable Coraline avatar is now available for purchase in the game and the Roblox Marketplace.

Coraline: Evade the Others, developed in partnership with Toya in Israel and the support of Roblox’s Partnerships team, quickly gained traction with players to become one of the top film-based games of all time on Roblox. Rather than a limited promotional experience, this is an ‘always on’ gaming experience with regular monthly updates that expand gameplay, characters and environments. In under six weeks, the game has attracted over 17.5M visits, with over 300,000 average daily active users.

“As an auteur-led studio, LAIKA is committed to telling bold, ambitious, original stories,” said LAIKA’s SVP & Head of Business Development Michael Waghalter. “In that same spirit, we curate immersive experiences that allow fans to engage with their favorite LAIKA films like Coraline in new and unique ways while staying true to the studio’s reputation for artistry. When players portal into Coraline: Evade the Others on Roblox, they’ll inhabit the darkly magical world they know and love from the film, married to a game design from our partners at Toya that will keep them challenged, entertained, and coming back for more.”

Toya, the award-winning, woman-led studio, known for its success in adapting major media properties for the gaming environment such as Miraculous Ladybug and Maya and the Three), took on the challenge of bringing LAIKA’s beloved stop-motion film to the Roblox platform. “Our goal was to honor the award-winning film’s core elements while seamlessly integrating them into Roblox’s engaging gameplay, which is enjoyed by millions of users,” said CEO Anat Shperling.

Spain’s Atresmedia Expands Neox Kidz Block with ‘Miraculous’

Miraculous Corp’s hit animated series,Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noirhas been acquired by Spain’s Atresmedia to headline its newly expanded “Neox Kidz” children’s programming block. The new agreement, which was brokered by Mediawan Kids & Family, encompasses seasons one through five of the series.

Starting January 7, Atresmedia’s premium entertainment channel Neox will place a greater emphasis on engaging its young viewers. The Neox Kidz programming destination will be available with extended hours from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays, and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends and offer exclusive premium kids’ content that will include globally recognized franchises. Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir —already airing in over 150 countries — is the first new series acquired for the block.

“The acquisition of Miraculous marks a pivotal moment for Neox Kidz as we reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment for children and young audiences,” said Lola Molina, Director of Programming, Promotion & Broadcast at Atresmedia Television. “By adding Miraculous — a cultural phenomenon and globally celebrated animated series — we enhance our lineup with captivating stories rich in diversity, values, and stunning visuals. This addition underscores our mission to offer premium content that resonates with audiences of all generations.”

“We are thrilled to bring Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir to the newly expanded Neox Kidz programming block,” added Maria Doolan, Head of Content Partnerships & Distribution at Miraculous Corp. “As Miraculous approaches its milestone 10th anniversary next year, our partnership with Atresmedia marks a significant step in introducing the series to new audiences across Spain. With its universal themes of bravery, teamwork and resilience, the show has become a cherished favorite among families around the globe. We’re thrilled to see it take center stage as a key part of Atresmedia’s children’s programming, paving the way for an exciting new chapter for the brand.”

Neox Kidz programming is also available through Atresplayer, Atresmedia’s digital platform, allowing families to enjoy a 24-hour kids’ channel on any device. All content on Atresplayer is accessible for free, ensuring that Miraculous reaches the widest possible audience.

Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir was previously available in Spain on Disney Channel; and Disney+ will continue to be the home to new Miraculous content with Season 6 launching early 2025.

Synopsis: In Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, Marinette and Adrien hide a big secret: they are secret superheroes and Paris’s protectors. With the help of Miraculous magical jewels that grant extraordinary powers, Marinette becomes Ladybug, wielding the power of creation, while Adrien transforms into Cat Noir, with the power of destruction. Together, they face the mysterious villain Hawk Moth who uses dark creatures known as akumas to spread chaos — balancing their heroic responsibilities with the trials of teenage life.

The series combines comedy and romance and stands out for its animation, influenced by anime, giving it a distinctive and visually appealing style. Paris itself plays a vital role, with iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Seine and Notre-Dame frequently featured in the episodes.

CBeebies Debuts Coding-Themed Animated Series ‘Wonderblocks’

BBC Children’s and Education, Alphablocks Ltd. and Blue Zoo Animation Studio today announce a new educational series following the success of Numberblocks, Alphablocks and Colourblocks — Wonderblocks, an innovative CG show designed to ignite essential thinking skills in young viewers, training their brains through adventure and problem-solving fun.

Wonderblocks will launch on the CBeebies channel and BBC iPlayer from Monday, January 20.

“We are thrilled to see Blocks shows inspiring and educating children around the world,” commented Oli Hyatt, Managing Director of Alphablocks Ltd. “Our mission has always been to make learning fun and accessible, and seeing the positive effects of our show on young minds is incredibly rewarding. We are committed to continuing this journey with the incredible Wonderblocks, helping to shape a brighter future for the next generation of little learners.”

Wonderblocks [Blue Zoo/CBeebies]

Co-created by Joe Elliot and Tom Box, the new animated series blends storytelling with foundational concepts to make complex, educational ideas accessible for young minds. Children will meet new Blocks characters, excitable Go and methodical Stop, who showcase the balance of action and thought. Their humorous and energetic adventures emphasize core skills like problem-solving, planning, pattern recognition, sequencing and logic while also modelling the values of teamwork, friendship, curiosity and a love of learning.

Together with the helpful Do Blocks, Go and Stop will explore their world and solve dilemmas for a cast of fun animal characters. Whether it’s helping Cow find her moo with Do Block Moo, or assisting Secret Agent Chicken to crack the hen house code with Do Block Cluck, every episode combines excitement and adventure with learning to teach pre-coding skills.

Wonderblocks [Blue Zoo/CBeebies]

“At CBeebies, we are passionate about making learning an exciting adventure for young audiences,. Wonderblocks embodies this perfectly by combining the magic of storytelling with essential skills, giving little ones the tools they need as they learn to think critically and creatively,” said Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning 0-6, BBC Children’s and Education. “We know audiences, whether that’s little ones and their grown ups or teachers and young pupils, see Numberblocks, Alphablocks and Colourblocks as invaluable educational resources so we can’t wait for them to join Go, Stop and the Do Blocks on their problem-solving journeys in Wonderblocks!”

Wonderblocks is produced by BBC, Blue Zoo Animation Studio and Alphablocks Ltd., with expert consultation from Emma Goto of Winchester University. Commissioning Executive for CBeebies is Joel Wilenius.

Follow Wonderblocks on Instagram and on YouTube.

Wonderblocks [Blue Zoo/CBeebies]

‘The Colors Within’ Opens Ticket Sales with Limited IMAX Early Access (New Clip)

The Colors Within IMAX Poster

Tickets are on sale now for The Colors Within, the latest film from acclaimed director Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice, Liz and the Blue Bird, The Heike Story) and studio Science SARU (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Inu-Oh, The Heike Story). Following a preview run in Los Angeles in December, the GKIDS presentation comes to theaters nationwide on January 24, with limited one-night only IMAX early access screenings in 50 U.S. locations taking place on January 23.

The film will run in its original Japanese language, and in an all-new English-language version featuring the voices of Libby Rue (Alice’s Wonderland Bakery) as Totsuko, Kylie McNeill (Belle) as Kimi and Eddy Lee (KPOP the Musical) as Rui.

In New York, director Yamada will greet fans at select Q&A screenings at the Regal Union Square on January 22 & 23.

Synopsis: Totsuko is a high school student with the ability to see the ‘colors’ of others. Colors of bliss, excitement, and serenity, plus a color she treasures as her favorite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn’t play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. As they practice at an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and stirring affections. Will they discover their true ‘colors’?

The film is directed by Yamada and written by Reiko Yoshida (Ride Your Wave, Violet Evergarden), produced by Science SARU with Genki Kawamura’s Story inc. (planning & production). The film features character designs by animation director Takashi Kojima (The Heike Story) and music by Kensuke Ushio (DEVILMAN crybaby, Chainsaw Man, A Silent Voice).

The Colors Within held its sold-out world premiere as an official selection at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and went on to win Best Animation at the Shanghai International Film Festival. The film additionally was an official selection at BFI London Film Festival, and held its North American premiere as the opening night feature and Audience Award winner of Animation Is Film.

Tickets are on sale now at gkids.com/TheColorsWithin.

Danish Toon ‘Apple Hills’ Goes Global with Cartoon Network on YouTube

Apple Hillsthe Danish animated hit series produced by Nice Ninja and coproduced with public broadcaster DR, will be launching January 12 on the worldwide Cartoon Network YouTube channel.

Apple Hills is strongly influenced by all the slapstick comedy series that we have grown up with on Cartoon Network. So, we are more than proud that Apple Hills will launch on the Cartoon Network YouTube channel,” said Thomas Borch-Nielsen, producer at Nice Ninja. “I hope that kids around the world will enjoy Trafalgar and Pulver’s crazy adventures as much as we have while animating them.”

The deal with Warner Bros. Discovery was signed by Meta Media Entertainment, the worldwide exclusive distributor of Apple Hills and follows the successful launch of Season 1 (20 x 5’) of the series in Denmark last year.

Apple Hills

Apple Hills was launched on DR in September 2023 and became the third-ranking kids show in Denmark within six weeks. Within the first month of launching on DR’s Kid VOD platform Ramasjang, the series was watched 6.5 million times, which is equivalent to every Danish kid in the target group 5-10 years watching each episode more than once. Season 2 of Apple Hills (20 x 6’) is in production and will be delivered in Q1 2025.

Synopsis: Apple Hills is a small town. In fact, it’s so small and insignificant, it has been removed from Google Maps. The only thing that stands out is a polluting concrete factory. But if you look closely, you will discover two small kids — Trafalgar and Pulver. They are experts at surviving boredom since their solutions to everyday relatable problems often take a wild and unpredictable turn for the worse!

Apple Hills

“Cartoon Network is synonymous with comedy, creativity, and irreverence, all of which were themes we saw in Apple Hills,” said Zia Sands, Director Content Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions, Warner Bros. Discovery, Kids, EMEA. “We hope our audience will be entertained and inspired by how Trafalgar and Pulver conquer the mundane, with surprising and often wild adventures.”

Sara Cooper, Founder of Meta Media Entertainment, added, “We are delighted to be working with the Warner Discovery EMEA Kids team to launch the superb Apple Hills series on the prestigious Cartoon Network YouTube channel. It is a great start to 2025, which I am sure will see continued success for this riotous comedy.”

Apple Hills

Watch: DreamWorks Sneak Peeks ‘Dog Man’ with New Featurette

From the studio that brought Captain Underpants to the big screen comes a new Dav Pilkey adaptation in DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man, coming to theaters on January 31 through Universal Pictures.

In a new inside-look featurette, fans of the books as well as newcomers to the world of Dog Man can enjoy an inside look, with commentary by writer/director Peter Hastings (Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight), production designer Nate Wragg (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish), and voice stars Pete Davidson (Saturday Night Live, The King of Staten Island), Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers, Rango) and Lil Rel Howery (Get Out, Free Guy).

Synopsis: Part dog, part man, all hero.

From DreamWorks Animation — creators of the beloved blockbuster franchises Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and The Boss Baby —comes the canine-crime-fighting film adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s New York Times bestselling literary phenomenon: Dog Man.

When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born. Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve — and fetch, sit and roll over. As Dog Man embraces his new identity and strives to impress his Chief (Howery), he must stop the pretty evil plots of feline supervillain Petey the Cat (Davidson). Petey’s latest plan is to clone himself, creating the kitten Lil Petey, to double his ability to do crime stuff. Things get complicated, though, when Lil Petey forges an unexpected bond with Dog Man.

When Lil Petey falls into the clutches of a common enemy, Dog Man and Petey reluctantly join forces in an action-packed race against time to rescue the young kitten. In the process, they discover the power of family (and kittens!) to bring even the most hostile foes together.

Fisher also stars as TV reporter Sarah Hatoff, alongside Poppy Liu (Hacks, The Afterparty) as Petey’s assistant, Butler; Emmy nominee Stephen Root (Barry, King of the Hill) as Grampa; Billy Boyd (the Lord of the Rings franchise, Seed of Chucky) as Sarah’s cameraman, Seamus; and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras) as Flippy the fish.

Dog Man is directed by Emmy winner Peter Hastings (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness), whose credits include the original Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain. The film is produced by Karen Foster (Spirit Untamed), who served as co-producer on DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon.

Launched in 2016 by Dav Pilkey — the #1 global bestselling author and award-winning illustrator of the Captain Underpants books — the Dog Man Scholastic series now includes 12 books. The series has more than 60 million copies in print and has been translated into 47 languages. Cat Kid Comic Club, a spin-off launched in 2020, has also topped bestseller lists around the world. Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea, was overall the #1 bestselling children’s book in the U.S. in 2023, across all children’s formats and ages, and Dog Man: Big Jim Begins hit shelves on December 3, 2024.

Crunchyroll Announces New Manga App at CES

Fans will have a new avenue to access Japanese comics, the source material for many beloved anime series, in North America as Crunchyroll announced today a new app for fans to enjoy digital manga as part of a new premium option for Crunchyroll members.

Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini announced that the new app would be coming to Crunchyroll later this year during Sony Group Corporation’s press conference at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.

Home to the largest dedicated anime library, Crunchyroll will soon offer an all-new service, Crunchyroll Manga, making it easier than ever for fans to read brand-new and beloved titles from multiple top publishers all in one place.

Crunchyroll Manga launches later this year as a standalone app on iOS and Android, debuting in the U.S. and Canada. Designed to complement Crunchyroll memberships, the app will be offered as a premium add-on, with web browser integration also planned for the future.

“Crunchyroll Manga will be a premiere online manga app that carries catalogs from renowned publishers, offering fans unparalleled access to the visionary works that inspire the anime we love,” said Purini. “As we strengthen partnerships in this exciting new venture, we aim to add even more value to the Crunchyroll membership, complementing our vast anime library, Crunchyroll Game Vault, and extensive selection of products in the Crunchyroll Store.”

He added,  “Research shows that nearly 70% of anime fans read digital manga at least once a month, highlighting the immense demand for this medium. Crunchyroll Manga will not only meet this growing interest but also fuel the continued global popularity of anime and manga alike.”

Offering a vast array of stories across diverse genres, Crunchyroll Manga will feature both iconic titles and current fan favorites. Titles will debut on the app in English with the goal of increasing language options as the app expands similarly to Crunchyroll’s streaming service.

NAACP Image Awards Announce Nominees for 2025

The nominees have been announced for the 56th NAACP Image Awards, celebrating the achievements of Black entertainment creatives across film, TV, music and more. The awards ceremony is set for Saturday, February 22 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, broadcasting on BET and CBS at 8 p.m., with winners in multiple categories to be announced at the Creative Honors Ceremonies on Friday, February 21, streaming on the awards’ website.

“We look forward to celebrating the brilliance of Black talent and creativity whose stories shape culture, ignite change and inspire generations,” said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson. “Through film, music, literature and more, their voices weave a rich tapestry that honors our heritage, celebrates our identity and proves that storytelling is a powerful force for driving true progress.”

Animation and related category nominees listed below. The full list can be found here or @naacpimageaward as the official website is currently experiencing technical difficulties.

 

Outstanding Animated Motion Picture

  • Inside Out 2 (Pixar/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Kung Fu Panda 4 (DreamWorks Animation)
  • Moana 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Piece By Piece (Focus Features)
  • The Wild Robot (DreamWorks Animation)

 

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture

  • Aaron PierreMufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Anika Noni RoseMufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Ayo EdebiriInside Out 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Blue Ivy CarterMufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Lupita Nyong’oThe Wild Robot (DreamWorks Animation)

 

Outstanding Short Form (Animated)

  • if(fy) (OTB/The Hidden Hand Studios)
  • Nate & John (Unity Animation Project, LLC)
  • Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz “Jackie Robinson” (Exhibit Treal Studios)
  • Self (Pixar Animation Studios)
  • Walk in the Light (419 Studios)

 

Outstanding Children’s Program

  • Craig of the Creek (Cartoon Network)
  • Descendants: The Rise of Red (Disney+)
  • Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
  • Sesame Street (Max)
  • Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin (Apple TV+)

 

Outstanding Animated Series

  • Disney Jr.’s Ariel (Disney Jr.)
  • Everybody Still Hates Chris (Comedy Central)
  • Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
  • Iwájú (Disney+)
  • Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney Channel)

 

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)

  • Angela BassettOrion and the Dark (Netflix)
  • Cree SummerRugrats (Nickelodeon)
  • Cree SummerThe Legend of Vox Machina (Prime Video)
  • Dawnn LewisStar Trek: Lower Decks (Paramount+)
  • Keke PalmerThe Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy (Prime Video)

 

Additionally, Adam Elliot’s Memoir of a Snail (IFC Films) is nominated in the International Motion Picture category. Gracelyn Hollingsworth of Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV) is also up for Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series).