Twenty years ago today the fourth and final year of Anime America — a short-lived California anime convention that attempted to compete with Anime Expo — kicked off.
Mecha Before Macross: Studio Nue, 1981
A brief look inside one of the most important design studios in the history of Japanese animation.
Like a Pig in Mud: Hayao Miyazaki Goes to War
The World War II manga by one of Japan’s greatest directors.
Masamune Shirow’s Neuro Hard
If you were a fan in the ’90s, you probably remember that people wouldn’t shut up about Shirow. Here’s one series most diehards never got to read.
The D&D Origins of Lodoss War’s Boring Characters
One of the many (legitimate) criticisms levied against Lodoss War is that it has boring, stereotypical characters. Here’s why.
The Models of The Maschinen Krieger Modelers Showcase
A look at some of the more unique kits featured at the Maschinen Krieger Modelers Showcase Final, held last weekend in Shinagawa.
Let’s Read: Dual Magazine, No. 3
Dual Magazine was created as a house organ to promote Takara’s efforts in ‘real robot’ anime and take advantage of the model craze kicked off a few years prior by Bandai’s Gundam kits.
Katsuhiro Otomo’s Farewell to Weapons
Farewell to Weapons includes many of the hallmarks that would define Otomo’s success: intricate artwork, a post-apocalyptic setting, obsessively-detailed rubble, and man fighting against his own creation.
The Chunky Comfort of Robot Vinyl Toys
Who needs fancy features and detailed accessories, anyways?
Masahiro Ito’s Acid Bufferzone
Fans of Silent Hill may recognize Masahiro Ito’s name, because he’s lent his considerable talents to every installment of the video game series since 1999.