Genki Life Anime • Videogames • Manga
Magazine
22
冬 2016 Winter
Dec 21-Mar 19
An Interview with Russian Cosplayer Eleonora Alekseeva Winter Conventions Sankarea: Undying Love Manga Inside!
Also Seiyu¯ s of Autumn 2015 Plastic Memories
Guest of Honors Alicja Chrena Chakravarti Todd Haberkorn Stephanie Sheh Caitlin Glass Lionel Lum Lolita Dark Tadao Tomomatsu
Featured Guests Erica Mendez Lucien Dodge Sarah Williams Lisle Wilkerson Ezra Weisz Edward Bosco Chocolate Covered Cosplay Team Lift XMA Twilight Knights Panda Cubed Victor Frost Kyle Hebert Jen Turner (Space Pizza Cosplay)
Contents
Winter 2016
2 Editor’s Notes
4 Sankarea: Undying Love
Anime Review
11 Convention Schedule 16 Charlotte Anime Review
23 New Anime: Winter 2016
Christmas Slay Belle Katarina
Cover Photo by El Lianos
34 An Interview with Russian Cosplayer Eleonora Alekseeva 49 Manga Releases 61 Anime Character Information 65 New DVD Releases 70 Who’s That Seiyu− of Autumn 2015 73 Those Who Have Passed 2015 78 Plastic Memories An Anime Review
82 Videogame Releases 87 DAGASY - Ho−kago Cho−no−ryoku Senso− Manga Preview
Issue 22, Autumn • December 21, 2015 – March 20, 2016 Genki Life Magazine is published seasonal, quarterly, by The Genshiken of the Inland Empire anime club, a subsidiary of Studio ArtMix: Intelligent Graphic Design. Subscription of this magazine is free of charge. Please email glm@studioartmix.com your request to subscribe to this digital publication as well as any other inquiries about this publication. Any statements made, expressed or implied in Genki Life Magazine are solely those of columnists and persons being interviewed and do not represent the editorial view of the publisher, who does not accept responsibility of such statements. Unless otherwise specified all design; text, layout, images, graphics, and the selection and arrangement are the copyright works of Studio ArtMix or its partners. No part of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Please email glm@studioartmix.com to obtain permission. Other content are subject to copyright may be the property of their respective owners. Other material mentioned may not have been used with permission in the publication are so stated herein, but only to promote material on a non-fee basis. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein and/or third party trademarks, trade names and logos contained herein my be the trademarks of their respective owners. All release dates of products/content herein in are accurate as of the publication date and may be subject to change without notification in any form.
Editor’s Note
A
s with each Autumn season, things are winding down for the winter. The two major things we did was Comikaze Expo in Los Angeles and Phoenix Fan Fest in Glendale, Arizona. Comikaze Expo this was grew by leaps and bounds. Also a little chaotic was the crowd control when we arrived that Halloween morning. This was, the con was mostly held at West Hall with overflow rooms at Hall K. To get from Hall K to West Hall was a walk, which was a pain! But overall, there was a lot to see and things to do. My big thing was seeing Erik Estrada of the 70’s television show, CHiPs. There was also Walter Koenig of the original Star Trek and, more recently, Babylon 5. What got me about Mr. Koenig was that we was wearing an Attack on Titan sweater! More recently, we attended Phoenix Fan Fest again this year, though it was almost a “no go.” Well, luckily we went. It also happened to me my friends birthday, so I treated her with the weekend trip there. Thankfully, we stayed at “better” hotel. Some of the guests that we saw was mainly Karen Gillan (Doctor Who and Guardians of the Galaxy), Gareth David-Lloyd (Torchwood), Julian Richings (Supernatural), Alaina Huffman (Supernatural and Stargate Universe), Kevin Sorbo (Hercules and Andromeda) and a glimpse of Dirk Benedict (Battlestar Galactica and A-Team). Oh, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was hella lot better than I expected!
- Ed Gomez
Graphic Designer Publisher-Genki Life Magazine, President–GIE
Staff Publisher & Editor Ed Gomez Graphic Design & Layout Ed Gomez Miriam Barrientos Image Editing John Thompson
glm.studioartmix.com glm@studioartmix.com
Contributors & Writers Derek Boleware, Jr. “Yukimura82” Staff Photographer Michelle Schrokosh Contributing Photos Tim Brillo Andy Van “Yukimura82”
GLM masot by Jennifer Tourtilloitt
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We’re always looking for contributors to this magazine in the fields of writing, reporting, reviewing, photography and graphic design. If you would like to contribute to this magazine, please e-mail me at: glm@studioartmix.com or Facebook: www.facebook.com/GenkiLifeMag
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
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Undying Love
Sanka Rea
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Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Chihiro Furuya Sankarea さんかれあ TV • April 5 – June 28, 2012 Studio Deen • Aniplex of America http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/sankarea/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Sankarea:_Undying_Love Director: Hatakeyama, Mamoru Producer: Urasaki Norimitsu Music: Hashimoto, Yukari Character Design: Sakai, Kyūta Writer: Takagi, Noboru Cast: Sanka, Rea = Uchida, Maaya Furuya, Chihiro = Kimura, Ryōhei Saōji, Ranko = Yahagi, Sayuri Furuya, Mero = Iguchi, Yuka
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
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If
“
my own
happiness will lead the misfortune of others, then being unhappy is probably the wisest
T
ell me if you’ve heard of this before…a high school boy dreams to be with his ideal girl. Not too uncommon among romantic tales, but here’s something that might run your blood cold, pun intended. He likes zombies! He really likes zombie girls, and one day, POOF! Due to the plot, he gets to live with one. With a premise like this, what could possibly go wrong? Quite a bit actually, yet Sankarea stands out as quite the opposite, as something special. It, however, requires some context. 6
Adapted from a manga of the same name by Mitsuru Hattori, Sankarea was directed by Shin’ichi Omata (also known as Mamoru Hatakeyama), with in-show character designs by Kyūta Sakai. Produced by Studio Deen, for something designated with genre labels such as comedy and ecchi, the series begins rather morbidly. Chihiro Furuya has spent the last several evenings putting his enthusiast facet to work searching for a way to revive his beloved deceased cat. During a couple of these evenings, he overhears the strained cries of a girl his age…desperate to lead a normal life with friends and attend outings. She’s no other than Rea Sanka, the school idol of the local prestigious girl’s academy and the sheltered heir to a rather wealthy, influential name. Through one direct encounter, the zombie otaku and the school idol end up hanging out and working through the nights on what now became a joint project, neither being intimidated by the other. In the most natural of fashions, through this relationship the show breaks down the walls of the stereotypes that would have otherwise defined these two. Chihiro, outside his odd persona and Rea, outside her perfect exterior, reveal themselves to us Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
y
choice.” as characters of depth: sensible, quirky, considerate and kind. In fact, the show does very well—for the most part—in coaxing out the stuff of substance from many of the cast, even the most despicable ones. Make no mistake, comedy is a prominent fixture in this show— and a welcome one at that—characters playing off one another in funny and even clever ways that forgo heavy reliance on exaggerated visuals. In fact, such restraint promotes that underlying sentiment of unease that balances the frivolity and serves to make the show compelling in a meaningful way. It’s this ever-present feeling of tragedy that makes the moments that are meant to be tragic doubly so and the instances that are sweet more bitter than before, tragedy that’s driven by two factors: Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
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One is zombieism itself. Far from being just a fun, but ultimately needless accessory. The show utilizes key aspects of this condition to derive really compelling drama. The specter of mental health and physical well-being wasting away over time looms in whatever air our two leads breathe. While the living dead gain abilities such as super-human strength and insensitivity to pain, they also lose precious things that we, as people, take for granted. The capacity to bask in the sun…to feel warmth… to shed tears.
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Two is how zombieism is applied to Rea. To live under the confines of a suffocating patriarch who’s, at best, neurotically obsessive and, at worst, possessively abusive to his daughter. His affection for her is that of a blur between love and lust; a jealous matriarch who doesn’t give a damn; she’s like a songbird in a cage, crooning for her freedom. And so the songbird becomes a zombie. A tragic paradox rings true— she feels more alive dead than she otherwise felt living and here’s where everything falls together. No matter how much she aches to be normal, she can’t. She’s cheated out of experiencing life to the fullest because her condition chains her down. While the show flirts around humorously with the premise of zombie love, it also holds no illusions to its implications—wish-fulfillment, if not precisely necrophilia. But taking care of a zombie girl is a lot more emotionally demanding than can be preconceived. Rea living with Chihiro as much a romantic nod as it is sanctuary and liberty from her folks, the chemistry of this relationship, from before the girl becomes a zombie, to after the girl becomes a zombie, feels undeniably genuine and the question is brought up constantly, aloud and not. Is this a lust toward zombie girls or a love toward a girl that now happens to be a zombie? Any review of this show would be remiss without at least a mention about the direction. While this is Omichi’s first project as the head director, he’s worked on a number of Shaft projects. He’s a Shaft veteran, and, for anyone familiar with Shaft’s style, that influence is apparent from the get-go: camera angles, theatrical metaphor, abstract imagery etc. But rather than being a mere copy and paste of Akiyuki Shinbo, whose application of said style can be heavy-handed and sometimes irrelevant to the narrative (to make the visuals superficially striking through its unorthodox-ness, in other words), Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Omichi co-opts the style as something his own, that carries meaning every time is utilized in place of the mundane (which I think is rather beautifully rendered, by the way) rather than something that is abused for novelty’s sake. Something like a painting or curtains rising and falling to bring the audience in and out of flashbacks adds to sad and bad memories in not only a new way. It adds a whole new layer of melancholy by probing the emotional implications of these ruminations. Something like an arm fading away into nothing in place of a normal slap of the hand conveys far more than a one-fold rejection. In addition, the pacing goes at a slow, but natural pace that’s embedded with a decent amount of subtly that allows the audience to really know about the characters rather than know of them. An example of said subtly can be found in the male protagonist’s usually reserved deadpan of a snark sister, Mero, both in episode 1 and episode 9. Also, if it can be helped, I recommend watching episode 9 before watching episode 8. It takes place chronologically before episode 8 anyway, and has unfortunately been perceived as a rude detour. With it being placed in a middle of an ongoing crisis, so much so, that its beauty and genius has been dismissed as mediocre filler. All of these wonderful things being said, the show suffers substantially on a few fronts. Ecchi. There are actually
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
interesting uses for it in the show. Sparingly, it’s great when it’s used to convey atmospheres of the frankness of freedom and the desperation for affection. Sparingly, it’s amusing in comedic moments, or at least tolerable. However, the show also goes somewhat heavyhanded on it for titillation’s sake, something which mars characterization and, in general, is just in bad taste, what with how grim, but well-told the series otherwise is. And while the characterization is very good, for the most part, the show also plays up the gimmicky troppiness of some of the characters in a way that can get irritating at times. Now to end on a happy note, pun intended. Well, maybe not happy, per se, but the audio and visuals of the OP and especially the ED are impressive. The OP, “Escoragoto,” was done by nano.RIPE. While I can’t say I’m a fan of nano.RIPE’s vocalist on her own, the melody, combined with the musical accompaniment, drum set, electric guitar and electric bass makes for an energetic, uplifting piece; that even then, is tempered somewhat by some of its bitter visuals. Outside of introducing the cast, the OP does a great job saying a lot about each major character without saying anything. In particular, the segment involving Rea surrounded by her parents and household—this really fake, almost dead countenance of geniality pasted on her face when gripped on the shoulder by her father.
Even the title “Escoragoto,” translated from Japanese, means fabrication or pipe dream. But if there’s any one concise thing I could show to anyone that demonstrates the level of respect the show has for its material in a brief one minute, thirty minute music video, it would be the ED “Above Your Hand” by Anabel. Soft, sincere, beautiful vocals accompanied by classical guitar, next the electric bass, then the drama of the drum set and embellishing echoes—before revolving back to guitar, the visuals, which take place in the backdrop of the bowling alley Chihiro and Rea first met personally. This plays well with the classic dichotomy of dark and light which, when the female protagonist faces the light’s source, is greeted by the male protagonist. She’s much a figurative as well as literal person brought back to life. There’s not a whole lot wrong with Sankarea. In fact, it does a lot of things right. It dares to something smarter, darker. More insightful, and heartwarming too. And, for the most part, it succeeds on every account. v ZeroReq011
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Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Convention Schedule Winter 2016 Comic Market
AniRevo: Winter
Tampa Anime Day
December 29–31, 2015 Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo www.comiket.co.jp
January 3 Art Institute of Vancouver Vancouver, British Columbia www.animerevolution.ca/ winter-event/
January 9 Embassy Suites Tampa Brandon, Tampa, FL www.tampa.animeday.net
KotoriCon
January 15–16 D.C. Everest Junior High School Weston, WI www.evercon.org
New Year’s PartyCon December 31, 2015 – January 1 Holiday Inn Allentown - I-78 (Lehigh Valley), Breinigsville, PA newyearspartycon.com
Ichibancon December 31, 2015 – January 3 Embassy Suites Concord Concord, NC www.ichibancon.com
Ikkicon January 1–3 Renaissance Austin Hotel Austin, TX www.ikkicon.com
Sac-Anime
Ahn!Con January 8–10 Howard Johnson Plaza Kansas City Hotel and Conference Center, Kansas City, MO www.ahn-con.com
Anime-Zap! January 8–10 Embassy Suites East Peoria Hotel & Riverfront Conference Center, East Peoria, IL www.animezapcon.com
Photo by T. Brillo
January 1–3 Sacramento Convention Center Sacramento, CA www.sacanime.com
January 8–9 Rowan College at Gloucester County, Sewell, NJ www.rcgc.edu/Kotoricon/Pages/ default.aspx
Evercon
Newcon PDX January 15–17 DoubleTree by Hilton Portland, Portland, OR www.newconpdx.com
Ohayocon January 15–17 Hyatt Regency Columbus/ Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH www.ohayocon.org
Anime Impulse
Otakon Vegas
A Taste of Animethon
January 15–17 Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, NV www.otakonvegas.com
Taiyou Con January 15–17 Mesa Convention Center Mesa, AZ www.taiyoucon.com
Anime Blues Winterfest Remix January 16 Landers Center, Southaven, MS www.animebluesremix.com
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
January 16–17 Fairplex Exposition Complex Pomona, CA www.animeimpulse.com January 22–23 Shaw Conference Centre Edmonton, Alberta atoa.animethon.org
Anime Apocalypse January 22–24 Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Chicago, Schaumburg, IL www.animeapocalypse.org
AniMore January 22–24 Hyatt Regency Baltimore Baltimore, MD www.animorecon.com
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Convention Schedule Winter 2016
Continued
G-Anime
Amelia Con
AniMangaPOP
Katsucon
January 22–24 Palais des Congrès de Gatineau Gatineau, Quebec www.g-anime.ca
February 5–7 Fernandina Beach Recreation Center/Days Inn & Suites Amelia Island At The Beach Fernandina Beach, FL www.ameliacon.com
February 6 Holiday Inn Plymouth Plymouth, UK www.amp.keep-it-secret.co.uk
February 12–14 Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center National Harbor, MD www.katsucon.org
Cos-Losseum January 23–24 Crowne Plaza San Diego Mission Valley, San Diego, CA www.thecosplayinitiativellc.com/ Anime-Convention-Comic-BookConvention.html
Animé Los Angeles January 29–31 Ontario Convention Center Ontario, CA www.animelosangeles.org
Chattacon 41 January 29–31 Chattanooga Choo Choo Chattanooga, TN www.chattacon.org/
Seishun Con February 5–7 Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center, Atlanta, GA seishun-con.com
Star City Anime February 5–7 Holiday Inn Roanoke - Valley View, Roanoke, VA www.starcityanime.com
Ushicon February 5–7 Wingate by Wyndham Hotel & Conference Center, Round Rock, TX www.ushicon.com/home/
AnniCon
Tsukino-Con
February 6 Anniston City Meeting Center Anniston, AL www.annicon.com
February 12–14 University of Victoria ECS Building Victoria, British Columbia www.tsukinocon.com
SSA+S Toracon February 6 Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, Sarasota, FL www.ssastoracon.net
AOD (Anime on Display) February 13–14 Santa Clara Convention Center Santa Clara, CA www.aodsf.org
YumeCon USA February 6 Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CA www.fhcollege.wix.com/yumeconusa
Bak-Anime February 6–7 Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center Bakersfield, CA www.bak-anime.com
February 13–14 University of Florida, J. Wayne Reitz Student Union Gainesville, FL www.swampcon.tumblr.com
GalaxyFest February 19–21 Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs, CO galaxyfest.org/
Colorado Anime Fest
Anime Crossroads
February 12–14 Renaissance Denver Hotel Denver, CO www.coloradoanimefest.com
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SwampCon
February 19–21 Wyndham Indianapolis West Indianapolis, IN www.animecrossroads.com
Farpoint Convention
Pensacon
February 12–14 Radisson Hotel North Baltimore Timonium, MD www.farpointcon.com/
February 19–21 Pensacola Bay Center Pensacola, FL www.pensacon.com
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Zipcon
AniBlaze
Triad Anime Convention
EvilleCon
February 20 University of Akron Akron, OH www.zipcon.weebly.com
March 4–6 Atlanta Marriott Century Center/Emory Area Atlanta, GA www.aniblaze.com
March 11–13 Winston-Salem Marriott Winston-Salem, NC www.triadanimecon.com
March 18–20 Old National Bank Events Plaza Evansville, IN www.evillecon.com
Queen City Kamikaze
Kawa Kon
Omni Expo
March 12 Manchester Memorial High School, Manchester, NH www.queencitykamikaze.com
March 18–20 Airport Marriott St. Louis, MO www.animestl.com/
Rai Con
Shuto Con
March 12 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Glasgow, UK raicon1.wordpress.com
March 18–20 Lansing Convention Center/ Radisson Hotel Lansing Lansing, MI www.shutocon.com
Digi-Con February 21 Doncaster Deaf College Doncaster, UK www.digi-con.co.uk
CollegeCon February 26 Oklahoma Memorial Union Norman, OK www.facebook.com/UPBoku
Anime Matsuri February 26–28 George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX www.animematsuri.com
Visioncon February 26–28 Hilton Branson Convention Center Branson, MO www.visioncon.net
ETSU-Con February 27–28 East Tennessee State University, Culp Center, Johnson City, TN www.etsu.edu/students/sorc/ organizations/etsucon/
AgamaCon March 4–6 Hilton Garden Inn Aiken, SC www.agamacon.com
March 4–6 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando Orlando, FL www.omniexpo.com
Anime Milwaukee March 11–13 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee/ Wisconsin Center Milwaukee, WI animemilwaukee.org
Kami-Con March 11–13 Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Birmingham, AL www.kamicon.net
Naka-Kon March 11–13 Overland Park Convention Center Overland Park, KS www.naka-kon.com
Shumatsucon March 11–13 Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square Columbus, OH www.shumatsucon.com
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
IAFA (The International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts) March 16–20 Orlando Airport Marriott Orlando, FL www.iafa.org/
All-Con March 17–20 Westin Park Central Dallas, TX www.all-con.org/
Manga-ComicConvention March 17–20 Messe Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany www.manga-comic-con.de/de/
Kelowna Fan Xpo March 18–19 Kelowna Community Theatre Kelowna, British Columbia www.kelownafx.com
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Convention Schedule Winter 2016
Continued
Texancon
LouisiANIME
Kitacon
Tekko
March 18–20 Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX www.texancon.com
March 25–27 Baton Rouge Marriott Baton Rouge, LA www.louisianime.com
April 1 – March 3 Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, Birmingham, UK www.kitacon.org
April 7–10 David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA www.teamtekko.us
Fannatiku Fest
Sakura-Con
Collective Con
AnimeCon Arkansas
March 25–26 Dixie Convention Center Saint George, UT www.fannatikufest.com
March 25–27 Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, WA www.sakuracon.org
April 1–3 Jacksonville Fairgrounds Jacksonville, FL www.collectivecon.com
April 8–10 Holiday Inn Little Rock-AirportConfrence Center, Little Rock, AR www.animeconarkansas.com
Anime Boston
Animarathon
March 25–27 Hynes Convention Center Boston, MA www.animeboston.com
March 26 Bowling Green State University, Bowen-Thompson Student Union, Bowling Green, OH www.animarathon.com
Nadeshicon
Emerald City ComiCon
Animeland Wasabi March 25–27 Ramada Plaza Northglenn/ Denver North, Denver, CO animelandwasabi.com
Hero Hype March 26 Miami Airport Convention Center, Miami, FL www.herohype.com
April 1–3 Université Laval Quebec City, Quebec www.nadeshicon.ca
April 8-10 Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA emeraldcitycomicon.com/
Zenkaikon
Kawaii Kon
April 1–3 Lancaster County Convention Center Lancaster, PA www.zenkaikon.com
NashiCon
Mizuumi-Con April 2–3 Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX www.mizuumicon.org
SC Comicon
April 8–10 Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC www.nashicon.com
Supanova Pop Culture Expo - Gold Coast
April 2–3 TD Convention Center Greenville, SC www.sccomicon.com
April 8–10 Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre Broadbeach, QLD Australia www.supanova.com.au
BotCon
Lebanon Comic Con
April 7–10 Galt House Hotel Louisville, KY www.botcon.com/BotCon2016/
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April 8–10 Hawaii Convention Center Honolulu, HI www.kawaiikon.com
April 30 – May 1 Cowan Civic Center Lebanon, MO www.lebanoncomiccon.com/
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Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
H
“
Charlotte シャーロット TV • July 4 – September 26, 2015 P.A.Works • Aniplex of America charlotte-anime.jp www.charlotteanime.com Director: Asai, Yoshiyuki Music: Maeda, Jun Anant-Garde Eyes Hikarishuyo Writer: Maeda, Jun
ow could I possibly pull this off?! This isn’t something one person can do alone! Especially not me, a lowlife who cheated to get good grades! A goodfor-nothing who thinks about nothing but himself! A vain loser whose only desire is for others to see him in a good light! That’s who I am!”
Cast: Otosaka, Yū = Uchiyama, Kōki Tomori, Nao = Sakura, Ayane Takajō Jōjirō = Mizushima, Takahiro Kurobane, Yusa/Mia = Uchida, Maaya Otosaka Ayumi = Asakura, Momo
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
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Yū Otosaka is a student who possesses the ability to take control of anyone within his eye sight for five seconds at a time, using it to cheat his way into a prestigious high school and earn the spot of class representative. Unknowingly to him, his actions are being monitored and soon is confronted regarding his special ability. Nao Tomori transfers him to Hoshinoumi Academy as a representative of the student council in order to track down others who also have special abilities to protect them from being experimented on. However, the power Yū has is not all it seems to be, and just may be the key to saving the future for others like him!
Story and Plot Impressions Charlotte starts off impressively, immediately displaying who’s the main character, Yū Otosaka, and what he is capable of doing. They show him utilizing his power—which seems borderline useless at first because of its drawback—to make it into a prestigious school in order to live a fulfilling life with minimal effort. The main plot of the story is introduced within the very first episode. While not the entirety of the story, it leads to what will become the epitome of the entire anime; seeking out those with special powers to save them from the trouble that their powers will cause them if left unchecked. This premise is very similar to X-Men, a comic and cartoon series revolving around people who have special abilities that are being targeted by those who do not have the same. This is shown even more so by the fact that each school (Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngster and Hoshinoumi Academy) was founded in order to protect those who have superhuman abilities and supernatural powers. Others are seeking them out to figure out what causes these particular individuals to manifest superhuman abilities in order to harness their powers for themselves or eliminate them as threats to humanity.
Jo ¯ jiro ¯ Takajo ¯ with sisters Misa (deceased) & Yusa Kurobane
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It has been discovered in Charlotte that the powers for users disappear during their adolescence—about the time they graduate from high school—so they only need to protect them until they are finished with high school. Nao expresses this agenda to Yū and practically forces him to help by saying they have the money to provide a better life for himself and his little sister Ayumi. They introduce the plot and what the main story is about from the very beginning, this is good so they can focus on actually telling how it plays out during the rest of the anime. Things take deeper turns and goes more in-depth as the anime continually progresses towards its epic conclusion. They recruit new members and dedicate an episode or so to each of them, making sure that everyone understands why they would be such a help to the ambitions of Hoshinoumi Academy’s student council. Later within the story they introduce several plot twists. One plot twist which makes you wonder about Yū’s true nature and shows how humans can react in extreme circumstances. The other completely changes your perspective on every single anime episode that you have watched up to that point. To be perfectly honest, the story is told and presented in such a way that a plot twist of that proportion completely blindsides you, making for a very compelling episode and makes you unsure of what is it come from that point on. The ending is rather bittersweet, but it was perfect for what it entailed. It was an anime that had an acceptable conclusion and tugged on the heartstrings of the watcher. While I do feel some things could have been done different, the ending is not bad by any means and is a good place to stop. Though, the only qualms I have with the ending (specifically,
Nao Tomori with siblings Ayumi & Yu ¯ Otosaka
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the final episode) was that it could have been made into an ENTIRE second season in which Yū gains the ability to be able to correct an event which devastates someone close to him, but chooses not to do so. However, even with these minor nuances, it ended in a perfectly acceptable manner… even if it felt a bit rushed.
Character Impressions The character presented within Charlotte, at least the main protagonists, all have powers with flaws attached to each of them. Yū can possess someone’s body, but only for five second increments; Nao can turn herself completely invisible, but it only works for a specific target; Jōjirō can move at superhuman speeds, but is unable to control where he lands, etc. I think this is trying to convey that, while you have extraordinary things about yourself, everything has a downfall and you just need to learn how it can best be utilized. They introduce each of these character flaws in amusing ways as they present the characters themselves, showing the advantages and disadvantages of each specific power. Character development really only happens for Yū, the main character. The main protagonists were introduced as using their powers for good, wanting to make sure they could do what they needed to in order to secure the lives of other ability users. We were introduced with Yū using his powers for other things, such as fighting or finding a potential girlfriend, showing that he is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. This is the personality befitting of an antihero, such as Light Yagami from Death Note. I find these types of characters appealing because it shows that everyone has a very dark side to him and human nature sometimes is about finding the best way to survival…the most reward with the least amount of effort.
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We see Yū him going from someone who is willing to get his way no matter what it takes to someone who genuinely cares for those around him and is willing to work for a world where everyone can live free of fear. He grows to respect those around him and shows a deeper understanding of the responsibilities he holds for having the ability that he does. That is quite a change, for the only person whom we can see that he has any real affection for is his little sister, Ayumi. While we can see definite changes in other characters, none really matter as much as the main character’s. For his attitude and motivations go in a complete 180 degree turn from where they were during the very first episode.
The Verdict Overall, I feel that Charlotte was an anime that was pretty decent. It had some heart wrenching moments, some suspenseful cinematics and it had possibly the BEST plot twist I have ever seen in any anime to date. The anime itself is also justified in how it progresses through the use of the plot twists, allowing you to really appreciate the efforts of everyone involved on the Hoshinoumi Academy’s student council. The characters, while intriguing, were not memorable or remarkably original. The characters in themselves existed to get the job done, but are not characters whom I could find myself thinking about once the series is finalized. Yū started off as an ideal character archetype for me, but he evolved into a more caring individual throughout later episodes. I would recommend this anime for anyone that wants a good, short anime series to watch that has all the makings of a good story. While the ending did feel rushed, it did fit perfectly with what was going on at the time and made for a good a pretty great ending that tugged on the heart strings. v Rok the Reaper
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
SAVE THE DATE! Feb. 6th, 2016 Anniston City Meeting Center Anniston, AL
Free Admission!
www.kalafina.jp
Anime Schedule 2016 Winter Season Chika Homura, Shinjiro ¯ Kusakabe & Haruta Kamijo ¯ – Haruchika: Haruta to Chika wa Seishun Suru
Prince of Stride: Alternative プリンス・オブ・ストライド オルタナティブ
January 5 • Madhouse • AT-X, Tokyo MX, SUN, KBS, TVA, BS11 www.pos-a.jp • https://youtu.be/PtdI_v8s_9Y The series is about an extreme form of sport known as “Stride.” It involves 6 players on a team that runs relay races in towns. The story takes place at Honan Academy where first year high school students Takeru Fujiwara and Nana Sakurai try to recruit members for their “Stride” club. They request Riku Yagami to join with the help of Takeru and Nana. Their goal is to compete and win the “End of Summer,” a top competition hosted in Japan alongside other schools.
Active Raid: Kido ¯ Kyo ¯ sho ¯ shitsu Dai-Hakkei (Active Raid: Special Public Security Fifth Division Third Mobile Assault Eighth Unit) アクティヴレイド 機動強襲室第八係
January 7 • Orange, Production IMS • Tokyo MX, TVA, SUN, KBS http://activeraid.net Set in a part of Tōkyō that has descended into a quagmire, the story follows Unit 8 of the 5th Special Public Security Section’s 3rd Mobile Assault Division — popularly called “The Eighth” — who don powered armor “Willware” exoskeletons to counter the rise in crime.
HaruChika: Haruta to Chika wa Seishun Suru (HaruChika: Haruta and Chika’s Springtime of Life) ハルチカ ~ハルタとチカは青春する~
January 7 • P.A. Works • Tokyo MX, SUN, SBS, KNB, TVS, CTC, tvk, GBS, BS11, MTV, TVQ http://haruchika-anime.jp • https://youtu.be/udiZuVIjyrs Two high school students named Haruta Kamijō and Chika Homur, are members of a wind instrument club that is on the verge of being shut down. The two are childhood friends, and they spend their days practicing hard while also trying to recruit new members. When a certain incident happens within their school, they work together to solve it. Air dates and info are subject to change without notice. Some shows could appear on other channels on different times and days.
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Anime Schedule 2016 Winter Se Norn9: Norn+Nonet NORN9 ノルン+ノネット
January 7 • Kinema Citrus, Orange • AT-X, Tokyo MX, BS11, SUN www.norn9-nonet.com • https://youtu.be/Ut2BzbK5jmA The story takes place a little in the future. Guided by one particular song, young elementary kid, Suzuhara Sorata is warped back through time to an unfamiliar place much like the Meiji and Taishō eras from his textbooks. In this world, Suzuhara meets three young ladies and nine young men and joins them on a journey aboard the mysterious ‘Norn’ ship in the sky.
Musaigen no Phantom World (Myriad Colors Phantom World) 無彩限のファントム・ワールド
January 7 • KyoAni • Tokyo MX, TVA, ABC, BS11 http://phantom-world.com • https://youtu.be/KTfS6_zo1ZU In the near future, spirits and monsters are in full sight. A boy leads a group of people with special abilities as they plot against a massive organization that takes advantage of a certain incident and eventually know the truth about their world in the process. Is the world the real thing? Or is it a mere phantom?
Sho ¯ jotachi wa Ko ¯ ya wo Mezasu (Girls Beyond the Youth KOYA) 少女たちは荒野を目指す
January 7 • Project No.9 • Tokyo MX, BS11, MBS, AT-X www.shokomeza.com Buntarō Hōjō doesn’t know what he wants to do in the future. He does not have any kind of dream that he wants to pursue, so currently he just spends his days hanging around with his friends. When one day his classmate Sayuki Kuroda asks him if he wants to help with development of a galge. She says that she had become interested in his help after she read one his works intended for the drama club.
Cast of Norn9: Norn+Nonet
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Ansatsu Kyo ¯ shitsu 2nd Season (Assassination Classroom 2) 暗殺教室 第２期
January 8 • Lerche • Fuji TV www.ansatsu-anime.com A powerful creature destroyed 70% of the Moon. The creature claims within a year, Earth will also be destroyed by him, but he offers mankind a chance. In class 3-E at Kunugigaoka Junior High, he starts working as a homeroom teacher where he teaches his students not only regular subjects, but the ways of assassination. The Japanese government promises a reward of ¥10 billion to whoever among the students succeeds to kill their teacher. Second season of Assassination Classroom.
Boku Dake ga Inai Machi (The Town Where Only I Am Missing) 僕だけがいない街
January 8 • A-1 Pictures • Fuji TV www.bokumachi-anime.com Struggling manga author Satoru Fujinuma is beset by his fear to express himself. However, he has a supernatural ability of being forced to prevent deaths and catastrophes by being sent back in time before the incident occurred, repeating time until the accident is prevented. One day, he gets involved in an accident. Desperate to save the victim, he sends himself back in time only to find himself as a grade-schooler one month before fellow classmate Kayo Hinazuki went missing.
Dagashi Kashi だがしかし
January 8 • feel. • TBS, CBC, SUN, BS-TBS www.tbs.co.jp/anime/dagashi/ Kokonotsu Shikada’s father owns a rural sweets shop and his plan is for Kokonotsu to take it over one day. However, Kokonotsu wants to be a manga author instead! One day in summer, a cute but weird girl Hotaru Shidare, from the famous sweets company, comes to pay a visit. Kokonotsu’s father is famous and she wants him to join her family’s company. He will only agree if she can convince Kokonotsu to take over the family business!
Divine Gate ディバインゲート
January 8 • Studio Pierrot • Tokyo MX, TVA, SUN TV, KBS, TSC, TVQ, BS11 www.marv.jp/special/divinegate/ When the Divine Gate opened, the living world, heavens and underworld became connected…ushering an era of chaos where desires and conflict intersect. To restore order, the World Council is formed. As peace is restored, the Divine Gate becomes an urban legend. Boys and girls deemed fit by the World Council are gathered. They are ones who aim to reach the gate for their personal objectives. Those who reach the gate can remake the world. What lies beyond the gate?
Ko ¯ kaku no Pandora (Pandora in the Crimson Shell: Ghost Urn) 紅殻のパンドラ
January 8 • AXsiZStudio Gokumi • Tokyo MX, Chiba TV, TVK, TVS, Sun TV, KBS, TVQ, BS11, AT-X www.k-pandora.com It is an age when large-scale natural disasters frequently happen all over the world. Cyborgs and autonomous robots are beginning to appear on the market in technologically advanced nations. Major world powers compete for technology and resources. The divide between rich and poor grows. In this transitional stage, everyone wanders around in a self-indulgent daze and the way out isn’t clear. This is the story of how two cybernetically enhanced girls meet in such an era. Air dates and info are subject to change without notice. Some shows could appear on other channels on different times and days.
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Anime Schedule 2016 Winter Se Ojisan to Marshmallow (Mister and Marshmallow) おじさんとマシュマロ
January 8 • Creators in Pack • TVS, KBS Kyoto, AT-X, tvk, Sun TV www.dreamcreation.co.jp/ojimasyu/ The series is about a man named Kusaka who has a fascination for marshmallows. Kusaka gets involved in a relationship with an office lady named Wakabayashi, and the story focuses on their relationship in the workplace.
Oshiete! Galko-chan (Please Tell Me! Galko-chan) おしえて！ギャル子ちゃん
January 8 • feel. • Tokyo MX, BS11, AT-X http://galko.jp Follow the daily school life of Galko-chan, Otako and Ojyo. Galko-chan has a tendency to speak rudely, but she’s basically friends with everyone. Otako is the quiet loner of the class, but she is good friends with Galko-chan. Ojyo speaks her mind freely and naturally.
Phantasy Star Online 2 The Animation ファンタシースターオンライン2 ジアニメーション
January 8 • Telecom Animation Film • JNN, TBS, MBS, CBC, BS-TBS http://phantasystar.sega.jp/psportal/pso15anniversary/animation/ Anime to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Phantasy Star Online. The Phantasy Star Online 2 The Animation series will be a completely original story that take places on Earth in the near future.
Sekko ¯ Boys 石膏ボーイズ
January 8 • LIDEN FILMS • AT-X http://sekkoboys.com • https://youtu.be/9qCX1-Gkdcw Sekkō Boys is a unit of four stone figureswith quirky personalities are part of an idol unit produced by a rookie female manager. The members are soldier Saint Giorgio, the amorous god of war Mars, the multitalent with a beautiful skin Hermes, and celebrity pioneer Medici. The story depicts their efforts to make it in the entertainment world with their female manager Miki Ishimoto, who just graduated from college.
Bubuki/Buranki ブブキ・ブランキ
January 9 • Sanzigen • Tokyo MX, Sun TV, TVA, KBS, BS11, AT-X http://bbkbrnk.com When Azuma Ikki returns to Japan after 10 years when he gets assaulted by a group of armed men and becomes their prisoner. Kogane Asabuki, a childhood friend, saves him with a weapon on her right hand known as Bubuki; a weapon with its own mind. Azuma, who is a Bubuki user himself, learns about the existence of Bubuki. He then goes on a journey with companions he’s found in an attempt to find and revive Ōmai, a Buranki (titan) who sleeps underground.
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Rory Mercury, Lelei La Rellena, Yo ¯ ji Itami & Tuka Luna Marceau – Gate: Jieitai Kano Chi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri
Durarara!!×2 Ketsu デュラララ!!x2 結
January 9 • Studio Shuka • Tokyo MX, GTV, GYT, BS11, MBS, CBC www.durarara.com Mikado Ryūgamine, a young boy who longs for the exciting life of the big city moves to Ikebukuro to attend Raira Academy with his childhood friend Masaomi Kida, who he has not seen since he was young. After the two meet at the train station, they set out at night to the streets of Ikebukuro. The third and final season, set two years later of the Durarara!!×2 arc.
Gate: Jieitai Kano Chi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri 2nd Season (Gate: The Self-Defense Forces Fight Like This in That Place 2) GATE: 自衛隊 彼の地にて、斯く戦えり 2クール
January 9 • A-1 Pictures • Tokyo MX, TVA, MBS, BS11, AT-X www.gate-anime.com A portal to a parallel world, the “Gate,” suddenly appeared in Ginza, Tōkyō. The JGSDF immediately took action and pushed the fantasy creatures back. Yōji Itami, a JSDF officer and team leader visits a variety of places and learnt a lot about the local culture and geography of the “Special Region.” Second season covering the light novel’s Flaming Dragon Arc.
Luck & Logic ラクエンロジック
January 9 • Dogakobo • Tokyo MX, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, BS11 www.luckandlogic-animation.com • https://youtu.be/8kr-2Ss_opY In the year L.C. 922, mankind faces an unprecedented crisis. One day, Yoshichika Tsurugi, a civilian who is lacking “Logic,” meets the beautiful goddess Athena while helping people escape from a Majin attack. Logicalists are a special power, Logic, that allows them to enter a trance with Goddesses from Tetraheaven. She wields the Logic that Yoshichika that should have been lost. This leads Yoshichika to an unexpected destiny with Athena.
Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage (Mt. Reizan: Stardust’s Banquet) 霊剣山 星屑たちの宴
January 9 • Studio Deen • Tokyo MX, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, TV Aichi, AT-X www.reikenzan.net • https://youtu.be/NlT3D_BoA7c In the story, a comet falling will bring about a great calamity. In order to choose a child fated by the falling comet, the family of the “Reiken” clan is once again resuming its entrance examination process to find disciples. The protagonist Ōriku (Lu Wang in the original novel) possesses a special soul that is only available once in a thousand years and decides to take the exam. He starts down the path toward becoming an exceptional sage. Air dates and info are subject to change without notice. Some shows could appear on other channels on different times and days.
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Anime Schedule 2016 Winter Se Sho ¯ wa Genroku Rakugo Shinjo ¯ (Sho ¯ wa Genroku Double Suicide Storyteller) 昭和元禄落語心中
January 9 • Studio Deen • MBS, TBS, CBC, BS-TBS www.rakugo-shinju-anime.jp After falling in love with a traditional comic storyteller’s rendition of the story called Shinigami, he is determined to become his apprentice. The performer, Yakumo, has never taken an apprentice before. To everyone’s surprise, he accepts the eager ex-prisoner nicknaming him “Yotaro.” As Yotaro happily begins his new life, he meets others in Yakumo’s life, including Yakumo’s ward Konatsu. She was the daughter of a storyteller and Yakumo took her in after her father’s tragic death.
Dimension W January 10 • Studio 3Hz, Orange • Tokyo MX, KBS, SUN, TVA, BS11, AT-X www.dimension-w.net The year is 2071…and the world’s energy problems seem solved by a network of cross-dimensional electric-field inductors, “coils,” that extract energy from a seemingly infinite source. That source is the W-dimension. Unofficial illegal coils harness powers that the police can’t hope to counter. Dealing with these coils is the job of coil-hating repo man Kyōma Mabuchi, whose run-in with the unique coil android Mira leads the two to form a reluctant partnership.
Kyo ¯ ma Mabuchi & Mira Yurisaki – Dimension W
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Nijiiro Days (Rainbow Days) 虹色デイズ
January 10 • Production Reed • Tokyo MX, ytv, CTV, STV, BS11 www.rainbow-days.tv The series details the lives of four main characters named Natsuki, Tomoya, Kei’ichi and Tsuyoshi. They spend their days trying to have fun by finishing their studies and debating about romance. Natsuki, one of the main characters, has a crush on a girl named Anna at school, while others often get involved in their relationship.
Nurse Witch Komugi-chan R ナースウィッチ小麦ちゃんＲ
January 10 • Tatsunoko • NTV www.ntv.co.jp/komugir/ Komugi Yoshida is a slightly clumsy junior high school girl who is pursuing her dream of becoming a pop idol. Unlike her close friend Kokona and Tsukasa, Komugi’s low-key live concerts at the local shopping promenade pale in comparison. One day, a mysterious, wounded creature, Usa-P, appears in front of Komugi. As she gently tends to its wounds, Usa-P notices Komugi’s kind nature and asks her to become a legendary girl with magical powers.
Yami Shibai 3rd Season (Theater of Darkness 3) 闇芝居 3期
January 10 • ILCA • TV Tokyo, AT-X www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/yamishibai/ Third season of Yami Shibai featuring more than 100 weird characters with a focus on urban legends. Yamishibai is a picture story-style of animation whose motif is surrounded and based off rumors and urban legends throughout the history of Japan.
¯ ya-san wa Shishunki! (Landlord is in Puberty) O 大家さんは思春期!
January 10 • Seven Arcs Pictures • Tokyo MX www.ooyasan-anime.com The story follows a boy who has gained an independent life after finding employment. At his new, tiny, no-bath apartment he finds a landlord, Chie Satonaka, who looks like a little sister. The landlord has the physique of a little girl and does the cooking and housework while attending middle school with her friends.
Hai to Genso ¯ no Grimgar (Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash) 灰と幻想のグリムガル
January 11 • A-1 Pictures • Tokyo MX, AT-X, BS11, ABC www.grimgar.com Before Haruhiro had realized what happened, he was surrounded by darkness. Those around him were the same as him, no one remembered anything other than their own names. When they emerged from the darkness, the world that awaited them seemed like something of a video game. In order to survive, he forms a party with the others, learns fighting skills and takes their first steps into the world of Grimgar. Air dates and info are subject to change without notice. Some shows could appear on other channels on different times and days.
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Anime Schedule 2016 Winter Se Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut (Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle) 最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》
January 11 • Lerche, Orange • T-X, Tokyo MX, SUN, KBS, TVA, BS11 www.saijaku.jp Lux Arcadia is a former prince of an empire which was overthrown. He accidentally trespasses in a female dormitory’s bathing area and sees the kingdom’s new princess Lisesharte naked. Lisesharte then challenges Lux to a Drag-Ride duel. Drag-Rides are ancient armored mechanical weapons that have been excavated from ruins all around the world. After his duel with Lisesharte, Lux ends up attending the female-only academy that trains royals to be Drag-Knights.
Schwarzesmarken シュヴァルツェスマーケン
January 11 • Ixtl, LIDEN FILMS • TV Tokyo, TVO, TVA, AT-X www.schwarzesmarken-anime.jp The story follows the East German Army’s 666th TSF Squadron “Schwarzesmarken” (Black Marks) in its battles and political conflicts during the BETA’s westward push in 1983. They are a special-forces unit tasked with assaulting BETA forces through unconventional tactics. Their orders are given the topmost priority. It’s common practice for the 666th to ignore allied distress calls that will result in deviation from their original mission, even if only for a short moment.
Akagami no Shirayuki-hime 2nd Season (Snow White with the Red Hair 2) 赤髪の白雪姫 2ndシーズン
January 12 • Bones • Tokyo MX, ytv, TVA, BS Fuji, Animax www.clarines-kingdom.com In the kingdom of Tanbarun lives a young woman, Shirayuki who is independent, strong-willed and a skilled pharmacist. Her apple-red hair gets her noticed by the prince of the kingdom, but instead of romancing her…demands she be his concubine. Shirayuki refuses, chops off her lovely locks and runs away to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines. There, she befriends a young man named Zen, who happens to be a prince, has a better temperament than the previous one.
Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm: Beyond the Sky, Into the Firmament (Four Rhythm Across the Blue: Beyond the Sky, Into the Firmament) 蒼の彼方のフォーリズム: Beyond the Sky, Into the Firmament
January 12 • Gonzo • TV Tokyo, TVO, TVA, AT-X www.clarines-kingdom.com Hinata Masaya once had a bright future ahead of him in the “Flying Circus,” but due to an overwhelming defeat, he has left that field. He meets the transfer student, Asuka Kurashina, and regains his passion as he teaches her how to fly. Just how high will he be able to fly this time with Asuka at his side? This is a love story about the two who met.
Maho ¯ Sho ¯ jo Nante Mo ¯ Ii Desu Kara. (I’ve Had Enough of Being a Magical Girl) 魔法少女なんてもういいですから。
January 12 • Pine Jam • Tokyo MX, Sun TV www.mouiidesukara.com The comedy follows Yuzuka Hanami, a young girl who has few friends but who can do anything. One day, Yuzuka gets accosted by a strange creature named Miton who is digging through a trash dump. Miton tells Yuzuka, “you have the makings of a magical girl” and seems extremely suspicious. When Yuzuka is suddenly transformed into a magical girl, she’s wearing a bathing suit.
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Mitsuhide Lowen, Kiki Seiran, Zen Wistalia, Shirayuki & Obi – Akagami no Shirayukihime
Continued
Te ¯ kyu ¯7 てーきゅう 7期
January 12 • Millepensee • Tokyo MX www.te-kyu.com Tēkyū is based on a sports comedy manga of the same name featuring four high school girls who belong to a tennis club. Although the amount of tennis they play is questionable. Seventh season of Tēkyū.
Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! (Give Blessings to this Wonderful World!) この素晴らしい世界に祝福を!
January 14 • Studio Deen • Tokyo MX, TVS, CTC, tvk, SUN, GBS, MTV, TVQ, BS11 http://konosuba.com The life of Kazuma Satō, a hikikomori who likes games, all too soon came to an end because of a traffic accident. It was supposed to, but when he woke up, a beautiful girl who called herself a goddess was in front of his eyes. The great adventure of subjugating the Demon King will begin for the reincarnated Kazuma. Despite Kazuma wanting to live in peace, the goddess keeps causing problems one after another, and eventually, they attract the attention of the Demon King’s army!?
Ajin 亜人
January 16 • Polygon Pictures • MBS, TBS, CBC, BS-TBS www.ajin.net Ajin are humans that cannot die. Seventeen years ago, they first appeared on a battlefield in Africa. More and more of their kind are being discovered with societies. Their rarity in appearance means that, for experimental purposes, the government will generously reward anyone who captures one. For one certain high school student who expects to have a typical summer holiday, his life is about to turn around.
Fairy Tail Zerø フェアリーテイル ゼロ
January 16 • A-1 Pictures • TV Tokyo www.fairytail-tv.com/contents/special/zero/ Details the meeting of the founders of Fairy Tail and exactly what happened between them to lead them to found the guild. A spin-off of Fairy Tail.
Kono Danshi, Maho ¯ ga Oshigoto Desu. この男子、魔法がお仕事です。
February 5 • CoMix Wave Films • Tokyo MX, BS11 www.konodan.com/wizard When the Divine Gate opened, the living world, the heavens and the underworld became connected…ushering an era of chaos where desires and conflict intersect. Chiharu is a wizard in charge of the magic department’s counter-measure division. One day, he meets a candid young man named Toyohi Utsumi at his favorite bar. Utsumi confesses, “I’ve fallen in love with Kashima-san.” Kashima is taken aback and begin to spending more time together. Air dates and info are subject to change without notice. Some shows could appear on other channels on different times and days.
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An Interview with Russian coslayer
Eleonora Alekseeva
Edward: Hello, Eleonora. Thank you for allowing
me to interview you. To start off, please introduce and tell our readers a little about yourself.
Eleonora: Hello and thank you for interviewing me.
My name is Eleonora (thus the “Leonora” nickname from my gaming years), I’m from Moscow, Russia— and yes, it’s pretty cold here right now . Apart from cosplay, I’m a photographer and a gamer—mostly PC and Tabletop. I also love anime, dancing (particularly pole dance) and reading fantasy—guess I could be considered something of a geek.
Edward: Those interests would certainly make you
a geek. That’s a good thing—with all my interests, I would also be considered a geek. I looked through your photos and and liked them very much. Did your interest in photography perchance result in your interest in cosplay? Did you take your own photos on DA?
Eleonora: No, photography and cosplay weren’t initially related—cosplay came through my interest in anime, while photography was an interest in and of itself. The photos on my DA page were taken by my photographer acquaintances, while editing them was done by me.
Эдуáрд: Здравствуйте, Элеонора. Спасибо за
то что согласились на это интервью. Для начала, представьтесь пожалуйста и расскажите нашим читателям о себе.
Элеонора: И Вам спасибо за возможность
принять участие в интервью. Меня зовут Элеонора (поэтому мой ник и стал “Леонора”), я живу в Москве, России—и да, здесь действительно довольно холодно . Помимо косплея, я занимаюсь фотографией и увлекаюсь играми (в том числе и настолками). Я также люблю аниме, занимаюсь pole dance и люблю читать фэнтези—в какой-то мере, меня можно охарактеризовать как Гика.
Эдуáрд: Да, с такими увлечениями тебя можно
назвать гиком. Впрочем, это хорошо—мои увлечения тоже характеризуют меня как гика. Я посмотрел твои фотографии и мне они крайне понравились. Скажи, не твой ли интерес к фотографии побудил тебя заняться косплеем? Фотографии, размещённые на DeviantArt, сняты тобой?
Элеонора: Нет, изначально они не были связаны—
косплеем я занялась из-за увлечения аниме, а фотографией—потому что меня в принципе всегда привлекала фотография. Фотографии на ДА сняты моими знакомыми фотографами, а их обработкой занималась я.
Edward: I see. Your photos are amazing! Keep up
with the photography. It could lead to a good career in the future. I do a little photography too, but still an amateur. When your interest in anime began, what were some of the first shows you watched? Anime in America became popular in the early 1990’s, but was available by other means a few years before. Because of the political environment of Russia at that time, when did anime become more popular there?
Eleonora: As for me, the ones I’ve seen first would
be Sailor Moon and Candy-Candy. It was the 90-s, the latter half of them. But anime was available through various forums and hard copies in the fandom for some time, so my guess would be it started gaining popularity in Russia in 1995-1996?
Эдуáрд: Твои фото удивительны! Обязательно
продолжай заниматься фотографией, это может привести к хорошей карьере. Я тоже немного увлекался этим делом, но я скорее любитель. Когда проявился твой интерес в аниме, какими были первые шоу, которые ты посмотрела? Аниме в Америке стало популярным в начале 90-х, но в принципе его можно было достать за несколько лет до этого. Учитывая специфическую полит. ситуацию в России в это время, когда у вас набрало популярность аниме?
Элеонора: Что касается меня, первыми сериалами стали Сэйлор Мун и Кэнди-Кэнди. Это были девяностые годы, вторая их половина. Но в принципе аниме в России было доступно через форумы и хард копии среди фэндома уже несколько лет, так что я предположу что оно начало набирать популярность у нас в 19951996 годах?
Title pages: Ginger Leonora & Saber (Fate/Stay Night) Previous pages: Valkyrie Leona (League of Legends) Maid, Police, Love Thief & Samurai Hatsune Miku (Crypton Future Media Vocaloid)
Above: Cowgirl and Dragon Hatsune Miku (Crypton Future Media Vocaloid) Left: Bunny Girl (Crypton Future Media Vocaloid)
Edward: That’s a very interesting piece of information. Эдуáрд: Спасибо за ответ, я нахожу интересным I find it intersecting how anime started in other countries. Anime in Russia was only 2-3 years behind in popularity. Just as there, many fans here also started out with Sailor Moon. Candy-Candy never became popular here. Even I haven’t heard of it before until you mentioned it. We had Pokémon, which was also very popular here at the time and still is. You mentioned that anime was an influence to you to start cosplaying. When you started cosplaying, did you start because of friends that cosplayed? Or did you start cosplaying on your own? Basically, how did you start cosplaying?
Eleonora: It was my decision to make a costume for
myself first—I made two costumes, one of Saber from Fate/Stay Night, the other—Suigintō from Rosen Maiden. Later on, I also dragged my brother into cosplay as well:) As for Pokémon—it had a surge of
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
то, как культура аниме зародилась в других странах. Аниме в России отставало, получается, всего на 2-3 года. Как и у вас, многие фанаты начали с просмотра “Сэйлор Мун”. Кэнди-Кэнди никогда не было у нас популярно. Я даже не слышал об этом сериале прежде. У нас были “Покемоны”, вызвавшие тогда ажиотаж, и продолжающие быть популярными и по сей день. Ты сказала, аниме повлияло на твоё желание начать косплеить. Начало этому увлечению положили друзьякосплееры? Или ты сама решила сделать себе костюм? В общем и целом, как начался твой путь как косплеера?
Элеонора: Я сама решила сделать себе костюм.
Первыми двумя косплеями для меня стали Сэйбер из “Fate Stay Night” и Суйгинто из “Rosen Maiden”. Позже, я также затащила своего брата заниматься 39
popularity around the same time as America, but it has since chilled down considerably.
косплеем. Что касается Покемонов—в России они были на пике популярности некоторое время, примерно как и в Америке, но с тех пор они болееменее утратили свою популярность.
Edward: That’s funny…dragging your brother into
Эдуáрд: Забавно, что ты затащила своего
Eleonora:While I prefer photo-cosplay in general,
Элеонора: В принципе, я предпочитаю фото-
cosplaying also. When you cosplay, do you go to conventions in your area to show your cosplay? Or at other types of events? My first cosplay was at an anime convention, Anime Expo which is America’s biggest anime convention. Out of curiosity, can you describe how convention are like in Russia? Particularly around your area? I think this would be very interesting to readers here in America.
I attend a lot of the conventions and festivals in my region. In Russia, most events could be roughly divided into two categories: conventions in the traditional sense, which we have a few of—and they became this way only in the last couple of years—and festivals, which are more “traditional” for Russian cosplay fandom. Festivals (one of which I’m a part of as an organization committee member) are numerous—annually, there’s about 25 of them throughout Russia—but small (up to 2000 attendees, averaging at 1000) events focused purely on cosplay. Simply put, it’s a daylong show on a theater scene with various contests—costume défilé, mini-spectacles (scenes played out in costumes based on original script), vocal competitions etc. It’s not a widely known format overseas, but it is a completely different way to experience cosplay—and that’s the way cosplay started as a movement in Russia in the first place, conventions came way later.
брата в косплей. Ходишь ли ты по конвентам и фестивалям чтобы показать свой костюм? Или другим мероприятиям? Мой первый костюм был на аниме конвенте Anime Expo, самом большом конвенте в Америке.Не могла ли ты описать, как обстоят дела с ковентами в России? В частности, в твоём регионе? Я думаю, это было бы интересно нашим американским читателям.
косплей, но посещаю много мероприятий в моём регионе. В России большую часть мероприятий можно разделить на две категории: Конвенты в привычном смысле этого слова, каковых у нас всего несколько и они появились в целом недавно, и фестивали, которые можно было бы назвать более “традиционными” для России косплеймероприятиями. Фестивалей много (в среднем 25 в год по России), но они небольшого размера (до 2000 участников, в среднем 1000) и они сфокусированы на косплее. Если вкратце, то это выступления на театральной сцене, разбитые на конкурсы—дефиле, сценические выступления, вокальные и т.д. За рубежом этот формат мероприятий не особо известен, но при этом являет собой принципиально другой способ окунуться в косплей—и именно так зародилось косплей-движение в России, конвенты появились гораздо позже.
Above: Santa Miku (Crypton Future Media Vocaloid), CandyCane Lux & Sorceress Lux (League of Legends) Left: White Mokona (xxxHOLIC)
Edward: It’s quite the opposite here about conven-
tions. There were a lot of conventions here for a long time now. But years ago, there were only very few cosplayers. Only over time that there were more and more cosplayers. But there are still very few cosplayonly events here. At most cosplay-only events, it usually consists of a small skit (what you call mini-spectacles) and fashion show-style walk through. I don’t know if I seen all your cosplays on DA. Of all the cosplays you have, which one is your favorite? And why is it your favorite?
Eleonora: No, I’ve got less than half of my cosplay
presented on DA for now—since I started it, time’s been a little bit sparse, and some costumes I still haven’t even shot yet. It won’t be original, but I do love my cosplays the same—some more, some less, but I don’t truly have the favorite one. There is one that would definitely be the one though, but it’s still in planning stage ;) Valkyrie Leona is the costume that took most time so far—and in the end it won RIOT Games(League Of Legends creator company) regional contest this year.
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Эдуáрд: У нас наоборот с конвентами. Их
уже давно много, но раньше было совсем мало косплееров. А вот с мероприятиями, ориентированными специально на косплей, у нас хуже—их мало. На большинстве, есть только сценки и дефиле. Я не уверен, все ли твои костюмы представлены на ДА? И из всех твоих образов, какой твой самый любимый и почему?
Элеонора: Нет, на ДА представлено меньше
половины всех моих костюмов—с тех пор как я начала его вести, свободного времени не очень много, а некоторые костюмы до сих пор не отфографированы. Я не буду оригинальна, но я люблю свои косплеи примерно одинаково— некоторые больше, некоторые меньше, но любимого среди них нет. Есть один, который определённо станет любимым, но он пока на стадии планирования ;) Валькирия Леона— костюм, в который было вложено больше всего времени и с ним я выйграла оффициальный конкурс от RIOT Games региональный в этом году. 41
Edward: How do your [would you?] describe typical Эдуáрд: Как бы ты описала фанатов аниме и Russian anime and cosplay fans that you’ve encountered? In a sense, other fandoms that people like that tie into anime and cosplay.
Eleonora: Not sure if i understood the question correctly on this one, but overall I would describe fans mostly as students and geeks.
косплея? И в целом другие фэндомы, которые можно было бы обобщить с аниме и косплеем.
Элеонора: Не уверена, что правильно поняла вопрос, но в целом я бы описала фанатов как студентов, школьников и гиков.
Edward: I’m certain that many photographers tak-
Эдуáрд: Я уверен, много фотографов
Eleonora: We don’t really have that type of problem
Элеонора: У нас в России не столь ярко
ing pictures of you at conventions and other cosplay events. Here in america, there had been a growing number of cosplayers that complain about photographers being rude and taking inappropriate pictures without permission. There are also have been reports of cosplayers being harassed or threatened. To fight back, there is a growing movement in America called “Cosplay is NOT Consent.” Has there been such news about bad photographers in Russia? Is there something similar movement like this there? If so, how does it affect cosplayers?
in Russia—sure, there’s always some freaks, but that’s more of an exception. We cosplayers mostly have problems with photographers slacking on the final touches in the photos themselves or not releasing the prepaid photoshoots in time. My guess would be there are some differences in our countries and here, people like that are just...”encouraged” to not conduct themselves that way by socially active members of fandom. There’s no movements to counteract that type of behavior as it’s not at a point where it would be considered a big enough problem.
снимают твой косплей на конвентах и прочих тематических мероприятиях. В Америке участились случаи фотографов, грубящих и снимающих неподобающие кадры без согласия модели. Также были случаи обид и угроз косплеерам. В противовес, есть развивающееся движение “Cosplay is NOT Consent”(Косплей— не значит согласие). Бывают ли у вас случаи с плохими фотографами подобные этому? И нет ли подобных движений в защиту? Если да, какое они оказывают влияние на косплееров?
Left: White Mokona & Black Mokona - xxxHOLIC
выражена эта проблема—да, люди бывают разные, но у нас это скорее исключение из правил. У косплееров к фотографам претензии скорее с качеством материала и сроком обработки фотографий. Лично я думаю что наши страны просто отличаются и здесь таких людей...”убеждают” так себя не вести социально активные члены сообщества. Особых движений по защите прав косплееров тоже нет, поскольку эта проблема не достигает такого уровня, чтобы обращать на себя внимания.
Below: Alice (Alice in Wonderland)
Edward: That’s good that there isn’t a big problem
with photographers like that here. I guess its a bigger problem here because of the movement that began here. Now, as a cosplayer, in your opinion, do you think cosplaying will help you in your future endeavors and career? What kind of plans do you plan for yourself in the future?
Eleonora: Well, cosplay helped me connect with
a wide variety or people—as a great example, I’ve met aforementioned Riot Games Russia and even worked on a project with them. I’m also hoping to get a chance to attend conventions in other countries as a cosplayer in the future. As a side benefit, cosplaying improves crafting skills, which are useful as small fixes or lifehacks in general :)
Left: SteamPunk - Original Aristocrats, Tsukasa (.hack//sign), Lust, the Lascivious (Fullmetal Alchemist) Below: Original Beast Demon & Original Maid
Эдуáрд: Я рад что в России нет таких проблем
с фотографами. Полагаю, всё-таки влияет то что у нас зародилось подобное движение. Как косплеер, предполагаешь ли ты что это увлечение скажется на будущих действиях и твоей карьере? Какие у тебя планы на будущее?
Элеонора: Косплей помог мне познакомиться
со многими новыми людьми. Хорошим примером будут те же самые Riot Games Russia, с которыми мне вследствие удалось поработать по контракту над одним проектом. Разумеется, я надеюсь в будущем посетить зарубежные конвенты как приглашённый косплеер. И как дополнительный плюс, косплей улучшает навыки крафта—что полезно в жизни само по себе, будь то малые починки или интересные лайфхаки :)
Edward: In closing, thank you Eleonora for this
Эдуáрд: Подводя итоги, Элеонора, спасибо тебе
Eleonora: To all you new cosplayers out there—
Элеонора: Всем начинающим косплеерам—не
interview. Regarding your audience, do have any final thoughts you want to tell them? Any advice you want to give to new cosplayers?
don’t be afraid to dare. The skill will come, the costumes will improve, given enough time and determination. Trust me—patience isn’t my strongest suit, so I can understand the frustration of not doing something right on the first try. As for all of you who just like cosplay—thank you for supporting cosplayers and actually taking the time to give your feedback. I was extremely surprised of how reddit’s a much nicer place than could be expected, given the harsh net board culture here in Russia. v
Photo Credits: Saber - Fate/Stay Night, Tsukasa - .hack//sign, Lust, the Lascivious - Fullmetal Alchemist, by Tars Maido, Police, Love Thief, Samurai, Bunny Girl, Cowgirl, Dragon Hatsune Miku’s - Crypton Future Media Vocaloid, White Mokona & Black Mokona - xxxHOLIC, Alice - Alice in Wonderland, Will of Abyss - Pandora Hearts, Sorceress Lux - League of Legends, Original Maid by Lyk Valkyrie Leona - League of Legends by XaysRus CandyCane Lux - League of Legends by Ivan Alden Miku Santa by Kanda Dream Ginger Leonora, SteamPunk - Original Aristocrats by Eleonora Alekseeva Original Beast Demon, PoolParty Lux - League of Legends by Ragnaradi
46
за интервью. Не хочешь ли в завершение сказать пару слов нашим читателям? Может какие-нибудь советы новым косплеерам?
бойтесь дерзать. Навыки придут, костюмы станут лучше—если вложить в них время и усилия. Уж поверьте мне—терпение не моя сильная черта, и я прекрасно понимаю раздражение когда что-то сразу не получается. Что же касается тех кто просто любит косплей—спасибо вам за то что поддерживаете косплееров и высказываетесь о их работе! Учитывая культуру интернет борд в России, я была приятно удивлена тем, насколько более сдержанным и приятным оказался реддит. v
Will of Abyss (Pandora Hearts)
Left: PoolParty Lux (League of Legends)
Manga Releases Winter 2016 New Lone Wolf and Cub, Vol. 7 Kazuo Koike, Hideki Mori Dark Horse Manga December 22, 2015
Ninja Slayer Kills, Vol. 2 Kōtarō Sekine, Bradley Bond, Phillip N. Morzez Kodansha Comics December 22, 2015
Noragami: Stray God, Vol. 9 Adachitoka Kodansha Comics December 22, 2015
Planetes Omnibus, Vol. 1 Makoto Yukimura Dark Horse Manga December 22, 2015
Attack on Titan: Before the Fall, Vol. 6 Ryō Suzukaze, Hajime Isayama Kodansha Comics December 29, 2015
Attack on Titan: Junior High, Vol. 4 Hajime Isayama, Saki Nakagawa Kodansha Comics December 29, 2015
Citrus, Vol. 4† Saburōta Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. December 29, 2015
D-Frag!, Vol. 7 Tomoya Haruno Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. December 29, 2015
Die Wergelder, Vol. 1 Hiroaki Samura Kodansha Comics December 29, 2015
Fairy Tail Ice Trail, Vol. 1 Yuusuke Shirato, Hiro Mashima Kodansha Comics December 29, 2015
The Heroic Legend of Arslan, Vol. 4 Yoshiki Tanaka, Hiromu Arakawa Kodansha Comics December 29, 2015
Vinland Saga, Vol. 7 Makoto Yukimura Kodansha Comics December 29, 2015
Narsus, Arslan & Daryun – The Heroic Legend of Arslan
The information presented here is as accurate as much as humanly possible and is subject to change without notice. †Yaoi and ††hentai titles for mature audiences 18+.
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
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Manga Releases Winter 2016
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Continued
Your Lie in April, Vol. 5 Naoshi Arakawa Kodansha Comics December 29, 2015
One Kore: Sweet Sister Selection†† Yuzuki N’ Dash 801 Media, Inc. December 30, 2015
A Certain Scientific Accelerator, Vol. 2 Kazuma Kamachi, Yamaji Arata Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 5
Blue Exorcist, Vol. 14 Kazue Katō VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
Honey So Sweet, Vol. 1 Amu Meguro VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
I, Otaku, Vol. 3 Jiro Suzuki Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 5
In God’s Arms, Vol. 1 Yonezou Nekota Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 5 Not Actual Cover
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Vol. 23 Karuho Shiina VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
Kiss of the Rose Princess, Vol. 8 Aya Shōoto VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
Merman in My Tub, Vol. 2 Itokichi Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 5
My Love Story!!, Vol. 7 Kazune Kawahara, Aruko VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
Naruto Box Set 3: Vols. 49–72 with Premium Masashi Kishimoto VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring Masashi Kishimoto VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
Natsume’s Book of Friends, Vol. 19 Yuki Midorikawa VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
Nisekoi: False Love, Vol. 13 Naoshi Komi VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
One-Punch Man, Vol. 4 ONE VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
Senran Kagura: Skirting Shadows, Vol. 3 Kenichirō Takaki, Amami Takatsume Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 5
The Demon Prince of Momochi House, Vol. 3 Aya Shōoto VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
Twin Star Exorcists, Vol. 3 Yoshiaki Sukeno VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
World Trigger, Vol. 8 Daisuke Ashihara VIZ Media, LLC. January 5
Air Gear Omnibus 6 Oh!Great Kodansha Comics January 12
Arpeggio of Blue Steel, Vol. 6 Ark Performance Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 12
Astro Boy Omnibus, Vol. 2 Osamu Tezuka Dark Horse Manga January 12
Case Closed, Vol. 57 Gōshō Aoyama VIZ Media, LLC. January 12
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
His Favorite, Vol. 8† Suzuki Tanaka SuBLime January 12
Love Stage!!, Vol. 5† Eiki Eiki, Taishi Zaō SuBLime January 12 Not Actual Cover
Magical Warriors: Chocolat & Pudding†† Kanon Ishino 801 Media, Inc. January 12
My Monster Secret, Vol. 1 Eiji Masuda Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 12
Pandora in the Crimson Shell: Ghost Urn, Vol 3 Masamune Shirow, Rikudō Kōshi Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 12
Ranma ½ (2-in-1 Edition), Vol. 12 Rumiko Takahashi VIZ Media, LLC. January 12
Requiem of the Rose King, Vol. 3 Aya Kanno VIZ Media, LLC. January 12
A Sensual Ladies Man†† Hitoshi Kino Project-H, LLC. January 14
Marika Tachibana, Chitoge Kirisaki & Haru Onodera – Nisekoi: False Love
The information presented here is as accurate as much as humanly possible and is subject to change without notice. †Yaoi and ††hentai titles for mature audiences 18+.
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
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Manga Releases Winter 2016
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Continued
Eden, Vol. 2 Bash Gen Manga Entertainment, Inc. January 14
Fetishisms: Gone Wilder†† Takumi Adachi Project-H, LLC. January 14
Freshly Licked†† Ashita Morimi 801 Media, Inc. January 14
Itazura na Kiss, Vol. 11 Kaoru Tada Digital Manga Publishing January 14
Itazura na Kiss, Vol. 12 Kaoru Tada Digital Manga Publishing January 14
Kill la Kill, Vol. 2 Kazuki Nakashima, Ryō Akizuki UDON Entertainment, Inc. January 14
Lovephobia, Vol. 3 Kokoro Natsume Digital Manga Publishing January 14
Persona 4, Vol. 1 Shuji Sogabe, Atlus UDON Entertainment, Inc. January 14
Persona 4, Vol. 2 Shuji Sogabe, Atlus UDON Entertainment, Inc. January 14
Princess Lucia, Vol. 1†† Kōji Seo 801 Media, Inc. January 14
Ring X Mama, Vol. 3†† Jōji Manabe 801 Media, Inc. January 14
Ring X Mama, Vol. 4†† Jōji Manabe 801 Media, Inc. January 14
Ring X Mama, Vol. 5 Jōji Manabe 801 Media, Inc. January 14
Sexless Friend, Vol. 2†† Hidetaka Kakei 801 Media, Inc. January 14
Stardust Traffic, Vol. 3†† Kobato Takahashi Project-H, LLC. January 14
The Tyrant Falls In Love, Vol. 9† Hinako Takanaga Digital Manga Publishing January 14 Not Actual Cover
Ze, Vol. 11† Yuki Shimizu 801 Media, Inc. January 14
A Girl on the Shore Inio Asano Vertical Comics January 19
A Silent Voice, Vol. 5 Yoshitoki Ōima Kodansha Comics January 19
Air Gear, Vol. 34 Oh!Great Kodansha Comics January 19 Not Actual Cover
Blood-C, Vol. 4 Clamp Dark Horse Manga January 19
Devil Survivor, Vol. 2 Satoru Matsuba Kodansha Comics January 19
Golden Time, Vol. 2 Yuyuko Takemiya, Umechazuke Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 19
Kagerou Daze, Vol. 3 Jin (Shizen no Teki-P), Sidu Yen On January 19
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Master Keaton, Vol. 5 Naoki Urasawa, Takashi Nagasaki, Hokusei Katsushika VIZ Media, LLC. January 19
Monster, Vol. 7: The Perfect Edition Naoki Urasawa VIZ Media, LLC. January 19
My Neighbor Seki, Vol. 6 Takuma Morishige Vertical Comics January 19
PandoraHearts ~Caucus Race~, Vol. 3 Shinobu Wakamiya, Jun Mochizuki Yen On January 19
Terra Formars, Vol. 10 Yū Sasuga, Ken’ichi Tachibana VIZ Media, LLC. January 19
The Testament of Sister New Devil, Vol. 1 Tetsuto Uesu, Miyakokasiwa Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 19 Not Actual Cover
Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches, Vol. 6 Miki Yoshikawa Kodansha Comics January 19
A Certain Magical Index, Vol. 4 Kazuma Kamachi, Chuya Kogino Yen Press January 26
Accel World, Vol. 6 Reki Kawahara, Hiroyuki Aigamo Yen Press January 26
Akuma no Riddle, Vol. 2 Yun Kōga, Sunao Minakata Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 26 Not Actual Cover
Akame ga KILL!, Vol. 5 Takahiro, Tetsuya Tashiro Yen Press January 26
Fairy Tail, Vol. 52 Hiro Mashima Kodansha Comics January 26 Not Actual Cover
Final Fantasy Type-0 Side Story, Vol. 3 Tetsuya Nomura, Takatoshi Shiozawa Yen Press January 26
First Love Monster, Vol. 3 Akira Hiyoshimaru Yen Press January 26 Not Actual Cover
Horimyla, Vol. 2 HERO, Daisuke Hagiwara Yen Press January 26
How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend, Vol. 1 Fumiaki Maruto, Takeshi Moriki, Kurehito Misaki Yen Press January 26
Alice in Murderland, Vol. 3 Kaori Yuki Yen Press January 26
Saya Kisaragi – Blood-C
The information presented here is as accurate as much as humanly possible and is subject to change without notice. †Yaoi and ††hentai titles for mature audiences 18+.
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
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Manga Releases Winter 2016
Continued
Hotaru Ichijo ¯ , Renge Miyauchi with sisters Komari & Natsumi Koshigaya – Non Non Biyori
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Log Horizon: The West Wind Brigade, Vol. 1 Mamare Touno, Koyuki, Kazuhiro Hara Yen Press January 26
Lone Wolf and Cub Omnibus, Vol. 11 Kazuo Koike, Gōseki Kojima, Frank Miller Dark Horse Manga January 26
Magical Girl Apocalypse, Vol. 6 Kentarō Satō Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 26
My Little Monster, Vol. 12 Robico Kodansha Comics January 26
Non Non Biyori, Vol. 3 Atto Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 26
Noragami: Stray God, Vol. 10 Adachitoka Kodansha Comics January 26
orange: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 Ichigo Takano Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. January 26 Not Actual Cover
Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie ~Rebellion~, Vol. 2 Magica Quartet, Hanokage Yen Press January 26
Sword Art Online: Girls’ Ops, Vol. 2 Reki Kawahara, Neko Nekobyō Yen Press January 26
Sword Art Online: Phantom Bullet, Vol. 1 Reki Kawahara, Kōtarō Yamada Yen Press January 26
Taboo Tattoo, Vol. 1 Shinjirō Yen Press January 26
The Complete Chi’s Sweet Home, Vol. 2 Konami Kanata Vertical Comics January 26
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
The Devil is a Part-Timer, Vol. 4 Satoshi Wagahara, Akio Hiiragi Yen Press January 26
The Seven Deadly Sins, Vol. 12 Nakaba Suzuki Kodansha Comics January 26
Triage X, Vol. 11 Shōji Sato Yen Press January 26
Übel Blatt, Vol. 4 Etorōji Shiono Yen Press January 26
Umineko WHEN THEY CRY, Episode 5: End of the Golden Witch, Vol. 3 Ryukishi07, Akitaka Yen Press January 26
Until Death Do Us Part, Vol. 11 Hiroshi Takashige, DOUBLE-S Yen Press January 26
Totally Exposed†† Various Artists 801 Media, Inc. January 27
Assassination Classroom, Vol. 8 Yusei Matsui VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
Batman: The Jiro ¯ Kuwata Batmanga, Vol. 3 Jirō Kuwata DC Comics February 2 Not Actual Cover
Behind the Scenes!!, Vol. 1 Bisco Hatori VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
Bleach (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 14 Tite Kubo VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
Food Wars!, Vol. 10 Yūto Tsukuda, Yuki Morisaki, Shun Saeki VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 2 Battle Tendency, Vol. 2 Hirohiko Araki VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
Kamisama Kiss, Vol. 20 Julietta Suzuki VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
Kiss Him, Not Me, Vol. 3 JUNKO Kodansha Comics February 2
Magika Swordsman and Summoner, Vol. 3 Mitsuki Mihara, MonRin Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. February 2
Maid-sama! (2-in-1 Edition), Vol. 3 Hiro Fujiwara VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
Monster Musume, Vol. 8 OKAYADO Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. February 2 Not Actual Cover
My Hero Academia, Vol. 3 Kōhei Horikoshi VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
Naruto: Shikamaru’s Story Takashi Yano, Masashi Kishimoto VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
One Piece, Vol. 77 Eiichirō Oda VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
QQ Sweeper, Vol. 2 Kyōsuke Motomi VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
School Judgment, Vol. 1 Nobuaki Enoki, Takeshi Ōbata VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
So Cute It Hurts!!, Vol. 5 Gō Ikeyamada VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
The information presented here is as accurate as much as humanly possible and is subject to change without notice.†Yaoi and ††hentai titles for mature audiences 18+.
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
55
Manga Releases Winter 2016
56
Continued
Tokyo ESP, Vol. 3 Hajime Segawa Vertical Comics February 2
Toriko, Vol. 32 Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
Yu-Gi-Oh! (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 5 Kazuki Takahashi VIZ Media, LLC. February 2
12 Beast, Vol. 3 OKAYADO Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. February 9
Angel Beats!: Heaven’s Door, Vol. 1 Jun Maeda, Yuriko Asami Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. February 9
Awkward Silence, Vol. 5† Hinako Takanaga SuBLime February 9
Deadman Wonderland, Vol. 13 Jinsei Kataoka, Kazuma Kondō VIZ Media, LLC. February 9
Hayate the Combat Butler, Vol. 27 Kenjirō Hata VIZ Media, LLC. February 9
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Vol. 16 Shinobu Ōtaka VIZ Media, LLC. February 9
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, Vol. 2 Rifujin na Magonote, Yuka Fujikawa Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. February 9
The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service: Book Two Omnibus Eiji Ōtsuka, Hōsui Kamazaki Dark Horse Manga February 9
Your Lie in April, Vol. 6 Naoshi Arakawa Kodansha Comics February 9
I’ve Seen It All, Vol. 3† Shōko Takaku Digital Manga Publishing February 11
PuruPuru Hearts†† Satsuki Kanna Project-H, LLC. February 11
Dragonar Academy, Vol. 9 Shiki Mizuchi, Ran Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. February 16
Fairy Tail: Blue Mistral, Vol. 2 Hiro Mashima, Rui Watanabe Kodansha Comics February 16
Franken Fran Omnibus 1-2 Katsuhisa Kigitsu Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. February 16 Not Actual Cover
Oreimo: Kuroneko, Vol. 4 Tsukasa Fushimi Dark Horse Manga February 16
Princess Jellyfish, Vol. 1 Akiko Higashimura Kodansha Comics February 16
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 5 Sui Ishida VIZ Media, LLC. February 16
Ultraman, Vol. 3 Tomohiro Shimoguchi, Eiichi Shimizu VIZ Media, LLC. February 16
Ajin, Vol. 7 Gamon Sakurai Vertical February 23 Not Actual Cover
Aldnoah.Zero Season One, Vol. 2 Olympus Knights, Pinakes Yen Press February 23
Ani-Imo, Vol. 6 Haruko Kurumatani Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Are You Alice?, Vol. 11 Ikumi Katagiri, Ai Ninomiya Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
Barakamon, Vol. 9 Satsuki Yoshino Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
Demonizer Zilch, Vol. 1 Milan Matra Yen Press February 23
Devil Survivor, Vol. 3 Satoru Matsuba Kodansha Comics February 23 Not Actual Cover
Dimension W, Vol. 1 Yūji Iwahara Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
Dragons Rioting, Vol. 2 Tsuyoshi Watanabe Yen Press February 23
FukuFuku: Kitten Tales (Chi’s Sweet Home) Konami Kanata Vertical Comics February 23
Giganto Maxia Kentaro Miura Dark Horse Manga February 23
Blood Lad, Vol. 7 Yūki Kodama Yen Press February 23
BTOOOM!, Vol. 13 Junya Inoue Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
Rinka Urushiba – Tokyo EPS
Handa-kun, Vol. 1 Satsuki Yoshino Yen Press February 23
Inu x Boku SS, Vol. 10 Cocoa Fujiwara Yen Press February 23
The information presented here is as accurate as much as humanly possible and is subject to change without notice. †Yaoi and ††hentai titles for mature audiences 18+.
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
57
Manga Releases Winter 2016
Continued
Inuyashiki, Vol. 3 Hiroya Oku Kodansha Comics February 23
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, Vol. 4 Fujino Ōmori, Kunieda Yen Press February 23
LDK, Vol. 3 Ayu Watanabe Kodansha Comics February 23
Maga-Tsuki, Vol. 1 Hoshino Taguchi Kodansha Comics February 23 Not Actual Cover
Ninja Slayer, Part 3: Last Girl Standing (2) Yoshiaki Tabata, Bradley Bond, Phillip N. Morzez, Yūki Yogo Vertical Comics February 23 Not Actual Cover
Noragami: Stray God, Vol. 11 Adachitoka Kodansha Comics February 23
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth Side: P3, Vol. 1 Sō Tobita, Atlus Kodansha Comics February 23
58
Bell Cranel & Hestia – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?,
Puella Magi Homura Tamura, Vol. 2: ~Parallel Worlds Do Not Remain Parallel Forever~ Magica Quartet, Afro Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie ~Rebellion~, Vol. 3 Magica Quartet, Hanokage Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
Say I Love You., Vol. 12 Kanae Hazuki Kodansha Comics February 23
School-Live!, Vol. 2 Norimitsu Kaihō (Nitroplus), Sadoru Chiba Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
Strike the Blood, Vol. 2 Gakuto Mikumo, TATE, Manyako Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
The Boy and the Beast, Vol. 1 Mamoru Hosoda, Renji Asai Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
The Devil Is a Part-Timer! High School!, Vol. 3 Satoshi Wagahara, Kurone Mishima Yen Press February 23
Tomodachi x Monster, Vol. 1 Yoshihiko Inui Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. February 23 Not Actual Cover
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Trinity Seven, Vol. 4 Kenji Saitō, Akinari Nao Yen Press February 23
Tsubasa Omnibus 7 Clamp Kodansha Comics February 23
Void’s Enigmatic Mansion, Vol. 3 HeeEun Kim, JiEun Ha Yen Press February 23 Not Actual Cover
Ane Koi: Elder Sister Love†† Yuzuki N’ Dash 801 Media, Inc. February 24 Not Actual Cover
Strange Sex in Parallel Worlds†† Takayuki Ōhashi 801 Media, Inc. February 24
Bleach, Vol. 66 Tite Kubo VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Bloody Mary, Vol. 2 Akaza Samamiya VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Devils and Realist, Vol. 8 Madoka Takadono, Utako Yukihiro Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. March 1
Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 12 Akira Toriyama VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Fate/Zero, Vol. 1 Gen Urobuchi, Type Moon, Shinjirō Dark Horse Manga March 1
Idol Dreams, Vol. 2 Arina Tanemura VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Kiss of the Rose Princess, Vol. 9 Aya Shōoto VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Komomo Confiserie, Vol. 3 Maki Minami VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Mayo Chiki! Omnibus 2 Hajime Asano, Neet Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. March 1
One Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 15 Eiichirō Oda VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
One-Punch Man, Vol. 5 Yusuke Murata VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Seraph of the End, Vol. 8 Takaya Kagami VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Shoujo Material†† Hanaharu Naruko FAKKU Books March 1
Shuriken and Pleats, Vol. 1 Hino Matsuri VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Skip Beat!, Vol. 36 Yoshiki Nakamura VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
World Trigger, Vol. 9 Daisuke Ashihara VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal, Vol. 8 Shin Yoshida, Naohito Miyoshi VIZ Media, LLC. March 1
Chiro, Vol. 4 Hye-kyung Baek NETCOMICS March 3 Not Actual Cover
Give to the Heart, Vol. 6 Wann NETCOMICS March 3 Not Actual Cover
The information presented here is as accurate as much as humanly possible and is subject to change without notice.†Yaoi and ††hentai titles for mature audiences 18+.
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
59
Manga Releases Winter 2016
60
Continued
Appleseed Alpha Iō Kuroda, Masamune Shirow Kodansha Comics March 8
Dance in the Vampire Bund II: Scarlet Order, Vol. 4 Nozomu Tamaki Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. March 8
Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto, Vol. 3 Nami Sano Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. March 8 Not Actual Cover
Ranma ½ (2-in-1 Edition), Vol. 13 Rumiko Takahashi VIZ Media, LLC. March 8
RIN-NE, Vol. 20 Rumiko Takahashi VIZ Media, LLC. March 8
The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service Book Three Omnibus Eiji Ōtsuka, Yamazaki Hōsui Dark Horse Manga March 8
The World’s Greatest First Love, Vol. 4† Shungiku Nakamura SuBLime March 8 Not Actual Cover
UQ Holder, Vol. 7 Ken Akamatsu Kodansha Comics March 8
Vampire Hunter D, Vol. 23 Hideyuki Kikuchi, Yoshitaka Amano Dark Horse Books March 8
Record of Agarest War, Vol. 2 Compile Heart UDON Entertainment, Inc. March 10
A Silent Voice, Vol. 6 Yoshitoki Ōima Kodansha Comics March 15 Not Actual Cover
Evergreen, Vol. 4 Yuyuko Takemiya, Akira Kasukabe Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. March 15 Not Actual Cover
Forget Me Not, Vol. 1 Nao Emoto Kodansha Comics March 15
Freezing, Vol. 7–8 Dall-Young Lim, Kwang-Hyun Kim Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC. March 15 Not Actual Cover
Furari Jirō Taniguchi Ponent Mon S.L. March 15
Genshiken: Second Season, Vol. 8 Shimoku Kio Kodansha Comics March 15 Not Actual Cover
Goodnight Punpun, Vol. 1 Inio Asano VIZ Media, LLC. March 15
Livingstone, Vol. 2 Tomohiro Maekawa, Jinsei Kataoka Kodansha Comics March 15
Master Keaton, Vol. 6 Naoki Urasawa, Hokusei Katsushika, Takashi Nagasaki VIZ Media, LLC. March 15
My Neighbor Seki, Vol. 7 Takuma Morishige Vertical Comics March 15
Mysterious Girlfriend X, Vol. 1 Ri’ichi Ueshiba Vertical Comics March 15 Not Actual Cover
Paradise Residence, Vol. 1 Kōsuke Fujishima Kodansha Comics March 15
Real, Vol. 14 Takehiko Inoue VIZ Media, LLC. March 15 Not Actual Cover
Terra Formars, Vol. 11 Yū Sasuga, Ken’ichi Tachibana VIZ Media, LLC. March 15
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
1 Kei Dirty Pair Flash Might Guy Naruto 3 Kasuganomichi, Seiko I My Me! Strawberry Eggs Natose Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de 8 Kanzaki, Sumire Sakura Taisen Monaco Hetalia: Axis Powers
January 一月 10 Leona King of Fighters
19 Sendō, Yukari Rosario + Vampire
12 Mihara, Ichirō Chobits
Hayashida, Airi Wake Up, Girls!
13 Kawai, Saori Busō Renkin 15 Shiranui, Tomoya Tennis no Ōjisama
20 Terashima, Nobuo NANA 21 Puchiko Di-Gi-Charat
17 Naoe, Riki Little Busters!
22 Takigawa, Hōshō Ghost Hunt
18 Kitazawa, Shiho THE iDOLM@STER: Million Live!
23 Claude C. Kenny Star Ocean: The Second Story
Art by Duffyknight2005
Anime Character Information 24 Francois Arnoul/ Cyborg 003 Cybrog 009 Mado, Kureo Tōkyō Ghoul 26 Hakone, Yumoto Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu Love! 27 Dr. Kozaburo Nambu Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman 30 Megurine, Luka Crypton Vocaloid 31 Yukimura, Keiko Yū Yū Hakusho
The information presented here is as accurate as much as humanly possible and is subject to change without notice.
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
61
1 Kuonji, Shinra Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de
February 二月 6 Miura, Kento Kimi ni Todoke
12 Hanzō Naruto
23 Kunzite Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon
7 Aeris Gainsborough Final Fantasy VII
13 Marine Reigan Uchū Senshi Baldios
25 Sadaharu Gintama
Isawa, Tae Lamune
8 Kuroi, Nanako Lucky Star
14 Amahane, Madoka Aikatsu! Idol Katsudō!
26 Daimonji, Saki Platonic Heart
3 Edward Elric Hagane no Renkinjutsushi
9 Fuwa, Yuzuki Ansatsu Kyōshitsu
17 Sunohara, Yōhei Clannad
4 Blue Mary King of Fighters
27 Matsunaga, Tsubame Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai
10 Mikasa Ackerman Shingeki no Kyojin
20 Hakamada, Kagetsu Rōkyū Bu
28 Run Elise Jewelria To Love-Ru
5 Kasugano, Haruka Yosuga no Sora
11 Misora, Naomi Death Note
22 Tsukamoto, Chisa Comic Party
29 Usui, Kenta Karin
2 Aika S. Granzchesta Aria the Animation
1 Aono, Kyōko Rosario + Vampire
March 三月 7 Inukai, Rintarō Busō Renkin
17 Ōtoribashi, Rōjūrō Bleach
23 Karura-ō Reiga Tenkū Senki Shurato
2 Hikigaya, Komachi Yahari Ore no Seishun Lovecome wa Machigatte Iru
8 Jolly La storia della Arcana Famiglia
18 Yuri Dirty Pair
24 Kuga, Nanase Iris Zero
3 Yuri Dirty Pair Flash
11 Elucia de Lute Ima Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai
4 Hokazono, Rinka Gift: Eternal Rainbow
13 Kurugaya, Yuiko Little Busters!
5 Aoba, Shigeru Shin Seiki Evangelion
14 Ayase, Yūto Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu
21 Yūki, Yūna Yūki Yūna wa Yūsha de Aru
29 Tōdō, Kasumi King of Fighters
16 Nogi, Ruka Gakuen Alice
22 Annie Leonhart Shingeki no Kyojin
31 Makimura, Kaori City Hunter
6 Yamamoto, Yōko Soreyuke! Uchū Senkan Yamamoto Yōko
62
19 Hinata, Yachiyo Tokurei Sochi Dantai Stella Jo-Gakuin Kōtō-ka Shīkyūbu 20 Hanazono, Hikari Special A
25 Takatsuki, Yayoi THE iDOLM@STER 28 Minowa, Hikari Aikatsu! Idol Katsudō!
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Top Male Ranking
†
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Kirigaya, Kazuto 桐ヶ谷 和人 Sword Art Online
1
Chihaya, Gunzō 千早 群像
Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova Cadenza
Producer プロデューサー THE iDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
Kira Yamato キラ•ヤマト Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED
Archer アーチャー Fate/Zero: Ultimate Bladeworks
Araragi, Koyomi 阿良々木 暦 Monogatari Series
Mikazuki Augus 三日月・オーガス Kidō Senshi Gundam Tekketsu no Orphans
Emiya, Shirō 衛宮 士郎 Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works
Saitama サイタマ One Punch Man
Otosaka, Yū 乙坂 有宇 Charlotte
Top Female Ranking
†
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 Kudelia Aina
Takao タカオ Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova Cadenza
1
Iona/I-401 イオナ
Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova Cadenza
Yūki, Asuna 結城 明日奈 Sword Art Online
Tōsaka, Rin 遠坂 凛 Unlimited Blade Works
Saber Arturia Pendragon セイバー•アルトリア• ペンドラゴン Fate/zero
Doma, Umaru 土間 埋 Himōto! Umaru-chan
Tomori, Nao 友利 奈緒 Charlotte
Kongō コンゴウ Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova Cadenza
Shibuya, Rin 渋谷凜 THE iDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
Bernstein クーデリア・藍那・ バーンスタイン Kidō Senshi Gundam Tekketsu no Orphans
The information presented here is as accurate as much as humanly possible and is subject to change without notice. †NewType The Motion Picutres Magazine
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
63
SHUTO CON MARCH 18TH 20TH, 2016 LANSING CENTER & RADISSON HOTEL LANSING, MI OUR SIXTH YEAR FEATURES INTERACTIVE COSPLAY, A GREAT LINEUP OF AWESOME GUESTS, DOZENS OF UNIQUE ARTISTS, DEALERS SPECIALIZING IN IMPORTED BOOTLEGGFREE ME MERCHANDISE, A MAID CAFE, AND MORE! FOR MORE INFO AND CURRENT BADGE RATES PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE!
ART BY NANCY FREY
Upcoming Anime DVD/Blu-Ray Releases Winter 2016 December 29 Sailor Moon R: Season 2, Part 2 Viz Media DVD • $4482 MSRP
Sailor Moon R: Season 2, Part 2
Viz Media Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6999 MSRP
January 5
Sword Art Online II Volume 4: Mother’s Rosario LE Aniplex of America Blu-ray • $11498 MSRP
January 10 ETOTAMA: Collector’s Edition 2 PONYCAN USA Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $8998 MSRP • Sub
January 12 ARGEVOLLEN: Collection 2 Sentai Filmworks DVD • $4998 MSRP • Sub
Tokimune Susumu & Jamie Hazaford – ARGEVOLLEN
Dai-Shogun -Great Revolution-: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks DVD • $4998 MSRP • Sub
Dai-Shogun -Great Revolution-: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $5998 MSRP • Sub
Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Trilogy SUNRISE / TRSI DVD • $4999 MSRP • Sub
Pet Shop of Horrors: Complete Collection (Sentai Selects) Sentai Filmworks DVD • $1998 MSRP
January 9 Sword Art Online II Volume 4: Mother’s Rosario Aniplex of America DVD • $4998 MSRP
Sword Art Online II Volume 4: Mother’s Rosario Aniplex of America Blu-ray • $7998 MSRP
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
65
Upcoming Anime DVD/Blu-Ray Winter 2016
Continued
ARGEVOLLEN: Collection 2 Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $5998 MSRP • Sub
IGPX: Complete Collection
Discotek Media DVD • $69.95 MSRP
Noein - to your other self: Complete Collection
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6498 MSRP
Noein - to your other self: Complete Collection LE
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6498 MSRP
January 19 A Certain Scientific Railgun S: Complete Collection
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $4998 MSRP
Discotek Media Blu-ray • $34.95 MSRP • Dub • SD
Terror in Resonance: Complete Collection
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6498 MSRP
Terror in Resonance: Complete Collection LE
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $8498 MSRP
January 20 Persona 3 the Movie -#3 Falling Down-
Aniplex of America Blu-ray • $7498 MSRP • Import • Sub
Hanayamata: Complete Collection
Persona 3 the Movie -#3 Falling Down- LE
Sentai Filmworks DVD • $5998 MSRP
Aniplex of America Blu-ray • $9998 MSRP • Import • Sub
Hanayamata: Complete Collection
January 26
Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $6998 MSRP
Locodol: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks DVD • $4998 MSRP • Sub
Locodol: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $5998 MSRP • Sub
Pokémon the Series - XY: Set 2 Viz Media DVD • $26.95 MSRP • Dub
66
Samurai Pizza Cats: Complete Collection
ALDNOAH.ZERO, Vol.3 Aniplex of America DVD • $3998 MSRP
ALDNOAH.ZERO, Vol.3 LE Aniplex of America Blu-ray • $9498 MSRP
Corpse Party - Tortured Souls: Complete Collection Maiden Japan DVD • $2998 MSRP • Sub
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
y Releases Corpse Party - Tortured Souls: Complete Collection Maiden Japan Blu-ray • $3998 MSRP • Sub
Giant Gorg: Complete Collection Discotek Media DVD • MSRP TBA • Sub
Kingdom: Season 1 Collection FUNimation DVD • $7998 MSRP
Momokyun Sword: Complete Collection
Sentai Filmworks DVD • $4998 MSRP • Sub
Momokyun Sword: Complete Collection
Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $5998 MSRP • Sub
Naruto Shippuden: Set 25 Viz Media DVD • $4482 MSRP
One Piece: Season 7, Part 5 FUNimation DVD • $3998 MSRP
Re: Hamatora: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks DVD • $5998 MSRP
Re: Hamatora: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $6998 MSRP
Tamako Market: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $6998 MSRP
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
February 2 Blade Dance of the Elementalers: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks DVD • $4998 MSRP • Sub
Blade Dance of the Elementalers: Complete Collection
Akame ga Kill!: Collection 1 CE
Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $12998 MSRP
Lord Marksman and Vanadis: Complete Collection
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6498 MSRP
Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $5998 MSRP • Sub
Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo FUNimation DVD • $2998 MSRP
Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo FUNimation Blu-ray • $3498 MSRP
From the New World: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks DVD • $7998 MSRP
From the New World: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $9998 MSRP
Pita-Ten: Complete Collection TRSI / Nozomi Ent. DVD • $4999 MSRP • Sub
February 9 Akame ga Kill!: Collection 1
Sentai Filmworks DVD • $5998 MSRP
Akame ga Kill!: Collection 1 Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $6998 MSRP
67
Upcoming Anime DVD/Blu-Ray Winter 2016
Continued
Lord Marksman and Vanadis: Complete Collection LE
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $8498 MSRP
Sailor Moon Crystal: Set 1 Viz Media DVD • $4482 MSRP
Sailor Moon Crystal: Set 1
Viz Media Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6999 MSRP
Sailor Moon Crystal: Set 1 LE
Viz Media Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $7998 MSRP
SHIROBAKO: Collection 1 Sentai Filmworks DVD • $4998 MSRP • Sub
SHIROBAKO: Collection 1
Love Live! School idol project: Season 2 Premium Edition NIS America Blu-ray • $6999 MSRP
Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $5998 MSRP • Sub
February 16
Tokyo Ghoul: Season 1 Collection CE
Bleach Movies: Unforgiven 2-Pack (Fade to Black & Hell Verse)
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $12998 MSRP
February 10 Rokka -Braves of the Six Flowers-: Collector’s Edition 2
PONYCAN USA Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $8998 MSRP • Sub
February 14 Love Live! School idol project: Season 1 Standard Edition
NIS America Blu-ray • $5999 MSRP
Viz Media DVD • $1498 MSRP
Fate/kaleid liner PrismaIllya 2wei!: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks DVD • $5998 MSRP
Fate/kaleid liner PrismaIllya 2wei!: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $6998 MSRP
Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]: Blu-ray Box Set 2 LE Aniplex of America Blu-ray • $21998 MSRP
Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]: Season 2 Collection Aniplex of America DVD • $9998 MSRP
FREE! -Eternal Summer-: Complete Collection
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6498 MSRP
FREE! -Eternal Summer-: Complete Collection LE
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6998 MSRP
68
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
y Releases FREE! -Eternal Summer-: Complete Collection PE
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $11998 MSRP
Space Brothers: Collection 7 Sentai Filmworks DVD • $4998 MSRP
Space Brothers: Collection 7 Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $5998 MSRP
February 23 Ga-Rei-Zero: Complete Collection (S.A.V.E. Edition)
Death Note: The Omega Edition Viz Media Blu-ray • $6999 MSRP
Wizard Barristers: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks DVD • $5998 MSRP
Wizard Barristers: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $6998 MSRP
March 8 Wolf Girl & Black Prince: Complete Collection
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $3498 MSRP
Sentai Filmworks DVD • $4998 MSRP • Sub
Indian Summer: Complete Collection (Sentai Selects)
Wolf Girl & Black Prince: Complete Collection
Sentai Filmworks DVD • $1998 MSRP • Sub
NO-RIN: Complete Collection
Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $5998 MSRP • Sub
March 15 Those Who Hunt Elves: Complete Collection (Sentai Selects) Sentai Filmworks DVD • $3998 MSRP
Waiting in the Summer (TV & OVA): Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $5998 MSRP • Sub
When They Cry - Higurashi no Naku Koroni: Season 1 Collection Sentai Filmworks DVD • $4998 MSRP
When They Cry - Higurashi no Naku Koroni: Season 1 Collection Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $6998 MSRP
FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6498 MSRP
Photo Kano: Complete Collection Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray • $5998 MSRP • Sub
Tokyo ESP: Complete Collection FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6498 MSRP
Tokyo ESP: Complete Collection LE FUNimation Blu-ray/DVD Combo • $6998 MSRP
March 1 Death Note: Complete Collection Viz Media Blu-ray • $5497 MSRP
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
69
Who's That Seiyu¯ Asai, Ayaka
Yamashita, Daiki
Kobayashi, Yūsuke
朝井 彩加
山下 大輝
小林 裕介
DOB: May 11, 1992 Shizuoka
DOB: September 7, 1990 Shizuoka
DOB: August 2, 1986 Tokushima
Blood Type: A
Blood Type: NA
Blood Type: O
Current Roles…
Current Roles…
Current Roles…
Naruse, Mio
Kato¯, Hazuki
Hanabusa, Yo¯ taro¯
Amakusa, Shion
So¯go Amagi
Kurebayashi, Kazuki
Shinmai Maō no Testament
Hibike! Euphonium
Lance n’ Masques
Uta no Prince-sama
Comet Lucifer
Selector Infected WIXOSS
Aki
Calimero
Onoda, Sakamichi
Hashiba, So¯ji
Tsubasa Yamanami
Takamiya, Honoka
Onsen Yōsei Hakone-chan
Calimero
Yowamushi Pedal
Rampo Kitan
Argevollen
Witch Craft Works
Serizawa, Yū
Iguchi, Yuka
Ōsaka, Ryōta
芹澤 優
井口裕香
良太 逢坂
DOB: December 3, 1994 Tōkyō
DOB: July 11, 1988 Tōkyō
DOB: August 2, 1986 Tokushima
Blood Type: NA
Blood Type: AB
Blood Type: O
Current Roles…
Current Roles…
Current Roles…
Tenku¯bashi, Aika
Shiragami, Yo¯ ko
Shikishima, Mirei
Saikyo¯, Nene
Kurogane, Ikki
Moritsuna, Satoru
Shomin Sample
Jitsu wa Watashi wa
Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid
Rakudai Kishi no Chivalry
Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry
Ushio to Tora
Aiha
Nyanyai
Sangu¯, Mitsuba
Kohinata, Miku
Yamada, Ryu¯
Isogai, Yu¯ma
Noragami ARAGOTO
Wizard Barristers
Owari no Seraph
Senki Zesshō Symphogear
Yamada-kun to 7-nin
Ansatsu Kyōshitsu
70
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
¯ of Autumn 2015 Furukawa, Makoto
Tamaru, Atsushi
Hosoya, Yoshimasa
古川 慎
田丸 篤志
細谷 佳正
DOB: September 29, 1989 Kumamoto
DOB: February 27, 1986 Saitama
DOB: February 10, 1982 Hiroshima
Blood Type: A
Blood Type: NA
Blood Type: B
Current Roles…
Current Roles…
Current Roles…
Saitama
Miach
Amagiri, Ayato
Kagurazaka, Kimito
Kusanagi, Takeru
Orga Itsuka
One-Punch Man
DanMachi
Gakusen Toshi Asterisk
Shomin Sample
35 Shiken Shōtai
Gundam Orphans
Tengenji, Kakeru
Kurashiki, Kuraudo
Minatogawa, Sadamatsu
Kazehaya, Kamito
Talken
¯ ji, Mochizo¯ O
Mikagura Gakuen
Seirei Tsukai no Bladedance
Sword Art Online II
Tamako Market
Star-Mu: Kōkō Boshi Kageki Rakudai Kishi no Chivalry
Ishikawa, Kaito
Izawa, Mikako
Itō, Shizuka
石川 界人
井澤 美香子
伊藤 静
DOB: October 13, 1993 Tōkyō
DOB: September 6, 1994
DOB: December 5, 1980 Tōkyō
Blood Type: AB
Blood Type: O
Blood Type: O
Current Roles…
Current Roles…
Current Roles…
Hitoyoshi, Jiro¯
Fujisaki, Ko¯ to
Tokonome, Mamori
Tokita, Moeko
Kujo¯, Sakurako
Shiraki, Meiko
Concrete Revolutio
Noragami ARAGOTO
Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid
Wakaba Girl
Sakurako-san no Ashimoto
Prison School
Genos
Havia Winchell
Hanako-san
Kashiwaba, Satsuki
Himejima, Akeno
Takanashi, Kozue
One-Punch Man
Heavy Object
Re-Kan!
Locodol
High School DxD BorN
Working!!!
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
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Sakura-con! Sakura-con!
MARCH 25-27, 2016
WASHINGTON STATE CONVENTION CENTER ✦ All ages, “by the fans, for every fan” ✦ 100% volunteer-run 501c3 non-profit ✦ Over 1200 hours of round-the-clock anime, manga, and more presented in three days ✦ 2012 recipient of the Japan Foreign Ministry’s Official Commendation ✦ Experience Asian culture with traditional artists, educators, & performers
✦ Cosplay, dances, guests, & artists are only a sliver of what’s available at Sakura-Con Register at Sakuracon.org Like us on Facebook facebook.com/SakuraCon Follow us on Twitter @SakuraCon
Remembering Who Have Passed
Bob Magruder Voice Actor April 12, 1932 Houston, TX January 2, 2015 Dallas, TX Rasputin – Soul Eater (2008) Narrator, Igneel – Fairy Tail (2009) Berthold Hawkeye – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
Ōtsuka, Chikao Voice Actor July 5, 1929 Setagaya, Tōkyō January 15, 2015 Shinjuku, Tōkyō Nezumi-Otoko – Gegege no Kitaro (1968) Kiyomasa, Keitarō – Kindaichi Case Files (1996) Gol D. Roger – One Piece (1999)
Hirai, Kazumasa Novelist May 13, 1938 Yokosuda, Kanagawa January 17, 2015 8 Man (1963) Genma Taisen (1967) Zombie Hunter (1972)
Note: Japanese titles are given to the Japanese artists and English titles for Western artists for their works.
Nakamura, Hidetoshi Voice Actor July 12, 1954 Tōkyō, Japan December 24 2014 Buran Blutarch – Kidō Senshi Zeta Gundam (1985) Oswald lenn Mathers – Rental Magica (2007) Gid Lucion Deviluke – To LOVEru -Toraburu- (2008) Fujimoto, Nobuyuki Scriptwriter 1957 Miyagi January 4, 2015 Saitama Doraemon: Nobita’s the Night Before a Wedding (1999) Kamikaze Kaitō Jeanne (1999) Cosmowarrior Zero (2001)
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Ol’ga Yakovleva (Origa) Singer October 12, 1970 January 17, 2015 Insert Song – Princess Arete (2001) Opening Theme – Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002) Ending Theme – Fantastic Children (2004)
James Ward (Rome Elliot) Voice Actor 1969 Chester Borough, New Jersey January 22, 2015 New Jersey Yuki, Eiri – Gravitation (1999) Mitsunori, Kugayana – Genshiken (2004) Kōchū, Kanshō – Battle Vixens: Dragon Destiny (2007)
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Leonard Nimoy Actor March 26, 1931 Boston, MA February 27, 2015 Los Angeles, CA Galvatron – Transformers: The Movie (1986) Master Xehanort – Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep (2010)
Tatsumi, Yoshihiro Mangaka June 10, 1935 Tennōji-ku, Osaka March 7, 2015 Tōkyō Abandon the Old in Tōkyō (1970) A Drifting Life (1995) Fallen Words (2009)
Ogawa, Shinji (Haruhiko) Voice Actor February 19, 1941, Den-en-chōfu, Tōkyō March 7, 2015, Tōkyō Franz von Stresemann – Nodame Cantabile (2007) Ronan Marcenas – Kidō Senshi Gundam Unicorn (2010) Tōdō, Heikurō – Space Battleship Yamato 2199 (2013) Fujiwara, Cocoa (Kokoa) Mangaka/Illustrator April 28, 1983 Fukuoka March 31, 2015 Dear (2002) Ojōsama to Yōkai Shitsuji (2009) Inu x Boku SS (2009)
Aikawa, Kin’ya (Igawa, Toshiaki) Actor June 25, 1934, Sugamo, Tōkyō April 15, 2015, Tōkyō Yadokari – Space Ace (1965) Masked Racer/Ken’ichi Mifune – Mach GoGoGo (1967) Kame Sen’nin – Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996)
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Kojima, Kō Mangaka March 3, 1928 Taitō, Tōkyō April 14, 2015 Tōkyō Sennin Buraku (1956) Nihon no Kā-chan (1968) Hige to Boin (1974)
Nishimoto, Hiroyuki Actor January 3, 1927 Tōkyō April 19, 2015 Snufkin – Moomin (1969)
Robert W. Gibson Writer 1960 May 5, 2015 Captain Harlock (1989 Eclipse) Robotech: Return to Macross (1993 Eclipse/Academy) Robotech Civil War Stories (2005 Academy)
Koizumi, Hiroshi Actor August 12, 1926 Kamakura, Kanagawa May 31, 2015 Tōkyō Tsukioka, Sho’ichi – Godzilla no Gyakushū (1955) Professor Miura – Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964) Dr. Shin’ichi Chujo – Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) Christopher Lee Actor May 27, 1922 Belgravia, London June 7, 2015 Chelsea, London Ansem the Wise/DiZ – Kingdom Hearts II (2005) The Programmer (Narrator) – Deus Ex Machina 2 (2015)
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Himura, Masaki (Shinkiba, Yuki) Mangaka NA June 17, 2015 Kazoku Mono (2002) Hajimete no Kōshien (2006) Nyūin Note (2013)
Tatekabe, Kazuya Voice Actor July 25, 1934, Kimobetsu, Hokkaidō June 18, 2015, Tōkyō Takeshi “Gian” Goda – Doraemon (1979) Aijan – Magikano (2003) Tonoda – Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society (2006)
Takizawa, Toshifumi Director September 18, 1953 Matsumoto, Nagano June 22, 2015 Dirty Pair (1985) Crusher Joe The OVAs (1989) Samurai 7 (2004)
Ueda, Hidehito Director November 3, 1953 Yamanashi June 28, 2015 A.D.POLICE (1999) GTO (1999) Sekirei ~Pure Engagement~ (2010)
Anastasia Moreno Translator * Okinawa July 11, 2015 Love Hina – Novels (2006 US) Trinity Blood: Rage Against the Moons – Novels (2007 US) Girls ünd Panzer (2014 US)
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Mota, Shiina “Powapowa-P” (Mizoguchi, Ryō) Producer March 9, 1995, Ishikawa July 23, 2015 Sepia Record (2010) Yume no Mani Mani (2012) Ikiru (2015)
Izumi, Masayuki Actor May 12, 1980 Arakawa, Tōkyō July 28, 2015 Ōchi, Masayuki – Gokusen (2002) Kiba, Yūji/Horse Orphnoch – Kamen Rider 555 (2003) Konosuke, Shimoyonagi – Akihabara @ DEEP
Konno, Hinako Mangaka/Lyricist January 10 August 18, 2015 Di Gi Charat Theater: Leave it to Piyoko! (2002) Tosho Iinchō no Hinkaku (2010) Imōto no Synthese (2011)
samfree (Sano, Takayuki) Musician/Music Composer September 9, 1984 Niigata, Niigata September 24, 2015 Tegami Bachi: Reverse (2010) Crime – Album (2010) Wish Upon the Pleiades (2015)
Kumakura, Kazuo Voice Actor January 30, 1927 Minato, Tōkyō October 12, 2015 Tōkyō Higeoyaji – Astro Boy (1980) Prince Toness – Ōritsu Uchūgun: Honnêamise no Tsubasa (1987) Medama Oyaji – GeGeGe no Kitarō: Ibun Yōkai Kitan (2003)
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Miyata, Kōji Mangaka 1981 October 22, 2015 Mahiru ni Miyoko (2008) Inugamihime ni Kuchizuke (2011) Utatane Hime (2011)
Ōrai, Noriyoshi Illustrator 1935 Akashi, Hyōgo October 27, 2015 Kunitomi, Miyazaki Macross Perfect Memory – Poster (1983) Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack – Poster (1988) Godzilla: Final Wars – Poster (2005)
Matsuki, Miyu Voice Actress September 14, 1977 Kure, Hiroshima October 27, 2015 Tōkyō Mido, Kaoru – Tsukuyomi -Moon Phase- (2004) Saginomiya, Isumi – Hayate no Gotoku! (2007) Nishikinomiya, Anna – Shimoseka (2015)
Katō, Haruko Actress November 24, 1922 Akasaka, Minato, Tōkyō November 2, 2015 Tōkyō The Genie – Sen’ya Ichiya Monogatari (1969) Rô-fujin – Majo no Takkyūbin (1989) Sariman – Howl no Ugoku Shiro (2004)
Sakurai, Takamasa Producer/Writer 1966 December 3, 2015 Arakawa, Tōkyō Sekai Kawaii Kakumei: Naze Kanojōtachi wa Nihonjin ni Naritai to Sakebu no ka (2009) Anime Bunka Gaikō (2009) Garapagosu-ka no Susume (2010)
Nosaka, Akiyuki Novelist October 10, 1930 Kamakura, Kanagawa December 9, 2015 Erogotoshi-tachi (1963) Hotaru no Haka (1967) War Stories for Children (1971)
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Genki Life Magazine
“
W
hen I first started watching Plastic Memories back in April, I was immediately very impressed by it because the first episode was simply amazing. It forecasted an original anime with beautiful artwork, an ambient atmosphere, likeable characters and a lot of tragic drama. At the time, I really thought that it would become the next hidden gem and the biggest surprise of the season.”
Plastic Memories プラスティック・メモリーズ TV • April 4, 2015 – June 27, 2015 Doga Kobo • Aniplex of America http://www.plastic-memories.jp http://plasticmemoriesusa.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Plastic_Memories Director: Fujiwara, Yoshiyuki Music: Yokoyama, Masaru Writer: Hayashi, Naotaka Cast: Mizugaki, Tsukasa = Yasuaki, Takumi Isla = Amamiya, Sora Kinushima, Michiru = Akasaki, Chinatsu Zack = Yahagi, Sayuri Hanada, Yasutaka = Tsuda, Kenjirō Sherry = Aimi
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As it turned out however, Plastic Memories instead ended up being one of the most misleading anime I’ve seen in quite some time. Unlike what the opening seemed to imply, in reality the show is mostly a cute and light-hearted slice of life comedy with quite a lot of romance in it. Now this doesn’t mean the anime turned out poorly in the end. Quite the opposite in fact, but it never reached the level that I thought it would have reached in the beginning. The story takes place in a future world where humanoid androids are a common part of human society. The androids, named “Giftias,” are fully equipped with human emotions and help their respective human owners however possible. But the Giftias have very limited lifespans and thus needed to be taken out of commission before too long. Enter Tsukasa, an 18-year-old boy whom is offered a position at the SAI Corporation—a group responsible for retrieving Giftias who are approaching the ends of their lifespans and eventually scrap them. Right next to him, we have his fellow co-worker, the incredibly cute and lovable Isla, who is actually a Giftia herself despite her position. The two of them form a team by order of their boss, and they consequently start working together, socializing together and of course fall in love with each other. This is how Plastic Memories suddenly becomes something totally different from what it originally promised to be. Despite
the premise, the anime is in fact not about the retrieval of various Giftias, nor is it about the SAI Corporation itself or any of the other people working there. Plastic Memories is about Tsukasa—and it is about Isla. That is all. And honestly, that’s totally fine in and of itself because they make up one of the cutest couples I’ve seen in ages and watching their awkward romance is surprisingly enjoyable no matter how much you see of it. But for a lot of people, this was nothing more than wasted potential because the cool and interesting premise of the story itself is heavily neglected in the process. For everyone who wanted to see a melancholic story about
Co-workers at SAI Terminal Service One: Kazuki Kuwanomi, Ren Kawarake, Zack, Michiru Kinushima, Sherry, Takao Yamanobe, Constance & Yasutaka Hanada
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the tragedy of having to say goodbye to your loved ones and how they deal with it…you’re probably going to be left disappointed because Plastic Memories doesn’t actually focus very much on that at all other than right at the very beginning. The only character the show ever really emphasizes this point for is Isla herself as her lifespan is of course also very limited due to being a Giftia, but for everyone else…not very much. However if you can get past the fact that the show is more or less in disguise and try to see it for what it actually is (in other words a romantic slice of life story), then suddenly Plastic Memories is a very enjoyable anime again. Why? Because it actually has “proper romantic development.” Quite a lot of it in fact. This is not the kind of show which ends with a confession in the final episode and nothing more. No, there are actually things happening from very early on in a romantic sense, which is something that is unfortunately very rare in today’s anime. Especially seeing Plastic Memories airing in the same season as Nisekoi was pretty amusing to me. They’re like night and day in comparison as far romantic progression goes. Overall, Plastic Memories is an anime which you will probably be given a very different impression of depending on your expectations on it. Is it a good anime? Yes. But it’s a completely different anime from what you’re most likely anticipating when you start watching it. That doesn’t make it a bad show per se, but it feels a bit like false marketing. It’s up to each and every viewer to do their best at adapting to what the anime has to offer. If you’re looking for a deeply touching and emotional melodrama like Clannad: After Story or Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, then sorry to say but you’re looking in the wrong place. But for a cute yet beautiful story about young love, it’s hard to find a better example than Plastic Memories. v HaXXspetten
Isla & Tsukasa
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HATSUNE MIKU
APR 23: Seattle, WA WaMu Theater APR 30: San Francisco, CA The Warfield (two shows) MAY 06: Los Angeles, CA Microsoft Theater MAY 14: Dallas, TX The Bomb Factory MAY 20: Toronto, Ontario Sony Centre for the Performing Arts MAY 28: New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom (two shows) JUN 04: Mexico City El Plaza Condesa 82
http://mikuexpo.com/na2016 Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Console & Desktop Gaming Winter 2016 December 22, 2015
Tharsis
January 22
The Witness
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel
NA • Strategy • PS4
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
NA • Puzzle • PC, PS4
January 19
NA • RPG • 3DS
January 27
Blade & Soul
January 26
Shadow of the Beast
Xseed Games • Nihon Falcom Corp NA • RPG • PS Vita, PS3
January 5 Amplitude HD Harmonix
NA • Music, Action • PS4
January 12 Gone Home
Midnight City • The Fullbright Company
NA • Simulation • PS4, XOne
Gaijin Games • Gaijin Games
Nintendo • AlphaDream
NCsoft • Team Bloodlust NA • RPG • PC
Square Enix
Resident Evil Origins Collection Capcom
M • Action, Horror • PS4, XOne
The Deadly Tower of Monsters Atlus • ACE Team
Final Fantasy Explorers
T • Adventure • PC, PS4
E • RPG • 3DS
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment • TT Games
NA • Action, Adventure • 3DS, PC, PS Vita, PS3, PS4, Wii U, X360, XOne
Thekla Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment • Heavy Spectrum Entertainment Labs NA • Action, Adventure • PS4
January 29 Sebastien Loeb Rally Evo
Bandai Namco Games • Milestone NA • Racing • PC, PS4, XOne
Cast of The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel
ESRB rating at time of publication. The information presented here is as accurate as much as humanly possible and is subject to change without notice.
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Console & Desktop Gaming Winter 2016
This War of Mine: The Little Ones
Deep Silver • 11 Bit Studio
NA • Strategy • PS4, XOne
Febraury 2 Gravity Rush Remastered
Sony Computer Entertainment • SCE Studios Japan, Bluepoint Games T • Action • PS4
Febraury 5
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
XCOM 2
Bandai Namco Games America Inc. • CyberConnect2 Co., Ltd.
2K Games • Firaxis, Feral Interactive
T • Action • PC, PS4, XOne
NA • Strategy • Linux, MAC, PC
Febraury 16
Febraury 9
Project X Zone 2
Alekhine’s Gun
Bandai Namco Games America Inc. • Monolith Software (JP)
Maximum Games • Haggard Games
M • Action, Adventure • PC, PS4, XOne
Firewatch
Panic Inc. • Campo Santo
NA • Adventure • Linux, MAC, PC, PS4
Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale Xseed Games • Xseed NA • RPG • 3DS
Stellaris
Mighty No. 9
Paradox Interactive • Paradox Development
Deep Silver, Comcept • Inti Creates, Comcept
E • Action, Platformer • Linux, MAC, PC, PS Vita, PS3, PS4, Wii U, X360, XOne
NA • Strategy • PC
Street Fighter V Capcom
T • Fighting • PS4
Mighty No. 9 (Collector’s Edition)
Deep Silver, Comcept • Inti Creates, Comcept
E • Strategy, RPG • 3DS
Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright Nintendo • Intelligent Systems
E • Action, Platformer • PS4, XOne
NA • Strategy, RPG • 3DS
Febraury 19 Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest Nintendo • Intelligent Systems NA • Strategy, RPG • 3DS
Febraury 23 Far Cry Primal
Ubisoft • Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Toronto, Ubisoft Shanghai, Ubisoft Kiev M • Action, Adventure • PS4
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Arnice – Nights of Azure ESRB rating stil
l pending
Mega Man Legacy Collection
March 8
E • Action, Platformer • 3DS
Tom Clancy’s The Division
Capcom • Digital Eclipse Software
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
Electronic Arts • PopCap Games NA • Shooter • PC, PS4, XOne
The Town of Light
Ubisoft • Massive Entertainment
M • Shooter • PC, PS4, XOne
March 11
Independent • Independent
Hitman
March 1
NA • Shooter • PC, PS4, XOne
NA • Adventure • Linux, MAC, PC
Far Cry Primal
Ubisoft • Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Toronto, Ubisoft Shanghai, Ubisoft Kiev
M • Action, Adventure • PC, XOne
Square Enix • Io Interactive
March 18 Uncharted 4: A Thief ’s End
Heavy Rain
Sony Computer Entertainment • Naughty Dog Software
Sony Computer Entertainment • Quantic Dream
M • Action, Adventure • PS4
M • Adventure • PS4
March 25
The Witch and the Hundred Knight Revival
Hyrule Warriors Legends
NIS • Nippon Ichi
T • Action, RPG • PS4
Nintendo • Tecmo Koei America Corporation, Team Ninja, Omega Force
March 2
NA • Action • 3DS
Alienation
March 29
Sony Computer Entertainment • Housemarque NA • Shooter • PS4
March 4
MLB 16: The Show Sony Computer Entertainment • SCE Studios San Diego
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
NA • Sports • PS3, PS4
T • Action, Adventure • Wii U
NA • RPG • PS Vita, PS3, PS4
Nintendo • Nintendo, Tantalus
Nights of Azure
Tecmo Koei • Gust
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perform live at
APRIL 8–10
www.garnidelia.com 86
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
¯ ba, Asa O
¯ ba, Amime O
Asa is a normal high school student. On one certan day, he became invisible as he wakes up. It couldn’t be helped so he tries to be himself.
Asa’s younger sister. Though pysically weak, she has a multitude of ESPbased powers.
Daimon, Yaki Yaki is a normal high school girl. One morning, she wakes up with the capability to manipulte fire.
DAGASY Ho ¯kago Cho ¯no ¯ryoku Senso ¯ by AKIRA (日日日) & Risumai (りすまい)
Asa Ōba woke up one morning and became invisible. He isn’t the only one that changed though…other students around school also have been gaining powers. All the while his little sister, Amime, has been losing some some of her multiple EPS-like powers. Somehow, there’s suspicions that the student council president could be giving out powers. Asa, Amime and the grudge-filled flame girl, Daimon Yaki, form an uneasy alliance to investigate and get back at the mysterious student council president.
DAGASY - Hōkago Chōnōryoku Sensō (Dagasy After School Super Power War) DAGASY 放課後超能力戦争 Square Enix/Gangan Online 2012–2014, 3 Volumes www.ganganonline.com Author: AKIRA & Risumai Genre: Shōnen, Comedy, Romance, School Life, Fantasy, Ecchi Format: Softcover/Manga Price: ¥607 MSRP each volume
Here’s a preview of the first chapter. Be sure to support the author. These pages are meant to read in spreads, side by side. The story flow will be off, if read page by individual page.
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DAGASY - Hoˉkago Choˉnoˉryoku Sensoˉ
Start with top right and end with bottom left. Reading is done the same direction.
Stop Reading Here 88
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Start Reading Here Start with top right and end with bottom left. Reading is done the same direction.
DAGASY - Hoˉkago Choˉnoˉryoku Sensoˉ
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DAGASY - Hoˉkago Choˉnoˉryoku Sensoˉ
Start with top right and end with bottom left. Reading is done the same direction.
Stop Reading Here 90
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Start Reading Here Start with top right and end with bottom left. Reading is done the same direction.
DAGASY - Hoˉkago Choˉnoˉryoku Sensoˉ
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DAGASY - Hoˉkago Choˉnoˉryoku Sensoˉ
Start with top right and end with bottom left. Reading is done the same direction.
Stop Reading Here 92
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Start Reading Here Start with top right and end with bottom left. Reading is done the same direction.
DAGASY - Hoˉkago Choˉnoˉryoku Sensoˉ
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DAGASY - Hoˉkago Choˉnoˉryoku Sensoˉ
Start with top right and end with bottom left. Reading is done the same direction.
Stop Reading Here 94
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Start Reading Here Start with top right and end with bottom left. Reading is done the same direction.
DAGASY - Hoˉkago Choˉnoˉryoku Sensoˉ
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DAGASY - Hoˉkago Choˉnoˉryoku Sensoˉ
Start with top right and end with bottom left. Reading is done the same direction.
Stop Reading Here 96
This concludes our preview of “DAGASY - Ho ¯ kago Cho ¯ no ¯ ryoku Senso ¯” This manga is be available at Kinokuniya Bookstores www.kinokuniya.com or at your local Japanese manga retailer.
Genki Life Magazine • Winter 2016
Used without permission. GLM is not affliated with Final Fantasy Distant Worlds, Square.
Distant Worlds music from
FINAL FANTASY
速
December 26 Symphony Center Chicago, IL
February 6, 2016 The Mahaffey Theater Saint Petersburg, FL
April 6, 2016 Tempodrom Berlin, Germany
April 23, 2016 Le Grand Rex Paris, France
www.ffdistantworlds.com
MORNING MUSUME Saturday, February 27