Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Aniplex Online Fest 2021 Announces Hosts, Special Guests, and Additional Programming

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Aniplex Online Fest 2021 kicks off July 4th weekend with a bang on July 3, 2021 (PDT) with hosts Sally Amaki of idol group 22/7 and Maxwell Powers on YouTube. The online event has announced the special guests that will appear in the programs, including Natsuki Hanae (voice actor of Tanjiro Kamado) and Satoshi Hino (voice actor of Kyojuro Rengoku) for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (voice actor of Kirito) and Haruka Tomatsu (voice actress of Asuna) for Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night, and Kenji Akabane and Minami Tanaka for Fate/Grand Order ANIME PROJECT. The Puella Magi Madoka Magica 10th Anniversary Project x Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story program will feature Aoi Yūki (voice actress of Madoka Kaname), Eri Kitamura (voice actress of Sayaka Miki), Momo Asakura (voice actress of Iroha Tamaki), Sora Amamiya (voice actress of Yachiyo Nanami), and more.

Aniplex Online Fest 2021 will also present a special program highlighting upcoming shows from Aniplex, including the highly anticipated The Honor at Magic High School, 86 EIGHTY-SIX, The Case Study of Vanitas, VISUAL PRISON, Ranking of Kings, BUILD_DIVIDE -#000000- CODE BLACK, and The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace.

In addition to performances from anime musical acts Aimer, ClariS, LiSA, ReoNa, and SawanoHiroyuki[nZk], the online event will feature an DJ performance from DJ Kazu.

For more information on Aniplex Online Fest 2021, visit: https://Aniplex-online-fest.com/en/

Aniplex of America Announces Aniplex Online Fest 2021

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Aniplex of America has announced Aniplex Online Fest 2021, which is scheduled to stream on YouTube on July 3, 2021 from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Musical acts and programming featuring the company’s biggest properties will be featured, including the likes of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night, Fate/Grand Order ANIME PROJECT, and Puella Magi Madoka Magica 10th Anniversary Project x Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story.

More information is available at the official website for Aniplex Online Fest 2021.

Source: Crunchyroll

Yen Press Announces Six Manga and Four Light Novel Licenses for November 2021

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press has announced the following light novels and manga for release in November 2021:

Title: The Hero Laughs While Walking the Path of Vengeance a Second Time (Nidome no Yūsha wa Fukushū no Michi o Warai Ayumu) manga
Creators: Yamo Yomoya (art), Nero Kizuka (original story), Sinsora (character design)
Summary: Kaito has been summoned into another world as a hero, and though all goes well for a time, one day, his entire party betrays and mercilessly kills him. So when he suddenly gets a chance to redo his life, starting from the point he was first summoned to this world, he swears to exact vengeance on everyone who stabbed him in the back…

Title: Let This Grieving Soul Retire manga
Creators: Tsukikage (story), Rai Hebino (art), Chiko (character design)
Summary: This man—is he an extraordinary hero or an ordinary person?

“What I’m seeking is to be the world’s one and only strongest hero.”

Cry had made an oath together with his childhood friends to become the strongest hero, but he realized right after that he has no talent.

Nevertheless, for some reason, the expectations of those around him keep rising rapidly every day. And at least according to Cry, things will always head in an outrageous direction.

Title: Namaiki Zakari. manga
Creator: Miyuki Mitsubachi
Summary: Basketball club manager Yuki has a secret—she’s in love with the team captain. But when Naruse, her cheeky kouhai, discovers her big secret, she’s in a tight spot. Just how long is he going to keep teasing her about it? Stupid pretty playboy…

Title: I’ve Been an Omega Since Today manga
Creator: Maiki Sachi
Summary: It all starts with your typical childhood friend love story—average Kanade pining after his dandy best friend, Munechika. There’s just one big problem with their high school romance—Kanade’s a Beta and Munechika’s an Alpha. And everyone knows that Alpha/Beta pairing just aren’t compatible… on a physical level. But when Kanade goes into heat as an Omega for the first time, will Munechika be there to give him a helping hand?

Title: The Splendid Work of a Monster Maid manga
Creator: Yugata Tanabe
Summary: Sumire, a “nekomata” phantom, has lost her beloved master. After wandering alone, she stumbles into… a foreign demon world. Now Sumire serves under the president of a company, alongside an undead named Rose and an android named Ivy. In order to get back that “certain someone,” Sumire’s splendid work begins.

Title: Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Wraith Arc manga
Creators: Magica Quartet (story), Hanokage (art)
Summary: All the witches in the universe, past and future, may have disappeared, but in their place, emotion-eating “wraiths” prey on humanity. The magical girls fight to protect Mitakihara City once more…

Title: Magical Explorer light novel
Creators: Iris (story), Noboru Kannataki (art)
Summary: Reincarnated as a character in the legendary eroge title “Magical☆Explorer,” our hero ends up as an unlucky side-character instead of the game’s lady-killer protagonist. Not to worry, though. Armed with his deep knowledge of the game (not to mention a few cheat codes), he’ll do whatever it takes to win the hearts of the game’s heroines and emerge as the most accomplished student at the Sorcerer’s Academy.

Title: Cross-Dressing Villainess Cecilia Sylvie light novel
Creators: Hiroro Akizakura (story), Dangmill (art)
Summary: Reincarnated as a villainess in an Otome game, Cecilia realizes that as the heroine’s rival, she’ll die no matter what route she takes. Convinced that she can avoid her death flag by becoming a man, she crossdresses and takes on a new identity. In the process, however, she ends up replacing her brother-in-law as the knight charged with protecting the heroine. Now the prince who should be condemning her to death wants to hang around her all the time. Cecilia will do whatever it takes to achieve a peaceful and carefree life, but if her guise ever slips, it’s Game Over.

Title: The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to Be My Childhood Friend light novel
Creators: Kennoji (story), Fly (art)
Summary: While on his way to school one morning, high school second-year Takamori Ryo saves his childhood friend Fushimi Hina from a sexual harasser on a crowded train. Although the two are practically opposites in appearance and popularity, not to mention the fact they haven’t spoken since middle school, Hina finds herself smitten with the oblivious Ryo. A frustratingly sweet, zero-stress romantic comedy.

Title: Rust-Eater Bisco light novel
Creators: Shinji Cobkubo (story) K Akagashi and mocha (art)
Summary: In the far future, a disaster known as the “Rusty Wind” has transformed the majority of Japan into a barren desert and left civilization in tatters. After his teacher falls prey to the rust, the roguish Bisco Akahoshi embarks on a journey through the sandy wastes to obtain a mushroom known only as the Rust Eater, rumored to cure the ailment. Together with the dashing young doctor Milo, the pair will have to contend with the unforgiving environment and their fellow wanderers in order to make it back alive.

Source: ANN

Aniplex of America to Release the Puella Magi Madoka Magica Film Trilogy on Blu-ray

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Crunchyroll is reporting that Aniplex of America has announced that the company will be releasing the Puella Magi Madoka Magica film trilogy on Blu-ray Disc on July 20, 2021. The release will include both theatrical compilations of the TV anime—Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 1: Beginnings and Part 2: Eternal—as well as original follow-up film Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie -Rebellion-.

Featuring a package with new illustrations by aokiume and Junichiro Taniguchi, the Blu-ray release includes bonus content such as textless openings and endings, theatrical trailers, and TV commercial collections.

The set is now available for pre-order via RightStuf for US$59.98.

Disc Specs:

  • Spoken Languages: English & Japanese
  • Subtitles: English & Spanish
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9 HD Widescreen 1920x1080p
  • Episodes: 3 movies (Beginnings, Eternal, and Rebellion)
  • Number of Discs: 3 Blu-ray Discs
  • Total Run Time: Approx. 357 minutes
  • Rating: 13 UP

Bonus Content:

  • Textless Opening and Ending
  • Theatrical Trailers
  • TV CM Collections

* Bonus content includes English subtitles

Bonus Materials and Package:

  • Exclusive new illustration box art by aokiume (Original Character Design) and Junichiro Taniguchi (Character Design)

Milan Records Releases the Music of Puella Magi Madoka Magica for the First Time Digitally on April 26, 2021

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Milan Records celebrates the tenth anniversary of the anime franchise Puella Magi Madoka Magica with the first-ever digital release of music featured in the series, movie and the mobile game Magia Record. Included within the release are three albums of music from the Aniplex title, including two albums featuring music from the series and movie as well as one album from Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story, a mobile game based on the anime with its own original storyline. The release arrives as part of title’s 10th anniversary project, celebrating the original 2011 airdate of the fan-favorite show – more information on the 10th anniversary project can be found here. The television series is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max and PlayStation.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Ultimate Best and Puella Magi Madoka Magica Music Collection include a mix of score music composed by Yuki Kajiura, original vocal tracks sung by the series cast as well as additional tracks by J-pop artists ClariS and Kalafina. Meanwhile the Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story Music Collection includes score music written for the mobile game side story by various artists as well as a vocal track by J-pop artist TrySail.

PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA ULTIMATE BEST
LISTEN HERE
© MQ/ANX,MP,MBS
© MQ / ANX • MMPR

PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA MUSIC COLLECTION
LISTEN HERE
© MQ/ANX,MP,MBS

MAGIA RECORD: PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA SIDE STORY MUSIC COLLECTION
LISTEN HERE
© MQ/A • MRP

Puella Magi Madoka Magica to Get a New Anime Film

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

The 10th anniversary online event for the Puella Magi Madoka Magica anime has announced that the franchise is getting a new anime film titled Gekijōban Mahō Shōjo Madoka Magica: Walpurgis no Kaiten (Turning the Tide of Walpurgis). The film will be an official sequel to the Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 3: Rebellion film that opened in October 2013. The tagline on the new film’s visual reads, “Now, let’s continue the story.”

The anime film will feature a returning staff from the original anime series and films, including original creators Magica Quartet, chief director Akiyuki Simbo, scriptwriter Gen Urobuchi of Nitroplus, original character designer Ume Aoki, animation character designer Junichirō Taniguchi, composer Yuki Kajiura, and animation studio SHAFT.

The returning cast includes:

  • Aoi Yūki is Madoka Kaname
  • Chiwa Saito is Homura Akemi
  • Kaori Mizuhashi is Mami Tomoe
  • Eri Kitamura is Sayaka Miki
  • Ai Nonaka is Kyōko Sakura
  • Kana Asumi is Nagisa Momoe
  • Emiri Katō is Kyubey

It was also announced that a two-disc soundtrack for the franchise will be available worldwide on April 26, 2021 on the subscription services Spotify and Apple Music.

Source: ANN

Yen Press Announces New Manga and Light Novel Releases for August 2020

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press has announced its new manga and light novel releases for August 2020.

Fiancé of the Wizard Volume 1
by Syuri Nakamura, artwork by Masaki Kazuka
Available August 25, 2020

Went looking for magic but found love instead…

Filimena via Adina, daughter of nobility, awakens one day with the realization that she had been reborn into a world of sorcery and given a second chance at life. In her new country full of heroes, she expects this means she’s a chosen one, yet her lot is not as she dreamed-instead, her path crosses with the improbably powerful stepson of a wizard, and as a young noble lady, her place is at his side… as his fiancée. But perhaps a quest for love is exactly the adventure she was looking for.

Final Fantasy I * II * III: Memory of Heroes (Light Novel)
by Takashi Umemura
Available August 18, 2020

When darkness veils the world…

Light and darkness hold the world in balance-and should that equilibrium ever break, only the four warriors chosen by the Crystals can prevent inevitable ruin. This is the story of three times the balance shifted-and the three bands of friends who came together to save the world.

See where it all began with the novel adaptation of the first three stories from the classic Final Fantasy series, penned in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

I Don’t Know How to Give Birth!
Story & artwork by Ayami Kazama
Available August 18, 2020

A humorous and heartfelt autobiographical comic essay of a manga artist new to the challenges of motherhood. Follow her journey as she learns the ins and outs of pregnancy and childbirth-and the impossibility of finding comfy maternity underwear.

I Love You So Much, I Hate You
Story & artwork by Yuni
Available August 18, 2020

What do work and love have in common? They can both take over your life.

Saori Fujimura and her boss, Ayako Asano, are an unbeatable duo at work, but after hours their relationship is more than just professional. As tensions mount between Ayako and her husband and Saori’s feelings grow stronger, they’ll have to decide-is it love they seek, or merely pleasure?

Interspecies Reviewers Volume 1: Ecstasy Days (Light Novel)
by Tetsu Habara, artwork by Amahara, W18 and Masha
Available August 18, 2020

An all-out fantasy extravaganza.

In a world where an endless variety of humanoid species coexist, there’s an equally endless variety of sexy shops sure to satisfy your every carnal desire. But say you’re spoiled for choice or you have a place in mind but you’re not sure if it’ll live up to the hype. That’s where the Interspecies Reviewers come in. These brave souls will dive crotch-first into the unknown and write a review that tells it true. From time-traveling temptresses to poison-breathed basilisk babes, join Stunk, Zel, and Crim on their erotic adventures as they sample the many deviant delights the world of succubus joints has to offer. Based on the hit manga series by Amahara.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Complete Omnibus Edition
Story by Magica Quartet, artwork by Hanokage
Available August 18, 2020

Experience the complete story of Puella Magi Madoka Magica in this oversize omnibus.

When a new girl joins her class, Madoka Kaname thinks she recognizes the mysterious, dark-haired transfer student… from a dream where Madoka is approached by a diminutive critter with an offer to change destiny. Madoka had always thought magic was the stuff of fantasy… until she sees the transfer student fighting with that very animal. And just like in Madoka’s dream, the creature gives her a choice. Will Madoka become a magical girl in exchange for fulfilling her dearest desire? What will be the cost of having her wish come true?

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (Manga)
by Hajime Kamoshida, artwork by Tsugumi Nanamiya and Keji Mizoguchi
Available August 18, 2020

“Forget what you saw today.”

There’s something odd about Sakuta Azusagawa, an acerbic, standoffish high schooler who doesn’t even own a cell phone in this day and age. And perhaps strange things happen to strange people, which is why on the last day of the Golden Week holiday, in a tranquil library, he meets a wild bunny girl. With that unforgettable encounter, their bizarre and mysterious love story begins.

Rascal Does Not Dream of Petite Devil Kohai (Light Novel)
by Hajime Kamoshida, Artwork by Keji Mizoguchi
Available August 18, 2020

How far can a fake relationship go?

Mai is no longer invisible – she’s acting again, and she finally said yes when Sakuta asked her out for the millionth time. Life couldn’t be better for Sakuta… until he wakes up and finds himself reliving the morning before she agreed to date him.

Assuming this weird time slip to be another case of Adolescence Syndrome, Sakuta begins searching for clues and stumbles upon the first-year Tomoe. Though the last time they saw each other involved getting kicked in the butt, now she’s desperately trying to avoid getting asked out by the boy her friend is crushing on so she won’t be ostracized. One ruse leads to another, and soon news spreads that Sakuta is Tomoe’s boyfriend. Now how is he going to explain this to Mai?

The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy Volume 1 (Light Novel)
by Yu Shimizu, artwork by Asagi Tosaka
Available August 18, 2020

Battles for ancient kingdoms are nothing compared to the battles of a classroom.

Awakening from magical stasis after a thousand years, the Dark Lord Leonis suddenly finds himself in the body of a ten-year-old boy. He quickly meets Riselia, a girl confronting the Voids, creatures that have nearly exterminated humanity. Determined to uncover the mysteries of this strange new era, Leonis enrolls in Excalibur Academy, a school that trains students to fight back against these enigmatic monsters. Could the Voids hold some connection to Leonis’s past?

The Garden of Words (Novel)
by Makoto Shinkai
Available August 25, 2020

From director Makoto Shinkai comes a deeper look at his award-winning 2013 film, The Garden of Words, full of additional scenes and perspectives to show a whole new side of the many characters who brought the film to life.

On rainy mornings, Takao can never bring himself to go to school-instead, he spends that time at the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen gardens and finds a brief reprieve from everything else in his life among the trees and flowers. And on one of those mornings, he discovers a mysterious woman named Yukino in his haven, skipping work, and an unlikely friendship blooms between them. But though these two are the center of this story, they are far from the only ones trying to find their way in life.

HBO Max to Add More Anime Titles to Its Catalog in August 2020

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

HBO Max and Crunchyroll have announced that the HBO Max streaming service will add Aldnoah.Zero, Inuyasha, Mob Psycho 100, The Promised Neverland, and Puella Magi Madoka Magica on August 4, 2020.

HBO Max launched on May 27, 2020. Crunchyroll offered 17 anime series at launch, and added four more in June 2020. Crunchyroll will offer more anime for HBO Max every quarter. Crunchyroll previously confirmed that only select content from Crunchyroll will be available on HBO Max.

The HBO Max streaming service costs US$14.99 per month.

Source: ANN

Yen Press Acquires Seven New Titles for August 2020

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press, LLC has announced its latest acquisitions, including a novel adaptation of Makoto Shinkai’s The Garden of Words, the Konosuba light novel spin-off Konosuba: An Explosion on this Wonderful World! Bonus Story: We are the Megumin Bandits and five manga series: Last Round Arthurs, Majo Raba Majo Reba, Yoshi no Zuikara: The Frog in the Well Does Not Know the Ocean, ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Department P.S., and Puella Magi Madoka Magica Omnibus Edition. All seven titles will release in August 2020.

The Garden of Words
Story by Makoto Shinkai

From director Makoto Shinkai comes the novel adaptation of his award-winning 2013 film Garden of Words, a moody drama about two lonely souls who meet in the garden of Shinjuku during rainy season and help each other “learn to walk again” in life.

From Makoto Shinkai, the prolific storyteller responsible for critically-acclaimed films such as your name. and Weathering With You, comes a novel adaptation of The Garden of Words, a visually stunning and touching film from 2013 that is currently streaming on Netflix.

Konosuba: An Explosion on this Wonderful World! Bonus Story: We are the Megumin Bandits
Story by Natsume Akatsuki
Illustration by Kasumi Morino

The right magic words can stir a person’s soul. For Megumin, those words are “vigilante justice.” Join everyone’s favorite one-trick wizard, as well as Iris the Headstrong, Cecily the Problematic, and Yunyun… as they get a taste of the righteous bandit lifestyle. Evil aristocrats beware!

“For the sake of justice, there’s no line I won’t cross! No criminal act I won’t commit!”

An ongoing bonus series that ties into the light novel spin-off Konosuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World!, which features the beloved arch-wizard Megumin as the protagonist, Konosuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! Bonus Story: We are the Megumin Bandits is a laugh-out-loud series filled with vigilante justice and plenty of Megumin.

Last Round Arthurs
Story by Taro Hitsuji
Art by Yuzuriha
Original Illustration by Kiyotaka Haimura

In all honesty, Rintarou’s life is boring as hell. If you ask him, he was born into this world with too much talent. Everything goes too according to plan. His way of having fun? Joining forces with the weakest candidate, Luna Artur, in the upcoming battle to become King Arthur’s successor—and save the world from impending doom.

The only problem? She’s the scummiest of scum, pawning off her sacred sword and forcing her knight, Sir Kay, into some seriously skeevy cosplays. Or so he thinks—until a close encounter with death, when her true power astonishes all. Make way for an unexpected take on the age-old legends of King Arthur.

A manga adaptation of the Last Round Arthurs light novel series by Taro Hitsuji, the writer of Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor. The first volume of the Last Round Arthurs light novel is currently available from Yen Press.

Majo Raba Majo Reba
Story and Art by Sakurai Ato

Haruka Kuse sees Maruna Rinjou as his savior—he owes his life to her blood transfusion, after all. But what he never knew is that she’s actually a witch. Haruka wants to repay the favor somehow, and the answer is… crossdressing to help Maruna pass her magic exams?!

Ato Sakurai, author of Today’s Cerberus, brings a fiery new magical romance. Combining cute artwork with a hilarious hijinks, Majo Raba Majo Reba is a must-read for fans of shonen comedy.

Yoshi no Zuikara: The Frog in the Well Does Not Know the Ocean
Story and Art by Yoshino Satsuki

A new story about one man’s creative struggles arrives courtesy of Satsuki Yoshino, author of Barakamon Can a 10-year manga artist with experience only in the fantasy genre pivot to drawing a down-to-Earth story about regular folks? It’s sink-or-swim for Naruhiko Toono and his career.

From Satsuki Yoshino, creator of Barakamon and Handa-kun, comes a new series involving the subject of mangaka and the artistic process. The series stands out as an intriguing read for fans of slice-of-life stories as well as fans of series focusing on the manga industry, such as Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun and Bakuman.

ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Department P.S.
Story and Art by Natsume Ono

Dive back into Natsume Ono’s world of clandestine intrigue and delectable eats. This spin-off puts the spotlight on the supporting characters seen throughout the original series—including the five chief officers of ACCA, Nino, and Mauve. Discover closely guarded secrets, hidden thoughts, and true feelings in the Dowa Kingdom.

A two-volume spin-off of Natsume Ono’s ACCA 13-Territory Inspection Department, a sophisticated tale of espionage that was adapted into an anime in 2017. All six volumes of the original ACCA 13-Territory Inspection Department manga are available from Yen Press.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Omnibus Edition
Story by Magica Quartet
Art by Hanokage

When a new girl joins her class, Madoka Kaname feels she recognizes the mysterious, dark-haired transfer student from one of her dreams… a dream where she is approached by a cat-like creature who offers Madoka an opportunity to change destiny. Madoka had always thought magic was the stuff of fantasy… until she sees the transfer student fighting with the very cat-being from her dream. And just like in Madoka’s dream, the cat gives her a choice: Will Madoka become a Puella Magi in exchange for her dearest desire? What will be the cost of having her wish come true?

A collection of the three-volume Puella Magi Madoka Magica manga series published by Yen Press into a single omnibus volume. Puella Magi Madoka Magica retells the story of the iconic animated series from Gen Urobuchi, a series which has stood out as one of the most beloved anime of the past decade.

FUNimation Entertainment, Crunchyroll, and HIDIVE to Stream the Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story Anime in January 2020

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

FUNimation Entertainment, Crunchyroll, and HIDIVE have announced that they will stream the Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story television anime series. FUNimation will begin streaming the anime in Japanese with English subtitles on January 4, 2020 in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Crunchyroll will begin streaming the anime on January 11, 2020, and new episodes will premiere a few days after they air in Japan. HIDIVE will begin streaming the anime in the United States and Canada on January 11, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. EST, and new episodes will stream on Saturdays.

The anime is scheduled to premiere on Japanese television on January 5, 2020.

Source: ANN