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Summer 2017 SimulDubs on FunimationNow!

July 13, 2017 by lauren 8 Comments

As we roll into a new season of anime, that means new SimulDubs! See what Funimation has in store for the Summer season and also their English cast announcements here on this blog.

New Limited Editions Bring You More Bang For Your Buck – Testament of Sister New Devil and SERVAMP

July 21, 2017 by Funimation Leave a Comment

We know a lot of you fans out there don’t just buy anime to rewatch the episodes, but to actually own a shelf-worthy piece of your favorite shows, that embodies your love for the series and satisfies your inner collector. Over the last year, we’ve been reading/listening to your comments on Funimation’s limited edition releases in forums, social media, and at conventions, and based on your feedback, today we’re excited to announce that we’re rolling out a new style of limited editions to better meet your collecting needs!

The short of it is: look out for more art books and collector’s items in upcoming limited editions, in a more shelf-friendly size, including The Testament of Sister New Devil and SERVAMP, available for pre-order now!

The long of it: in reading a lot of your comments, we noticed a few recurring asks on the configurations of our limited editions:

We definitely noticed a demand for more content and artwork in each release. We also noticed many of you ask specifically for art books—and in fact this was the most-requested addition that we saw or heard.
You’re looking for a good value, and with a high-end limited edition, you want more for your dollar.
You guys collect a LOT of anime, and shelf space is a concern. Why include two disc cases in a set for a single-cours show?

Our new limited edition style makes a couple changes to accommodate this feedback, namely:

All limited editions in this new style include at least a 20-page art book! In cases where we receive more art materials from our Japanese partners, this number may increase even more.
The footprint of the limited edition box is changing—one-cours series will include one disc case plus the art book, stored in a slimmer collector’s chipboard box. Not only does this take up less shelf space, but eliminating the case also lets us bring you more content, like the art book. Two-cours series will still keep the same box width (although slightly wider to accommodate the art book), to store Part One and Part Two.
In addition to the art book, all new limited editions will still also include an additional exclusive item—things like art cards, fabric posters, charms, stickers, etc.

The first two titles with this change are The Testament of Sister New Devil (season one) and SERVAMP. We’ll be rolling out additional limited editions over time, and will continue to update you on which titles use this new style.

Here’s a preview of what you’ll get in these new limited editions!

The Testament of Sister New Devil

testament-of-new-sister-devil-beauty spread

This limited edition is for all lovers of beautiful, sexy demon girls, and the key addition in this set is lots of really seductive artwork (some 18+!) that isn’t available on the squeaky-clean standard edition.

A 20-page art book, including Japanese packaging and 18+ artwork
A chipboard box, also with special painterly-style artwork not seen on the standard edition
A large 18×24 gorgeous fabric poster of Mio

SERVAMP

SERVAMP’s limited edition also focuses on its wide cast of colorful characters, and includes:

A whopping 40-page art book, including Japanese packaging
A chipboard box, featuring artwork by mangaka Tanaka Strike with a striking holographic foil effect
A set of 10 holographic chibi character stickers, presented in a matching envelope

What do you think about the new format? Let us know in the comments, and you can preorder The Testament of Sister New Devil and SERVAMP today!

Filed Under: Announcement, Behind The Scenes, Home Video Tagged With: Limited Edition, Servamp, The Testament of Sister New Devil

Conventions 2017 – Comic-con International: San Diego

July 19, 2017 by lauren 1 Comment

We’re heading back to sunny California for Comic-con International: San Diego this weekend! If you’re headed to SDCC or will be in the area, we have lots of stuff planned — even if you don’t have a badge!

THURSDAY

6:00 – 7:00p | Funimation Industry Panel | SD Convention Center, Room 9
From Akira to Dragon Ball Z, hear the latest news, info, and announcements from North America’s largest anime distributor—Funimation. Live tweet with us using the hashtag #FunimationPanel for a chance to win prizes!

FRIDAY

6:00 – 7:00p | Funimation Presents: My Hero Academia Panel | SD Convention Center, Room 23ABC
The hero obsession is back in session with more action, heroes and quirks. Meet the English voice actor Christopher R. Sabat, the voice of All Might (also the voice of Vegeta in Dragon Ball Z) and Justin Briner, the voice of Izuku “Deku” Midoriya (also voice of Mikaela in Seraph of the End). Join us we discuss this hero phenomenon, watch new clips, Q&A session, give away prizes and more.

October 2017 Home Video Releases

July 16, 2017 by Godswill 8 Comments

October 2017 is bringing the spooky and the fun! From the interstellar hits like Dragon Ball Super and Space Patrol Luluco to the mystical and horror like D.Gray-man and Danganronpa 3, October will have plenty! Check out the full list of titles below:

NEW GAME! (Season 1) English Cast Announcement

July 14, 2017 by Godswill 1 Comment

This Summer, we’re going into the game studios with the anime, NEW GAME! As announced earlier, NEW GAME!! season 2 has a SimulDub for summer 2017 and season 1 will be released this July. In fact just tomorrow (7/14), episodes 1-6 are coming to FunimationNow streaming and episodes 7-12 launch on 7/28! See the English cast announcement just below.

STRANGE BEASTS V: SHIN BEASTS – Godzilla Art Exhibition

July 13, 2017 by Godswill Leave a Comment

Celebration of August 1^st “SHIN GODZILLA” Home Video Release Will Feature Works from 14 Artists and Special Guest Appearance by Legendary Sci-fi and Fantasy Artist Bob Eggleton

Godzilla, King of the Monsters, is headed to Austin for “Strange Beasts V: Shin Beasts” art show and exhibition at Guzu Gallery – a special “SHIN GODZILLA” inspired edition of the annual event celebrating the film’s North American home video release on August 1. Funimation is sponsoring “Strange Beasts V: Shin Beasts” and its Opening Night Party which will take place on Friday, July 28 from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Guests will enjoy new and original works of kaiju art from 14 local, national and international artists, including, legendary sci-fi and fantasy artist Bob Eggleton who will also be appearing in-person as a celebrity guest. As part of the opening event, Funimation will be distributing a select number of limited-edition posters of a commissioned Godzilla artwork created by nationally-renowned kaiju artist and Austin-area resident Matt Frank. The art show and exhibition will also feature a special display of Bandai and X-Plus Japanese import Godzilla action figures courtesy of toy distributor Bluefin. Some of these figures will be available for purchase. “Strange Beasts V: Shin Beasts” will be on display from July 28 – August 21, 2017.

The artists participating in “Strange Beasts V: Shin Beasts” are as follows. A complete list of art bios is available at the end of this release.

Preston Asevedo
Dan Brereton
Kevin T. Chin
Tim Doyle
Bob Eggleton
Matt Frank
Half-Human
Josh Hoskins
Alexander Iaccarino
Hiroshi Kanatani
Timothy Lim
New Flesh
Nick Pitarra
Jeff Zornow

“SHIN GODZILLA” was co-directed by Hideaki Anno (creator of “Evangelion”) and Shinji Higuchi (director of “Attack on Titan” live action movies) and is the 29th film produced by Toho Co., Ltd. in the iconic science fiction monster franchise. The film grossed more than $1.9M at the box office during its North American theatrical release last October. “SHIN GODZILLA” will be released on August 1 and is available in both DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UV editions. Both editions are available for pre-order at funimation.com/shingodzilla.

Strange Beasts V: Shin Beasts

July 28 – August 21, 2017
Guzu Gallery

5000 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

Tel 512-454-4898

Opening Night Party:

Friday, July 28, 2017

7:00 -10:00 p.m.

RSVP link

Open Bar and Food Truck

21+

Complete list of artist bios available at https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/QE5hVxIAoc

Filed Under: Cross-Promotion, Fun Stuff, Press Release Tagged With: Art Exhibit, Matt Frank, Shin Godzilla

Fruits Basket – Which Zodiac Do You Belong To?

July 12, 2017 by Godswill Leave a Comment

Fruits Basket is turning 16 this year and we’re celebrating by giving it a great gift: a Sweet Sixteen Anniversary Edition release of Fruits Basket (which you can pre-order here)! To get ready for this beautiful birthday present, we’re getting you these pretty party favors that will tell you which Chinese zodiac you belong to and which Fruits Basket character you’re most like. See it all below!

Celebrate Fruits Basket’s 16th anniversary with the Fruits Basket Sweet Sixteen Edition on August 1st!

Filed Under: Behind The Scenes, Fun Stuff, Listicle Tagged With: Fruits Basket, Fruits Basket Sweet Sixteen Anniversary Edition, Listicle, Personality Quiz, Zodiac

Introducing our new Community Manager: Jay Hairston!

June 30, 2017 by lauren 4 Comments

As many of you may know, our social team has always been small — but we’ve been steadily growing as we try to gain more resources to give you all the best experience possible! As part of this growth, we are happy to introduce the newest addition to our team — our new Community Manager, Jay Hairston! We’ve never really had a “formal” CM up until this point, and we’re excited to see Jay grow this position. Please join us in giving him a very warm welcome! He’ll also be at Anime Expo with us this weekend, so if you’re attending the convention, feel free to say hello!

We’re still getting him settled into his role, but he’s prepared a message for everyone that he’d like to share:

Hi everyone!

I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself, I’m Justin, however I recently lost my naming rights in a heated office battle with Senior Manager of Social Strategy and Development at Funimation Justin Rojas, so you can call me “Jay.” I’ve recently joined the Funimation team as Community Manager, which means I’m here to talk to, but more importantly, listen to community fans and supporters. I’ll be active on the Funimation forums and various social media platforms.

A bit of background on myself: I hail from the forgotten land of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Growing up during the Toonami era, I was immediately drawn to anime, video games and comics leading to my education in 2D animation and graphic design at the Art Institute of Las Vegas. Through volunteer work, I also discovered a love for helping people with special needs as well. I relocated to Plano, Texas in 2011 to serve as the Program Manager at My Possibilities, a non-profit providing continued education for adults with cognitive disabilities in North Texas. There, four hundred students a week received life skills training, learning to be more independent and to lead more fulfilling lives.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Announcement, Editorial Tagged With: Funimation Family, New Team Member, Social Team

Conventions 2017: Anime Expo

June 19, 2017 by lauren 1 Comment

Anime Expo, the biggest anime convention in North America, is just around the corner and boy, do we have a big lineup in the works. Mark your calendars, because it’s all hands on deck with the Funimation crew bringing you around-the-clock entertainment at AX 2017!

FRIDAY

6:00p – 7:00p | Funimation’s Guide to Anime Expo 2017 | LP3/LACC 408AB
Join staff from Funimation as we talk about all of the things that we have planned for Anime Expo 2017, including special events, guests and more!

7:30p – 8:30p | Full Metal Panic! Anniversary Panel |LP3/LACC 408AB
Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Full Metal Panic anime! Series creator Shouji Gatou and light novel illustrator Shikidouji will be presenting their perspectives on this beloved action (rom-com?) series, as well as looking forward to the long-awaited fourth anime series, Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory! (Please note that we do not have any announcements about acquisition of the new series at this time.) All attendees will receive a free Invisible Victory poster!

SATURDAY

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Announcement, conventions Tagged With: Anime Expo, Anime Expo 2017, Conventions 2017

September 2017 Blu-ray and DVD Releases

June 17, 2017 by Godswill 1 Comment

September 2017 will have something for everyone! From kid-friendly hits like Puzzle & Dragons X to the spy classic Joker Game to the vampire-filled musical Dance with Devils, you know that this September is gonna be great! Check out the full list of titles below!