Nickelodeon's 'The Fairly Odd Phantom' Features Butch Hartman¹s Characters All Together for the First Time

Worlds and characters collide in The Fairly Odd Phantom, an original animated short featuring an ensemble cast of characters from the Nickelodeon animated series created by Butch Hartman: The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, T.U.F.F Puppy and the brand-new Bunsen is a Beast. The short, which marks the first-time these popular characters have ever been featured together, is now available across Nick.com, Facebook, and Nick’s YouTube page. Hartman’s latest series, Bunsen is a Beast, premieres today, Feb. 21, at 5:30p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, telling the story of Bunsen and Mikey--two new friends who embark on endless fun and adventures in their town of Muckledunk.

In The Fairly Odd Phantom, Danny Phantom and friends capture escaped ghosts in their lab, Fenton Works, but their mission quickly goes awry when secret agent Dudley Puppy messes with the control panel. Soon after, Wanda, Cosmo and Timmy end up in the lab instead of Fairy World, where they are all met by a very different newcomer, Bunsen.

For over 18 years, Hartman has created hit series for Nickelodeon, including The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom and T.U.F.F. Puppy, with his brand-new series, Bunsen is a Beast debuting today. As part of Nickelodeon’s continued celebration of its rich animation history, Hartman combined his pantheon of iconic characters into one comedic short.

On Feb. 24, Danny Phantom voice cast members, David Kaufman, Grey Griffin, Rickey D’Shon Collins, and Colleen O’Shaughnessy, will appear on a brand-new episode of the toon-talking Nickelodeon Animation Podcast, which gives voice to the creators and talent who bring to life some of the most innovative, hilarious, and heart-tugging animation in the history of television. Episodes are available on iTunes, YouTube, SoundCloud and nickanimationpodcast.com.

The Fairly OddParents (10 seasons), which debuted in 2001, follows Cosmo and Wanda, husband-and-wife fairies, as they wreak havoc and help their godson Timmy overcome typical kid obstacles by granting him wishes.

Danny Phantom (3 seasons), which bowed in 2004, charts the adventures of 14-year-old Danny Fenton, who becomes half-ghost, “Danny Phantom.” Now with paranormal powers, he’s responsible for capturing the ghosts and monsters that roam the Earth.

T.U.F.F. Puppy (3 seasons) debuted in October 2010 and showcases a gung-ho, dim-witted dog named Dudley Puppy who finds himself accidentally thrust into the role of secret agent.

Visit Nick.com, Facebook, Instagram and the Nick App to learn more about Bunsen is a Beast.  Full-length episodes are currently available on Nick.com, Nick On Demand, and the Nick App, available for download on iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Android, and Android TV. 

Hartman began his animation career as an assistant animator on An American Tail.  He created his own shorts for What a Cartoon!, and also wrote and directed episodes of Dexter’s Laboratory, Cow & Chicken and Johnny Bravo.  Bunsen is a Beast marks Hartman’s fourth animated series for Nickelodeon. Hartman joined Nickelodeon in 1998 where he created and produced several cartoon shorts for the Oh Yeah! Cartoons series, including The Fairly OddParents.  Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the animated series, Hartman brought the series to life in the 2010 live-action/CG animated hit TV movie, A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!  The series came to life once again in the original TV movie, A Fairly Odd Christmas in 2012 and A Fairly Odd Summer in 2014. Hartman is also the creator of Nickelodeon’s animated series Danny Phantom and T.U.F.F. Puppy. 

Press Release: "Windsinger" by A. F. E. Smith

Having  read and reviewed the first two in this series, I am super excited for the next installment! :D Here's the summary from the author:

"Ayla Nightshade prepares to meet with the Kardise ambassador to sign a treaty between Mirrorvale and Sol Kardis. However, negotiations are halted as the ambassador is discovered dead in his chambers, poisoned by the same bottle of taransey he and Ayla had shared the night before.

Ayla has been framed for murder and the peace between two kingdoms is at stake. Tomas Caraway and his Helmsmen must rush to prove her innocence before war destroys all they have fought for.

Along the way they discover the plans for a Parovian airship, the Windsinger, which reveal a chamber designed for a special cargo: a living one.

Together Ayla and Tomas set out to uncover their real enemies – a search that will lead them closer to home than they ever anticipated."

I am starting this book today and with the power of friendship I hope to have a review up for you guys before then! :D

"Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives" to open the Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival, presented by AT&T, will open the 16th edition with the world premiere of the feature length documentary Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives at Radio City Music Hall on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. The premiere will be followed by a special concert featuring performances by Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Earth, Wind & Fire, and more, taking opening night beyond the screen to honor the legendary music executive and producer. The Tribeca Film Festival runs April 19 to April 30.

 Based on Davis’ 2013 bestselling autobiography, the film chronicles the historic influence of “The Man with the Golden Ears,” who rose from humble beginnings, and in a compelling and riveting journey, became one of the music industry’s most iconic figures. Directed by Chris Perkel, the film is produced by Michael Bernstein of Scott Free Productions, with Ridley Scott and Mary Lisio executive producing alongside IM Global’s Stuart Ford, David Schulhof, and Deborah Zipser. Leading independent film and television studio IM Global provided financing for the film. 

 “Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives is a fascinating exploration of his remarkable story and the impact that a great producer can have on artists and music,” said Jane Rosenthal, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of the Tribeca Film Festival. “We are excited to have this powerful film premiere on our opening night.”

“The Tribeca Film Festival has a wonderful tradition of artists supporting artists, so honoring Clive Davis and his unwavering commitment to music and creativity is the perfect way to open our 16th annual festival,” said Tribeca’s Paula Weinstein. “With special live performances by some of the most talented artists of our time, it will be an unforgettable night to celebrate the arts and Clive.”

“Directing this film provided a wonderful challenge because Clive Davis stands at the center of a culture-defining array of talent that has shaped the last half century of contemporary music. His is an inspiring story that's sure to leave you with a smile on your face, a tug at your heart and a playlist of hits forever stuck in your head,” said director Chris Perkel.

The film is an inspiring story of courage, resilience, talent, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. These qualities drove Davis - a child of early 20th Century working-class Brooklyn who lost both parents while a teenager - to full academic scholarships to NYU and Harvard Law School and a brief but impactful stint as a white-shoe lawyer.  His unrelenting drive to be the best and a twist of fate led Davis to assume the presidency of Columbia Records at just 35 years of age. It was only after the discovery of Janis Joplin at the Monterey Pop Festival, and Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Santana and Aerosmith shortly thereafter, that it became dramatically evident that he had a previously unexplored natural gift that would command a career that has created the soundtrack for three generations of American culture.

The film examines how Davis rocketed to the top of the bare-knuckles music industry,

repeatedly building major record labels (Columbia, Arista, J), at times becoming the subject of great controversy while overcoming enormous professional and personal challenges and tragedies. 

Davis has signed, influenced and driven the careers of many of the most important music artists of the 20th and 21stCenturies.  In addition to those already mentioned, these include: Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen, Earth Wind & Fire, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow, Patti Smith, The Kinks, The Grateful Dead, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Rod Stewart, Sean “Puffy” Combs, and, of course, Whitney Houston, whose explosive professional career is dramatically captured in a never-before-told story that will move and enthrall audiences. The Soundtrack of Our Lives features interviews with many of these iconic artists. His storied annual Pre-Grammy Gala, which just turned 40, is always the hottest ticket of the year, drawing the biggest stars across music, film, television, and politics as well as business leaders and glitterati from around the world. For the first time, there will be an inside look in the documentary at the musical and social heights reached by this legendary Gala.

Anime 'Your Name.' Gets North American Theatrical Dates

Funimation Films will open Makoto Shinkai’s animated blockbuster and global pop culture hit “Your Name.” in North American theaters on April 7, 2017. The film will be released in both English-language Dub as well as the original Japanese-language with English subtitles.

Written and directed by Makoto Shinkai (“5 Centimeters Per Second,” “The Garden of Words”), “Your Name.” has already received critical acclaim and commercial success overseas, dominating the burgeoning Asian box office to quickly become the fourth highest-grossing film of all time released in Japan – behind only “Spirited Away,” “Titanic” and “Frozen.” “Your Name.” has also since become the second highest-grossing Japanese animated film released in Japan, surpassing legendary works from Hayao Miyazaki including “Princess Mononoke,” “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Ponyo.”

“It’s truly a joy to be part of a film like ‘Your Name.’ that has surprised everyone’s expectations and quickly captivated the hearts and attention of audiences and films critics alike,” said Gen Fukunaga, Founder and CEO of Funimation Entertainment. “I have always believed that a touching and beautifully told story can mesmerize mainstream audiences regardless of a film’s genre. ‘Your Name.’ is the perfect example of this and will be one that journalists will point to for years to come.”

“Your Name.” was selected by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association as Best Animated Feature of 2016 and is on the official consideration list for a nomination in the Best Animated Feature category at the 89th Annual Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce final nominations for the 89th Annual Academy Awards on January 24, 2017.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing ’Your Name.’ to theaters across North America and Canada this spring,” said Mike Duboise, COO of Funimation Entertainment. “Based on audience reaction around the world and a week’s worth of sold out screenings during the film’s Oscar qualifying run last December, we expect ‘Your Name.’ to be a hit with North American theatergoers this April.”

The film’s soundtrack and original score was produced and composed by award-winning Japanese rock band RADWIMPS. Lead singer of RADWIMPS, Yojiro Noda, spent part of his childhood in the United States and is thrilled to provide the English version of all the chart-topping songs in the North American English dub version of the film, including Dream Lantern and Zenzenzense.

“Melody and lyrics must be something inseparable for RADWIMPS. For all that, I cannot respect and thank them enough for making these wonderful English versions to entertain international audience,” said Makoto Shinkai, writer and director of “Your Name.” “In ‘Your Name.,’ songs, lines and the story are in complete harmony. Lyrics represent characters’ cry of the heart. I hope these alternative versions will lead the audience to a better understanding of the world of ‘Your Name.’”

Film Synopsis

The day the stars fell, two lives changed forever. High schoolers Mitsuha and Taki are complete strangers living separate lives. But one night, they suddenly switch places. Mitsuha wakes up in Taki’s body, and he in hers. This bizarre occurrence continues to happen randomly, and the two must adjust their lives around each other. Yet, somehow, it works. They build a connection and communicate by leaving notes, messages, and more importantly, an imprint.

When a dazzling comet lights up the night’s sky, it dawns on them. They want something more from this connection—a chance to meet, an opportunity to truly know each other. Tugging at the string of fate, they try to find a way to each other. But distance isn’t the only thing keeping them apart. Is their bond strong enough to face the cruel irony of time? Or is their meeting nothing more than a wish upon the stars?

For more information about "Your Name." visit the official movie website here.

Like Funimation on Facebook at facebook.com/funimation and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/funimation and on Instagram at instagram.com/funimation.

Anime Ghost in the Shell Returns to Theaters for Limited Engagement

The “Ghost in the Shell” franchise has been entertaining audiences for more than 25 years and this February, Lionsgate and Funimation Films are partnering together to bring the 1995, groundbreaking anime film back to theaters for a two-day limited theatrical engagement.  The original “Ghost in the Shell” movie from acclaimed director Mamoru Oshii, will return to the big screen on February 7 – 8, 2017 in 110 theaters across the United States. Moviegoers will be able to enjoy both the original Japanese version with subtitles as well as the English dub of the film. Each will be available on separate days of the engagement, beginning first with the subtitled version.  Tickets are available beginning today and can be pre-purchased via the official movie website at funimationfilms.com/ghostintheshell.

Viewed as ahead of its time when it premiered in 1995, “Ghost in The Shell” quickly turned into a pop culture phenomenon and the inspiration for future mainstream movies. The movie became the first anime film to rank #1 on Billboard in video sales, which currently total more than 1.5 million copies across the franchise. With the release of “Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie” in 2016 and a new live action version of “Ghost in the Shell” set to release at the end of March, there has been a huge resurgence in fan interest for the franchise worldwide.

 “We’re excited to be partnering with Lionsgate to bring the original ‘Ghost in the Shell’ movie back to U.S. theaters,” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of Funimation. “’Ghost in the Shell’ is truly a seminal work in anime cinema and it helped firmly establish a market for the genre with U.S. movie audiences.”

’Ghost in the Shell’ is an iconic property and it is great that fans will be able to watch it on the big screen for the first time in 20 years,’ said Kevin Carney, VP Marketing Lionsgate. “Many fans will be seeing the movie in a theater for the first time and Funimation has been a terrific partner to help make this possible.”

Lionsgate will be releasing a new, deluxe collector’s edition of the remastered original on Blu-Ray with Digital HD.  This new edition will feature steelbook packaging and Mondo artwork and will be available in retail outlets beginning March 7, 2017.

 Synopsis

2029 - A female cybernetic government agent, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of “The Puppet Master,” a mysterious and threatening computer virus capable of infiltrating human hosts. Together, with her fellow agents from Section 9, they embark on a high-tech race against time to capture the omnipresent entity. 

For more information on “Ghost in the Shell” visit funimationfilms.com/ghostintheshell

Anime Platform Hummingbird.me Rebrands and Launches as Kitsu.io

Anime platform Hummingbird.me has rebranded as Kitsu.io, setting its sights on becoming the preeminent means for anime and manga fans to track, share and discover more of what they love. The rebranding includes a total rewrite of the platform.

The newly named Kitsu.io will provide anime fans with a means to track and keep up to date with new anime and manga. Fans can discover new anime and socialize with others in the community via the new platform’s personal and global activity feeds.

“Kitsu goes beyond being merely a utility for you to track your progress in your shows and manga. We’re focusing heavily on the social aspect of anime and manga too,” says founder and lead designer Josh Fabian. “Leveraging similar technology to sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Twitch, the new platform makes it easier than ever before to find like-minded anime fans and discuss new trends and finds.”

Kitsu uses machine learning to personalize each user’s activity feed, incorporating a tech and design based approach to help build and improve the social side of anime and manga. This is a new offering in an otherwise dated industry on the web. Too many existing avenues that anime and manga fans use to connect haven’t changed in the last 10 years or more; the whole anime industry as a whole  simply isn’t geared towards the modern web.

Anime in the United States is big business. The total market worth is was $2.7 billion in 2014, which was much smaller than markets in Japan and China, which weigh in at $14.1 billion and $31 billion respectively in the same year. Roughly 600 anime films are downloaded every minute or, to put it another way, 10 every second.

“My goal for Kitsu is to see it become the number one platform that anime fans use to connect with each other,” Fabian continues. “There is a real dearth of quality platforms available out there, and we want to become the biggest, like the IMDB of the anime world.”

The Youngest Spider-Girl in Trouble: Amazing Spiderman Renew your vows

Annie May must save the day in this preview of next week's Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #3.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: RENEW YOUR VOWS #3
GERRY CONWAY (w) • RYAN STEGMAN (a/C)
VARIANT COVER BY JOE QUINONES
• The Mole Man has attacked New York, and Spider-Man and MJ are down for the count!
• There’s only one person who can save them… their daughter!!
• On a school night?!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

Kodansha Comics Launches the Science-Fiction Manga by Nihei Humble Book Bundle

Kodansha Comics presents the Science Fiction Manga by Nihei book bundle in partnership with Humble Bundle. The offering amounts to $185 worth of digital manga, featuring legendary manga-ka Tsutomu Nihei’s early mind-benders BLAME! and NOiSE up to his masterpiece, Knights of Sidonia. The actual cost of the bundle is based on Humble Bundle’s unique pay-what-you-want charitable model.

“This is an unprecedented deep-dive opportunity into the work of the foremost science-fiction manga artist of his generation, Tsutomu Nihei,” said Alvin Lu, General Manager of Kodansha Advanced Media.

The manga comes in multiple formats including CBZ, PDF, and ePub, so they can be read on computer, e-readers, iPads, cell phones, and a wide array of mobile devices. Bundle buyers choose where their money goes—between Kodansha Comics, three charities (Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, Worldreader, and Mental Health Foundation), and, if they like, a fourth charity of their choice via the PayPal Giving Fund. If they like what Humble Bundle does, they can leave a Humble Tip too.

This special bundle ends WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 10:59 A.M. PACIFIC TIME. 

Here’s what bundle buyers get with each tier: 
 

FREE with newsletter sign up
Unlock NOiSE, a prequel to BLAME!

Pay $1 or more
Unlock all of the above + BLAME! volume 1 + a 1-month subscription to Crunchyroll

Pay $8 or more
Unlock all of the above + BLAME! volume 2 + the never-before-published-in-English BLAME! Academy and So On, a spinoff of BLAME!

Pay $17 or more
Unlock all of the above + the Knights of Sidonia Complete Set (volumes 1-15)

Furthermore, if Kodansha Comics hits its bonus goals all buyers unlock never-before-seen new work from Nihei,

APOSIMZ
A prologue chapter from Nihei’s next manga series. Unlock at $50K.

Tsutomu Nihei Creator Profile video
Unlock at $75K.

Science Fiction Manga by Nihei: Collected Works
Art booklet. Unlock at $100K.