Category Archives: Conventions

Ryota Takeuchi Has Been Added to the Guest List for Otakon 2025

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Ryota Takeuchi

Japanese voice actor Ryota Takeuchi will be a guest at Otakon 2025. He is known for his work in many popular anime productions.

Takeuchi has voiced a wide range of characters in many titles, such as Kamo Serizawa in “Blue Miburo”; Wakatoshi Ushijima in “Haikyu!!”; Elias Ainsworth in “The Ancient Magus’ Bride”; Adalbert von Fahrenheit in “Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These”; Darui in “Naruto”; Charlotte Bavarois in “One Piece”; Kenji Tsuragamae in “My Hero Academia”; Thomas in “Attack on Titan” and many others.

He is affiliated with Aoni Production.

Otakon 2025 will be held from August 8-10, 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

SDCC 205: Stephanie Williams and Letizia Cadonici Unearth Roots of Madness at Ignition Press

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Writer Stephanie Williams teams with artist Letizia Cadonici team for a brand-new cosmic horror comic book series entitled Roots of Madness at Ignition Press. The publisher will preview the series during Comic-Con International in San Diego (SDCC) at the previously announced boutique pop-up, the Ignition Press Room, in the Gaslamp District.

At the turn of the 20th century, a young Black woman named Etta Knight picks up the tradition of her late mother for creating special medicines using natural ingredients and secrets passed down from generation to generation. Her mother has passed on a book of recipes and formulas, but it’s also full of strange symbols and dark musings that she doesn’t quite understand…

Inspired by the life of Madame CJ Walker, this alternate history combines tradition with the supernatural for something truly modern and unique.

Roots of Madness marks Stephanie Williams’ first original print comic series and her first collaboration with artist Letizia Cadonici. The series will also feature color by Alessandro Santoro and lettering by AndWorld Design. Each issue will boast breathtaking covers by Juliet Nneka.

Fans attending Comic Con International in San Diego can get a special sneak peek at Roots of Madness by visiting the Ignition Press Room in the Gaslamp District (643 G Street). Additionally, Ignition Press will debut exclusive Roots of Madness merchandise on sale for the first time including an art print, premium canvas tote, and two types of scented hair gloss (in collaboration with Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab). As previously announced, Stephanie Williams will be in attendance for scheduled signings.

Hiroshi Nishikiori is an Otakon 2025 guest

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Hiroshi Nishikiori

Animation director and storyboard artist Hiroshi Nishikiori will be a guest at Otakon 2025.

He began his career in photography at Takahashi Production before transitioning to directing at Nippon Animation. After gaining experience at these studios, he became a freelance director and has since led numerous popular and influential anime projects across both television and film.

His notable television directorial works include “Angelic Layer,” “Azumanga Daioh,” “Ghost Slayers Ayashi” (“Tenpou Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi”), “A Certain Magical Index,” and “Trinity Seven.”

In film, he has directed titles such as “The☆Doraemons: Exciting Locomotive Chase!”, “Magic Tree House,” “A Certain Magical Index: The Miracle of Endymion,” “Monster Strike the Movie: Sora no Kanata,” and “IDOLiSH7 the Movie: LIVE 4bit BEYOND THE PERiOD.”

Otakon 2025 will be held from August 8-10, 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Marvel Reveals Five Trick-Or-Read Releases

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This October, Marvel Trick-Or-Read, the program that gives comic shops the opportunity to hand out recent hit comics to visitors during the Halloween season, returns for another year! In the same spirit as Free Comic Book Day, Trick-Or-Read is the perfect way to grab new readers, providing exciting entry points into the Marvel Universe and spotlighting the most popular heroes of today.

From the start of Godzilla’s pop culture-shattering battle with the Marvel Universe to historic issues and Marvel Animation tie-in comics, this year’s Trick-Or-Read reprints offer something for everyone, including younger audiences.

GODZILLA VS. FANTASTIC FOUR #1 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-READ 2025

Written by RYAN NORTH
Art by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Cover by ADAM KUBERT

THE BATTLE OF THE CENTURY BEGINS!

An instant classic for Godzilla and Marvel fans alike, written by current FF scribe Ryan North and drawn by industry legend John Romita Jr.!

The King of the Monsters battles Marvel heroes across its many different eras, starting with Marvel’s First Family! Witness how Godzilla’s lore mixes with the Mighty Marvel mythos as King Ghidorah descends upon the Earth with the Power Cosmic as Galactus’s newest herald! Can the Fantastic Four stop him from destroying New York along with the rest of the planet? It’s a city smashing spectacular as Godzilla with the help of the Silver Surfer join forces to stop the world from certain annihilation!

VENOM: LETHAL PROTECTOR #1 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-READ 2025

Written by DAVID MICHELINIE
Art and Cover by MARK BAGLEY

VENOM’S FIRST SOLO COMIC!

Just in time for the milestone Venom #250, experience where Venom’s solo run officially began! Venom’s first starring series was written by Venom co-creator David Michelinie and drawn by superstar artist Mark Bagley. In this defining story, Venom has escaped New York and now resides in San Francisco. Having turned over a new leaf, Venom decides to become a protector of the weak and forgotten. But can Marvel’s lethal protector truly become a hero?

YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #1 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-READ 2025

Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Art by ERIC GAPSTUR
Cover by LEONARDO ROMERO

PREQUEL TO THE HIT ANIMATED SERIES ON DISNEY+!

Eariler this year, Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man introduced a Peter Parker that was still finding his footing on his journey to becoming the Spider-Man we all know and love! In this official comic prequel by acclaimed creators Christos Gage and Eric Gapstur, you can take the very first steps along with him as he discovers his powers, decides to become a hero, and even picks out his name and costume! Peter’s gotta survive an entire Freshman year as a newbie crime-fighting vigilante…and if you think you know how this story goes, you are in for a surprise!

X-MEN ‘97 #1 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-READ 2025

Written by STEVE FOXE
Art by SALVA ESPIN
Cover by TODD NAUCK

THE PRELUDE TO THE BLOCKBUSTER DISNEY+ SHOW!

The X-Men are back – and the ’90s have never looked better! In this official comic book prelude to last year’s X-Men ’97, created in collaboration with the showrunners, discover what Storm, Jubilee, Wolverine and the rest of the beloved ’90s X-Men cast have been up to in the time before their return! The series from X-writer Steve Foxe and X-artist Salva Espin was packed with startling revelations that led directly into the acclaimed show, making it a must-have companion for viewers!

SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS #1 HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-READ 2025

IT’S SPIDEY TIME!

The perfect first comic for young readers! Swing into an all-new collection of adventures with Spidey, Ghost-Spider, and Miles as they face classic villains and more in this spectacular special. Kids will LOVE this easy-to-read comic sampler that also contains some action-packed activity pages!

Inquire with your local comic shop regarding availability for these TRICK-OR-READ titles this Halloween season!

Marvel Trick-Or-Read 2025

Yoshihiro Watanabe is on the Guest List for Otakon 2025

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Yoshihiro Watanabe

Producer Yoshihiro Watanabe will be a guest at Otakon 2025. He is known as the producer behind “Leviathan,” “Beastars,” and “Trigun Stampede.”

Born in 1982 in Japan, Watanabe is a producer at Studio Orange and is currently working on “Trigun Stampede” as the business producer.

Watanabe grew up in Los Angeles, and after graduating from college, he joined the U.S. branch of the animation studio Madhouse. Throughout his early years in anime industry, under legendary Masao Maruyama’s mentorship, Watanabe gained international production experience ranging from live-action to international collaboration projects.

His career involves a range of shows and roles: “Beastars” (2021, Studio Orange, business producer), “Godzilla S.P” (2021, Studio Orange, business producer), “League of Legend: New Journey Short” (2019, P.A. Works, creative producer), and “Eccentric Family 2” (2017, P.A. Works, business producer).
He is currently with Studio Orange and producing a range of future shows including “Beastars Final Season
Part 2,” “Trigun Stargaze” and “Leviathan.”

Otakon 2025 will be held from August 8-10, 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Anime Expo 2025: Crunchyroll Announces its Massive Lineup and New Series

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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu

Crunchyroll has announced a massive lineup for Anime Expo—one the largest celebrations of the medium. From July 3-6, Crunchyroll is taking fans behind the scenes of beloved series, hosting premieres for highly anticipated shows, and giving fans the first look at newly announced titles coming to the platform. 

Also, Crunchyroll announced all-new titles set to stream on the platform, with several set to premiere and have first looks at Anime Expo, including: 

  • Let’s Play—the gaming-themed webcomic premieres at Anime Expo 
  • Otherworldly Munchkin: Let’s Speedrun the Dungeon with Only 1 HP!—a new comedic isekai series with some otherworldly swag at Crunchyroll’s booth.   

Save the date! The Crunchyroll Industry Panel returns to Anime Expo on July 5 to reveal exclusive announcements and first looks, including a world premiere preview of Sentenced to Be a Hero—an action-packed dark fantasy where death is no escape—and so much more!

On Thursday, July 3, Crunchyroll Stage takes over the Platinum Ballroom at the JW Marriott. It’s game on with the world premiere of Let’s Play! The premiere goes multiplayer as Creator Leeanne M. Krecic and Director Daiki Tomiyasu chat about the bleeps and bloops behind the gaming inspired series. Be on guard for the premiere of The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4. Join the Japanese voice of Naofumi (Kaito Ishikawa) and Producer Ten Kimura to go behind the scenes of the new season. It’s also solo camping… for everyone! Pitch a tent for the special premiere of Solo Camping for Two with voice actors Daiki Hamano and Mizuki Niizaki.

The Crunchyroll Stage will also host over 10 special premiere screenings, including extended looks at the high fantasy action-adventure Clevatess and the first original anime by david production Onmyo Kaiten Re:Birth Verse. 

Fans can also get a jump start on a packed summer season with early looks at:  

  • Nyaight of the Living Cat
  • Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 4
  • To Your Eternity Season 3
  • May I Ask for One Final Thing? …and many more! 

On Friday, July 4th, trade hotdogs and fireworks to go deeper with two 2025 Crunchyroll Anime of the Year nominees. Go beyond the journey with a special panel for the 2025 Anime Award-winning Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and find out what’s next for the fan-favorite series. Ever wonder what makes The Apothecary Diaries so great? Solve the mystery with voice actors Yuki Aoi and Seto Asami. 

On Saturday, July 5th, Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE premieres the first episode in its second cour. Join the Japanese voices of Senku Ishigami (Yusuke Kobayashi) and Dr. Xeno (Kenji Nojima) to celebrate the next chapter in the lauded series. Additionally, go behind-the-romance of My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 together with the Japanese voices of Marin Kitagawa (Hina Suguta) and Wakana Gojo (Shoya Ishige).

On Sunday, July 6th, in the most literal fashion, Crunchyroll saves the biggest for last! Don’t miss the monster-sized Kaiju No. 8 panel. Also, peer beyond the veil of Toilet-bound Hanako-kun with one of the most legendary talents in anime, Megumi Ogata (Hanako-kun), joined by Producers Yuki Katayama and Shota Komatsu as they explore bringing an urban legend to life—plus, catch a sneak-peek at an upcoming episode!

Over at booth #2526, Crunchyroll will have its most immersive anime experiences ever. Step into Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle—coming to theaters on September 12; as well as Gachiakuta—streaming on Crunchyroll this July. More info coming soon!

The Crunchyroll Store is setting up shop at booth #2135 with over 30 exclusive items. Among the offerings, don’t miss the brand new Kaiju No. 8 Youtooz Vinyl Figure (Glow in the Dark Ver.) or the chance to wear your Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Shangri-La Frontier and JUJUTSU KAISEN fandom with exclusive apparel.

Kari Wahlgren is coming to Otakon 2025 as a guest

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Kari Wahlgren

Voice actor Kari Wahlgren will be a guest at Otakon 2025. She has played numerous roles in video games and anime productions.

Wahlgren’s first role was the Vespa-riding Haruko in “FLCL.” Since then, Wahlgren has voiced numerous anime characters, including Fuu in “Samurai Champloo”; Saber in “Fate/Zero” and “Fate/Stay Night”; Celty in “Durarara!!”; Dee Eye Ell in “Sword Art Online: Alicization”; Lucia Fex in “Promare”; Kagami in “Lucky Star”; Robin in “Witch Hunter Robin”; Anemone in “Eureka Seven”; Tayuya in “Naruto”; Saya and Diva in “Blood+” and Blue Rose in “Tiger & Bunny.”

Wahlgren has also voiced characters in many U.S. animation shows, including Jessica, Rick’s Spaceship and Diane in “Rick and Morty”; Starfire in the “DC Teen Titans” movies; Zatanna in “DC Superhero Girls”; Tigress in “Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness”; Charmcaster in “Ben 10”; Emma Frost in “Wolverine & The X-Men”; Shannon in “OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes”; and Anka in “Archer.”

Her notable video game roles include Mileena and Kitana in “Mortal Kombat” 1 and 11, Portnova in “Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War”; Starfire in “Injustice 2”; Aranea in “Final Fanstasy XV”; Ashe in “Final Fantasy XII”; Proctor Ingram in “Fallout 4”; Vex in “Skyrim”; and Raine in “Tales of Symphonia.” Wahlgren’s on-camera roles include Helen on “Wizards of Waverly Place”; “Criminal Minds,” and commercials for Lexus, Swiffer and Rolling Rock.

Otakon 2025 will be held from August 8-10, 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Anime Expo 2025: Beyblade X Championship Qualifiers come to Anime Expo

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Beyblade X World Championship

As the Beyblade X phenomenon continues to build with World Championship tournaments happening around the world, ADK Emotions NY Inc. and T-Licensing Inc. have announced that fans aged 13 years and older will have the opportunity to qualify for the Beyblade X World Championship finals during a special tournament for badge-holders at Anime Expo in Los Angeles. The epic tournament, sponsored by Target, will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center at Booth E-25, on July 5, 2025 starting at 10AM PST. Registration will begin at 9AM PST where the first 128 participants to arrive will be able to compete. 

Participants are strongly encouraged to bring three of their own Hasbro Beyblade X Tops to use throughout the tournament, and a limited selection of Hasbro Tops will be available to borrow on-site. The final eight participants will be battling with three different Tops in Hasbro’s Beyblade X Xtreme Battle Set Beystadium.  

During the electrifying tournament, Bey-fans will battle other Bladers using tops from Hasbro’s toy line for a chance to be named the National Champion, thus earning a coveted spot in the World Championship competition that is taking place at Tokyo Tower on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, and Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. Any fan who qualifies for the final tournament will receive a fully paid trip to Tokyo to compete. 

SDCC 2025: Ignition Press announces Voyeur from Leah Williams and David Baldeón

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In the lead up to San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Ignition Press has revealed that the second comic series in its upcoming 2025 publishing slate will be the erotic fine art heist Voyeur by Leah Williams and David Baldeón.

As head of security at the upscale Thai resort Koh Kingfisher, Rook has access to absolutely everything. From his office, he can punch into any closed-circuit camera on the island and see what all the guests are up to—and trust us, he’s seen it all. Or so he thought.

When Madeline arrives, she instantly captures Rook’s attention—and she just as quickly catches on to his game. Madeline not only picks up on the fact that he’s spying on her, but when she confronts him about his little hobby, she realizes he’s not exactly who he says he is. She knows Rook is at the resort to rob it of all its valuable art, and Madeline wants in.

Voyeur reunites writer Leah Williams and artist David Baldeón, the pair behind DC’s Power Girl series, for their first creator-owned series. The creative team is rounded out by colorist Eva de la Cruz and lettering studio AndWorld Design. The sophomore release from Ignition Press, Voyeur is a steamy fine art heist thriller set against the backdrop of the vacation resort of the ultra-elite that will leave you panting for more.

Voyeur #1 will feature two open-to-order covers by Paulina Ganucheau and Emanuela Lupacchino. Additionally, retail partners will have access to a limited-edition variant by award-winning artist Yanick Paquette. The erotic heist series is slated for five issues with the first issue releasing on September 10, 2025.

Taishi Murata is coming to Otakon 2025

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Taishi Murata

Voice actor Taishi Murata will be a guest at Otakon 2025.

Murata is a Japanese voice actor affiliated with Across Entertainment. He has voiced characters in various anime series such as Eiichiro Maruo from “Baby Steps,” Artemis from “Sailor Moon Eternal / Cosmos,” Jiruo from “Made in Abyss,” Norba Shino from “Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans,” Masaru Ebumi from “ALL OUT!!,” Pieyon from “Oshi no Ko” and many more. He has also voiced video game roles such as Toshiro Goto from “Touken Ranbu” and Go Hayami from “I-Chu”.

Otakon 2025 will be held from August 8-10, 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

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