Vatican Unveils ‘Luce’ Mascot to Engage Youth for 2025 Jubilee Year
The Vatican has unveiled its official mascot, Luce, for the 2025 Jubilee Year, aiming to connect with younger audiences. Designed by Simone Legno, Luce symbolizes hope and resilience, making her debut at the Lucca Comics and Games convention. This innovative approach highlights the Church’s commitment to engaging youth with the message of faith and love.
VIZ Media Confirms English Release of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run for Summer 2025
VIZ Media has announced the English localization of ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run,’ set for summer 2025. This highly anticipated release follows Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli in a thrilling cross-country race. Additionally, fans can look forward to the ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Globe-Trotter Travel Guidebook,’ featuring exclusive content and insights from creator Hirohiko Araki. Stay updated as the legacy of JoJo continues to captivate audiences!
Viz Media Acquires RWBY Series Following Rooster Teeth Closure
Viz Media acquires the popular RWBY series following Rooster Teeth’s closure, gaining rights for future distribution, production, and consumer products. The franchise has seen manga adaptations by Viz Media, including works by Shirow Miwa and Bunta Kinami. Ramifications of Rooster Teeth’s closure were felt in March, with Warner Bros. Discovery exploring options for its intellectual properties like RWBY.
JioCinema to Launch Massive Anime Library in India
JioCinema is set to launch a massive Anime library on May 12, featuring popular titles like ‘Demon Slayer’ and ‘My Next Life as a Villainess.’ This move aims to grow the anime fan community in India and cater to the increasing demand for Anime content, tapping into a niche market and providing viewers with access to a wide array of series.
Netflix Announces Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura Crossover Anime Premiere on June 6
Netflix announces the highly anticipated crossover anime, Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura, set to premiere on June 6. This groundbreaking collaboration between the two series promises an electrifying experience for fans, bringing the martial arts manga masterpieces together in a way that has never been seen before. Stay tuned for the much-anticipated premiere on Netflix this June.
Crunchyroll Addresses Rumors of Potential Price Change for Subscribers
Crunchyroll addresses rumors of potential price changes for subscribers, clarifying that there are no announcements at this time. However, Funimation subscribers transitioning to Crunchyroll may experience price changes and Canadian subscribers will face a currency change. Funimation app set to shut down on April 2, with options for subscribers to migrate their accounts to Crunchyroll or merge with an existing account. Both Funimation and Crunchyroll have implemented price increases in the past, reflecting the evolving landscape of anime streaming services.
Mixed Reviews for Netflix’s Live-Action Avatar: The Last Airbender
Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender has premiered its first season, receiving mixed reviews. Departing from the original animated series, the adaptation presents an endearing but imperfect take on the beloved story. While it impresses with visual effects, it falls short of capturing the essence of the original, offering hope for future adaptations.
McDonald’s Launches WcDonald’s, a Fictional Restaurant from Popular Anime, in Global Markets
McDonald’s is launching WcDonald’s, a fictional restaurant from popular anime, in over 30 global markets. The collaboration with the anime industry will bring the WcDonald’s universe to life through a new savory chili sauce, manga-inspired packaging, original episodic shorts, and more. This launch reflects the growing influence of anime in popular culture and aims to bring fans’ creativity to life.
‘The End of Evangelion’ Comes to Theaters for Two Nights in March – Film News in Brief
GKIDS brings the 1997 animated feature ‘End of Evangelion’ to select theaters for event screenings on March 17 and 20, marking the first time the film has been shown in theaters in North America. The film, created as an alternative ending to the ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ TV series, will screen in Japanese with English subtitles. Additionally, a new documentary chronicling the life and rise to fame of Australian rapper-singer the Kid Laroi will be available to stream on Prime Video on Feb. 29.
Funimation to End Website and App Services on April 2, 2024
Funimation, a popular anime streaming service, is set to officially end its website and app services on April 2, 2024. This move comes after the 2021 announcement of Funimation merging into Crunchyroll, providing anime fans with the option to subscribe to both services while Crunchyroll gradually integrates Funimation’s catalog into its platform. Funimation users now have a two-month window to either cancel their subscription or merge their Funimation and Crunchyroll accounts before the impending shutdown.