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Today's Highlight - January 16th, 2012 11:34 AM by Aaron H. Bynum

Sentai Filmworks' has acquired a half-dozen new titles, all scheduled for digital and home video distribution later this year. New anime arriving Stateside include supernatural romantic comedy ('Inu x Boku S.S.'), a summertime comedy ('Ano Natsu de Matteru'), a tale of miniskirts and space pirates ('Mouretsu Pirates'), and a classic 1988 war story from Studio Ghibli ('Grave of the Fireflies'). Most of the newer titles are already available, or will soon be available online.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 10th, 2012

Kang Do-young's webcomic '26 Years' is looking to re-enter production as a live-action theatrical title after having gone into hiatus three years ago. '26 Years' is a slight departure for Mr. Kang, who typically dabbles in humanist-driven dynamics of personal struggles. The webcomic of note chronicles a dramatic, fanatical reaction to the government's militant affront to the Gwangju People's Uprising of 1980.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 10th, 2012

From 'Marsupilami' to 'Rekkit Rabbit' to 'Fanboy & Chum Chum,' broadcast agreements to primarily Central America and South America have positively dotted the early months of 2012. News highlights also include an update from Vancouver, BC's Nerd Corps Entertainment, the lead production studio on a new CG 'Max Steel' animated series.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 10th, 2012

Disney Cruise Line has opened up the books for the first half of 2013, scheduling new itineraries for the Bahamas, the Mediterranean, and even the Alaskan coastline. The line of vessels also include a departure from Miami, FL, for the first time. Themed pool areas, character meet-ups, family-friendly lounges, bazaars, and more will populate the schedule of vacationers.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 8th, 2012

'The Art of the Mass Effect Universe' is a new hardcover (180+ pages) housing concept art, environmental designs, and weapon/armor specs for characters, creatures, and locations appearing in each of the three 'Mass Effect' videogames developed by Edmonton, AB-based BioWare. The hardcover artbook retails February 2012, with reasonable lead time ahead of the domestic release of 'Mass Effect 3' (March 2012).

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 8th, 2012

Highlights and table of contents for Disney's 'D23' magazine publication. Celebrating 75 years of animated feature filmmaking, the media group has pulled together a number of retrospectives, transcripts, and interviews that will review and interpret the company's extensive history of cartoon movie production. Included in this issue of 'D23' is an interview with Tyrus Wong.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 8th, 2012

The winners have been announced for the award show for all things animated. As expected, Verbinski's CG feature 'Rango' took home a number of key prizes in the features department. Elsewhere, 'Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice,' 'Kung Fu Panda 2,' and 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates' earned hardware as well. Competing this year was a more robust list of character animation and effects artists for live-action productions; plus new categories for editing in television and film appeared as well.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 6th, 2012

Review of the anime series 'Yamada's First Time' (originally, 'B Gata H Kei'). Inane and uproarious, this ecchi comedy traces the tactless efforts of one high school girl to lose her virginity. Yamada's imagination is full of attention-grabbing experiences, but in reality, she has absolutely no idea how to win the heart (or loins) of classmate and target, Kosuda. 'Yamada's First Time' is consistently funny and surprisingly humble.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 6th, 2012

The World R:X is a marvelous and expansive, interactive RPG. That is, except when there's a player killer roaming around who is purposely sending users into irretrievable comas. In '.hack//Quantum,' three high school friends cross paths with a truly dangerous character, and one of them pays the price. Can a bumbling and impatient Asumi and geeky Iori find the help they need before it's too late?

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 3rd, 2012

February 2012 is a busy month for Disney Junior. On the pirate side of things, the hourlong TV special 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns' will premiere, while later in the month, the 2D preschool animation's second season officially kicks into gear. In the TV special, Peter Pan comes back to Never Land, but loses track of his shadow (now in the clutches of Captain Hook). Video inside.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: February 3rd, 2012

Next week is the first full week of the new CG preschool series 'Mike the Knight' on Nickelodeon (Nick Jr.). Co-produced by HIT Ent. and Nelvana, the new cartoon traces the steps of an ambitious knight-in-training, his dragon pals, and his wizard-in-training sister, Evie, as they search for adventure and companionship in a medieval setting.