We are not going away, but becoming the more unified J1 Studios that we're supposed to be.

We are not going away, but becoming the more unified J1 Studios that were supposed to be. In the next coming weeks this blog will be moving over to the new home for all J1 Studios sections. There's good news and there's bad news. The bad news is that we won't have our specific section names. The good news is that what we post will stay the same quality if not better, and we will be able to post more often than specific times a week, so that way you can come back at any time and find more and more news and reviews. We will also truly be under one roof. If you are looking for a specific subject when you get there, you can use our new search bar, or our Categories section on the right. Thank you for your cooperation. Come see us at www.j1studios.com

Transformers: Rescue Bots Preview

Nearly thirty years ago, we were introduced to shape-shifting robots from a distant planet who travel to Earth. Over the years, Transformers has generated a large fan base through several TV series, a trilogy of blockbuster movies, and is Hasbro’s most successful toy line.

Transformers: Rescue Bots is the latest chapter in the Transformers’ universe. It centers on four Autobots who travel to Earth to meet Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen). Optimus assigns the Rescue Bots to assist a family of heroes in a high-tech town. Unlike previous series including Transformers Prime, which has a darker tone, Rescue Bots is geared for younger viewers. Follow the adventures of Chase, Boulder, Heat Wave and Blades as they protect our planet. Transformers: Rescue Bots airs Saturdays 9:30am EST on the Hub.

http://www.hubworld.com/watch/1539270895001/transformers-rescue-bots-meet-the-rescue-bots-promo

Cartoon Network wants YOU to bring back Toonami!

Toonami was Cartoon Network’s hot spot for action cartoons. It first aired on March 17, 1997 and its final broadcast was on September 20, 2008. On April Fools’ Day 2012, Cartoon Network ran Toonami starting with a new episode of Bleach followed by a trip down memory lane airing anime classics such as Dragon Ball Z, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki, Outlaw Star, The Big O season 1, YuYu Hakusho, Blue Submarine No. 6, Trigun, Astro Boy, and Gigantor. Afterward, Cartoon Network posted on Twitter "Want it back? Let us know. #BringBackToonami." On April 4, Adult Swim followed up this tweet with one stating, "#BringBackToonami We've heard you. Thank you for your passion and interest - stay tuned." What this means is anyone’s guess.

However, on a side note, Cartoon Network is running its old block Cartoon Planet, which features its old original programing from 1996-2008 in celebration of its 20th anniversary. The returning lineup includes Dexter’s Laboratory, Chowder, Powerpuff Girls, and more. They officially re-aired on April 6, 2012. The shows that recently held that spot have been moved to Saturday morning.

Rosario+Vampire Review

Rosario+Vampire Review


When I first picked up the manga Rosario+Vampire, I was immediately drawn to the story. It opened up a supernatural world that was different from what I've seen in other books and movies. After seeing adult monsters, what were their teenage years like? Akihisa Ikeda's manga helped with that answer.

Rosario+Vampire is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akihisa Ikeda that tells the story of Tsukune Aono, a human high school student who is accidently sent to Yokai Academy. He quickly finds out that it's a school for monsters! Worse yet, any human who sees it is killed on sight. One his first day there, Tsukune has a run in with Moka Akashiya, a beautiful vampire who quickly befriends him after sucking his blood. As the story goes on Tsukune meets other supernatural creatures including a succubus, a snow fairy, witches and a werewolf. Being the only human in a school full of monsters makes it hard for Tsukune to fit in, but with the help of his friends, he doesn't have to worry about being alone.

I've watched the anime in Japanese and enjoyed it just as much as the manga. The characters in the anime matched the personalities that Akihisa Ikeda wrote in his books for them. I couldn't wait for it to be dubbed in English. The aforementioned company is well-known for releasing anime favorites such as Soul Eater, One Piece, Sekirei, Hell Girl, Fullmetal Alchemist, and the Dragon Ball sagas. When it comes to picking the right actors for dubbing, Funimation doesn't disappoint.
Alexis Tipton voices Moka Akashiya, the beautiful vampire who befriends Tsukune Aono on their first day at Yokai Academy. She does a wonderful job of bringing out Moka's kind-hearted nature with a soft spoken voice similar to Orihime from Bleach. Reading the manga, this was the voice that makes sense to read her lines: a warm kind personality such as hers deserved an actress to match. Alexis' best known roles include Mizuki Himeji in Baka and Test, Emi Kizaki in Linebarrels of Iron, Musubi in Sekirei, Black Butler's Queen Victoria (Young), Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos- Julia Crichton.

Moka's vampire or "Inner" self is voiced by Colleen Smith Clinkenbeard. She has provided voices for a number of English language versions of Japanese anime films and series, most notably, Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece. Most of the characters Colleen voiced are usually high voiced and excited characters like Luffy or Matsu, so it was interesting to hear her express the darker demeanor of Moka's prideful vampire self.

In the Japanese version of the anime, Moka's voice actress is Nana Mizuki, who is also responsible for performing the theme songs for both anime seasons.
Todd Michael Haberkorn voices Yokai Academy's lone human Tsukune Aono. I imagined Tsukune awkward and nervous in this unique twist on the classic high school coming-of-age story. Not only does he have to keep his grades up but he also has to contend with keeping the fact that he is human secret from the monstrous students of Yokai Academy. However Tsukune's biggest problem is keeping the cute girls who have taken a liking to him from killing each other.
Todd's voice acting with Tsukune is very entertaining especially with the situations that the character is thrust into. His other roles include Hell Girl - Ren Ichimoku, Sekirei - Hayato Mikogami, Soul Eater - Death the Kid, and Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition - Yun.

Moka isn't the only girl infatuated with Tsukune, however. Our hapless human soon has a run-in with Kurumu Kurono, a cute and busty succubus who seduces Tsukune to get back at Moka for ruining her plan to turn all the male students into her personal harem. At first, Kurumu is spiteful and conceded but soon changes her ways when Tsukune saves her from Inner Moka. Since then she has chosen Tsukune as her "mate of fate."
Brina Michelle Palencia is the voice behind Yokai’s seductive succubus. Given her other roles (Dragon Ball Z Kai - Chiaotzu, Puar Hell Girl - Ai Enma, Sekirei - Yukari Sahashi) it was no surprise that she would bring out the arrogant, spiteful personality edge in Moka, as well as her ability to be gentle and caring.

Yukari Sendo is a young witch who was skipped a couple grades because of her high intellect. She tormented and played pranks on Tsukune and other students using her magic. It wasn’t until Tsukune came to understand her loneliness that Yukari atoned for her pranks and joins the group.
The young impetuous witch is voiced by Monica Jean Rial (Dragon Ball Z Kai - Bulma, Sekirei - Miya Asama, Soul Eater - Tsubaki Nakatsukasa). Some of the characters Monica plays are just excitable as Yukari so her performance works well.

With a love sick succubus, a wily witch and the school’s hottest vampire hooked on his blood, what else could happen in Tsukune’s school life. How about that chilling feeling of constantly being watched? Mizore Shirayukiis a snow fairy who has developed a crush on Tsukune through the articles he writes for the school paper. After a fashion, Tsukune befriends the shy snow fairy.
Tia Lynn Ballard puts the icy chill in Mizore’s soft spoken voice. Other roles include Sekirei – Kusano and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Xiao Mei. Mizore’s quiet cool demeanor is brought out nicely by Tia.

Since attending Yokai Academy, Tsukune has longed for the chance to return to the human world. His chance comes during spring break when the Newspaper Club gets an assignment to write about the human world. There, he and his friends meet a witch named Ruby Tojo. After a confrontation, she makes a return appearance to help the Newspaper Club when they get in trouble.
The eccentric Ruby is voiced wonderfully by Leah Clark who has also voiced Sekirei - Homura, Soul Eater - Blair, and One Piece - Coby, Paula, Pukau (young), and Wyper (young).
Ginei Morioka is a second year student at Yokai Academy and Chief Editor of the Newspaper Club. He is a shameless peeping tom. Though his affections lie with Moka, he has no second thoughts about trying to impress other girls.

Ian Sinclair is a joy providing Gin’s smooth-talking, womanizing personality. He has also voiced for Bamboo Blade - Toraji Ishida, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Liam, and One Piece - Ian.
Akihisa Ikeda has created some interestingly entertaining characters in Rosario+Vampire as well as a fascinating storyline. The English Dub anime is just as humorous and charming as the manga and Japanese anime. Tsukune reminds us of that awkward first day at a new school some of us can relate to. Moka and the other girls just may have been the friends we had in school. And the outrageous situations Yokai’s lone human is thrust into—other monsters threatening to kill him or getting him to join a gang (in the manga)—might’ve been similar to an awkward moment we’ve all had…minus the teeth and claws of course. Rosario+Vampire English Dub DVD gets 4 out of 5.
Brian M.

2012 Sakura Sunday Festival

Sunday, April 15th was the date for the 2012 Sakura Sunday, possibly one of the biggest Japanese culture events in Philly. For those who don’t know what Sakura Sunday is, it’s the marquee event for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Philadelphia. The festival is an initiative to encourage the better understanding of the cultural, social, and educational cultures of Japan and the US and Sakura Sunday is the festival’s biggest day.

Hundreds of people came out to be a part of this annual celebration on Sunday. From the Japanese community to the cosplayers and anime fans who came out en masse, Sakura Sunday was a colorful sight to behold. People lined up to partake of many events, from viewing workshops on calligraphy and origami, watching live demonstrations of multiple martial arts, to seeing a live (and colorful) Taiko Drum and Dance routine performed by Tamagawa University. Even the cosplayers had their moments, from a Harajuku Fashion show to a cosplay show done by members of Zenkaikon.

Overall, it was an amazing event. From the colorful sights of the cosplayers to the thunderous sounds of the Taiko drums, Sakura Sunday was an amazing experience.

What is Berserk: Golden Age Arc?

Director: Toshiyuki Kubooka
Production: Studio 4°C
Writer: Ichirō Ōkouchi
Music: Shirō Sagisu and Susumu Hirasawa
Release date: June 23, 2012

An action horror manga spanning decades of serialization; Berserk stars Guts, a man cursed since birth to live only a life of war and battle, and focuses on his life through the years he was a member of an elite mercenary group. Started in 1990, and still running, the manga has been reworked into several other forms: novelization, several video games, and an anime. To this day, the biggest complaint fans have had regarding the games and anime was that there wasn't enough of it; these additions to Berserk’s main story only follow one arc from the story, and that there hasn't been any new material to keep their fancy since the PS2 game released in 2004. Well, the long wait is almost over, and it was totally worth it.

In September of 2010, it was announced that a new movie project, titled "Berserk: Golden Age Arc" would be released as a trilogy, covering the back story of Guts in glorious high definition and superior movie production quality. On February 4th 2012, Part 1 was released, and many a fan watched in euphoric bloody joy at the cinematic opening to Guts' life. Many others who didn't know what "all the hoo-haa" was all about suddenly found themselves clearing the manga stores out of their back issues to catch up on all that they missed. The real wait, however, is for the 23rd of June when Part 2 is released in Japanese theaters. While Part 1 served as a nice opening and introduction to the characters and back story, Part 2 is the heart and crux of the legend, where the plots of the future are established and the points of notoriety are made. The release date for the conclusive Part 3 has yet to be announced, aside from "later in 2012", but suffice to say that after the record-breaking sales in movie theater tickets expected this summer, that everyone will be on the watch-list for the fall showings.

Coming soon to Japanese theaters: Berserk: Golden Age Arc 2

Berserk: Golden Age Arc 2 trailer

Supernatural Anime Review

Supernatural is a television series that debuted on the WB network in October 2005 and currently runs weekly on the CW. The series follows the tale of Sam and Dean Winchester as they travel across the country hunting various supernatural creatures such as werewolves, vampires and demons. Years ago, when Sam and Dean were young, their mother was killed by a yellow-eyed demon. Since then, Sam and Dean have been on the hunt for the yellow-eyed demon, dealing with "odd" jobs along the way. The show gathered a large following over the seasons, making it one of the CW's most popular shows. During those years, the Winchester brothers have fought against demons, angels, evil spirits, and even each other. Supernatural's fan base has grown worldwide and is currently airing in various countries. Warner Bros. Japan wanted to take the show somewhere that it's never been before.

Japanese animation studio Madhouse Inc. was assigned to produce the anime version of Supernatural. Madhouse has produced other anime including Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Trigun, Di Gi Charat and Death Note. With help from series creator Eric Kripke, Madhouse was able to gather all kinds of resources for the anime including comics and sidestories, as well as the series itself. The anime series covers the first two seasons of Supernatural with some episodes taken from the comics and even a few anime-only originals. Select episodes from the live action series have been retold with new vision while still retaining the suspense and humor that made Supernatural popular. The action in the anime Supernatural is taken to a level that can't be done in the original series.

One instance is an episode that flashbacks on Sam and Dean's childhood when they were hunting with their father. A spirit had taken possession of junked cars and formed them into a giant robot type beast; something that couldn't be achieved in the live series. Another is the reimagined episode with a creature known as a Shapeshifter. Its metamorphic ability was upgraded to something more dynamic than when Eric Kripke introduced it in the first season; this scene alone was really cool. The Shapeshifter first puffs its body up, then it spreads the skin apart and emereges in a new form like a butterfly from a cocoon. The appearance and metamorphic sequence of the Shapeshifter in the anime were above the live series' budget, where it simply removed its skin off like wet clothing.

Supernatural is also known for the development of its characters. The anime does not disappoint. The chemestry between Sam and Dean plays out much the same way as the series. Dean is the older brother, always willing to do anything to protect his younger brother. Sam has always looked up to Dean and continues to do so. John Winchester is still the tough-as-nails hardened hunter that Kripke made him out to be. Sam and Dean's father is hard on his boys but deep down he loves them. I like how Madhouse made John into a bad-to-the-bone loner type of guy who drives around in a hearse, a great re-imagining for his wheels. This John Winchester is an awesome character and is just as gritty, if not more gritty, than his television counterpart.

Being a fan of Supernatural, I didn't know what to expect from the Japanese versions of Sam and Dean. However, I keep my mind open and I have to say I'm impressed with Yuya Uchida, who voices Sam Winchester in the Japanese dub of the series, and Hiroko Touchi, who voices Dean. Madhouse's Naoya Takayama, who supervised the scripts, truly brought the same suspense and mystery to the anime that it had in its live action counterpart. Takahiro Yoshimatsu's character design is truly impressive. He captured the essence of the Winchesters; they resemble the actors that portray them in Kripke's series; they also bring the same charm that actors Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles do in the series.

Yuya Uchida has voice acted in Eyeshield 21 (Shien Mushanokoji aka: "The Kid"), Naruto Shippuden (Rinji), Soul Eater (Franken Stein), and Black Butler (Ash).

Hiroko Touchi has several popular anime series under his belt with Bleach as Kūgo Ginjō, Trinity Blood as Abel Nightroad, and Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO as Major Michael Colmatta. He has also voiced for several games including Uncharted, Final Fantasy XIII, and Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Touchi has also dubbed for Will Smith and Christian Bale.

Andrew Farrar does a good job filling in for Jenson Ackles, who couldn't appear until the final two episodes because of scheduling issues, voicing Dean Winchester for the English dub. Jared Padalecki voices Sam throughout the anime series.

I have watched Supernatural since the beginning partly because of my interest in the unknown, but also it's a fun and entertaining show full of suspense, mystery, action, and humor. There are twists and turns that'll keep you wondering as to what's gonna happen next, and you'll have to keep watching to find out. Though the anime is a retelling of those episodes, I still had the same feeling that I had and still have for the live show. Supernatural: The Animation is sure to entertain fans of the original series as well as invite new fans of both series. I recommend this for anyone who's a fan of the show or looking for a cool new anime to watch.

Supernatural: The Animation gets 4.5 out of 5.

INSIDE THE CHAMBER: INTERVIEW WITH BUENO; CREATOR OF GUN CALIBER

Hi everyone. It's Frankie Rodriguez from Comic Book Clash. What am I doing writing for Culture Force? Well, I am a big fan of Anime and Tokusatsu, so I figured I would add to the tapestry that is Culture Force. And we start with an interview with the creator, writer, director and actor of the upcoming Tokusatsu feature, Gun Caliber, Bueno.

1. First, thank you again for this interview. With your infamous trailer, are starting filming this month?

Yeah, we start filming at the end of this month.  We're starting off with the action scenes since those are the hardest scenes to film and take up the most time. 

2. For fans who just haven't seen to gotten the word yet, tell us about this upcoming feature Gun Caliber? 

It's about the everyday life of Gun Caliber, a stubborn, negligent, irresponsible, perverted, alcoholic superhero and takes place in a world where being a superhero is an everyday thing.  Kinda like Mystery Men, No Heroics and Tiger & Bunny.  There's all kinds of heroes.  Famous ones, unknowns, and has-beens.  Gun Caliber is a mix of all three.  Just when he thinks his life can't get any shittier, he's then given a pretty big job by this lady professor where he has to retrieve a radioactive filter called the "Gen-Drive" from a bunch of baddies who want to make Tokyo E-X-P-L-O-D-E!

3. How does it feel holding on to the multiple roles of director, writer, creator & star of Gun Caliber? Do you find it easier to joggle with you wearing all those hats yourself or harder?  

It's definitely harder. Especially when I'm the sole person funding the whole thing.  I have a personal life on top of this and basically have to balance all those roles with your my personal schedule...AND THEN the schedule of all the other people who you need to help me.  Sometimes doing all these things by yourself can be really stressful, but can be rewarding if it all pays off in the end.

4. Now, what about Gun Caliber himself as a character. He obviously is not your typical "boy scout" like many of the Tokusatsu heroes that we know. What insight can you give us about him? 

Although he's a "superhero" he's very reluctant about it, but he enjoys the perks.  Him being a superhero means he actually has more authority than the police and tends to use his status in all the wrong ways.  This usually leads to womanizing, drug abuse, alcoholism and all sorts of scandals.  

For Gun Caliber, being a superhero is just a normal everyday job.  He wakes up, watches TV, makes bad guys blow up, gets a beer, orders some Delivery-Health (a girl prostitute), and calls it a day.

Even though he's not the most ecstatic about the job as a whole, he enjoys the fighting and tends to be a show-off when in battle.  He's got the skill to be a hero, but uses it only when he feels like it.

5. Who would you say are Gun Caliber's main villain(s)? And why are they against our dashing hero? 

 The character and story isn't really established yet so it's hard to say.  If it goes on for a couple more years and we have more characters by that time, maybe then I can answer that question.

6. Do you think all of Gun Caliber's notable vices (drinking, smoking, women) actual help or hurt him and why?

They totally ruin his life.  He's basically become this really washed up superhero because he just likes to have a little bit too much fun.

But it also helps divide him from the typical Japanese superhero.  You see, the Japanese mentality of Tokusatsu is that it's always shot with the intent of selling the toys to the kids.  With this movie, there's no toys to be sold, so I can just go crazy with the idea and make it entertaining in my own style.

7. This is a Tokusatsu project and there are lots of homages that can be seen (like one of the Pink Ranger women dressed as Time Pink) but what got you into Tokusatsu? What are some of your favorites?  

Like all the other kids,  I watched Power Rangers first.  It was a little tacky for my tastes, so I tuned out for awhile, but when I went to visit the Philippines, I saw Kamen Rider Black for the first time.  I didn't know why it was better, but I definitely felt it being better.  I think it was because there were less characters to focus on that it felt like a more gripping story.  I also loved how he'd transform, kick a monster in the face and make them blow up.

I also watched a Keita Amemiya movie called "Mirai Ninja" which was released in the west under two different titles.  "Warlord" and then later on by Streamline Pictures as "Cyber Ninja".  At first, I thought this movie was cheesy, but then gave it a second and third chance and started to like it more and more.  The whole concept of the character Shiranui is totally badass.

As for favorites....frellin' hell...too many to name, but here goes....

Kamen Rider, Dennou Keisatsu Cybercop, Kamen Rider Black, Gen Sei Shin Justiriser, Kamen Rider Kuuga, Powered Sister, Kamen Rider Agito, Garo, Kamen Rider Ryuki, Evolver, Kamen Rider Faiz, Dekaranger, Kamen Rider Hibiki, Choujinki Metalder, Mikazuki, Gekiranger, Shinkenger, Kamen Rider W, Kamen Rider Fourze, Magnizer-1, and Houjin Yatsurugi.

...just to name a few.

8. Starring as Gun Caliber, are you doing your own stunts? If so, how much training have you had in martial arts, stunt work, etc? 

Excluding some instances where both Gun Caliber and Soma (Gun Caliber secret identity) are on the screen at the same time, I'm pretty much doing my all own suit work and stunts throughout the whole movie.  Not because it's a macho thing to do, but because there's no money nor time for stuntmen to double for me.

I honestly haven't had much stunt work in my lifetime and that'll probably never change, but I've been on 3 productions here in Japan.  My first one was a stage show for Lion Maru G where I played as one of the "Shadow" insect Ninjas.  Then I played the role of Kamen Rider Kick Hopper in a stage show for Kamen Rider Kabuto at a run down amusement park.  I also helped out on a night drama called Elite Yankee Saburo where I get slapped in the face by the title character.  I've only got be in front of the camera for action once, but it was a pretty fun shoot.

I have a martial arts background in Jeet Kune Do/San Shou and Taolu (weapon and empty hand forms) in Chinese Wushu.  I'm WAY out of practice though and could really use a coach again in my life...

One thing I wanna clear up is the misconception that everybody seems to have about martial arts and action movies.

Knowing martial arts, does not mean that you can automatically do action.  They are two totally different things and a lot of people who watch action movies and martial arts movies don't seem to realize that.

9. What is your ultimate goal with Gun Caliber? 

I really just wanna make a fun superhero-action-comedy the way that I want to make it.  If people actually follow it, buy the DVD and make it successful, then that's way more than I expected.  I just love movies and Tokusatsu, so if it grows into something more than what it was meant to be, that's just a bonus really.

But hopefully there's enough of a following out there that'll support me enough to make my next Garage Hero...

10. Can you estimate when it will be released? and How will it be released?  Indy theaters? Your website? Youtube? 

I plan on releasing it either sometime at the beginning or middle of 2013.  Its really hard to say if it'll be finished by that time but for now that's what we're aiming for.  The reason for this is because we want to get it around to all the film festivals, sci-fi/anime/comic conventions, colleges, and other venues before we eventually sell it on DVD.

11. If you had a chance to do a dream team up of any Tokusatsu hero & Gun Caliber, who would it be & why? 

 I think it would have to be Tentai Senshi Sunred.  From what I've seen, he'd probably get along just fine with Gun Caliber.

12. Finally, you are about to pitch Gun Caliber as a series to a major cable network (being everyone who is reading this). Give us that pitch to sell us on it.  

"Gun Caliber" shows a side of Japanese superheroes that is not aimed towards a young audience, but instead the children of yesterday who have grown up watching Tokusatsu.  Amidst all the sex, violence, explicit language, drug abuse, and alcohol, lies a character who hides his true desire to redeem himself and the choices he makes to walk down that path.

With interesting characters, stylish action, and funny scenarios, this will not only entertain those who have a love of special effects and superheroes, but for those who just want to watch a fun superhero action comedy.

Thank you again Bueno. 

You're more than welcome. 

For more on Gun Caliber & more, Gun Caliber. Press the link and enjoy.