February 10, 2017 : Watch Out! Samurai Jack Is Upon Us (Almost)
Adult Swim recently announced the premiere date for Samurai Jack… via bumper of course. The awesomeness starts March 11! I didn’t realize this season, which is only ten episodes, will conclude the series. I’d prefer to see more episodes of Jack (or anything Genndy related), but I’m definitely stoked the series will get the send off it deserves. Below is the trailer for the new season:
From the trailer, it’s pretty obvious these new episodes will be darker than the original, kid-friendly version. However, that information has already been stated in numerous articles and interviews. Some have expressed concern about this darker material; and while I can see their point, I have faith in Genndy that we will get the Samurai Jack ending everybody deserves.
posted by Pi Visuals at 11:44 pm
Tags: Genndy Tartakovsky , Samurai JackComment
February 2, 2017 : In The Midst Of Pre-Production
Despite my better judgement, I’ve decided to move forward with creating a new animated project. Writing has been complete for quite some time; and while I like the concept very much, things are pretty hectic at the moment. Therefore, meeting deadlines could be tricky. We’ll see how that goes.
In the meantime, I am currently in pre-production – which is mostly designing characters and sets. As usual, I am trying to do a few things differently compared to previous projects. This time around, the major change is with the rig. This has required plenty of testing, along with bouncing some ideas off of and getting input from UrbanExile.
An acceptable Proof Of Concept has been created, and I’m happy with it. The next step is Character Design, and the new rig will require some additional assets to be completed in Illustrator. The preliminary goal is to start animating in March, preferably early in the month. Whether that happens remains to be seen.
posted by Pi Visuals at 7:13 pm
Tags: Ad WizardsComment
January 13, 2017 : Costume Tweaks For C2E2 – Gloves
I was very proud of last year’s Halloween Costume . That night was actually a trial run for a day of Cosplaying at this Spring’s C2E2 (Chicago Comics & Entertainment Expo). The run through went well, but a few tweaks were identified.
One of these alterations was the gloves. The original set was created from a spandex suit, thin EVA foam, and a good deal of adhesive. It wasn’t the most stable (or comfortable) concoction. I wanted to make a new pair that was strictly fabric, sewn together.
So after purchasing a sewing machine, learning the basics of sewing, and doing some research online; I was able to make some acceptable gloves. Below is a screenshot of the unfinished gloves:
The material used for these was flannel. I considered using a 4-way stretch fabric but was happy with the durability this provided. IÂ still need to hem the edges at the forearms as well as Scotchgard them, but I am happy with the final product. There are a few things that could be improved, but I have decided it would be a better use of my time to focus on other aspects of the costume that need work.
posted by Pi Visuals at 2:42 pm
Tags: C2E2 , HalloweenComment
December 30, 2016 : Best Anime For Beginners?
I stumbled on a cool article at Nerdist, listing the best anime for beginners. With only 11 on the list, it’s a quick read. They also have an accompanying video in case you want to avoid words. In terms of the material, I’ve watched most of them and heard of a few others. It’s a pretty safe list, including the more popular anime (Bebop and DBZ); but I also like and agree with some of the other choices – including Full Metal, Death Note, One Punch, and Princess Mononoke.
However, there were two on the list I didn’t know. Not sure what Toonami has coming up in 2017 for anime (although I am aware they will have Dragon Ball Super starting in January), but if it’s slim pickings perhaps I will give one of the them a shot. For the record, the list has Full Metal Alchemist and not the Brotherhood version, however the video showed footage from Brotherhood so I chalk this up to a minor editing oversight.
posted by Pi Visuals at 2:14 pm
Tags: AnimeComment
December 15, 2016 : Ghost In The Shell Anime Coming To Theaters?
Trailers for the live-action adaptation of Ghost In The Shell dropped last month; and while it looks to have potential, I think the anime is still where it’s at. That is why I was stoked to hear the original GITS will return to theaters for one day. The catch? It’s only airing in the UK.
A US Theatrical run is planned, however details have not been released. If it does play at theaters around me, I definitely plan on catching it. I think watching the original anime in the theaters would be visually stunning. Besides, it couldn’t be any worse than sitting through the sequel, Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence. Or as I like to call it: The Subbed Snooze Fest.
posted by Pi Visuals at 11:34 pm
Tags: Anime , Ghost In The ShellComment
December 2, 2016 : Spirited Away 15th Anniversary Theatrical Re-Release
Fathom Events is known to do some limited re-releases – most notably The Iron Giant last year. In honor of its 15th anniversary, they will have a 3-day theatrical run for Spirited Away. The screenings will take place Sunday, December 4, as well as the following Monday and Thursday. Sunday’s screening will be the English dub, while Monday’s will be English subtitled. I am not sure about Thursday.
Spirited Away is Miyazaki’s most successful movie. I was surprised to find out it is still Japan’s highest grossing film (Number 2 and 3 is Titanic and Frozen, respectively). To be honest, I think my favorite Miyazaki film is Princess Mononoke – although that’s probably because that was my first exposure to the director/ animator. Either way, Spirited Away is beyond solid and seeing it at the theaters would be a great way to appreciate the artwork (and story).
posted by Pi Visuals at 2:48 pm
Tags: Anime , Hayao Miyazaki , The Iron GiantComment
November 23, 2016 : New Intro Theme Music?
I recently wrote a short instrumental piece, intended to be a potential theme song. Originally written on guitar, I recorded it via Synths sounds. After some mixing and several iterations, below is the current version:
[audio:http://www.pivisuals.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AdWizardsTheme.mp3|titles=Theme Song]I was going for a fantasy feel (akin to wizardry), but I wanted some edge to it. As a result, ten different Synthesized sounds were used, and they were then mixed with varying amounts of Equalization and Volume controls. Overall, I like the end result. I am particularly happy with the subtle drum track.
posted by Pi Visuals at 9:52 pm
Tags: Ad WizardsComment
November 14, 2016 : YouTube Red’s New Animated Series
YouTube Red is YouTube’s paid streaming subscription service. It provides ad-free streaming and during this past year has begun producing original film and series. On November 16th Paranormal Action Squad, its first original animation series, will premiere. The project is being driven by Michael Rowe, who has written for both Futurama and Family Guy.
The series stars YouTube personalities, which isn’t my cup of tea, but its level of success could drive future original programming. Red has already released other originals, and I assume there is more in the pipeline. The possibility of seeing more animated shows is always exciting… I Â just wonder how many of them will star H. Jon Benjamin (which I fully endorse).
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:45 pm
Tags: YouTubeComment
November 8, 2016 : Politics And Illustrator
I usually don’t get political… so I won’t (if only all Facebook posts that start this way would end like that as well).
Anyway, with today being Election Day, I figured I’d share a quick project I was asked to do a few weeks back in Illustrator. Somebody I knew asked me to design a shirt that took after Obama’s Hope Poster and replace it with Donald Trump… and with a slightly different slogan. Below is the end result:
At the request of my friend, several slogans were used besides ‘Dope’- including Nope, Grope, Hate, Despair, and Loser.
Politics aside, it was a fun project. It required some research (the original artist of the ‘Hope’ poster is Shepard Fairey). While I could have created the image in Photoshop, I ended up going with Illustrator. It took longer, but gave me more control with the color scheme.
Since I use Illustrator sporadically, I always enjoy an opportunity to fine tune my skills with the program. One aspect of the project I particularly liked was the frequent use of ‘clipping masks’. It is a technique I used in a while but gave me the control I wanted over the skin tone colors.
Lastly, I suppose it’s mandatory to remind people to go out and vote.
posted by Pi Visuals at 11:37 am
Tags: IllustratorComment
October 30, 2016 : Halloween: DBZ Style
While I often dress up for Halloween in costumes unrecognized by most, this year was not case. Going as Goku and Vegeta, Moridin and I were regularly identified (and appreciated) – often getting asked to be in photos, selfies, and the like.
Having spent nearly two months working on the costumes, Moridin and I learned a great deal about the process; and we were very pleased with the end result.
For the record, our costumes were from the Cell Saga. This explains why Goku didn’t have a symbol on his uniform – front or back. Last night was actually a trial run. The goal is to make any necessary adjustments so we can do some Cosplay next Spring at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2).
posted by Pi Visuals at 10:06 pm
Tags: DBZ , HalloweenComment