Month: August 2011

Crime Scene Investigations #002: Otakon 2011

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This is a bonus segment of the Speakeasy Podcast we like to call Crime Scene Investigations. These are random bonus podcasts that we record live from various events. There is no regular schedule for these. We will put them up as quickly as we can when the opportunity for one occurs. We suspect they will mostly be from conventions but we might work in some interviews and conversation from NY events as fate allows.

In this edition of Crime Scene Investigations, we talk about our experiences on Friday at Otakon 2011 with Basil and Kevin of the OSMcast, Patz from Insert-Disc and Podlabor, and Carl from Ogiue Maniax. There is discussion of the Otakon Game Show, Angel ScandyS, Makoto Shinkai, Masao Maruyama, CLAMP, Remembering Satoshi Kon, and Art of Akira. Of course we discuss memes, sandwiches, and the little things we both love and hate at the convention. By the way check out the transformation of opinion over the Ice Cold Water guy from this to this.

Crime Scene Investigations #002 – Otakon 2011

Otakon 2011: Makoto Shinkai and Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below

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As far as directors go, Makoto Shinkai is one of my top choices to hear talk about his work. So imagine my delight when Otakon announced his first U.S. appearance would be right there in Baltimore. Despite being relatively young in the business, nine years, he has produced memorable and beautiful films. To top off his interactions with his fans, we were privileged to see the English-language premiere of his latest movie Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below.

There was one Japanese guest that everyone was looking forward to (unless you are a major Hetalia: Axis Powers fan) and that man was Makoto Shinkai. He is known for his mostly solitary work on Voices of a Distant Star, his longer work on The Place Promised in Our Early Days, and his stellar work on 5 Centimeters per Second. His distinct visual style and reoccurring motifs make him stand out in people’s minds. So when he came to the U.S. to promote his latest movie, Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below, even people outside of the normal mega geek blogging circles took notice. Narutaki was able to attend the premiere and a panel while I had a chance to hear him speak at the press conference.

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All Points Bulletin: Land of a Thousand Podcasts

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If you have any suggestions for what to highlight on an APB drop us a line via email or Twitter.

Hisui’s picks:

Narutaki’s picks:

  • Mattel’s Rerelease of Voltron Toys
    I am super stoked for these. I don’t care if I haven’t seen the new series, all I need is the original.
  • Ice Cold Water – Remix
    The man is officially a phenomenon proven by blog posts, forum threads, and even music remixes.
  • Disney Adapting Tuexdo Gin
    I really don’t know what they are up to with this. I’ll be curious how much they keep of the original and how much they just wanted the basic concept.
  • 8-bit Game of Thrones
    College Humor did a great job with this, now everyone is just hoping someone will come along and make a real, playable version!

They heavily hinted they would stream Fate/Zero in the US. In honor of that is the the King of Knights in a suit from Fate/Zero.