In this video Makerbot founder Bre Pettis demonstrates a 3D printer that he designed. What’s amazing to me about this technology is that while it’s being used as a novelty today I can see it changing the world in two ways: First we’ve lived in an age of mass manufacturing since the Victorian era — this sort of technology could lead to micro manufacturing where short runs of unique objects are the norm. Imagine if you would if no cars were alike in the world? The second thing is that if you combined this technology with robotic assembly lines it could bring back local manufacturing so products wouldn’t need to be shipped around the world and thus saving a ton of energy.
How sad is it that I found the Japanese TV spot for Robert Rodriguez’s Predators more enticing than the TV spot airing here in the states. Sure, Japan edited the spot to feature the Yakuza character a bit more, but that’s not really the point. I tried to put finger on it and finally I think I’ve figured out why — the edits they did make feature some actual action. While our own TV isn’t exactly boring, we’re given a number of second-long clips that feature explosions and gun fire. The Japanese TV spot, on the other hand, shows off the slightly longer initial clash between a Predator hunter, and the katana-wielding Yakuza. Needless to say, it was enough to seal the deal for me — I’ll be buying ticket opening day. Read more…
Diamond Select recently announced the latest individual additions to their “”Series 5″ Star Trek: The Original Series action figure line. This time around, Kirk sports his seemingly comfortable season 3 Green Dress shirt –I’ve always suspected it was a result of Shatner complaining about the standard tunics being way too stuffy. He’ll be joined by Scotty, whom I believe was previously released as part of a Spock/Scotty two-pack, and a random Romulan officer, all of which should retail for about $15.99 each. Read more…
Posted by Michael Pinto on Jun 29, 2010 in Animation
Having been President of the Star Blazers Fan Club I’m still envious to this day the attention that’s lavished on Mobile Suit Gundam. This cover of Monthly Gundam Ace which goes on sale on July 26th is crammed with all sorts of goodies: Firstly you’ve got the celebration of the 15th anniversary of Mobile Fighter G Gundam but then you’ve got those cool Gundam collector’s cards and a story on Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Jun 29, 2010 in Cinema, Horror
With the upcoming release of Robert Rodriguez’s Predators a little over a week away, many of us have been scouring the net for as much information as we could find regarding the upcoming sequel. It’s a shame that we had to wait so long for a proper sequel to the franchise, but whether or not it’s actually good remains to be seen. I have yet to see any marketing stunts for the film stateside. In Japan, on the other hand, marketing stunts seem to be a near daily ritual, so I wasn’t too surprised when I heard that former sumo grand champion Akinori Asashoryu showed up on stage dressed as a predator to promote the film. In my opinion, he looks pretty awesome, and ridiculous at the same time – I can’t even imagine what Dutch would have done if he was confronted by that. Read more…
Check out this awesome “Super Trooper” graphic t-shirt from the guys over at ThinkGeek. Based on the original stormtrooper helmet, it might seem a bit minimalist, but honestly, wasn’t that sort of the point of stormtroopers in the first place? Sure they were a bit too utilitarian, and seemingly incapable of actually hitting anybody they shot at, but you have to admit their armor looked pretty sharp — not to mention being color-coordinated. Then again, I guess it’s kind of hard to go wrong with black and white, it certainly makes for a great t-shirt at the very least. You can pick one up for roughly $20-21. Click here for more details. Read more…
Posted by Michael Pinto on Jun 28, 2010 in Animation
Shown above is an ever so cute promotional illustration from the film Welcome to the Space Show in which five kids save the life of an alien space creature who happens to look like a cute doggie. The August issue of the Japanese publication Dengeki Daioh has an entire booklet on the show: Read more…
Posted by Michael Pinto on Jun 28, 2010 in Animation
This latest trailer has quite a bit more detail than the previous one, and what’s interesting is that the special effects seem pretty darn good (which isn’t always the case with Japanese live action science fiction films). I should also note that the Star Blazers fanboy within me is very happy that they’re staying so true to the original concept. Read more…
These are screenshots from the upcoming K-ON! videogame Tea Time After School and Live which will be released at the end of September in japan for the PSP by Sega. The game will feature the K-ON! characters as 3D models playing popular songs after school — and there will also be a special bonus sticker book as well. Read more…
