Welcome one and all to Buttonholehttp://www.buttonhole.com.au/ Recently I took the time to do a Q&A with Handy, the editor of Animavericks, an independent Australian magazine that covers Anime, Manga and J-pop. His answers proved insightful and revealing on topics from the production of the magazine to cultural misconceptions about anime. Q1. Handy, tell us a bit about yourself, what your role is and how you first go http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/678.html Tales from Earthsea is another fine anime feature film from Studio Ghibli. Past films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Only Yesterday were directed by Isao Takahata and films such as Spirited Away and Nausicaa were directed by Hayao M http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/676.html Fun was definitely had at this 2-day event. Unfortunately I only attended one of the two days at Armageddon Expo '07. But either way, it was still mind-blowing. It was an event for every kind of nerd to enjoy. Whether it's gaming, sci-fi, animation or even wrestling that you're into, this type of expo was made with you in mind. Typically the day would begin by me standing in a line http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/675.html Le Chevalier D'Eon makes for something different after so many anime series about samurai's, robots, vampires and high school girls. For a completely different change of pace we have a series set in pre revolutionary France. Based on a novel of the same name and also based on an actual historical figure the series combines history and intrigue with that essential WTF! feeling we seem to need in http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/671.html Ninja's note: Once again, it's time for another Buttonhole report on the Melbourne Anime Festival, otherwise known as Manifest 2007. If you missed Ichibod's feature on a previous Manifest, check it out here. This Manifest coverage comes to you courtesy of forum regular and newest Buttonhole contributor Bo http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/660.html The problem with having favourite films is that every time I watch another Studio Ghibli film it becomes my new favourite. It kind of renders the word favourite meaningless when every Studio Ghibli film takes my breath away. Still, I can't complain about being thoroughly entertained by this whimsical and insightful film, Only Yesterday. This gem was directed by Isao Takahat http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/657.html For those of you who think you have the mad skills good enough to pencil or write a comic book, here's you're chance to prove it. Some sweet competitions are here for you to enter courtesy of the Armageddon Expo and Top Cow Comics. You can download applications for the comp right http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/656.html As if Melbourne doesn't already have enough entertainment to bleed your wallet dry, now we have the Armageddon popular culture expo on its way. The events and guests happening at this years two day show in Melbourne are something for geeks of all ages and backgrounds to get excited about. I know I'm excited about going and it's looking likely that Anime fiend Ichibod and forum reg http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/655.html Welcome Buttonhole readers to another feature from that is so choc-full of goodness that I've divided it into two sections in the one page. The top half is about the Indy video games showcased at ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image). The bottom half is about the Pixar exhibit. It's ridiculously long and all terribly interesting to read, so you may as well read it in two halves, or j http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/654.html Fate Stay Night. Three simple words that in no way resemble a complete sentence or even part of one for that matter. Anyway we're not here to discuss the finer points of the English language; we're here to review another Anime so here we go. I have noticed a theme in some Animes lately. Nobody knows just what in the name of Sweet Zombie Jesus is going on - this ap http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/653.html Another performance by the Eminence orchestra is on its way. Concerts will be held in both Sydney and Melbourne. The tickets to see this popular orchestra won't last long so do the smart thing and snatch them up while you can. For those who don't already know, Eminence is an orchestra that is well known for playing music http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/652.html Well, "I don't like it" was my initial feeling when viewing this Anime for the first time. Subsequent viewings haven't changed my views a great deal. Nothing really stands out as being absolute shit but it seems that this series tries too hard. It's almost like they were more interested in creating something 'edgy' and confronting but sadly forgot to include an even remotely palatable story. http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/650.html Welcome back dear readers, the story of Studio Ghibli continues here in part two of Buttonhole's "Spotlight on Studio Ghibli." If you missed part one, read it here now. Last time I talked about the formation of the animation studio, and in this part we'll take a brief look at the some other highlig http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/647.html "Here lies Spider-Man - Slain by the Hunter" So reads the grave of one of histories greatest superheros. "But he's not dead, is he? What happened to everyone's favourite web-slinger? Spidey seems to be alive and well now, what with his three movie deal and a string of monthly Marvel comic-book titles to his name, so why was he buried six feet under? http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/645.html Full Metal Panic (FMP) is a series with everything. Guns, Girls (in those oh so short school uniforms), Psycho lesbian sisters, and Giant robot suits with big guns. Hell, I'm in heaven. Why call it Panic? It's more like a joyous sexual experience sent from up high. Sent from Madman to our glorious Buttonhole leader who bestowed the great honour of Full Metal Panic upon me. http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/643.html One thing I should probably make very clear right from the start of this review, if you are the type of person that is easily offended by great big gravity defying cartoon boobies and copious female nudity then I have a small suggestion; WALK AWAY NOW, DO NOT READ ANY MORE OF THIS REVIEW AND MOST DEFINITELY DO NOT WATCH THE ANIME! http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/644.html Ahh yes the cyberpunk genre, not one of my favorites but still worth a look. Back in the far reaches of time (i.e. the late 90's) this title was available on VHS Video. Probably relegated to a dark forgotten corner of your video shop (somewhere close to the porn section) along with the highly influential Akira and Ninja Scroll among others. Now some years later we have Oedo 808 available on DVD http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/641.html Women dressed all in black - who know how to handle guns - are so sexy. Not that I've met any, but I'm sure they are out there in society, having secret monthly meetings in bingo halls and gun clubs with their delicious cheese sandwich luncheons. But when these dangerous gun-toting female vigilantes get busted, I for one will be there to stand up. Because hey - free sandwiches. http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/639.html I sure do seem to be watching a lot of Anime lately. The sheer number of titles being released these days is just phenomenal. Most of them are pretty darn good too. Joining the masses of 'pretty good' Anime movies is Karas. This film is full of your typical demon super battles, with humans caught up in the middle. Although this genre of Anime has been done to death, Karas http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/638.html Welcome back everyone to Uncle Ichibod's world of Anime. Today's taste from our friends at Madman is She: the Ultimate Weapon - Another Love Song. Now I Know this is kind of lazy (actually it's very lazy but I just ate lunch and you know you are supposed to wait 30 mins before operating a keyboard) but I think the best way to give you a quick overview of STUW is to http://www.buttonhole.com.au/review/id/637.html