Latest news with #MyHeroAcademia
Refinery29
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
DreamCon Was A Black Girl Cosplay Fantasy & Megan Thee Stallion Led The Way
Megan Thee Stallion was on a mission as she scanned a room full of fans at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston: to find the best cosplaying hottie during the opening night of DreamCon. Dozens of attendees rushed to the front of the stage hoping that the costumes they spent hours—weeks and in some cases even months—putting together would catch her attention. The three-time Grammy-winning rapper hyped up a woman with an epic green wig who was dressed as Broly, a character from Dragon Ball Z. And she ran with open arms toward two other women dressed as characters from her favorite anime, My Hero Academia. Meg herself donned a purple wig and dressed as Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach, one of the many times we've seen her cosplay. This time, she was greeted by thousands also in cosplay, cheering and chanting her name. "The hotties are making me feel so good! I feel right at home, babe," she told host Storymode Bae after admitting she'd been nervous. And by 'home,' she didn't mean that solely because the convention and sold-out panel were in her hometown. After the fandom convention hosted by the popular streaming group RDCWorld announced Meg as the headliner, controversy followed. Social media users called out the organizers for engaging with posts in support of Tory Lanez. Some speculated that Meg would pull out of the convention altogether, even despite her tequila brand, Chicas Divertidas, being a sponsor. Others said the incident highlighted a broader issue: a hostile environment for Black women overall at DreamCon, where about 28,000 attendees were expected. Organizers issued an apology to the rapper on X: "We recognize that our actions contributed to a negative online environment, and we take full responsibility as we work toward fostering a more positive and respectful space.' Black women leading up to and at Friday's panel held organizers' feet to the fire and made sure that Meg felt celebrated and seen. The misogynoir Meg faced isn't unique. Black women and femmes in anime and gaming communities often face disrespect and criticism just for existing in the space. And like Meg, their balm for this hasn't been to retreat from the hobbies they love, but rather to show up and show out. And they did just that at DreamCon 2025. Personifying their favorite heroes, villains, memes and more, Black women practiced boundless imagination and whimsical escapism. The convention also hosted numerous women-led panels. 'I feel like being here is us contributing to a better culture so we can see other women that are like us like, 'Hey girl, we see you, You don't have to worry about the femcels and the incels and all those people who are trying to make you to be who you aren't.'' said Bernette Fondong, a 28-year-old visiting from Atlanta. Fondong, who has been cosplaying for eight years, came dressed as Marvel's Scarlet Witch. She attended with her friend Trisha Pilgrim, 28, from Maryland. As a nod to her queer identity, Pilgrim cosplayed as Emporio Ivankov, a gender-bending character in One Piece. 'I just really appreciate that Black women are creating that space and we're coming out and we're cosplaying and we're just creating that space in spite of it all,' Pilgrim said. 'We really know how to stand against adversity. I feel like we're just making it a more accepting culture for women to feel more free in their cosplay and to show up and be here.' Even outside of the cosplay community, it's long been considered taboo for Black people to lean into nerd culture. And though there's been more visibility and acceptance in recent years, there are still few official spaces for Black nerds to gather en masse. For attendees experiencing their first anime convention, like Chantel Green, spaces like DreamCon attract a special energy. 'My first animecon ends up being a Black anime con and it makes me really excited because Black nerds, we just weren't seen,' said the 31-year-old from Detroit. She dressed as Persephone from Lore Olympus. 'For me to come here, I feel truly blessed and I feel happy here.' Cosplay for Black women has also become an outlet for them to express their creativity with special makeup effects, stitching techniques and hairstyling. And it's a steadily growing community. Alex Box, 28, was inspired to cosplay by her mother, a costume designer who worked on prom dresses and Princess Tiana gowns. The Houston native valued the bonding time she got to spend with her as she got guidance in making her Elphelt Valentine costume, which took four months to make. Lanihya Duncan, a 27-year-old from Chicago who studied special effects makeup in college, got into cosplaying after her friend suggested it to her. Now at her second DreamCon, she took pride in her handmade Lulu from Final Fantasy costume, which took her two months to create. For Duncan, spaces like DreamCon allow Black weebs to not have to hide who they are. 'Being Black, it can be hard for people to really show that because [of pressure to] fit in,' she said. ' But DreamCon is like no, you can be both. It's amazing to embrace because Black cosplayers have that little umph that you can't see. Who else is gonna be rocking braids, cornrows and afros with a Killua costume?' Gabrielle Kanu, a 35-year-old Houston native, said cosplaying feels 'freeing.' Since 2016, she's dressed as Sailor Moon, Storm and Sophie Hatter. This year, she's Dorothy, giving a mix of The Wiz and The Wizard of Oz. 'There's no trying to codeswitch for anybody. We can be us all the time, every time. You can see the beauty and shapes of everybody around here. I'm a little plump and I'm glad I am and you see everyone else who's glad of who they are,' she said 'It's kind of like being at an HBCU. It's literally like a homecoming.' During Friday's event, Meg also announced that she's making an anime with Prime Video. Though she didn't go into the details, she revealed that she collaborated with Boondocks producer and voice actor Carl Jones to create it. This marks a major stride for Black women behind the scenes in anime and opens up the genre for newcomers to dip their toe in. While it's not on Black women to fix the sexism, homophobia and transphobia they encounter in alternative spaces — or in any spaces for that matter — there's an intrinsic power we possess in showing up as we are in these types of spaces. For Meg, the public has witnessed her do that time and time again. "My proudest achievement is staying strong through adversity. I feel like a lot of people in my shoes would have gave up," she said during the Q&A. "The Hotties have my back."
Tokyo Weekender
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Upcoming Anime and Manga Events in Tokyo: June 2025
Looking for an anime event to nerd out at? We've got you covered for the month of June. Take a look at all of the exciting anime-themed pop-up shops, cafes and art exhibitions in our list below. List of Contents: Tokyo Anime and Manga Events in June Related Posts Tokyo Anime and Manga Events in June Bleach: The Locus of the Brave II From June 11 to July 13, dive into the world of Bleach with this special Tokyo exhibition! Explore exclusive production materials, behind-the-scenes footage, immersive experiences, and stylish photo spots. Also, don't miss the mysterious "Kurosaki" corner and tons of exclusive Bleach goods. Date & Time Jun 13-Jul 13・11:00-20:00 Price TBA Location Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou-Park More Details Leiji Matsumoto Manga Exhibition The "Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition: A Journey of Creation" exhibit at Tokyo City View showcases more than 300 original drawings, including Matsumoto's early works and never-before-seen content from "Galaxy Express 999" and "Space Pirate Captain Harlock." Date & Time Jun 20-Sep 07・10:00-20:00 Price Location Tokyo City View More Details My Hero Academia Original Art Exhibition The globally acclaimed manga series My Hero Academia is being honored with a special exhibition in Tokyo, celebrating creator Kohei Horikoshi's artistic journey and the series' conclusion after a remarkable 10-year run. This exhibition offers fans a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of one of Japan's most successful modern manga series up close. Date & Time Jun 21-Aug 31・10:00-20:00 Price ¥2200 Location CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO More Info Discounts for students More Details © Sotsu, Sunrise Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- Exhibition A special exhibition of the latest work in the Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuX (Siege Ax) -Beginning-, is currently being held. Date & Time May 24-Aug 11・11:00-19:00 Price Free Location Anime Tokyo Station More Details Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition In 2003, Tokyo was blessed with the Ghilbli 3D sculpture exhibition. Now, 22 years later, it is back and bigger than ever. Dive into the worlds of My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Pom Poko with full-scale sculptures from the films. You can even see the Savoia S-21 flying boat from Porco Rosso. Date & Time May 27-Sep 23・09:30-20:00・Last Entry at 19:00 Price ¥1,900 Location Warehouse TERRADA B&C HALL More Details Related Posts Japan's First AI-Powered Anime Set To Debut This March Prophetic Manga predicts a Great Cataclysm Will Hit Japan in July 2025 Manga Manners: How Sailor Moon and Eren Yaeger Are Teaching Japanese Etiquette in JR Stations
Hype Malaysia
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
My Hero Academia, Spy X Family & More: 8 Anime Pop-Ups To Check Out In The Klang Valley!
Local anime fans are getting well-fed in May and June! For the next few weeks, there are going to be tons of anime pop-ups happening in the Klang Valley. From recent hits like 'Blue Lock' and 'Chainsaw Man' to classic franchises like 'Cardcaptor Sakura' and 'Yu-Gi-Oh', there's something for everyone! Here's a rundown of all the anime pop-ups you can check out: My Hero Academia Collaboration Cafe Gear up for an action-packed experience with the 'My Hero Academia' x Doko Koko collaboration cafe! Enjoy a heroic menu at an immersive cafe themed to your favourite characters from the hit series! Dates: 10th May – 6th July 2025 Venue: Doko Koko Cafe, LaLaport BBCC Yu-Gi-Oh! Pop-up Step into a 'Yu-Gi-Oh!'-inspired experience at this limited-time pop-up! Relive the duel spirit as you shop a line-up of exclusive official merchandise and pose for photos in front of the themed decor! Dates: 24th May – 15th June 2025 Venue: Doko Koko Cafe, LaLaport BBCC SUNRISEPOP Ani-Fest Malaysia Pop-up Store SUNRISEPOP, a prominent Hong Kong anime & pop culture lifestyle brand, is bringing three popular IPs to Malaysia! Here's your chance to grab exclusive merchandise from 'Delicious In Dungeon', 'Dan Da Dan' and 'The Apothecary Diaries'! Dates: 22nd May – 1st June 2025 Venue: LaLaport BBCC Muse Asia Anime Pop-up Store If you're looking for more exclusive anime merchandise, look no further than the Muse Asia Anime Pop-up Store! Here is where you can get the best deals on items from popular anime series like 'Spy X Family', 'Wind Breaker' and 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End'! Dates: 22nd May – 15th June 2025 Venue: Lot G-46, LaLaport BBCC Blue Lock x ManekiNeko Karaoke Collaboration Campaign Sing your heart out while enjoying some delicious menu items inspired by the hit anime series 'Blue Lock'! There are also original recording-themed illustrations and collaboration-exclusive merchandise you can't get anywhere else! Dates: 16th May – 29th June 2025 Venues: Selected ManekiNeko Karaoke outlets nationwide Natsume's Book Of Friends x ManekiNeko Karaoke Collaboration Campaign Also happening at ManekiNeko Karaoke is the 'Natsume's Book Of Friends' collaboration! Enjoy yummy drinks inspired by the popular anime series as you shop for exclusive Christmas-themed illustrations of the characters! Dates: 16th May – 29th June 2025 Venues: Selected ManekiNeko Karaoke outlets nationwide Chainsaw Man Collaboration Cafe From the people who brought you the 'Crayon Shin-Chan' and 'Solo Leveling' pop-up comes another exciting collaboration with the popular anime series, 'Chainsaw Man'! Enjoy a special themed menu, an official merchandise store and immersive photo and game zones! Dates: 19th April – TBA 2025 Venue: Acolab, Pavilion Bukit Jalil Cardcaptor Sakura 'The Enchanted Museum' Exhibition Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the beloved classic anime franchise, 'Cardcaptor Sakura'. As Phase Two of the exhibition begins, fans can enjoy more reproductions of original artworks and a new 'Room Of Cards' showcase. Dates: 12th April – 11th June 2025 Venue: INCUBASE Arena Malaysia, Fahrenheit88 What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Four New Series Debut under TOMY's "T-SPARK" Hobby Label for High-end Customers: Q VILLAGE, COLLEKAZARO, SPARK Fig, LEGACYSOUL; Reservations to Start Sequentially from June
- In Collaboration with Popular Works Such as "Back to the Future," "The Fast & Furious," and "My Hero Academia" - TOKYO, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TOMY Company, Ltd., based in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, has announced four new series from the "T-SPARK" hobby label (for age 15 and up) targeting high-end customers. The new series will be available for pre-order on TOMY's official online store "Takara Tomy Mall" ( ) from June 2025. Image1: Image2: The four new series -- Q VILLAGE, COLLEKAZARO, SPARK Fig, and LEGACYSOUL -- made their debut at the 63rd Shizuoka Hobby Show held from May 14 (Wednesday) through May 18 (Sunday), 2025. The four series will also be available in Asia, the United States and Europe (availability of the series will vary depending on the relevant country/region). Collaborating with popular characters, T-SPARK will utilize the "transformation," "combination" and "articulation" technologies that continue to attract hobby lovers, offering various ways to enjoy these figures by adding new items to its product lineup, such as alternative easy-to-display sizes. (1) Q VILLAGE: A deformed format series that showcases a cute and cool world featuring a playset of vehicles and characters. The first product is a collaborative work with the "Back to the Future" movie series and the second with the "The Fast & Furious" movie series. (2) COLLEKAZARO: A series of 3.75 inches (10 cm) collectible figures in collaboration with characters. The first line is a collaborative product with the TV anime "My Hero Academia." (3) SPARK Fig: A series of figures of anime characters and other characters in scale and non-scale sizes. The first product in the series is a figure from the TV anime "Princession Orchestra." (4) LEGACYSOUL: A line of popular products from the past that have been modernized with new mechanisms. The first in the series is "Microman" and the second "Super B-Daman." Yutaka Tajima, Senior General Manager, Head of Hobby Character Business Division, Character Business at TOMY Company says: "The new series is a figure series that can be enjoyed regardless of gender, with an emphasis on not only replicating the characters, but also on the "Asobi (playing)" that only TOMY Company can offer with a variety of play patterns, and expanding its possibilities through its highly collectable nature. As a new challenge for TOMY, we will also commence sales on the official North American online store "TOMY PLUS" ( ) operated by TOMY International, Inc. In July, the company plans to exhibit at Ani-com & Games Hong Kong 2025 (ACG Hong Kong), one of the largest anime, manga and game events in Hong Kong SAR, to communicate the value of fun through hobby products to Japan and overseas. We now look forward to responses from fans around the world." Q VILLAGEImage3: - Q VILLAGE "Back to the Future Time Machine (Part 1)"The first product represents collaboration with "Back to the Future," celebrating the 40th anniversary of the movie's release this year. The "Time Machine" includes mini figures (Marty and Doc). Release date: Spring 2026Reservation launch: Scheduled for July 2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) UCS LLC and Amblin (C) TOMY - Q VILLAGE "The Fast & Furious Toyota Supra JZA 80"- Q VILLAGE "The Fast & Furious NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R (R34)"The second phase of the series will feature two products in collaboration with "The Fast & Furious" movie series. Each comes with a mini figure (Brian). Release date: Spring 2026Reservation launch: Scheduled for July 2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) UCS LLC (C) TOMY COLLEKAZAROImage4: Image5: - COLLEKAZARO "My Hero Academia" (5 models)Five main characters from the TV anime "My Hero Academia" -- Izuku Midoriya, Ochaco Uraraka, Shoto Todoroki, All Might, and Tomura Shigaraki -- are being merchandised. - COLLEKAZARO Vigilantes (3 models)The three main characters from the official "My Hero Academia" spin-off TV series "Vigilante - My Hero Academia ILLEGALS," Koichi Haimawari, Pop Step, and Knuckle Duster, will be available as merchandise. Release date: Spring 2026Reservation launch: Scheduled for July 2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) K. Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project (C) TOMY(C) H. Furuhashi, BETTEN. C, K. Horikoshi / SHUEISHA, Vigilante Project (C) TOMY SPARK FigImage6: - SPARK Fig Princess RippleThe first figure is Princess Ripple, the main character from the animated TV series "Princession Orchestra" (approximate height 18 cm). Release date: Spring 2026Reservation launch: Scheduled for fall 2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) Project PRINCESS-SESSION (C) TOMY LEGACYSOULImage7: Image8: - LEGACYSOUL Microman Commando No.1 set of 4The first is the action figure "Microman Commando No. 1". While following the design of the time, current technology was applied to update the design and proportions as well as doubling the range of motion in the joints. Release date: TBAReservation launch: Scheduled for FY2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) TOMY - LEGACYSOUL "Super B-Daman Fighting Phoenix"The second product is "B-Daman," a figure-type toy that evolved from playing with marbles in a modern way. The "Fighting Phoenix," a popular toy from the Super B-Daman series released in 1996, will be completely revived after a lapse of about 30 years. Release date: TBAReservation launch: Scheduled for FY2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) Shun IMAGA / Shogakukan (C) TOMY Common information for Q VILLAGE and COLLEKAZARO:Target age: 15 years and upWhere to buy: Nationwide electronics retailers, hobby specialty stores, scale model shops, online stores, TOMY's official online store "Takara Tomy Mall" ( ), etc. Common information for SPARK Fig and LEGACYSOULThe products will be sold in Japan and overseas, but Japan sales will be limited to TOMY's official online store "Takara Tomy Mall" ( ). Company's official website: View original content: SOURCE TOMY Company, Ltd. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Four New Series Debut under TOMY's "T-SPARK" Hobby Label for High-end Customers: Q VILLAGE, COLLEKAZARO, SPARK Fig, LEGACYSOUL; Reservations to Start Sequentially from June
- In Collaboration with Popular Works Such as "Back to the Future," "The Fast & Furious," and "My Hero Academia" - TOKYO, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TOMY Company, Ltd., based in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, has announced four new series from the "T-SPARK" hobby label (for age 15 and up) targeting high-end customers. The new series will be available for pre-order on TOMY's official online store "Takara Tomy Mall" ( ) from June 2025. Image1: Image2: The four new series -- Q VILLAGE, COLLEKAZARO, SPARK Fig, and LEGACYSOUL -- made their debut at the 63rd Shizuoka Hobby Show held from May 14 (Wednesday) through May 18 (Sunday), 2025. The four series will also be available in Asia, the United States and Europe (availability of the series will vary depending on the relevant country/region). Collaborating with popular characters, T-SPARK will utilize the "transformation," "combination" and "articulation" technologies that continue to attract hobby lovers, offering various ways to enjoy these figures by adding new items to its product lineup, such as alternative easy-to-display sizes. (1) Q VILLAGE: A deformed format series that showcases a cute and cool world featuring a playset of vehicles and characters. The first product is a collaborative work with the "Back to the Future" movie series and the second with the "The Fast & Furious" movie series. (2) COLLEKAZARO: A series of 3.75 inches (10 cm) collectible figures in collaboration with characters. The first line is a collaborative product with the TV anime "My Hero Academia." (3) SPARK Fig: A series of figures of anime characters and other characters in scale and non-scale sizes. The first product in the series is a figure from the TV anime "Princession Orchestra." (4) LEGACYSOUL: A line of popular products from the past that have been modernized with new mechanisms. The first in the series is "Microman" and the second "Super B-Daman." Yutaka Tajima, Senior General Manager, Head of Hobby Character Business Division, Character Business at TOMY Company says: "The new series is a figure series that can be enjoyed regardless of gender, with an emphasis on not only replicating the characters, but also on the "Asobi (playing)" that only TOMY Company can offer with a variety of play patterns, and expanding its possibilities through its highly collectable nature. As a new challenge for TOMY, we will also commence sales on the official North American online store "TOMY PLUS" ( ) operated by TOMY International, Inc. In July, the company plans to exhibit at Ani-com & Games Hong Kong 2025 (ACG Hong Kong), one of the largest anime, manga and game events in Hong Kong SAR, to communicate the value of fun through hobby products to Japan and overseas. We now look forward to responses from fans around the world." Q VILLAGEImage3: - Q VILLAGE "Back to the Future Time Machine (Part 1)"The first product represents collaboration with "Back to the Future," celebrating the 40th anniversary of the movie's release this year. The "Time Machine" includes mini figures (Marty and Doc). Release date: Spring 2026Reservation launch: Scheduled for July 2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) UCS LLC and Amblin (C) TOMY - Q VILLAGE "The Fast & Furious Toyota Supra JZA 80"- Q VILLAGE "The Fast & Furious NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R (R34)"The second phase of the series will feature two products in collaboration with "The Fast & Furious" movie series. Each comes with a mini figure (Brian). Release date: Spring 2026Reservation launch: Scheduled for July 2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) UCS LLC (C) TOMY COLLEKAZAROImage4: Image5: - COLLEKAZARO "My Hero Academia" (5 models)Five main characters from the TV anime "My Hero Academia" -- Izuku Midoriya, Ochaco Uraraka, Shoto Todoroki, All Might, and Tomura Shigaraki -- are being merchandised. - COLLEKAZARO Vigilantes (3 models)The three main characters from the official "My Hero Academia" spin-off TV series "Vigilante - My Hero Academia ILLEGALS," Koichi Haimawari, Pop Step, and Knuckle Duster, will be available as merchandise. Release date: Spring 2026Reservation launch: Scheduled for July 2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) K. Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project (C) TOMY(C) H. Furuhashi, BETTEN. C, K. Horikoshi / SHUEISHA, Vigilante Project (C) TOMY SPARK FigImage6: - SPARK Fig Princess RippleThe first figure is Princess Ripple, the main character from the animated TV series "Princession Orchestra" (approximate height 18 cm). Release date: Spring 2026Reservation launch: Scheduled for fall 2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) Project PRINCESS-SESSION (C) TOMY LEGACYSOULImage7: Image8: - LEGACYSOUL Microman Commando No.1 set of 4The first is the action figure "Microman Commando No. 1". While following the design of the time, current technology was applied to update the design and proportions as well as doubling the range of motion in the joints. Release date: TBAReservation launch: Scheduled for FY2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) TOMY - LEGACYSOUL "Super B-Daman Fighting Phoenix"The second product is "B-Daman," a figure-type toy that evolved from playing with marbles in a modern way. The "Fighting Phoenix," a popular toy from the Super B-Daman series released in 1996, will be completely revived after a lapse of about 30 years. Release date: TBAReservation launch: Scheduled for FY2025Suggested retail price: TBACopyright notice: (C) Shun IMAGA / Shogakukan (C) TOMY Common information for Q VILLAGE and COLLEKAZARO:Target age: 15 years and upWhere to buy: Nationwide electronics retailers, hobby specialty stores, scale model shops, online stores, TOMY's official online store "Takara Tomy Mall" ( ), etc. Common information for SPARK Fig and LEGACYSOULThe products will be sold in Japan and overseas, but Japan sales will be limited to TOMY's official online store "Takara Tomy Mall" ( ). Company's official website: View original content: SOURCE TOMY Company, Ltd. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
