Change always accompanies the new year. And The Anime Beat is no different. That's right folks, I'm continuously expanding this little dog and pony show! 

Astro Boy: The Movie

Astro Boy has not only met Imagi Animation Studios, but also the gaming team of High Voltage Software and D3Publisher. However, before you dive into any cultural recycling pit, an ounce of context is required.

“My name’s Zélie Bérubé, I’m 20 years old, and I’m currently going into my fourth and last year of animation at Sheridan College in Canada. This summer I’m interning at Auryn Inc., an animation studio in LA.”

Samurai Champloo

Bamboo Blade 2

Toraji and his all girls Kendo team are back! And things are getting more serious, if not just plain worse. Toraji is still one step away from loosing his teaching gig. But now the Kendo team is facing a possible, unforeseen suspension, while Tamaki is about to learn the hardest lesson of all: defeat. She may be a flawless swordsman, but there is always more to learn. Victory and employment are within Toraji’s grasp. Can these girls pull it together? Can Tamaki ensure an easy tournament win? Will everyone get their happy ending? 

Cross Game

To help celebrate the preview of the Cross Game manga series, Viz is now also streaming the anime version on vizanime.com.

Shippuden Movie

A nefarious spirit, locked away long ago, is back. Its one goal: to enslave the world. But hey, this ain’t your world. This one belongs to Naruto! And he, Sakura, Lee and Neji are sent to protect Shion, the one priestess capable of stopping this menace. But there’s just one problem. Shion is somewhat of a prophet, and if Naruto keeps this assignment, his death has been foretold. In Achilles’ fashion, our heroic ninja won’t back down. But will he die???

Here are the latest anime titles soon to be released by FUNimation.

FUNimation

Here is the latest streaming schedule from FUNimation.

Bandai

Direct from the New York Anime Festival, here is the latest blurb from BANDAI regarding Lucky Star manga and other anime titles.