Every year during the 4th of July weekend, no less than 100,000 anime fans converge onto Downtown Los Angeles as Anime Expo, the biggest anime convention in North America is held. With Anime Expo’s significance in the anime convention calendar, not surprisingly some of the biggest anime news of the year is often announced here. While there will not be a Toonami panel at AX this year, Toonami heads Jason DeMarco and Gill Austin will be at the convention along with Production IG USA President Maki Terashima-Furuta to showcase footage and new information regarding FLCL season’s 2 and 3 on a panel on Sunday, expected to premiere on Toonami sometime within the next year.
Besides FLCL, there will be plenty of panels and events for Toonami viewers to enjoy and perhaps to watch out for in regards to future announcements. To name a few, following the successful return of Lupin the Third, a TV special titled the “Italian Game” will also be showcased on Monday. CardCaptor Sakura, a show that aired in Toonami in the early days (albeit in edited form) is looking to make a return to the anime stage as a sequel is in the works. Live action adaptations of both Full Metal Alchemist and Tokyo Ghoul are also in the works, the latter will be premiered in the convention on Monday. Several present Toonami shows in the modern era, including Attack on Titan, Dragon Ball Super, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Gundam, will each have their own respective panels, with the latter 2 being those to watch for in regards to what’s next for the dubs of both Stardust Crusaders and IBO season 2 respectively. And of course, with Attack on Titan’s season finale just 3 episodes away, we may perhaps hear what Toonami’s next show might be during one of the industry panels. If not during AX, we may likely hear what it is during SDCC in 3 weeks.
Hand-picked from the official schedule, these are some of the upcoming panels that are related to Toonami, and if you’re going to AX this year, we definitely recommend you checking them out (or at least what you can), whether it’s for looking forward to what’s next, hanging out with the creators and other fans, and if nothing else, enjoying just being there. And even if you’re not going this year, we’ll be keeping an eye on what comes out of these panels for any news regarding the future of Toonami and the block’s various programs. Our fellow editor CJ Maffris will be covering the show floor this year, so be sure to say hi if you run up to him.
Do note that there is a possibility that there can be Toonami related news that can appear in panels that aren’t listed below, so all I can say is to keep on your toes.
Saturday
Production I.G Industry Panel
Time: Saturday, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Room: Live Programming 2
Official Description: Come join Maki Terashima-Furuta, President of Production I.G USA for an incredible opportunity to go behind the scenes and get the inside scoop on the latest shows! Production I.G are best known as the producers behind the original “Ghost in the Shell”, “Attack on Titan”, “Psycho Pass”, “Kill Bill”, “Clone Wars”, “Halo Legend”, “Kuroko’s Basketball”, “Haikyu!!”, “Miss Hokusai”, and many more. There will also be surprise guests including Kazuto Nakazawa, the legend behind “Kill Bill,” “Samurai Champloo,” and the newest series “B”! Hear some exclusive stories behind the new “Ghost in the Shell” movie as well as the announcements of the newest projects IG is currently developing. As always, there will be lots of generous give-aways by Maki! Make sure to follow her on twitter.com/makiterashima for more updates.
Sentai Filmworks Industry Panel
Time: Saturday, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Room: Live Programming 1
Official Description: Can you keep a secret? We hope not! Come to the Sentai Filmworks industry panel to be the first to know about all the exciting things we have planned for you.
VIZ Media Industry Panel
Time: Saturday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Room: Live Programming 1
Official Description: Join the VIZ Media crew as we talk about some of your favorite titles like NARUTO, ONE-PUNCH MAN, TOKYO GHOUL and SAILOR MOON. We’ll also be making announcements, showing off exclusive first looks at new titles, giving away prizes and having a grand old time. There might even be jokes!
Funimation Presents: Attack on Titan Season 2 VA Panel
Time: Saturday, 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Room: Live Programming 2
Official Description: Ever wonder about the differences between English voice acting and Japanese voice acting for the same character in one of your favorite shows? Meet the Japanese and English voice actors for the badass Mikasa Ackerman in Attack on Titan, Yui Ishikawa (Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign, Aikatsu!) and Trina Nishimura (My Hero Academia, Yuri!!! On ICE, Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign). Join us as we learn all about their experiences working on Attack on Titan Season 2.
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Prologue World Premiere
Time: Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Room: Main Events
Official Description: Kodansha Comics brings you the world premiere of the Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Prologue OVA, based on the newest work from manga supergroup CLAMP! Plus there will be Q&A with the anime producer and special giveaways exclusive to the screening.
Funimation Announcements Panel
Time: Saturday, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Room: Live Programming 1
Official Description: From Akira to Dragon Ball Z, hear the latest news, info, and announcements from North America’s largest anime distributor—Funimation. Live tweet with us using the hashtag #FunimationPanel for a chance to win prizes!
Gundam Panel Presented by SUNRISE
Time: Saturday, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Room: Live Programming 2
Official Description: This is the official Gundam panel presented by SUNRISE. The producers of Gundam, including Shin Sasaki (executive producer of the GUNDAM series), will talk about upcoming projects. Join us as we discuss your favorite Gundam series, including Thunderbolt and Iron-Blooded Orphans! As always, Haro will be around for the raffle at the end!
Shonen Jump Panel
Time: Saturday, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Room: Live Programming 3
Official Description: Hang out with the English language editors of the world’s most popular manga! We’ve got exciting news about the LATEST developments on new series, all-time fan favorites, and what we’re doing to bring you the world’s best manga! We’ll also have amazing prizes up for grabs. Plus special guest Yuto Tsukuda, co-creator of Food Wars! Don’t miss it!
Sunday
Aniplex of America Industry Panel
Time: day, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Room: Live Programming 1
Official Description: Do titles like Erased, Sword Art Online, Fate/Stay Night Unlimited Blade Works, or Madoka Magica make your fandom heart flutter? Then this panel is definitely for you! Join the Aniplex marketing team as they bring you the latest news from AOA headquarters!
Titmouse Inc.
Time: Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Room: Live Programming 4
Official Description: Known for its “fresh-styles”, Titmouse is back again this year to show what the studios been up to. Known for its series like Venture Bros., Son of Zorn, and Emmy award-winning Niko and the Sword of Light, fans will get a chance to see some of Titmouse’s current projects and maybe even a sneak peek of things to come!
FLCL 2 & 3 Panel
Time: Sunday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Room: Live Programming 2
Official Description: Join Maki Terashima-Furuta of Production I.G, along with Jason DeMarco and Gill Austin of Adult Swim, as they talk about the current status of productions of the sequels to the original FLCL by Kazuya Tsurumaki. Experience the excitement as you will witness the world premiere of the exclusive FLCL 2 trailer! The first 2000 attendees will receive an exclusive FLCL 2 poster. They love to see attendees dress up in their favorite FLCL characters and Maki will choose the best 10 to present with exclusive FLCL swag! If you don’t want to dress up, bring something related to the show that will surprise the panel! Make sure to follow her on twitter.com/makiterashima for more updates.
Shonen Jump Presents: The Official JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE Panel
Time: Sunday, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Room: Live Programming 1
Official Description: It’s the hit manga and anime series with more excitement and outrageousness than you can… STAND! Join your friends from VIZ Media for a celebration of this epic manga and anime series with special guests, the latest news and maybe even some surprises! Get ready to pose and unleash your power at the official JOJO’s BIZARRE ADVENTURE panel.
Monday
Dragon Ball Super Panel: Presented by Funimation & Toei Animation Inc
Time: Monday, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Room: Live Programming 1
Official Description: They’re back! Get to know Dragon Ball Super English voice actors Sean Schemmel (Goku, King Kai), Christopher R. Sabat (Vegeta, Piccolo, Shenron), Jason Douglas (the man behind Beerus), and special guest Japanese voice actor Ryō Horikawa (the man behind Vegeta) during a special panel and Q&A session. This year, the epic franchise continues with even more power, new characters, continuing broadcast on Adult Swim and an all new part one home video release on July 25th!
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST Live Action Panel
Time: Monday, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Room: Main Events
Official Description: N/A
Official SAILOR MOON Panel
Time: Monday, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Room: Live Programming 1
Official Description: Sailor Moon Day is back and packed with even more glitter! Join your friends from VIZ Media as well as many members from the staff and cast of Sailor Moon and Sailor Moon Crystal for a festive time filled with news, updates and more from everyone’s favorite Guardian of Love and Justice. All attendees will receive a special treat while supplies last, so, in the name of the Moon, don’t miss it!
Lupin the Third – Italian Game US Premiere Screening
Time: Monday, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Room: Video 2
Official Description: The US premiere for “Lupin the 3rd – Italian Game” is coming to AX17. “Lupin the 3rd – Italian Game” was broadcasted in January 2016 in Japan on NTV and is a theatrical length TV special. This special is closely related to “Lupin the 3rd Part 4” which is broadcasting on adult swim. It has never been released outside of Japan and will be shown for the first time at this screening.
Tokyo Ghoul World Premiere
Time: Monday, 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Room: Video 2
Official Description: See the WORLD PREMIERE of the live-action movie based on the hit horror action anime/manga! (Yes, that’s BEFORE anyone gets to see it in Japan!) With strong manga-inspired visuals and a faithful depiction of the original characters, this is a live-action adaptation that true fans of Tokyo Ghoul won’t want to miss. Followed by Q&A with director Kentaro Hagiwara and actor for Kaneki, Masataka Kubota! Presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Tokyo Ghoul posters and special Kaneki ghoul mask papercrafts (straight from Japan!) will be provided to all attendees!
Notes: Must be 18 years or older to enter.
Tuesday
Funimation Presents: One Piece Panel
Time: Tuesday, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Room: Live Programming 4
Official Description: Come aboard and bring along all your hopes and dreams for this one of a kind One Piece panel. Meet English voice actor Christopher R. Sabat, the voice of Zoro (also the voice of Vegeta) and English voice actor Keith Silverstein, the voice of Tesoro. Join us as we discuss the new movie One Piece Film: Gold, the series, watch clips, Q&A session, giveaway prizes and more.
Shonen Jump Presents BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS Official Panel
Time: Tuesday, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Room: Live Programming 3
Official Description: Meet the next generation of great ninja with English voice cast of the hit film, BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE! We’ll be talking about the movie, manga and the all-new TV series streaming each week on VIZ.com! All attendees will receive a special gift while supplies last, so be sure to line up early!