Kill La Kill

Most anime is adapted from manga, often produced by the manga publisher to raise awareness and sell it overseas. But what about the anime shows or film that go the other way, adapted from the screen to the page? How do those works hold up, and what changes or stays the same? That’s what Screen & Page aims to explore. This week, we're talking about the weird action-comedy with even weirder sexual politics: Kill la Kill! Please note that this piece digs into issues of sexual harassment and assault.

They say clothes make the man, but what they don't tell you is that sometimes clothes make you into an unstoppable bad-ass. Such is the case for Ryoko Matoi, who discovers a sentient school uniform comprised of Life Fibers that, when activated, give her incredible powers of durability, strength and agility, provided she doesn't slip into a berserker rage. Of course the school uniform also transforms from a humble outfit into battle armor that leaves so little to the imagination it would make an exotic dancer blush. But that kind of fan service is part of Kill la Kill's gimmick, and it's a bit of what makes the anime-turned-manga such ridiculous fun. Check out an excert from Udon's just-released English translation of the official manga.

When it comes to the import figure scene, few companies are as prominent as Good Smile. The company's Figma and Nendoroid lines are perennial favorites, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone that's owned at least one figure from either line. Though the new showings at New York Comic Con were limited, what Good Smile did have on hand hinted at a very strong 2016 for the Figma and Nendoroid lines. Gaming figures had the largest impact on Good Smile's booth, with new Nendoroids for Venom Snake and Marth being key stand outs. The Metal Gear Solid V star looks adorably deadly, but it's that Fulton device accessory that really sells it. Being able to attach it to any existing Nendoroid is a plus, and since Figma toys also have similar pegs in their backs, I wonder if it will work for them as well. Marth transitions to the chibi style rather well, which isn't surprising, the level of detail in his outfit is still impressive for the trimmed-down aesthetic.

Although cosplay has been present for decades within the comics, anime, and sci-fi/fantasy fandoms, social media has played an integral role in the thriving communities of costuming that exist, such as Cosplay.com and the Superhero Costuming Forum. Over the years, the cosplay community has evolved into a creative outlet for many fans to establish and showcase some impressive feats of homemade disguise, craftsmanship, and sartorial superheroics at conventions. In honor of the caped crusaders of the convention scene, ComicsAlliance has created Best Cosplay Ever (This Week), an ongoing collection of some of the most impeccable, creative, and clever costumes that we’ve discovered and assembled into a super-showcase of pure fan-devoted talent.

Udon Entertainment unveiled an impressive line-up of books for the coming year at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday night, including the English-language translaton of the manga of Ryo Akizuki Kill La Kill, and not one but two Osamu Tezuka artbooks. Osamu Tezuka Anime Character Artbook is a collection of sketchbook drawings and designs, while Osamu Tezuka Anime Character Illustrations collects his animation model sheets.

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