Steamboy

After 9 years in production, Otomo Katsuhiro’s STEAMBOY will finally see its release in theatres in two days. It’s no secret that Otomo’s AKIRA manga and animated film were turning points for me, and they changed the way I looked at comics and animation. I’ve been waiting for this new film for what seems like ages, and it’s a relief to finally get a chance to see it. Seems like the critics are also saying good things about it. I was disapointed to see that it won’t be playing with English subs at the Virgin Cinemas in Roppongi Hills, but that won’t stop me from seeing it sometime next week. To further wet your appetite, here’s a link to a new 6-minute trailer. The JAPAN TIMES had a full page feature on the film the other day, starting with a very positive review (4/5 stars) by Mark Shilling, an interview with the creator, and a timeline of the film’s production.

Update: A reader points out that the Mori Urban Institute for the Future will be holding an exhibition that will “examine the 19th century depicted in STEAMBOY in terms of the technology, cities, and architecture of the times, so as to provide an understanding of the movie’s world outlook.” It starts July 24, and lasts until September.