Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Anime Expo 2026: FEEL TECH, The What Now?

 By Jonathan Bilski


Probably, the strangest booth at AX was the FEEL TECH x hololive one. The concept, not so easy to grasp...except it is. It's a ball that glows and vibrates. If you look above or at the Reddit link here. You can see the ball from Feel Tech is associated with a certain hololive character. You're suppose to "feel" how they feel by the vibrations/colors the ball gives off. Best to think of it as those lights your given at an idol concert that sync up with performances.

Bringing this up with friends, they found the whole thing rather dubious. One suggesting that ball is going right up people's keisters, which is not what Feel Tech is selling the idea of. You're suppose to grasp it in your hand and with haptic technology ( haptic just means feeling touch) you're suppose to get the feel of the hololive idols.

Other friends pointed out you should be getting emotional from the regular concepts of a concert like: hearing music live and the performance of the performer. A tiny glowing ball doesn't seem like it's gonna make for a better show. Why not just download an app on your phone that vibrates and generates colors in sync with the show?

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Weekly What To Do: Cool Off With Ice Cream, Screenings & Dinosaurs

 
Spaghetti Festival Kickoff Show (Skunk Room)
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026, 8:30 PM
The Elysian Theater
1944 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
$Donation tickets starts at $25 
 
Kicking off the 2026 Spaghetti Festival! A celebration of 5 years of the Elysian with some of our favorite performers!

The prompt for the show, in the spirit of Spaghetti Fest, is "throw something new at the wall and see if it sticks"--so everybody on the lineup is trying out new material in front of this audience for the first time. 
 
 
 
Wed, 15 Jul, 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM PDT
Collector’s Paradise North Hollywood
5118 Lankershim Blvd • North Hollywood, CA 91601
Ticket Fees $10
 
Join us in NoHo on Wednesday, July 15 as we welcome the creative team behind Absolute Green Arrow, PORNSAK PICHETSHOTE & RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE, for a special CGC Signature Series Signing Event!
 
Walt Disney Concert Hall 
$$ 
 
Experience the monumental "rebirth" of a global icon as YOSHIKI returns to Los Angeles for Classical 2026 at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall this July 16–17. A composer, classically trained pianist, and Japan’s biggest rock star, the TIME100 honoree delivers two unique, post-surgery performances: "Scarlet Night" and "Violet Night." Expect an emotional, explosive fusion of cinematic mastery and orchestral power.
 
Opening event on Friday 7.17 (exhibit is from 7.17 through 8.8)
Time: 6:30-9:30pm
Location: albertz benda - 8260 Marmont Lane. Los Angeles, CA 90069
 
A dynamic and highly anticipated exhibition uniting Felipe Pantone, internationally recognized for his groundbreaking explorations of color, movement, and visual systems, with Etai, a rising and highly sought-after voice whose practice operates at the intersection of fashion and design. 
 
 
 
 
 

All concerts begin at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm.
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
FREE admission
Walk-up tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating will be limited. Dancing will be plentiful. 
 
Our popular summertime music series returns for season 29 with a celebration of America250, honoring the uniquely American musical invention of jazz. Get together with friends and family to sing and dance to an eclectic lineup of musicians in the Skirball’s picturesque hillside courtyard in the heart of our relaxing, community oasis.
 

Sounds of LA County - 27 Parks. 108 Concerts. One County
A new standalone summer concert series for LA County Parks, produced by NextFest LA
Now - August 29, 2026
Multiple locations 
Free
 
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) is launching its first official standalone FREE summer concert series in LA County Parks' history. Sounds of LA County - 27 Parks. 108 Concerts. One County highlights local artists from LA County's abundant indie music scene, bringing a music festival vibe to your front door. The free concerts, taking place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, are uniquely curated to reflect the culture, diversity, and energy of the communities where they are held.
 
 
July 18, 5-8pm 
Revenge Of
3420 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Free 
 
Starship LotZilla takes over the lot at Revenge Of for a dusk to dark market. Expect a beer garden curated by Verdugo Bar, food from Yakitori Cartel and Sweet Dreams Baking Co., and tattoos by Heather Bailey. The vendor lineup features Natalie Andrewson, Josh Freydkis, Dungeon Ruins, Book Bum, Jeromy Velasco Illustration, Cheapthrillretro, Sean Keeton, AstroBase Zero, and From The Void & Jae Francis. Pinball and comics are part of the mix. Additionally, the event coincides with the weekly 6pm Magic: The Gathering Commander night.
 
 
Historic Estate Sale at Beckett Mansion
Saturday, July 18th 9am-1pm
2218 S. Harvard Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90018
 
From the people at JFI Productions, behind a bunch of horror themed experiences like The Willows.
 
Sunday, 19 July 7pm
Revenge Of
3420 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Free 
 
Patrick Horvath stops by Revenge Of for an early release event celebrating the next chapter of Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees. This is an exclusive chance to get the book two days before the official street date. The night features a live Q&A session followed by an in-person signing. Entry is reserved for those who pre-order any of the new editions on the profile; your order confirmation serves as your ticket, and books will be provided at the door for signing.
 
Second CicLAvia of the Summer!
Sunday, July 19, 2026; 9am – 4pm
6.6 Miles of Open Streets Connecting WeHo, Hollywood, and East Hollywood to Enjoy CicLAvia’s Pop-Up Park for the Day in People-Powered Ways

CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods connects WeHo, Hollywood and East Hollywood (via Santa Monica Blvd between San Vicente and Highland; Highland between Santa Monica Blvd and Hollywood Blvd; and Hollywood Blvd between Orange and Virgil/Hillhurst in East Hollywood), welcoming people of all ages and abilities to enjoy this day-long 3.6-mile pop-up park. Always FREE, participants can enjoy the day by walking, jogging, biking, skating, or simply spectating. Participants can show up anywhere along the route to enjoy the open streets, taking the time to explore, and enjoy a great day. 
 
Sunday, July 20, 2025 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
Prospect Park
Free entry 

Smorgasburg’s sweetest day of the year is back! Join us for The Great Ice Cream Fair—a fun-filled, all-ages celebration of summer featuring 10+ ice cream vendors, family-friendly activities, live performances, surprises, giveaways, and more!

Screenings
Director Gore Verbinski and Screenwriter Matthew Robinson will appear in person at Landmark's Nuart Theatre on Thursday, July 16 for a Q&A after the 7:00pm show!
 
VALLEY DAZE
July 16, 2026, 7:00 P.M.
The Ray Stark Family Theatre, SCA 108, George Lucas Building, USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex, 900 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Free, Must RSVP

Valley Daze follows a group of Gen-Z teenagers struggling to find their path in a world that feels more online, disconnected, and doomed than ever… All while navigating the chaos of the San Fernando Valley. More than just a screening, this premiere is a celebration of the Valley, featuring live local bands, community vendors, and more. It’s a night to honor creativity, local culture, and the spirit of indie filmmaking. Considering the fact that this is a grassroots project, powered by crowdfunding and grants, this event hopes to encourage young artists to tell authentic stories – especially in the midst of these uncertain times in our industry.
 

The Floaters Q&A Lineup: On Friday, July 17, at the Royal, producers Shai Korman and Andra Gordon will participate in a Q&A after the 4:00pm show. The producers return after the 7:30pm show with moderator Raiders of the Lost Podcast and actors Jackie Tohn, Seth Green, Jillian Jordan, Ben Krieger and Judah Lewis. On Saturday, July 18, at the Royal, Jonah Platt moderates a special live podcast of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt after the 7:30pm show, featuring actors Tohn, Sarah Podemski, Jordan, Krieger, and Bekah Zornosa. On Sunday, July 19, at Town Center, Talia Light Rake of Heavy Shovel moderates a Q&A with Korman after the 4:15pm show. Korman also hosts a Q&A at the Town Center following the 7:30pm show. At the Royal, Gordon and Krieger host a final Q&A with moderator Adam Rotstein after the 7:30pm show. 
 
*They made a Q&A chart for this 
 
Synopsis: Struggling musician Nomi accepts a last-resort job from her overachiever best friend Mara: mentoring misfit campers, the “Floaters,” at their childhood Jewish summer camp. As the camp struggles to survive amidst competition with a longtime rival, Nomi, the Floaters, and Mara must overcome their differences to bring the community together and save the camp.
 
 

LineOut Q&A with Nazila Azizi, writer/director/producer; Anousha, narrator; Madina Vardak, moderator, on July 17 at the Monica Film Center. Madina Wardak will moderate. Showtime TBD.
*Short 14 minutes 
 
Synopsis: After the Taliban takeover in 2021, LineOut follows Afghan refugees in a poetic dreamscape where a metaphoric voice reflects grief, healing, and the fragile balance between holding on and letting go.
 
Street Food Cinema
Jul 18, 2026 6:00 PM
LA State Historic Park
$45.84 
 
RIP Sam Neill
 
"Mob Psycho 100" in U.S. theaters on July 20 (one day only).
10th anniversary screening via Crunchyroll (selected episodes).
 
Crunchyroll Anime Nights is bringing MOB PSYCHO 100 to the big screen! To celebrate Mob Psycho 100's 10th anniversary we'll be showing 5 amazing episodes - chosen by YOU, the fans - that will take you through all of Mob's story. Mob is an 8th grader with powerful psychic abilities who wants to be normal. When not exorcising evil spirits he attempts to suppress his powers, causing stunted emotions. But when he hits 100 percent, his pent-up feelings unleash a dark power. Can he survive the psychic strain?

 

 
July 21-23
Select theaters
$ 

Check out this ugly-a$$ posters for Evangelion. Not sure why GKids thought that was good marketing, but also don't get why these are being shown in the middle of the week. These two movies, subbed, are compilations of the original series. The second film giving us a alternate ending that ranks as one of the most utterly insane visuals in anime history.

* When looking up screenings, no one seems to care for the first film, just like it's always been. 


Extra To Do:
 
@ Hammer 
Free

Watch the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup live at the Hammer—on big screens, with friends and fellow fanatics, in an indoor/outdoor setting where art and sport come together. Between matches, explore our free exhibitions, shop the store, or grab a bite at our restaurant. Drinks available for select matches. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.
 
They're back and ready to get you funky, check out the

June-September 
20 Events
Free, All-Ages 
 
"...Outdoor parties with iconic cultural partners across Southern California. We’ve got something for everyone — DJs, live bands, special exhibitions, food and libations, and tons of free fun. It’s the perfect way to find music you love, discover something new, and connect with your community. Don’t miss out — grab your friends and experience LA like never before."

SoCal music and art lovers can save the dates for this year’s “Off the 405” artist lineup. The free outdoor concerts at the Getty Center museum include aja monet on May 30, Hunx and His Punx on June 13, Leenalchi on July 11, Horse Lords on July 25, and Laurel Halo on August 22. 

Online reservations will be available about three weeks before each concert on Getty’s website, with the ticket release dates available now on the calendar. On the day of each concert, attendees can catch a DJ in the courtyard at 6 p.m., pack a picnic or enjoy Getty drinks and snacks, and explore the art galleries and current exhibitions before the main artist begins at 7:30 p.m. 
 
 
L.A. River Expeditions is back for the Summer. Find the one-of-a-kind urban kayaking experience that's right for you! Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone or Elysian Valley Recreation Zone 
 
UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.



 
Little Tokyo Farmers' Market Saturdays
9:00 am - 2:00 pm every Sat
Isamu Noguchi Plaza
244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free
 
"Join us at the Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market, a vibrant new Saturday tradition in the heart of Little Tokyo. Presented in partnership by JACCC and Food Access LA, this weekly market brings together fresh, affordable produce, rich cultural experiences, and meaningful community connection."
 

 

American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.
 
 
Cinespia -This hosts screenings outside at iconic venues including The Hollywood Forever Cemetery, The Greek Theatre, and Los Angeles Historic Park.
 

Secret Movie Club-Special edition posters and a large swatch of films to see.


Check out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level. Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán. & Rooftop Cinema Club

 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style
 
Brain Dead Studios-manages to fill its schedule almost every night
611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
 
Vidiots -A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema. A small theater is more than made-up for with the constant content and special screenings.
4884 Eagle Rock Blvd
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Anime Expo 2026: Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls

 By Jonathan Bilski

We and many a fan got to play Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, thanks to Arc System Works at Anime Expo. The demo booth had an active line pretty much the whole time it was open in the main hall. Maybe they wanted the special pins you'd get from playing the demo?

The kinetic fun of the game quickly gets you into fights with favorite Marvel characters from all over
the comics and movies. There sort of all the lore about them rolled into new designs of the characters. And, those designs are tight. Mecha looking Iron Man, doesn't look like himself and it's a good thing.

What makes the game so intense is now having 4 characters on each side for some truly crazy battles. It looks like it's trying to take the place of the Marvel Vs Capcom crown as the last game in the series was lauded and so many people are excited for this new game involving their favorite Marvel heroes and villains.

One of the best parts is when you make up a team, the game will name it based on whose on your roster. Choose all smarties and get "Team Geniuses" or choose all villains and get a "Heralds of Doom" as a group name.

When it comes down to actual gameplay, it's easy to get addicted to it and play around seeing each characters moves, powers and how to play with them. Add to that, rings/levels where you can blast or butt-kick other players to a new section, multiple times, and you'll want to see how far you can kick Magneto in the Savage Land.

We're sure this is gonna become an all time favorite. Especially with the Marvel Vs Capcom series crying in the corner.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is scheduled to release for PlayStation 5 and Windows on August 6, 2026.


 

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Anime Expo 2026: Kadokawa Anime 10th Anniversary Panel & Black Torch

 By Jonathan Bilski



AX was busy with panel after panel and multiple premieres. One of the top ones we attended was the Kadokawa Anime 10th Anniversary Panel. Followed by the Black Torch Panel & Premiere.

Producers from three big series came out for the Kadokawa Anime 10th Anniversary Panel. They were Konosuba producer Rie Ogura, Bungo Stray Dogs producer Chiaki Kurakane and Re: Zero producer Sho Tanaka. They gave little tidbits about the shows. One of the silliest was adding panties to the opening theme of Konosuba alongside the much tamer feathers. They basically took us into some insight into random facts we might not know like assigning animator parents to the children being bombed episode of Bungo Stray Dogs to make the emotions run high.

After the producers spilled the beans about what it's like to work on their franchises we got treated to The trailer for the new season of The Saga of Tanya the Evil to which the crowd was in awe. Then we got the world premiere of Re:Zero Season 4, Cour 2, Episode 1 and it's gonna be painful having to wait for it to return in August on Crunchyroll. It looks so good, but at least it's not a year to have to wait and see how the story unfolds.

You had me at a talking cat. Black Torch is like Chainsawman-Lite. Similar story, but at least from the first episode and panel it's way, way, more light-hearted. Black Torch is currently airing weekly on Crunchyroll.

Synopsis: When the reluctant shinobi and soft-hearted teenage animal whisperer Jiro meets the mononoke cat Rago, the worlds of humans and spectral beings collide! Japan’s undercover spy agency is eager to contain the damage but Rago’s power isn’t easily contained.

*Got to slide into this panel as there was some overlap from the previous one. There's just too many great things all going at once at AX. Try to space more of it out! 

Oddly, showing us the premiere episode in Japanese, because the dub cast of AJ Beckles (Jiro) and Keith Silverstein (Rago) were there for the panel, we got to enjoy a new supernatural action show get its start. After listening to the dubbers talk about the show vs the sub, gotta go with the dub crew on this one. They even acted a scene or two and seemed superior, but that might be bias as they were right in front of me.

AJ Beckles (Jiro) and Keith Silverstein (Rago) with Rago cat masks

Cute cat masks of Rago were given out at the panel for some group cat pics. 

Check out the theme song below and start getting addicted to a new series with Black Torch. 


 

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Monday, July 13, 2026

Anime Expo 2026: 18+ Artist Row: Where's My Family Matters' Urkel Body Pillow, Dammit!

 By Jonathan B.


*Don't worry, it's covered or on par with a Rated-R movie below.

What's up with the 18+ section? It's the first year it got its own artist alley row. And, here we thought there'd be Guy Fieri sex dolls and Urkel's face on some body pillows. Or to be a bit contemporary, the now adult cast of Stranger Things on some things. But, no. Anime and video game characters ruled all imagery along the row. There was, of course, some fun dirty ideas, but not the fun dirty ideas sexualizing other aspects of American culture I was hoping for.
 
 


Bring on the schlongs and boobs! As you can see 18+ Artist Alley Row "Xeno" was manageable. This was due to a very strict process of how many horny people were allowed in at a time. This probably made it the most comfortable part of artist alley to walk through once in it. The rest of Artist Alley, this year, was just too busy. This waiting to go down row "Xeno" let you fancy yourself a connoisseur of hentai at a gingerly pace.
 


Once in, there was no end to the majesty of willies and titties to gawk at from many a favorite characters...not on a sitcom or cooking show. And, some of it done by some already known Artist Alley members of yester-AX who wanted to go a bit more dirty.
 
There was definitely some in-jokes related to series online and through anime. Just not enough of a strange variety I was hoping to share.

However, this doujin fit my criteria of something you wouldn't normally think of being porn was "Don't Come to W*lmart Tomorrow."

For a first year run at a row it was an okay start, but nothing that blows away the regular 18+ section. They might want to change it to be more of a square again and not separate the artist alley from the named booths. Just one big adult family.

Even though it was a breeze to walk through, having another wait time, another line to see more porn is to brutal for the fine folks who just wanted to goon. 




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