Thursday, April 30, 2026

One Piece Fest 2026: Lottery Drawing Ends May 14th

 

Arrggh, listen. I know we're going heavy with anime news of late, but this time we had to because this here piece of news on One Piece involves a lottery just to purchase tickets for the event later this Summer! Details below, but frankly you've got to sign up now if you want a chance to go to this event in August. And not gonna lie, for a One Piece fan it sound pretty sweet.
 
ONE PIECE Fest 2026
August 25 & 26, 2026
Cosm Los Angeles
1252 District Dr, Inglewood, CA 90305
($109/pair)

Press release:
 

LOS ANGELES – April 30, 2026. Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew set sail this summer to Los Angeles! Legendary anime studio Toei Animation revealed today plans for the launch of and the first-ever ONE PIECE Fest, a brand new franchise celebration dedicated to ONE PIECE fans. Timed to coincide with this year’s ONE PIECE Day, the inaugural ONE PIECE Fest 2026 will be held from Tuesday, August 25 – Wednesday, August 26, and takes place at Cosm Los Angeles, the 65,000 total square feet experiential venue opened in 2024 in LA’s bustling Hollywood Park entertainment and retail district. This two-day event will welcome an estimated 7,000 fans to an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind ONE PIECE celebration that includes a specially-produced immersive “Elbaph Experience” in The Dome, panels, performances, activations, exclusive merchandise and more, with tickets available for fans via lottery. Registration is open now for the ticket lottery (see complete details below) via the ONE PIECE Fest 2026 official website, which launched today.

On August 24, the evening before ONE PIECE Fest 2026, Toei Animation will host a private VIP Preview for special guests and media by invitation only.

“We’re thrilled to launch ONE PIECE Fest this summer with its first-ever event here for Los Angeles,” said Lisa Yamatoya, Senior Director & Head of Marketing for Toei Animation Inc. “ONE PIECE Fest 2026 marks the inaugural edition of our ‘All ONE PIECE’ concept celebration dedicated to fans. From our featured guests, panels and specially-produced immersive ‘Elbaph Experience’ in The Dome to live music, activations and exclusive merchandise, ONE PIECE Fest 2026 will be a jam-packed event. No ONE PIECE fan will want to miss it!”

Based on the globally beloved and best-selling manga of all time created by Eiichiro Oda and brought to life by Toei Animation, the iconic “ONE PIECE” episodic series follows pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew on their epic quest to find the “One Piece,” the legendary treasure of Gol D. Roger, former King of the Pirates. Now over 25 years since the episodic series’ Japanese TV debut in 1999, ONE PIECE has taken its place in mainstream pop culture as one of the most successful and enduring anime franchises of all time, attracting millions of fans of all ages around the world. Today, the franchise currently spans 15 feature films, multiple video games, a trading card game and an ever-growing catalog of licensed merchandise and location-based entertainment.

The global hit series “One Piece” returned earlier this month with the premiere of its new Elbaph Arc on April 5, followed by new weekly episodes.

ONE PIECE Fest 2026 Programming Summary and Highlights

To accommodate the maximum number of 7,000 fans over its two days, ONE PIECE Fest 2026 will be scheduled as two sessions per day (1,750 fans per session), four sessions total. Each session will offer panels, live performances, experiences, partner activations and more along with exclusive event-only merchandise available for purchase. This includes a specially-produced immersive ONE PIECE “Elbaph Experience” in The Dome, presented in a stunning 5,000 square foot 12K X 10K display on Cosm Los Angeles’ renowned 87-foot diameter LED dome and available to guests throughout both days of the festival. As part of the panels and performances, ONE PIECE Fest 2026 will feature special guests, including English voice actors and Japanese musical artists, that will be announced later. A complete programming schedule will be released on the ONE PIECE Fest website.

ONE PIECE Fest 2026 Ticketing and Lottery Details

Paid tickets to ONE PIECE Fest 2026 will only be available for purchase in pairs ($109/pair) and are limited to a maximum of 7,000 tickets over the two-day event (Two sessions per day; 1,750 tickets per session). Tickets will be available exclusively via lottery at ONEPIECE-Fest.com. Fan registration is now open and closes on May 14 at 11:59 pm ET. Fans will be notified of their selection via email on May 21, which will include a purchase link and single-use access code. Session selection is on a first come, first served basis. Digital tickets will be delivered to purchasers via email and sent ten days before the event. Tickets are transferable but the name of each ticket must match the ID of the ticketholder entering the event.

 
 
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Kinokuniya @ The Bloc Is Now Permanent

Didn't see that coming as we just reported they're straight up building a big one in Little Tokyo. But, enjoy The Bloc location from now on if you're still heading to Drafthouse nearby after many reporting it now sucks with ordering off your phone.

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Streets of Elation Little Tokyo

They left out the lines, but it seems like people enjoyed themselves. 

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Forbidden Solitaire Back Out

 

Woah, that game from the 90's parents were against is back up on Steam today. We'll have a review soon. Forbidden Solitaire was pretty much banned in 95, but now, it's back again. Dare you play?


 

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Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Weekly What To Do: Free Comic Book Day, Star Wars Day, Cinco De Mayo & Pokémon x Target? Calm Down

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival or LAAPFF 2026 is coming up this weekend. We're always excited to see what's on the schedule, but the highlights this year are an Angry Asian Man 25th Anniversary Party, a 40th Anniversary Screening of The Karate Kid Part II and the bloody martial arts film The Furious. The Furious looks so f ing good.
The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 
April 29-May 3
LAAPFF 2026
Multiple Venues
Free-$ 
 

 
Jim Cheung 'Batman/Wonder Woman: Truth' In-Store Launch Signing
Wed, 29 Apr 5:00 PM - 07:00 PM PDT
 Collector’s Paradise North Hollywood
5118 Lankershim Blvd | North Hollywood, CA 91601
Ticket Fees $10 - $40
 

The TCM Classic Film Festival
April 30-May 3
Multiple Venues
$ 
 
The 2026 TCM Classic Film Festival will cover a wide range of programming themes, including our central theme: The World Comes to Hollywood. Working directly with the Hollywood studios, the world’s notable film archives, and private collectors, our programs feature some of the most revered movies of all time—many with new restorations—and long-lost gems.

In keeping with TCM tradition, all Festival screenings include special introductions to provide context about each film. Specific details about this unique fan experience will be announced in the weeks and months ahead, including guest appearances by actors, actresses, directors, producers and other key figures.
 
 
Snowy Bing Bongs – Comedy, Dance, Cinema Spectacular!
Fri, May 1, 9:45 pm
Vidiots
$

Join us for a night of cinema, comedy, and dance when we bring you the absurd short film Snowy Bing Bongs Across the North Star Combat Zone preceded by live comedy sets from Carmen Christopher, Aparna Nancherla, and Kyle Mooney and followed by a conversation with the filmmakers and Cocoon Central Dance Team moderated by The Daniels!
 

Half-O-Ween: Sinners
May 1, 2026 6:30 PM
Carrie: 50th Anniversary
May 2, 2026 6:30 PM
Heritage Square Museum
$$ 
21+ 
 
The beloved immersive Halloween experience in Spring is back!

The countdown to Halloween starts now. Celebrate halfway to Halloween at Half-O-Ween. Get ready for scary good fun in the haunted village of Heritage Square Museum featuring fan-favorite horror films, Oddities Bazaar, boozy lounge, haunted Victorian home tours, and more. Indulge in sinfully delicious eats at LA's best food trucks, sip on themed cocktails, and embrace Halloween in the Spring. Get a taste of Halloween early—come for the scares, stay for the fun
 
 
Battle Royale
Sat, May 2, 9:45 pm
Brain Dead Studios
$

 
Pokémon x Target
Starts May 2nd
Targets
$ 
 
Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with legendary, limited-edition designs found only at Target. Free Starter Pokemon buttons, while supplies last starting May 2nd when you take a pic there.
 
Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 2nd
Select Comic Shops
Free
 
Get free comics and look out for special events at your local comic book store.
 

Collector’s Paradise Winnetka
Golden Apple Comics
Revenge Of
 
 
 
Opening Reception:
Saturday, May 2nd 6-10pm
OUR FANTABULOUSLY FURRY FELINE FRIENDS
Group Exhibit
YOUNG-JI CHA
Forest Slumber
FUMI NAKAMURA
Memento
The Fresh Series (Session Thirteen)
Spotlight on Local Creatives (with Chris Param | Maria Morillo | Rob Hill)
THINKSPACE PROJECTS
4217 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016
 
Cinco de Mayo Festival at Plaza Mexico – Music, Food & Culture Sun, May 03 Plaza Mexico3100 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262 Entrance + Parking: free

Celebrate culture, music, and community at our biggest fiesta of the year. LA Galaxy will join us with a special inflatable wall that mimics a soccer goal, letting fans shoot a ball into one of five targets. This is part of the LA Galaxy's decades-long tradition of honoring the rich traditions, backgrounds, and cultures of its fans, players, and staff.

The festivities include musical guests Plenazo Tribe, a vibrant musical collective that was part of Bad Bunny’s halftime show at the Super Bowl earlier this year. Also performing are Los Caminantes, Manuel Bernal y Sus Allegados, Grupo Fuerza Letal, Buknas de Culiacan, El Internacional Grupo La Migra, Josie Sánchez, Gabriel Arteaga, Banda El Rosario de Jalisco, Roció La Tigrita, Elvira Pérez, Jazmyne Maravilla, and El Chilaquil with Nallely as the host.
 
The Drillmaster
Sunday, May 3, 2026 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Elysian Theater
$20-$25

Conceived by Jenny Zigrino (Conan, Badass Bitches of History) and co-written with Caleb Zeringue (Luigi: The Musical), comes The Drillmaster, a new comedic play about the life and times of the Prussian immigrant and gay polyamorous founding father of the United States, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben. Just in time for the United States’ 250th Anniversary, the play is set to debut as a staged reading in San Francisco at The Eagle on April 1, followed by a star-studded reading in Los Angeles at the Elysian Theater on May 3
 
 
 

Monday, May 4th
 
Every May 4th is Star Wars Day, where we celebrate Star Wars. Many events happening over the weekend as this May 4th falls on a Monday. Check more local listings for showings of any films related to Star Wars. Most of the showings we wanted to share were already sold out!
 
 
Woah, the biggest names in comedy are back to fill, cram and shove every venue possible for Netflix Is A Joke Fest May 4-10. You name the comedian, they're probably doing at least one show in the LA area this May. Check out the full line-up. There's sure to be someone you want to see.

Highlights include a Dodgers Comedy Night, The Naked Gun Screening with David Zucker, Seth Rogen and some of the comedians who did the Riyadh Comedy Festival

 
 
Tiki de Mayo: Mercado y Musica with Healing Gems, Las Cohinxs, Dolores y Su Conjunto, Dorothy Fuzz, Pink Lemon  
Tue, May 5, 6:00 PM
Zebulon
Free 
21+
 

 
 
 
CINE INSOMNIA IN MAY - "MAY" WE HAVE ANOTHER? - FILM SEQUELS

Fri, May 01: STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) The Star Wars saga continues!
Fri, May 08: THE GODFATHER PART II (1974) Starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro & Robert Duvall!
Fri, May 15: THE ROAD WARRIOR (1981) Just one man can make a difference.
Fri, May 22: BAD BOYS II (2003) Starring Will Smith & Martin Lawrence!
Fri, May 29: THE DARK KNIGHT (2008) Welcome to a world without rules!
 
  
 Even More To Do:
 
The DTLA Alliance Community Trust, in partnership with the Colburn School, is presenting Lunchtime Concerts at Colburn, a weekly midday performance series taking place every Tuesday from April 7th through May 5th (12:00pm-1:00pm) at Colburn Plaza in DTLA.

Designed as an easy cultural break during the workday, the series invites Downtown workers, residents and visitors to enjoy live music and dance performed by Colburn’s students. The one hour performances are free and open to the public, offering an accessible way to experience high quality arts programming in the heart of the city.

To further encourage foot traffic and local engagement, attendees will also have the chance to win a weekly $25 gift card to nearby California Plaza dining spots.
 
Saturdays and Sundays April 4 – May 17, 2026 · 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Only minutes from Pasadena at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale, CA 
$28.00 - $275.00
 
We offer the public an opportunity to experience a true Renaissance of our Renaissance, one that was introduced 60 years ago. The Faire is one of the most diverse places on Earth and an escape from the stresses and demands of the modern-day. We offer cutting-edge performances, artisans, and culinary delights.
 
 
 
 
 
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.
 


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, April 28, 2026

Daemons Of The Shadow Realm Looks Familiar

Four episodes in the question is begged to be asked, "Why isn't this on Adult Swim and produced by Viz? Times have changed. If you want anime with mystery, violence, humor and learning about Japanese culture look no further than Daemons Of The Shadow Realm. It's best to go in blind and enjoy the ride. We're already hooked.

Oh, and it looks like it's familiar because it's from the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist. And, it sort of has familiars called daemons.  Dub and Sub on Crunchyroll.


 

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Beyond Words Review: Just One More Word Before Bed

 
 
Spell damn you! Spell! Hello new addiction, thy name be Beyond Words! A game easily to look up from at a clock and go, "Noooooo!" In this hour eater, you'll be compelled to open up your syntax and try hard to unlock all those synonyms you've forgotten while playing Mad Libs. The goal of this game is scoring high enough with words you come up with using all the game modifiers you can, so you can earn more points. The game looks like, hmmm, like a computer game for your tablet or phone. In any case, it's part of the rogue-like trend that's still going on.
 
Out of the way, I'm just gonna say there was a weird push from the marketing on a a constant reminder that developers also made GoldenEye 007 and TimeSplitters, which I don't find any bearing on this as those are shooters and this is...as they've put it a "roguelike strategy and word-crafting' game. Maybe, for the notoriety? So, the people behind it know how to make games and have for years. 
 
And, they've made an addictive one with this. Very much like Scrabble you get a jumble of random letters and must make words out of them on colorful boards. You've got to earn so many points each round (9), which keeps going up. Luckily, you get to spell out five words each round. But, wait, there's more! You can also get modifiers on the letters, words and board. You also can get Power Cards and Booster Cards that modify how many points you earn or money you make or other factors. And, they can be weird or helpful, it's the luck of the shop.
 
So, you're hoping to get the best cards. So far, with hours into the game, I've had to unlock quite a few that really help. Sometimes, the game will just give you cards for certain levels. An example is get extra points for letters that spell Z-O-M-B-I-E or a multiplier card.
 
Watching the whole thing, seeing your word score go up. It's a pure dopamine hit. Your like a cartoon character with your eyes showing off how high your score can go...if you get the right modifiers!
 
 And, sometimes you just aren't hitting and words aren't clicking. Ughhhhh!A lot of time bosses, just represented by silly images can wreak havoc and you might only get a bronze or silver trophy for the level, but not the beloved gold.
 
Talking about looks. I don't know what to put the games theme as. It's sort of all over the place. I wish there was a more concise idea with a character to represent it all. Baltatro has the Jokers, Raccoin has raccoons, Beyond Words has...the as it's mascot. Maybe an owl? Nice illustrations, but an overall theme tying it together really could have held it more together. It being so generic means it's open to a lot more people, but it also makes it so unmemorable.
 
Getting into the game though, you kind of forget it and just get lost in the words and trying to figure out the best strategy to get to the next round. Ultimately, it's totally an addictive new game, perfect to play anywhere. We're kind of shocked it didn't start as a more mobile version.
 
Beyond Words
Out now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam
 
 Game provided by publisher for review purposes
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