Population GO

Top 5: Kyoto Animation Anime
Written by Anthony Kim
Review: Nobunaga no Chef
Written by Dan Gabber
Review: Star Trek Into Darkness
Written by Steve Attanasie
Review: Flowers of Evil - 7
Written by Cole Millions

Happy National Rubber Ducky Day

Today, January 13, is National Rubber Ducky Day!!!

No one knows the exact origin of when the first rubber duck was first made, but it’s been around since the rise of the rubber industry during the end of the 19th century. In 1970, the song “Rubber Duckie” was performed by Jim Henson as Ernie on Sesame Street and has been an iconic American symbol since.

So have Happy National Rubber Ducky Day and start your weekend off right with a relaxing bubble bath and a rubber ducky or two!

Want more info on Rubber Ducks or for lyrics on the Rubber Duckie song? Check out www.rubaduck.com.

Random fact: On Sesame Street, Ernie’s duck’s birthday is also on January 13th.

“Dragon Quest” 25th Anniversary Map Diorama Collection

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Dragon Quest series, Square-Enix will be releasing this beautiful map diorama collection — a series of trading figures that forms a giant map of the original game which includes 11 map pieces, 9 monsters and are blind-boxed — in March 2012.

However, you can pre-order the entire map diorama collection now and check out more details at AmiAmi.com.

Stussy x Beavis and Butt-Head Collection

Hey Bungholes! In celebration of the recent return of Beavis and Butt-Head, Stussy teamed up with MTV and series creator Mike Judge for a limited edition series of tees and sweatshirts now available at Stussy.com and USA Stussy Stores (Guam, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC).

But that’s not all!

You can also win a limited edition Stussy x Beavis and Butt-Head poster and a $100 gift card to Stussy.com! How? Head over to Stussy’s Facebook page for more details and enter for a chance to win one of ten posters hand-signed by Mike Judge.

And don’t forget to catch the show at 10pm, Thursdays on MTV! Heh, heh…

Forever 21 for Hello Kitty Exclusive Collection
If you still haven’t heard, Forever 21 and Sanrio announced their very first exclusive Hello Kitty collaboration a few  months back that will feature women’s apparel and other accessories.  Waiting for the collection to debut took forever…
But finally, the day is here!
Today, Friday, November 18, 2011 marks the USA debut of the Forever 21 for Hello Kitty Exclusive Collection, and so far, it’s looking freakin’ awesome and kawaii!!!
It includes  everything from super adorable sweaters and cardigans, to logo t-shirts,  tights, socks, and super cute beanies, scarfs, and leg warmers to keep you  warm all through winter. The prices are literally under $30 and the  entire collection is now available in stores and online!

Forever 21 for Hello Kitty Exclusive Collection

If you still haven’t heard, Forever 21 and Sanrio announced their very first exclusive Hello Kitty collaboration a few months back that will feature women’s apparel and other accessories. Waiting for the collection to debut took forever…

But finally, the day is here!

Today, Friday, November 18, 2011 marks the USA debut of the Forever 21 for Hello Kitty Exclusive Collection, and so far, it’s looking freakin’ awesome and kawaii!!!

It includes everything from super adorable sweaters and cardigans, to logo t-shirts, tights, socks, and super cute beanies, scarfs, and leg warmers to keep you warm all through winter. The prices are literally under $30 and the entire collection is now available in stores and online!

The Chopper Star Wars Series The Chopper Star Wars Series The Chopper Star Wars Series The Chopper Star Wars Series The Avid Grom R2-D2 Helmet The Chopper Star Wars Series The Chopper Star Wars Series The Chopper Star Wars Series The Chopper Star Wars Series

Burton Limited Edition Star Wars Snowboards

Just in time for the holidays, Burton Snowboards and Lucasfilm have joined forces this Winter to bring Star Wars snowboard gear to ‘groms’ everywhere with a limited edition Chopper Star Wars snowboards for kids and a Avid Grom R2-D2 youth helmet.

The Chopper Star Wars series showcase eight different images from the original Star Wars trilogy and are now available at Burton.com at $189.95 each. While these boards are still youth size, if you’re a collector, I’d grab all eight (8) boards as the whole collection together would be worth more, or it’ll just look way awesome all hung as an art gallery on the wall.

Note: *Click the photos to view more details of each snowboard.

The Avid Grom R2-D2 helmet goes on sale November 15, 2011, with a suggestive retail price of $99.95. You can have your little one impersonate this classic character anywhere as this helmet can be worn while snowboarding, skateboarding or biking.

For more information, visit Burton.com or any Burton retail or local store, but hurry as these are limited edition and quantities are super limited at each store.

“Hi 5” with Mike Amerson of WET Productions!

When you think about having a virtual girlfriend or boyfriend, do those crazy anime/manga stories that you watch and/or read about make you think, “only in Japan”? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have your own virtual gf/bf here in the USA?

Well, now you can!

Pop GO is happy to introduce you to Mike Amerson, Co-founder of WET Productions Inc., and the creative direction behind the 3D dating simulation games, My Virtual Girlfriend, and My Virtual Boyfriend for iPhone and iPad.

Read on as we Hi 5 Mike Amerson of Wet Productions and see what it takes to create successful mobile games!

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Converse x DC Comics Holiday 2011

Hey DC Fans! Looking for a way to spice up your holiday wardrobe or add to your wishlist? Converse and DC Comics have worked together to present to you the Converse x DC Comics Holiday 2011 line-up. This line includes both the Chuck Taylor All Star Hi’s and Lo’s (4 Hi’s, 1 Lo’s) with colorful artwork featuring Batman, Superman and Flash.

Check out Converse.com for more information. Plus, you can still grab earlier DC Comic prints like Catwoman and Riddler (not pictured). Prices range from $37 to $60.

Harajuku Mini x Target Line Launches November 13

Back in September 2011, we showed you a sneak peak at the Harajuku Mini x Target Line. Now launching this Sunday, November 13, 2011 at Target, we finally are able to get our hands on the most unique clothing collection designed for babies to tweens.

While it maybe hard to find cute clothing without TV characters on it, or trying to make your kid unique, stylish and at the same time not sacrificing comfort, this Harajuku Mini Line might just fit the bill with cuteness, style and comfort. Not to mention, holiday shopping is going to be fun if you need tons of presents for less.

And that not all!

Pictured above is only part of the babies line. If you want the full look-book which includes babies, kids and tweens styles, visit Fashionista.com to see what’s launching this Sunday! Also, after the last designer collaboration, here’s hoping that Target doesn’t sell out the first day or their website crashes again.

Johnny Cupcakes x Nickelodeon Release 2
Johnny Cupcakes and Nickelodeon has partnered up to release limited edition t-shirts and last weekend was the release of the 2nd edition which featured CatDog, Rocko’s Modern Life and Rugrats. These are now available through JohnnyCupcakes.com.
If you missed the first release, it included Spongebob Squarepants, Ren & Stimpy, and Aaahh! Real Monsters with the first two still available on the website. So far, the entire T-shirt series mixes the JohnnyCupcakes look with the Nickelodeon characters in a colorful and attractive way that it’s worth the $40. Can’t wait for the 3rd Series, which will be out Dec 31, 2011.

Johnny Cupcakes x Nickelodeon Release 2

Johnny Cupcakes and Nickelodeon has partnered up to release limited edition t-shirts and last weekend was the release of the 2nd edition which featured CatDog, Rocko’s Modern Life and Rugrats. These are now available through JohnnyCupcakes.com.

If you missed the first release, it included Spongebob Squarepants, Ren & Stimpy, and Aaahh! Real Monsters with the first two still available on the website. So far, the entire T-shirt series mixes the JohnnyCupcakes look with the Nickelodeon characters in a colorful and attractive way that it’s worth the $40. Can’t wait for the 3rd Series, which will be out Dec 31, 2011.

FREE w/ $75 purchase, limited time only!

Tokidoki for Hello Kitty - Best Friends Collection

Just released as of November 1, 2011, is the ultra new and super kawaii collaboration between two iconic brands, Tokidoki and Sanrio, with the new Tokidoki for Hello Kitty - Best Friends Collection.

The latest design has Hello Kitty as the focal point in Tokidoki artwork. Items vary from bags in various sizes, wallets, neoprene laptop and iPad cases, suitcase, watches, plushes, key-chains and business card holders. All items have been released and are available on www.sanrio.com and select Sanrio stores.

But wait, there’s more!

If you visit a participating Sanrio store on November 3, 2011 between 5pm to 9pm and spend a minimum of $75 (which can include one item from the Best Friends Collection), you get 10% off the collection and a free ceramic mug, pictured above. Can’t make it to a store? You can still order online, but beware, the mug is available while supplies lasts!

Disney Princesses As Twisted Princesses

Imagine: What if all the sweet and innocent Disney Princesses were actually evil? Artist Jeffrey Thomas has created some of your favorite Disney princesses and many leading female characters into the opposite characters they portray in his Twisted Princess series.

Just check out the insane detail in the artwork in this truly amazing art series. If you had a hard time figuring out your Halloween costume this year, try being one of the evil princesses for once (next year).

Click the link to see more Twisted Princesses!

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G-Shock x Astro Boy 60th Anniversary Edition

Osamu Tezuka (known as the “God of Manga”) created Astro Boy in 1952 as a Japanese comic book character that later made his way into an animated TV series in the 60’s. To celebrate Astro Boy’s 60th Birthday, Casio is releasing a limited edition G-Shock 56-00 watch.

While it might look like a regular watch, up close it features Astro Boy’s flying silhouette in red when the watch is backlit, and a special 60th anniversary logo engraved right on the metallic back casing. The watch is limited to only 1,000 pieces and is available through pre-order starting November 3, 2011 through Charamono in Japan only.

One Piece x Hello Kitty Series

Launching November 3, 2011 is the first wave of the One Piece x Hello Kitty series! The concept for this series revolves around the character Chopper of ONE PIECE coming to play in Hello Kitty’s world.

Originally announced back in August, this first wave will consist of various items such as stationery, clothes, fashion accessories, and miscellaneous goods ranging from $5 to $50.

For more info, check out the Sanrio website.

The AT-AT Dog
“General, prepare your troops for a surface attack.” -Darth Vader
May the force be with you and your dog this Halloween! If you are in some need of inspiration or are looking to create an awesome costume for your lovable dog (or cat), go with the force. This Italian Greyhound named Bones, above, is known for this amazing AT-AT costume.

The AT-AT Dog

“General, prepare your troops for a surface attack.” -Darth Vader

May the force be with you and your dog this Halloween! If you are in some need of inspiration or are looking to create an awesome costume for your lovable dog (or cat), go with the force. This Italian Greyhound named Bones, above, is known for this amazing AT-AT costume.

Wish Come True for Hello Kitty!

Sanrio and FriendsWithYou have collaborated for the very first time for an ultra cute product line, Wish Come True for Hello Kitty! This is a limited edition collection that includes apparel, bags, wallets, various plush dolls and accessories for the home and office featuring Hello Kitty in the colorful cute world of Wish Come True.

The collection is now available worldwide and online at FriendsWithYou.com and Sanrio.com. Again, this collection is only available for a limited time only so grab these cute treasures while they last!