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Introducing Cranky Kraken Games - Monsters on Board Second Edition Leads the New Publisher’s Lineup

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Founded by lead designer Ivo Neskovic, the independent publisher brings a redesigned edition of the monster-themed strategy game to Kickstarter early 2027. 28 October 2026 — Cranky Kraken Games, a new independent tabletop publisher founded by game designer and digital studio co-founder Ivo Neskovic, today announces its debut with Monsters on Board: Second Edition . Coming to Kickstarter early 2027, the game combines dice drafting, interconnected actions and rival monster parties in a redesigned edition shaped by years of play and feedback. Following the return of the game’s publishing rights to its designers, Monsters on Board enters a new chapter under the publisher founded by its lead designer. It is the first announced release in a broader lineup of games currently in development at Cranky Kraken Games. Welcome Back to Startleton It’s Halloween night, and the Grim Lords are hosting rival monster balls. The essential ingredient is Spook Juice, distilled from human fear, and Startleto...
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Songs From Evangelion, Other Anime Win JASRAC Awards

The Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC) announced on Tuesday that it has given the first-place award in the latest JASRAC Awards to "Zankoku na Tenshi no Teeze" ("Thesis of a Cruel Angel"), the opening theme for the 1995-1996 Neon Genesis Evangelion television anime series. The song was sung by Yoko Takahashi, with lyrics by Neko Oikawa and composition by Hidetoshi Sato.


The song earned the gold prize for its continued royalties from online sales, pachinko and pachislo (pachinko parlor slot machine) games, karaoke, and other venues in 2010 — 15 years after its debut. The song garnered renewed popularity with Hideaki Anno and Khara's ongoing four-film remake of Gainax's television series.


JASRAC also handed out an International Award for the music that earned the most money overseas last year. Nine of the top 10 Japanese musical pieces in overseas royalties came from anime:



  • 1st place - Composer Kenichi Kamio for the theme song to Barbapapa
  • 2nd place - Composer Shunsuke Kikuchi for the background music for Dragon Ball Z
  • 3rd place - Composer Fumio Sebata for the background music for Kamen Rider Ryuki
  • 4th place - Composer Kuniaki Haishima for the background music for Monster
  • 5th place - Composer Shinji Miyazaki for the background music for Pokémon
  • 6th place - Composer Toshio Masuda for the background music for Naruto
  • 7th place - Composer Shigeto Mori for the background music for Anne of Green Gables
  • 8th place - Composer Shunsuke Kikuchi for the background music for Doraemon
  • 9th place - Composer Taku Iwasaki for the background music for Oban Star-Racers
  • 10th place - Composer Seiji Yokoyama for the background music for Saint Seiya

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