The Halo universe is about to be expaned in two major ways, first by way of Halo Legends.  Microsoft has teamed up with a bunch of renowned anime studios to create a collection of original short films that will bring the exciting story of Master Chief and the discovery of the mysterious Halo rings to life on the small screen.  The short anime-style films will be produced by Microsoft’s 343 Industries and creative direction will come from anime pioneer Shinji Aramaki.  Aramaki: “Halo and its characters are a very natural fit for anime.”  If you are at all interested in the back story of the world of Halo and its characters, this will be a must see.  All seven short films will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray in 2010.  However, a preview of select episodes debut on Xbox Live this fall.

Also announced is Halo Waypoint, a one-stop destination for all things Halo on Xbox Live.  According to Microsoft, “It will inform fans of the latest Halo news and activities, and grant access to content ranging from podcasts, trailers and screenshots, to exclusive video footage you won’t find anywhere else. It also will provide a new challenge for Halo gamers with a career system and player rankings tied to both in-game and out-of-game accomplishments related to Halo.”  Look out for this new portal on Xbox Live this fall.  Halo fans, rejoice!

[Via IGN; Animation Magazine; Examiner; Xbox.com]

Jimmy Fallon takes his idea of his own superhero a little too far when he becomes, ”The Recharger.”  The special guests rock: Lost members, Stan Lee, Jon Favreau, and more!

I smell a contest…and boar.  They guys behind Lost are posing this question to their loyal fans:  ‘If Lost had a theme song during its main title screen, what would it be?’  Sounds like fun.

According to the official website:  “A call to all Dharma Bassists, Bassoonists, Bandurists, Bouzouki players, Cellists, Clarinetists, Drummers, Electronic Musicians, Flautists, Guitarists, Harpists, Hornists, Keyboardists, Oboists, Pianists, Percussionists, Saxophonists, Sawists, Sitarists, Trombonists, Trumpeters, Tubists, Violinists, and any and all alike…. For this year’s Comic-Con panel, our theme is about giving back to YOU…the fans!!! It is because of you that we are celebrating our 5th year at Comic-Con, and we would love to incorporate your astounding creativity. We’d like to feature YOUR ideal version of what you think a LOST title song would be (if the show had one). Over the years, we’ve been witness to your incredibly innovative pieces on LOST, and would love to hear your fetchy melody for LOST which you were waiting to share!”

Click here to see the rules and regulations…and get cracking (or playing).