Real Audio
interviews with Robert Bricken, Associate Editor of
Anime Invasion Magazine, discussing the state of anime
in America and Anime Invasion's plan to become a
bi-monthly magazine; Rhona Medina, Marketing Manager
for Urban Vision Entertainment, discussing the upcoming
Ninja Scroll TV series; and Anime News Network Ad Sales
Consultant Isaac Alexander.
The once one stop resource for anime online Anime Web Turnpike
has posted Ryan Mathews' final Last Exit Before the
Toll column here, once
the last word on must see anime links.
Anime Network Details
Anime News
Network has spoked to ADV about their plans for a
24 hour anime network. The articles and working logo
can be seen here
They would nottalk about non-ADV shows he did say that
not all ADV shows would appear on the Anime Network,
but they are looking at airing the following shows:
Gunsmith Cats, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Getter Robo,
Gasaraki and RahXephon. In fact, RahXephon will
probably air on the Anime Network before it is released
on DVD. "We will be premiering programs that have no
shown in the past. RahXephon will be hopefully
premiered on the Anime Network."
Pom Poko Update
Anime on DVD
has confirmed that the region 2 DVD release of Ghibli's
Pom Poko will feature Japanese, English and French
subtitles in anamorphic widescreen. The movie follows
the adventures of a shape shifting clan of racoon like
tanuki has the are forced to interact with human
society. The movie was directed by Isao Takahata,
Studio Ghibli's best known director after Hayao
Miyazaki.
Peruvian teenagers 'possessed' by Dragon Ball Z
From Ananova.com
The parents of three Peruvian teenagers say their
children have been possessed by a Japanese TV cartoon
show.
Christian Vilchez, who's 16, and 19-year-olds Jorge
Vela and Edy Frank Castillo are fans of Dragon Ball Z
and never miss an episode.
But, according to their parents, since watching it last
week they have gone mute, had convulsions and lost
their memories.
One of the teenager's fathers told Terra Noticias
Populares: "It is all Dragon Ball Z's fault. My son is
numb. I beg the authorities and the church to support
me."
Doctors on the town of Tarapoto have examined Edy Frank
Castillo and have not yet come up with an explanation
for his condition. They continue to study the cases.
One of the cartoon's characters is Babidi, a mind
altering wizard who uses his powers to "bring out the
evil in people's hearts and control them".
Manga Strongly Objects to Newtype Eva Review
Manga Entertain has issued a letter stating their
objection to Newtype USA's negative, and flippent
review of the Neon Genesis Evangelion movies. The
letter critiszed the magazine for not recognizing the
movies artistic vision, and for being biased toward
the ADV Films, the company who publishes the magazine
Anime on DVD
has posted the letter here.
The vast majority of fan reaction has been to be
unimpressed by both sides of the arguements. Few have
stood up for the quality of the review, but most feel
that Manga Entertainment should chalked up the negative
reaction to the contraversial nature of the films, and
which are not to everyone's liking.
The movies have been contraversional, and recognized by
many to be a point of contention.
Tezuka in Japan
From Natsume Maya
Tezuka Osamu's Black Jack character is being used to
market a weather/health information service for users
of mobile telephones. Commencing 21 October 2002 and
using Black Jack as a guide, the Tokyo Electric Power
Company group will provide news of the weather as well
as advise of illnesses the user should beware of,
taking into account the weather and the user's own
health. It is hoped that there will be 100,000
registered users within a year. The "Black Jack no
Otenki Doctor" service is being provided on NTT DoCoMo's
Speaking of using classic characters for public service
promotions, characters from yojin no Hoshi are being
used to promote off-peak commuting in the month of
November see here
In recognition of the birthday of Tetsuwan Atom
(Astroboy) on 7 April 2003, Triumph Japan has created
the Triumph @Mune Bra. The item, which isn't being
sold, can be seen at here
Plans to construct the Tezuka Osamu World Kawasaki
theme park have been abandoned, Yomiuri Online reports.
Kawasaki was decided as the location of the theme park
back in May 1998, but due to the recession and poor
performance of other theme parks in the recent past,
the Tezuka World Plan was revisited in December last
year. It was proposed to include characters by other
authors, reduce the plan area and use a new design.
However, ultimately Tezuka Production cancelled its
investment. A new use will need to be found for the
planned construction site of 38 hectares.
New Manga by Goldesn Creator
From Natsume Maya
A new manga by Egawa (Golden Boy) Tatsuya has commenced
serialisation in the November 2002 issue of Cyzo (on
sale 18 October 2002), which also features a cover
illustration by Egawa. What's a bit different about
this manga is that Egawa is the main character. The
manga's titled Egawa Shiki Benkyou Hou (Egawa Style
Studying Method). According to the blurb, it's "new
ground for the genius who brought you Tokyo Daigaku
Monogatari (Tokyo University Story) and Magical
Taruto-kun and who's at the forefront of the manga
world, Egawa is the main character, dealing a blow to
the absurdity of this world!?"
http://www.ultracyzo.com/
Demon Beast Invasion Legal Action...
Case Against Texas Hentai Seller Goes Poorly
From ICV2
In a setback for First Amendment rights, the Texas
Court of Criminal Appeals has denied the Petition for
Discretionary Review of the "display of obscenity"
conviction of Texas comic retailer Jesus Castillo .
Castillo for selling Demon Beast Invasion #2 to an
adult.
He was sentenced to 180 days in jail, a year's
probation, and a $4,000 fine for selling an issue of
Demon Beast invasion, a hentai (pornographic) Japanese
comic to an adult. This appeal by the attorney for the
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was a second appeal; in
the first, the Fifth District Court of Appeals upheld
Castillo's conviction in a 2-1 decision.
The notice of
the denial came via postcard, dated October 23rd, to
CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein. It said
only, "On this day, the Appellant's Petition for
Discretionary Review has been REFUSED." The only
remaining course of action is an appeal to the U.S.
Supreme Court. The CBLDF board of directors is
currently voting on whether to proceed with that
appeal; a decision is expected by Monday.
See here for more information.
Japanese Government Looks to Fund Anime
From Natsume Maya
According to Kyodo News, Japanese government body
examines expanding the financing methods for anime
production. Anime is a field in which high growth is
hoped for in a Japan which is facing
de-industrialisation and it's hoped that revision of
the business laws will help the domestic animation
industry compete with other major animators like
Disney.
Disney puts Castle in the Sky trailer on Spiderman
Cartoon DVD
AnimeAge reports
Disney's recent release of Spider-Man - The Return of
the Green Goblin (Animated Series) on DVD includes a
trailer for Miyazaki's Castle in the Sky. According to
the trailer, Castle in the Sky is "Coming Soon."
Unfortunately no specific (or even aproximate) date is
given, and Disney has hinted at Castle in the Sky
releases in the past.
Castle in the Sky, also known as Laputa, Castle in the
Sky takes elements of Gulliver's Travels, and Jules
Vernes, and combines they with Miyazaki's love of
nature, flight, and strong characters.
New Anime Announced
From Anime
Nation
New anime TV series confirmed for premier on Japanese
television in January include the second .Hack anime TV
series, ".hack//Tasogare no Udewa Densetsu" seemingly
based on the .Hack manga; Transformers: Micron Legend;
Gunparade March, based on the best selling Japanese
Playstation game; L/R; Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na
Koto; Status Four, the latest "801 TTS style" anime
from Studio Fantasia, creators of Aika and Najica; Lime
iro Senkitan http://www.kss-inc.co.jp/anime/raimuiro/ ;
and Machine Robo Rescue http://www.nifty.ne.jp/rstation/sunrise/mrr, a revival of the
1986 anime TV series that was remade in America as
Challenge of the GoBots.
Gutsoon Changes Fujin Name To RGA
Gatsoon has announced that they will be changing the
name of their Fujin weekly anime and game news
suppliment to Rga Or Raijin Game & Anime.
In addition, RGA, will no longer be distributed as a
supplement issue, but as a separate newsmagazine,
becoming Gutsoon Entertainment's second U.S. published
property. RGA will feature the latest news on
videogames, anime, manga and Japanese cultural trends.
RGA will be offered to subscribers of Raijin Comics
free of charge, and available in stores at a
shelf-price of $0.99. (Raijin Comics store shelf-price
will be $4.95.) The name change was selected to better
reflect the magazine's contents and add to Gutsoon's
branding initiatives for the upcoming launch of both
magazines, slated to be in stores on December 4th,
2002.
AnimEigo KOR Replacement Disc Update
AnimEigo has announced their plans to replace the first
DVD set of Kimagure Orange Road. Customers objected to
the fact that the initial release placed all the series
openning animation on one location on the disc rather
than before each episode.
Kimagure Orange Road is considered a classic
comedy/drama/romance about a love triangle between
three friends, complicated by the fact than one of them
has psychic powers that he must keep hidden (mostly for
social reasons).
Discs should start shipping on November 20th
The following e-mail has been sent to costumers
Dear KOR Fans,
We are pleased to announce that, barring any unexpected
problems, the remastered KOR discs (containing complete
opening and ending credits) will be arriving around
November 18th. It'll take us a couple of days to give
them a final once-over, but we expect to be able to
send them to you starting on the 20th.
If you'd like to exchange your current discs for the
remastered discs, then please do the following:
1) Make a small shipping label with your name and
address on it (it doesn't have to be a sticky label,
just something we can attach to the package we send
back to you).
2) Mail your 12 discs, along with the label, to:
KOR DISC SWAP...
c/o AnimEigo...
PO BOX 989,
Wilmington NC 28402-0989
Do NOT, repeat, NOT, include the amaray cases, the box,
the liner notes, etc. Just the label and the actual DVD
discs.
HINT: You can send this package using the MEDIA MAIL
rate, it should cost you less than $2.00.
3) You'll get back a package containing 12 new discs
(individually wrapped), as well as a coupon for a $10
discount on your next website or preorder purchase;
it's our way of compensating you for your time and the
postage.
Best,
R
January Manga Releases
The following items are being solicited for release
this January by Diamond Distributors. See here to find
to local comic shop in order to pre-order items.
COMICSONE.COM
ComisOne.com will release the first volume of Onegei
Teacher this January, a comedy about a highschool
student, and the strange "alien" woman who is his
teacher and neighbor.
ComicsOne's kung fu offering continue with Crouching
Tiger, Hidden Dragon #2, Legendary Couple Gn #3, Mega
Dragon & Tiger Gn #3, Saint Legend Gn #3 and Storm
Riders Gn #10
The violent revenge tale from Sanctuary and Crying
Freeman creator Kauo Koike, and Ryoicji Ikegami,
Wounded Man will be released in a nine volu,e set for
$92.00.
CPM MANGA
The "cute chicks with guns" comedy action Geobreeders
continues with volume 5, "Big Trouble at Tokyo Tower".
Volume 4 will be re-released.
Record Of Lodoss War: Deedlit's Tale, the romance
centric, shoujo (girl's) take on the classic fantasy
tale continue with volume 2, Forest of No Return.
GUTSOON ! ENTERTAINMENT
In edition to the second month of week's releases of
manga anthology Raijin, and anime/manga anthology
Fujin, Gutsoon! will be releasing its first graphic
novel collection, Fist Of The North Star: The Master
Edition V. 1 Tpb.
In a post-apocalyptic nightmare, one man named Kenshiro
protects the innocent with the ultimate fighting style,
Hokuto Shinkne. This edition features right-to-left
sequencing, original Japanese sound effects, large
format pages, brand-new translation, and full-color
art.
Fujin Magazine Set (#5-8) [Mature Content
B&W. Features Slam Dunk; Baki the Grappler, Fist of the
Blue Sky, Revenge of the Mouflon, Bomber Girl, Guardian
Angel Getten, The First President of Japan, City Hunter
and more. 212 pp. MR.
I.C. ENTERTAINMENT (Ironcat)
IC. Entertainment, formly Studio Ironcat will be
releasing the first second issue of their Amerimanga V.
1 #2.
In Hyper Dolls V. 3 Miyu and Maika must decide just
how much they should interfere in Earth's battles
against crime when they are taken hostage at a bank
robbery. Volume 1 will be re-released.
New Vampire Miyu V. 4: The Return Of Miyu Gn will be
re-released.
Vampire Yui V. 3 Tpb - B&W. The Past Is Explored,
Delving Into Yui's Final Human Memories.
Dark Horse Comics
Collections
Astro Boy continues with volume 12.
Makoto Kobashayi's Club , and What's Michael from Super
Manga Blast will be available in new collections.
Club 9 will collect the first story of the comedy title
about a cute and slightly hazard prone girl from the
country who leaves her farm famil, and boyfriend for
college in the big city.
What's Michael?: Fat Cat in the City continues the
humurous adventures of Japan's favorite fat orange cat.
Issues:
Blade of the Immortal #75: Fall Frost part 3 (of 6)
thhe immortal swordsman Manji, and an allie team up to
hunt the sadistic killer Shira, but stumbles into a
trio of not-quite capable bounty hunters.
Kenichi Sonoda (Gunsmith Cats)'s Cannon God Exaxxion
#13 might feature the creator's must overboard phalic
cover illustration to date.
Masamume Shirow fans should look out for Ghost in the
Shell 2: Man Machine Interface #4, and the new chapter
of Appleseed Hypernote in the Super Manga Blast
Anthology #29.
TOKYOPOP
TOKYPOP has re-schedule the first volumes of Invu,
Rave, and Shaolin Sisters for this January.
Invu V. 1 Tpb - B&W. (Kang-Won Kim)
When Sey's Mom Leaves Suddenly For Europe, She Leaves
Sey With A New Family, The Kangs. Her New Family Seems
Normal, But When Her Foster Brother Turns Out To Be A
Sister, She Begins To Think That Her New Home Is
Weirder Than Her Old One.
Rave V. 1 Tpb
Compared to One Piece, and being marketed as series for
Dragon Ball fans, the series follows a boy and his
companions trying to stop a demonic invasion.
The Dark Stone
A Magical Stone And Ruler Of The Dark
Side - Awakens After A 50-Year Respite And The World Is
In Danger. A Sacred Stone Called Rave Is The Only
Defense Against The Dark Stone. A Boy Called Haru May
Be The World's Single Hope Of Revitalizing Rave.
SHAOLIN SISTERS V. 1 TPB - [of 5] B&W. (Narumi
Kakinouchi)
Separated at birth, three Shaolin princesses trained in
supernatural and physical combat, must work together to
defeat ultimate evil.
Other collections include
- Cardcaptor Sakura Master Of The Clow V. 3 Tpb - [Of 6]
- Chobits V. 4 Tpb - [Of 7]
- Dragon Knights V. 6 Tpb - [Of 17]
- GTO V. 9 TPB - [of 25]
- GTO V. 10 TPB - [of 25]
- Gundam Wing: Last Outpost V. 2 Tpb - [Of 3]
- Initial D V. 6 Tpb - [Of 20]
- Love Hina V. 9 Tpb - [Of 14]
- Lupin Iii V. 2 TPB
- Marmalade Boy V. 5 Tpb - [Of 8]
- Mars V. 9 Tpb - [Of 15] B&W.
- Paradise Kiss V. 4 Tpb - [Of5] B&W.
- Real Bout High School V. 5 Tpb
- Skull Man V. 5 Tpb - [Of 7]
- Wish V. 4 Tpb
Viz
Collections
Bastard!! V. 3 Tpb
Leaving The Besieged Kingdom Of Metallicana, The Mighty
Wizard, Accompanied Only By The Dragon Lars, Finds
Himself Under Constant Attack From Arshes Nei's Most
Lethal Assassins.
Ceres, Celestial Legend V. 3: Suzumi Tpb
A fellow high school student, Yûki Urakawa, catches
Aya's attention when she exhibits supernatural
firestarter abilities.
Gundam: The Origin V. 4 Tpb
On a mission to gain information on the Federation's
new and powerful Mobile Suit, the Gundam, Char
encounters a mysterious person from his past.
Hamtaro, Lets Play! Vol. 3
Full-color games, puzzles, and original Hamtaro picture
book stories.
Medabots Vol. 4: Finale (tpb)
Ranma 1/2 Vol. 21
Pantyhose Taro is back and he's looking for Happosai
with a bottle of cursed water from the Spring of the
Pious Man at Jusenkyo.
Issues
ALL-NEW TENCHI MUYÔ! PART 2 #4 - [of 5]
ANIMERICA EXTRA V. 6 #2 - B&W. Short Program 2.
The
conclusion of 5X4P. Fushigi Yûgi. Grief and Genbu's
cave awaits. Video Girl Ai. Natsumi steps in to help
Ai, but can anyone stand up to Mai? Steam Detectives.
The Steam Detectives' office is in ruins, and who's
behind it? Chicago. Rei confronts the man of her
nightmares. Revolutionary Girl Utena. Will Utena follow
the will of World's End? Marionette Generation. A new
doll appears in Izumi's bed. 160 pp.
Bastard!! #14: Empress!! Part 4 - [Of 4]
Dark Schneider and Arshes Nei power up for their most
epic magic, called from the Seven Gates of Hell, the
devastating particle beam Helloween. 64 pp. MR.
Battle Angel Alita: Last Order Part 1 #5
BIG O PART 3 #3 - [of 4]
Ceres, Celestial Legend Part 4 #4 - [Of 4]
Dragon Ball Part 6 #1 - [Of 8]
Piccolo's army is methodically killing the greatest
fighters on Earth, the only threat to their master, and
for Goku, it's personal - because Kuririn was the first
to go.
Inu-Yasha Part 7 6
Project Arms Part 1 5
Ranma 1/2 Part 11 #11 - [Of 11]
P-Chan and Mousse continue to battle it out with Mint
and Lime for the sacred teapot.
Shonen Jump Vol. 1 (Mar 2003) 3
Shaman King. Yoh Asakura is a modern-day shaman, one of
the select few able to see spirits and speak to the
dead. Naruto finally makes it into full-fledged shinobi
school. Dragon Ball Z. Trunks, the traveler from the
future, warns Goku and the others about the deadly
cyborgs. Yu-Gi-Oh! A false fortuneteller comes to
Domino High School. Yu Yu Hakusho. Hanging out in the
spirit world, Yusuke and Botan perform good deeds. One
Piece. Axe Hand Morgan promises to execute bounty
hunter Roronoa Zoro and anyone who aids him. SandLand.
Beelzebub, Rao, and Thief find a new means of desert
transportation: a tank. 304
Silent Mobius Part 12: Hell 2 of 5
Vagabond 15
While Musashi follows the way of the sword his old
friend, Matahachi just can't get rid of his bad habits.
Zoids: Chaotic Century 12 5
November Manga Sales Rankings
From Diamond Distributor's Orders For November Releases.
Graphic Novels (From Top 50)
Qtyrank Retailrank Guide Description Price Pub
3 6 13.88 Lone Wolf & Cub Vol 28 Falling Tree Tp
$9.95 Dar
10 15 4.65 Blade O/T Immortal Beasts Tp (Mr) $14.95 Dar
11 18 4.59 Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Gn #1 $13.95
One
17 27 3.46 Astro Boy Vol 10 Tp $9.95 Dar
28 39 2.38 Lupin Iii Vol 1 Gn $9.99 Tkp
30 46 2.11 Cardcaptor Sakura Master O/T Clow Vol 2
$9.99 Tkp
32 49 1.90 Wish Vol 3 Gn $9.99 Tkp
33 31 1.89 Cannon God Exaxxion Stage 1 Tp (Mr) $15.95
Dar
37 56 1.74 Mars Vol 7 Gn $9.99 Tkp
47 51 1.35 Storm Riders Gn #8 $13.95 One
48 84 1.28 Monsters Inc Vol 1 Gn $7.99 Tkp
50 70 1.26 Spirited Away Vol 5 Tp
Issues (From Top 300)
Qty Rank Retail Rank Guide Item No Description Price
Pub
- 92 59 24.24 Sep020058 Ghost I/T Shell 2 Man Machine
Interface #2 (Mr) $3.50 Dar
- 168 122 10.53 Sep022364 Shonen Jump Vol 1 #1 $4.95 Viz
- 190 191 7.93 Sep020061 Oh My Goddess #92 Traveler (2 Of
5) $2.99 Dar
- 192 197 7.15 Sep020014 Blade O/T Immortal #73 Fall
Frost (1 Of 6) $2.99 Dar
- 199 200 5.83 Sep021205 Paradigm #3 $3.50 Ima
- 200 160 5.69 Sep020062 Super Manga Blast #27 (Mr) $5.99
Dar
- 201 205 5.52 Sep022368 Dragonball Part 5 #6 (Of 7)
$2.95 Viz
- 203 202 5.28 Sep020055 Cannon God Exaxxion Stage 2 (3
Of 5) #11 (Mr) $3.50 Dar
- 204 207 5.19 Sep022391 Ranma 1/2 Part 11 #9 (Of 11)
$2.95 Viz
- 208 212 4.96 Sep022379 Battle Angel Alita Last Order
Part 1 #3 $2.95 Viz
- 216 229 4.16 Sep022376 All New Tenchi Muyo Part 2 #2
(Of 5) $2.95 Viz
- 218 231 3.95 Sep022327 Cardcaptor Sakura #34 $2.99 Tkp
- 219 235 3.63 Sep022384 Inu Yasha Part 7 #4 (Of 8) $2.95
Viz
- 249 239 2.65 Sep022378 Bastard #12 Empress (2 Of 4)
(Mr) $3.95 Viz
- 250 249 2.63 Sep022381 Ceres Celestial Legend Part 4 #2
(Of 4) $3.50 Viz
- 266 264 2.08 Sep022380 Big O Part 3 #1 (Of 4) $3.50 Viz
- 281 307 1.68 Sep022393 Silent Mobius Part 11 Blood #5
(Of 5) $2.95 Viz
- 290 266 1.43 Sep022402 Vagabond #13 (Mr) $4.95 Viz
- 295 318 1.38 Sep022390 Project Arms Part 1 #3 (Of 16)
$3.25 Viz
Company Ranks
Publisher Dollar Share Unit Share
Dark Horse Comics 4.38% 3.35%
Viz Communications 1.29% 0.94%
Tokyopop 0.72% 0.29%
Comicsone.Com 0.56% 0.14%
