Father Geek here in the colorful wild flower covered Central Texas Hill Country with the latest from Scott and the wide worlds of Manga & Anime. As is the norm with his weekly reports this one is crammed full of coolness, tons of info, enough to satisfy the most jaded genre geek. So I'll just step aside and let you scroll right on down into this week's regular issue of...

AnimAICN...

by Scott Green

Manga Spotlight: Sgt Frog: Keroro Gunso Volume 1 By Mine Yoshizaki

Released by TOKYOPOP

Sgt Frog's high concept could be described as ET, if ET had the body of a cartoon frog, and the disposition of Marvin the Martian, and if Eliot's mother was a large chested manga editor. It's high energy, blaring volume humor. It isn't wildly more creative or deeper than most screw ball comedies, but it is heavy on charm, and dizzy, slapstick energy.

Frog alien Sgt. Keroro was part of an expeditionary force to prepare Earth for conquest until the mission failed when he was captured by 12 year old UFO enthusiast Fuyuki Hinata and his less than enthusiastic older sister Natsumi. Their large chested, often absent, manga editor mother decides that the alien would the perfect model for her latest manga series, so Keroro soon finds himself housed in the family's feudal ghost haunted basement.

The cast expands on this projection of oddity until hitting its zenith: a high maintenance kogal (over tanned, kindof trashy fashion clique) who is secretly an alien who Nostrodamos prophesized would destroy the earth.

The fun of reading Sgt Frog comes from its projection of the manic qualities of screwball animation into comic from. For a black and white comic, it seems bright and dynamic. Thanks in large part to the characters' expressive design, there is a real sense of motion conveyed through their posture and faces. Keroro in particular really seems to be bouncing off the well, in constant motion.

The series isn't dependant on its injokes, but it does aims to win over the anime and manga fans. Keroro is located to the Hinatas' haunted basement, where he uses his alien technology to transform it into a bachelor pad full of top pop culture swag. From gags involving mosaic censoring and Evangelion rage, to chapter illustrations warping the characters to look like Parappa the Rapper, the series is full of anime and manga gags, often amusing beyond a simple spot the reference chuckle. However, between a hot manga editor as the lead's mother, and an alien who quickly becomes addicted to Gundam models and like, it may have surfaced from pop culture immersion and become pandering.

The series is rated teen:13+, but the age of 13 is more a median point in the series' appeal than a minimum. A problem with the localization of manga is the difference in what degree of sexual humor is acceptable for what audience. There is nothing particularly explicit and no nudity in Sgt Frog, nothing that would be rejected from a prime time sit-com, even in these extra sensitive days, but there is a sexual dimension to the humor in Sgt Frog. An all ages sensibility doesn't stop the series from Keroro spying on a bathing Natsumi, or attempting to cut off her underwear.

In many titles untranslated sound effects are a minor announce. In SGT Frog, they are a considerable distraction. Being a loud series where characters are full of motion and interacting with their environment, illustrated sound effects are a prominent feature. To have the eye continually, and intentionally drawn to indecipherable symbols. The fact that a few are footnoted almost make the absence work in its inconsistency.

Anime Spotlight: Space Pirate Captain Herlock The Endless Odyssey Volume 2: Outside Legend

Released by Geneon/Pioneer

Leiji Matsumoto, and Matsumoto based works are almost a distinct genre. Generally one enjoys them, or doesn't. Beyond that, it is a matter of quality. Their visual and story stylistic traits are divisive. From his willowy women with ankle length hair, to his gallant heroes and their short, stumpy supporters, it is one of the more instantly recognizable styles in the world of anime and manga. It easy to either become addicted to or avoidant of the frequently Wagnerian melodramas, where science and logic are subverted rather than just ignored .

Endless Odyssey continues the traditions Leiji Matsumoto's (Star Blazers/Battleship Yamato) tradition of grand space operas. Scripted by Satoshi Kon collaborator Sadayuki Murai (Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress), directed by Taro Rin (Metropolis), with character design by Nobuteru Yuuki (Escaflowne, Heat Guy J), the all star staff constructs something that isn't the typical techno-fantasy sci-fi, but the grand scale epic conflict of the space pirate Captain Herlock and the Noo, primordial demons that spawn life on Earth . Those who don't like other Matsumoto works (Star Blazers, Galaxy Express 999, Maetel Legend) probably will not care for Endless Odyssey, those that do will love it

Hayao Miyazaki once did an interview in which he discussed abandoning action stories like his work with Lupin III (Castle of Cagliostro and the like). He wasn't interested in more stories about acquisition, the search for treasure, women and like, or reusing the overplayed adversaries such as blatantly evil businessmen or politicians. He also commented of the relevancy of the story of a hero of the light risen up to defeat a returning evil. He noted that this was Zoroastrianism, and held little relevancy to the modern audience. Herlock's battle with the Noo may sound firmly at home in this tradition. Instead it is the confrontation between a philosopher and teacher and a conceptual embodiment of his antithesis.

Herlock is the prototypical hardship defined existential hero: a standard bearer in the tradition from the Count of Monte Cristo to the Punisher. Pitting a man whose fear has been boiled away against a Lovecraftian menace this bind their slaves through fear fits well into the grandeur possibility and will overpower logic Leiji Matsumoto's universe. Somehow, it becomes believable that a man like Herlock can hold off the universe's evil with his will and a pistol. Damn the physics, Herlock and his ilk will fly pirate flags from their ships in the vacuum of space.

Volume two is a text book middle chapter. Herlock has gathered (retrieved, rescued or in once case recruited) his crew and through various conversations is informed of the Noo's threat to Earth, mostly high level exposition laying out the parameters of the conflict. Being an independent contrarian, Herlocke initially rejects calls for assistance as none of his business. The volume has fewer grand gestures of combat or decision than the first volume, but instead paints the deep will of Herlock and his followers.

If you've seen other Herlock incarnations, the same characters having the same arguments again for the first time can be aggravating, but Herlock as the mostly silent Socratic teacher who invokes thought rather than giving straight answers can be fascinating to watch, especially as he defies the painfully dark secrets of the universe. While Herlock feels out the position of the yoke of Hell, the series has built parallel arguments about the pull of government, family and tradition.

Endless Odyssey has a dream-like to the images that bends its intricate settings into a trance vision. The second volume doesn't have the first staggering variety of staggings, but its end of the line mining town and classical marble domain of a ancient foe of the Noo are still amazing sights.

Anime Spotlight: Comic Party Volume 1: A New World

Released by The Right Stuf International

America doesn't really have Japan's tradition of doujinshi or fan comics. There is a strong tradition of independent comics, with its cycles of booms and busts, but regardless of the creator's day job, they tend to think of themselves as professionals. A community of hobbyist comic creators never really had much traction before the popularization of web comics.

Comic Party doubles as an introduction to the procedural and social worlds of Japanese fan comics, and an injoke for the initiated. The series opens with Kazuki being dragged to a doujinshi convention by his friend Taishi, a cult leader-ish talker with schemes to dominate pop entertainment through doujinshi. Soon Kazuki, an occasional sketcher, is shoved in front of the oncoming train of fan comics.

Kazuki's conversation with doujinshi creators touch upon the creative and procedural aspects of the craft such as divisions between parody or derivative versus original, or printing rather than simply photocopying. Some of these tracts aren't very surprising or interesting, but it also leads into deeper conversations about the motivation and effect of these decisions. The discussion gains weight when talking about artistry versus popularity, and whether something is art if no on else sees it. While nothing in Comic Party is particularly subtle, there are many aspects of believable human motivations.

Tangible creative energy does crackle during Kazuki's meeting with a quiet girl that hasn't sold anything, but has produced an abstract, well rendered and powerful and there is some sense of what drives people.

Completing with for dominance in the series, Comic Party is a comedy and at times a rather loud one. Not just injokes regarding the process, and various pop culture allusions (the series opens with a parody of To Heart, a franchise from the same creators that isn't available domestically, there are plenty of crowded convention floors for costume references), but personalities.

Comic Party is firmly rooted with its origins in video game dating simulation world (from which there is a thin line to adult, which the franchise has crossed over into, but not the in this series). In practice this means that other than his best friend/instigator, every character that the hero meets and interacts with is going to female, and open for a romantic relationship. This populates the series will plenty of cute, and likable or amusing female characters, but it also adds distance to the perspective of the series that separates it as parody and exploration of a true experience.

As a comedy and a dating sim, it is an exercise in extreme personalities, except for the hero, who is bland and generally put upon. To some degree by design, the viewer's reaction is dependant on personal preferences. Some characters seem painful, others enjoyable depending on viewers capacity for over cuteness, or over brashness. Despite this, the characters are frequently well rendered. There are plenty of fun characteristics, speech patterns, and the like which make for great comic fodder. The best example of this cleaver character design, the popular girl, creator of hit "Cat or Fish", unusual "super pissed dialogue and demeanor or odd insults are always good for a grin.

Right Stuf continues their tradition of fan friendly packing for Comic Party. The volume is released with right to left packaging and an age rating in a parody Comic Code seal, a bit of a mixed metaphor, but an indication of how into the spirit of the subject Right Stuf was.

There has yet to be a great anime or manga bout the production of anime and manga the way there has been great movies about the production of television, cinema or newspapers (at least an anime or manga series known it in America). Works like Comic Party, Animation Runner Kuromi or Otaku No Video have required a spark of interest on the part of the viewer. Comic Party continues the tradition of spotlighting the personalities types and the passion involved, but as an outsider the procedure isn't made to look interesting.

Gonzo In Talks For Hellboy Anime

Comics2Film reports that among Hellboy director Guillermo del Toro's comments about more Hellboy works was "We are in talks with Gonzo Anime for the 'Hellboy' anime series.

Icaro Nominated For Harvey Awards

The next sets of comic award nominations were announced with the 2004 Harvey Awards. ibooks' edition of Icaro by Jiro Taniguchi and Moebius, edited by Dwight Jon Zimmerman was nominated for Best American Edition of Foreign Material.

This Week's Releases

Anime

• Aura Battler Dunbine - Return to Byston (Vol. 5)
• Knights of the Zodiac - Out of Arena (Vol. 3)
• Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi Vol. 4
• Mao-Chan (Volume 4)
• Tenchi Muyo Gxp: Academy Life Vol 2
• Wedding Peach - Pluie's War (Vol. 2)

Manga

• Blade Of The Immortal #88
• Ceres Celestial Legend Vol 3 Tp 2Nd Ed Suzumi
• Dark Angel Vol 2 Tp New Ptg
• Flowers And Bees Vol 3
• X 1999 Vol 14 Tp Concerto

Next Bones Project

Natsume Maya points out that Studio Bones (Cowboy Bebop movie, Wolf's Rain, RahXephon, Angelic Layer, Scrapped Princess) has announced that their next titles will be Kurau Phantom Memory from Alien 9 director Irie Yasuhiro an image of the series can be seen here

Torn Smith Talks State of Manga Industry

The Comic Journal has posted an excerpt of their interview with Studio Proteus founder Toren Smith here.

The controversial pioneer predicts a future bust in the industry and laments what he sees as a proliferation of quantity over quality.

Anime Network to Go Non On Demand

ADV's Anime Network has announced that it will be becoming a full fledged cable network. Anime Network has inked a deal with one of the 10 largest cable providers in the country starting June 30th. Anime News Network reports it will be carried by Insight Communications Cable, which serves Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

New Gantz Trailer

From Natsume Maya Fuji TV's >a href="http://www.fujitv.co.jp/GANTZ/">website for the Gantz TV anime has updated with a second trailer. Click on the lower "play" button on the right hand side of the homepage.

Giant Robo Changes Hands

Anime on DVD reports Giant Robo has been licensed by Media Blasters. The OAV tribute to boy piloted giants was released on VHS by Manga Entertainment, who also initially announced a DVD release of the title. Media Blasters also licensed the Giant Robo parody spin-off Ginrei Specials, and Gokusen a television serious about the school like of a Yakuza boss' daughter.

Fourth Inu-Yasha Movie

A fourth movie based on modern girl meets feudal half dog demon boy genere mélange Inu-Yash is now being planned.

Trigun Maximum series to feature enhanced covers

Dark Horse Comics has announced Trigun Maximum, the follow up to the smash hit manga series Trigun, will feature a special metallic ink on the cover of the first printing of each volume. Volume one will feature a metallic red ink and volume two will feature a metallic teal ink. This enhancement will not affect the price of these volumes.

Trigun Maximum volume one arrives May 19.

The manga version of the sci-fi western Trigun became Trigun Maximum in its Japanese release when it change publishers. Trigun Maximum is currently still running in Japan.

FLCL Blue Robot Figure

Diamond will be distributing an exclusive blue version of FLCL's robot Kanchi this June. Figures.com has images here.

ADV Mini Releases

Anime News Network reports ADV has announced "Ani-Mini DVDs", 1 episode trial DVDs are priced at $7.98 and will be available on June 15th. The following titles are being released: Azumanga Daioh, Happy Lesson, Hello Kitty & Friends, Kaleido Star, Noir, Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat, Pretear, Princess Nine, Super Gals and Wedding Peach.

Case Closed Release

ICV2 reports FUNimation will be releasing Case Closed (aka Detective Conan) on DVD August 24th. The first volume will feature episode 1-4, the second will have 53-55. They will be available individually and as a starter set package.

Mitsuteru Yokoyama Passed Away

Manga creator Mitsuteru Yokoyama passed away on April 15th from injuries sustained during a home fire. Mitsuteru Yokoyama's working includded Tetsujin 28 go (Gigantor in the US), an adaptation of Romance of the Three Kingdom, and a number of creation later brought together for the giant robot tribute Giant Robo.

More Eva From ADV

Diamond Comic's Previews (an unofficial source for release information) solicitations for the July time frame, "Neon Genesis Evangelion Renewal Vol 1 DVD" which was replaced with "Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum 01 DVD" ADV's official site responded with the statement: "It has come to our attention that there is some inaccurate information floating around about an upcoming Neon Genesis Evangelion release from ADV Films. Please stay tuned for an official statement about future releases for this title."

ADV later announced a July 17th release for the first volume of Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum Edition.

Each episode of the enormously influential Evangelion television series has been officially revised and digitally remastered for this new release by original creators GAINAX to create beautiful, vibrant video and crisp, sparkling new English and Japanese 5.1 surround sound audio, creating the ultimate Evangelion DVD experience.

Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum: 01 is the first release of seven DVD volumes, which over the course of 26 episodes will include new cast and crew commentary, four bonus Directors' Cut episodes and seven animatics (moving storyboards). Each volume also includes a limited edition collector's slipcover in an exclusive metallic finish, limited to the first pressings only.

Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum: 01 ($29.98 SRP) is a DVD-only release, featuring the first five episodes in both English 5.1- and Japanese 5.1- language versions with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening and closing animation; Episode: 01 commentary by director Matt Greenfield; Episode: 02 commentary by Matt Greenfield and Spike Spencer ("Shinji"); and ADV previews. The first pressing will include limited edition collector's slipcover packaging and profile booklets filled with screen shoots, Japanese commentaries and character profiles.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Release Information

Manga Entertainment and Bandai Entertainment announce their joint DVD release of the first volume of the highly anticipated anime series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex on July 27th. The series was co-produced by both Manga and Bandai and created by the revered animators at Japan's Production I.G (Kill Bill, Ghost in the Shell). Directed by Kenji Kamiyama (Blood: The Last Vampire, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade) with music by Yoko Kanno (Cowboy Bebop), GITS:SAC Volume 1 will feature the first four half-hour episodes of the explosive 26 episode sci-fi series. The complete series will be released bi-monthly and presented on seven DVD volumes over the next year along with a subsequent U.S. cable television broadcast on Cartoon Network.

This all-new futuristic anime series continues the story of the acclaimed anime feature film Ghost in the Shell which was based on the popular manga by Masamune Shirow. Female cyborg Major Motoko Kusanagi and her fellow police officers of Section 9 hunt down a host of criminals in both the real and online worlds. In the first four episodes Kusanagi and Section 9 must resolve a hostage crisis, hunt down a runaway state-of-the-art killing machine, solve a mystery behind recent android suicides and investigate a high level conspiracy involving a mysterious computer hacker. Set in the not too distant future where technology plays a key role in everyday life, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex utilizes the latest in full CG animation presenting illustrious characters and meticulous design along with dramatic animated action.

Encoded directly from high-definition masters, each DVD volume will be released in two versions. The GITS: SAC Volume 1 - Standard Edition will contain one disc featuring four thirty-minute episodes presented in anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 English & Japanese surround sound, English subtitles, interview with director Kenji Kamiyama, interview with Atsuko Tanaka (Japanese voice of Motoko), trailers and weblinks.

The GITS:SAC Volume 1 - Special Edition will contain three discs in collectors packaging along with a Special Edition booklet. Disc one will contain the original Standard Edition DVD. Disc two will contain four thirty-minute episodes presented in anamorphic widescreen, English and Japanese DTS 5.1 Surround Sound and Stereo. Disc three will contain the original series soundtrack CD. Each new DVD volume released will feature new interviews from the production team and acting talent of the series.

"Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" has recently made its debut on Japanese television and will begin airing in the U.S. on Cartoon Network's late night Adult Swim block later this year. Visit www.ghostintheshell.tv for previews, trailer, contests, information and more.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Volume One DVD Standard Edition: Running Time: 120 minutes SRP: $24.95 / Barcode: 6-69198-25200 (6) Special Edition: Running Time: 120 minutes SRP: $59.95 / Barcode: 6-69198-25220 (4)

Upcoming ADV Releases

May 4

• Angelic Layer: Inherit The Layer (Volume 6)
• Legend Of The Mystical Ninja: Love Is A Powerful Weapon (Volume 4)
• Steel Angel Kurumi: Kurumi Complete Collection

May 18

• Kino's Journey: Warning! Curves Ahead (volume 3)
• Nadia, The Secret Of Blue Water: Collection 1
• Robotech Remastered: Extended Edition, Macross Collection 3
• Saint Seiya: Silver Assassins (volume 6)
• Steam Detectives: Case Six
• Soul Hunter: Complete Collection

May 25

• All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Tv: Life On The Streets (volume 3)
• Final Fantasy: Unlimited-Phase 6
• Gravion

June 1

• Cosplay Complex
• Knights Of The Zodiac: The Fire Of The Phoenix (volume 4)
• Megazone 23 Part 1
• Orphen Season Two: Revenge - Revelations (volume 5)
• Wedding Peach: Spring Storm (volume 3)
• ...(also non anime Destroy All Monsters on 5/18)

Steel Angel Kurumi: Kurumi Complete Collection

Steel Angel Kurumi: Kurumi Complete Collection, a seven-disc DVD collection containing the entire Steel Angel Kurumi anime series, including the original Steel Angel Kurumi TV series; Encore, the OVA that serves as a coda to the TV series; Steel Angel Kurumi 2, the sequel to the TV series; and an exclusive bonus mini-comic from the first volume of the Steel Angel Kurumi manga (available now from ADV Manga).

Gravion

Gravion is an exciting new anime series produced by Gonzo Digimation (Najica, Full Metal Panic!, Hellsing), Media Factory (RahXephon) and Lantis (Heat Guy J).

The Story: When mankind faces an alien force with technology light years ahead of Earth's, it may take a man obsessed with the past to save them. The fate of the planet rests on whether the eccentric billionaire Sandman can build a machine as great as the myths of old. His creation is a god for the modern age, a deity forged of circuits and steel - it is Gravion!

Only a young band of orphaned misfits are born with the ability to pilot this top-secret weapon. All life on the planet depends on how well they can fight the Zeravire - if they can only stop fighting amongst themselves!

Soul Hunter: Complete Collection

Soul Hunter is based on a series of popular Chinese novels and an incredibly successful Japanese comic book and was directed by Junji Nishimura of You're Under Arrest! fame. Saddle up your favorite flying hippo and get ready to join Taikoubou, Sibuxiang, Kou Hiko and the others for one of anime's grandest, scariest and most hilarious adventures!

The Story: Terrible, wicked spirits trod the ground searching for ways to annihilate mankind! The wise guardians in the sky know they need a brave, clever soldier to single-handedly send the evil souls to their doom! Unfortunately, they chose Taikoubou! (It's nice to know the forces of good still have a sense of humor during these dark times.)

Soul Hunter ($49.98 SRP DVD) is a DVD-only release featuring 26 complete episodes in both English 2.0- and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. <

>Nadia, The Secret Of Blue Water: Collection 1 or Nadia, The Secret of Blue Water: Collection 1.

Inspired by Jules Verne's classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Nadia, The Secret of Blue Water was directed by Hideaki Anno, animated by GAINAX (Neon Genesis Evangelion).

Steel Angel Kurumi: Kurumi Complete Collection ($59.98 SRP) will feature the English-language version in 2.0 as well as the Japanese-language version in 2.0 with English subtitles. DVD extras include the behind the scenes feature Conversations with Angel; a historical background of Tashio era Japan (1912-1926); a behind the scenes photo shoot with the English voice actresses; preliminary character designs; manga background; interviews with the cast; a behind-the-scenes look at a recording session with Claudia Black; clean opening and clean closing animation; commentary with the English voice actresses; ADV previews; and more.

The Story Obsessed with returning the Atlantean empire to its former glory, the evil Gargoyle will stop at nothing to get his hands on the Blue Water-the mysterious gem the young circus acrobat Nadia wears around her neck. Nadia may be a target for Gargoyle's forces, but she's not alone-not only has the young inventor Jean Ratlique come to Nadia's rescue, but so has the extraordinary Captain Nemo! Climb aboard Nemo's legendary submarine, the Nautilus, as our intrepid heroes journey from one exotic locale to the next in their mission to keep the Blue Water away from Gargoyle's devious clutches!

Nadia, The Secret of Blue Water: Collection 1 ($49.98 SRP DVD) is a DVD-only release featuring more than eight hours of 20 complete episodes on five discs in both English 2.0- and Japanese 2.0-language versions with English subtitles. Extras include character bios; original trailers; clean credits; and ADV previews. Also included are two official Nadia soundtracks on CDs, for a combined total of 38 jamming tunes!

Megazone 23 Part 1 gazone 23 Part 1.

A classic title from the eighties' "Golden Age of Anime," the three-part Megazone 23 is a refreshing blast of intellectual science-fiction and rousing action in the tradition of The Matrix and Blade Runner. Megazone was anime's first successful OVA ("original video animation") release and was used by Harmony Gold to create Robotech the Movie in the eighties.

The Story Street racer Shogo Yahagi's having a lousy week. The military's after him, the government can't help him and his new set of wheels is so hot that it may cost him his life! And that's only the beginning of his problems; the world that Shogo and his friends have lived in for their entire lives isn't even real, and now their only hope is an artificial intelligence that may or may not be telling them the truth about the fate of the human race!

August Media Blasters Release

Anime (/animation): I'll CKBC (Crazy Kouzu Basketball Club)

Can rivals become teammates? Will teammates become enemies? Akane Tachibana and Hitonari Hiiragi were rising stars of High School basketball and bitter rivals on the court. In the past, the only thing keeping each one from being the best was the other. But when Hiiragi is transferred to Kokufutsu High school, they find themselves as teammates. Will the two masters of the court reconcile their differences in time for the big game against Kokutai, or will Hiiragi switch teams to challenge his rival face to face?

1 disc, 2 episodes, 60 mins. (1 volume of 1) English/Japanese Dialogue with English subtitles

Eight Clouds Rising

Two young men are bound by a sword that can cleave souls. Fuzuchi Kuraki is a quiet young high school student blessed with immense psychic powers and an ancient sword. He is searching for other magical artifacts with the help of Nanachi Takeo, a college student with latent powers of his own. They delve deep into the dark magic of Izumo, only to discover the secrets buried within the birthplace of all Japanese mythology!

1 disc, 2 episodes, 60 mins. (1 volume of 1) English/Japanese Dialogue with English subtitles

Invader Zim Volume 2: Progressive Stupidity (volume 2 of 3)(episodes 10 - 18)

Zim's mighty need to destroy all of humanity knows no bounds. Fortunately for Earth, he's a cosmically inept fool! But this Invader has more to deal with than that so-called self-proclaimed protector of our planet, Dib. The path to conquest is paved with hazardous challenges which include all of the prickly, meat-flavored horrors that Earth has to offer. Zim must outwit Mall Security, endure the terror of Bloaty's Pizza Hog, and defeat the evil of space babies.

2 discs, 9 episodes, 225 mins. + extras - English/Spanish dialogue - English closed captions

The Twelve Kingdoms - A Great Distance in the Wind, The Sky at Dawn Chapter Seven: Reflection (episodes 27-30)

Youko survives an assassination plot by her court advisors, but the event leaves the young ruler shaken and questioning her ability to lead the people of Kei. Hoping to learn more about the kingdom, Youko leaves the palace to live quietly among her subjects. Meanwhile, the former princess of Ho is working as a servant in the court of Kyou. Unable to bear her change in station, she steals what she needs and escapes. Suzu still yearns to meet with new ruler of Kei, but fate leads her instead to Youko's lost friend Asano.

1 disc, 4 episodes, 100 mins. English/Japanese Dialogue with English subtitles

Here is Greenwood

Meet Kazuya Hasukawa - he's just a regular teenager who wants to live a normal, peaceful life. But when his first love marries his older brother and moves into their house, Kazuya decides that he has to move out to preserve his sanity! Things go from bad to worse when he discovers he's been assigned to the strangest dorm on campus-an asylum called "Greenwood"-where all the weirdos, outcasts, and lunatics at the prestigious Ryokuto Academy reside.

2 discs, 6 episodes, 180 mins. English/Japanese Dialogue with English subtitles

Manga: Skyscrapers of Oz

Story - Yoshino Somei

Art - Row Takakura

From tailing your lover to walking your dog, no job too small! Mari and his partner Yoichi are drop-dead gorgeous "Handymen." But they also have a hiddenother side. Their latest job is, of all things, to sleep with Yu, a beautiful male student! But instead Mari finds himself rescuing Yu from an attack, then sheltering him in his own apartment! adults only! 1 book, 184 pages, Japanese style right to left format 5.25" X 7.375"

Viz Appoints New Vice President Of Sales

Viz, LLC, announced that it has named Joseph Morici as the company's new vice president of sales.

From the press release: In his new role, Morici will tap his 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry to help continue to establish VIZ as the dominant distributor of manga content for North American audiences. As vice president of sales, Morici will be responsible for the overall coordination, functional management and leadership of all of sales activities. He will also lead a sales force in the development and implementation of all sales strategies across a variety of vertical markets and work closely with VIZ's nationwide network of vendors. Morici was previously the senior vice president of sales of Metro3D, Inc., San Jose-based a multi-platform video game developer and publisher.

Get Backers English Dub Cast

ADV announced the last for the English language dub of Get Backers: Director - Lowell Bartholomee Studio - Monster Island

Leads:

Ban:Rich McDonald (ADV Debut) - Ban is one of the two main characters, he is one-half of the Get Backers. He's approx. 18 years old. He generally goes for a "cool" personality. He's a highly talented fighter with a 200-kilogram-force grip which he uses to administer a neck-grabbing attack called the Snakebite. He is also capable of showing people one-minute-long illusions by making eye contact with them (but never the same person twice in 24 hours, and only three times total per day); this is referred to as the Jagan. He has a lot of pride and is obsessed with money, which he never has. He is extremely fond of his car but never pays for parking, resulting in its always being towed. He has a sixth sense for when Ginji is in trouble and drops everything to help. He is excellent at reading people and highly perceptive.

Ginji : J. Shanon Weaver (Samurai X, Soul Hunter) - Ginji is the other half of the GetBackers, and is also approx. 18 years old. He is the former leader of a youth gang called VOLTS which ruled the lower level of the Limitless Fortress, a dangerous area of Shinjuku abandoned by the government and the outside world. At that time, he was known as the Lightning Emperor due to his ability to generate electricity within his own body and to use that fearsome power in conflict. Now that he lives outside the Limitless Fortress, he still has his electrical abilities, but they are only at their peak when he is inside the Limitless Fortress. His everyday manner is cheerful, emotive, and effusive; and he is also generally considered the more clueless of the two. However, in the rare moments when he becomes serious, he is perceptive, intelligent, and focused.

Other cast members:

Hevn : Ellie McBride (Sakura Wars, Tekken)

Paul : Corey Gagne (Samurai X, Nadia)

Natsumi : Kelly Dealyn (Sakura Wars OVA 1)

Himiko : Deanna Shoemaker (ADV Debut)

Akabane : Shannon McCormick (ADV Debut)

Maguruma : Sam Ray (ADV Debut)

Shido : Omar Gallaga (ADV Debut)

Makubex ?:Andrea Skola (ADV Debut)

See here for more information.

Synch-Point Announces Aquarian Age the Movie English Dub Cast

Studio: Bit-Lab ADR director :Michael Sinterniklaas (Jungle Emperor Leo, Berserk, Magic User's Club, and Samurai Deeper Kyo) ADR Script: Stephanie Sheh Producer: Shizuki Yamashita

Mayumi Fujimiya:Michelle Ruff (Chii of Chobits, Saga of A Little Snow Fairy Sugar, Aoi of Ai Yori Aoshi, and Miki of Marmalade Boy)

Miharu Itsukushima: Carrie Savage(Fuko of Strawberry Eggs and Rakka of Haibane Renmei)

Misuzu Itsukushima: Jennifer Sekiguchi (Mamimi of FLCL, Fujio of I My Me! Strawberry Eggs, and Silky of I'm Gonna Be An Angel!)

Stella Blavatsky: Jane Alan (Megumi of Rurouni Kenshin, Maria of Sakura Wars the Movie, and Haruka of Love Hina)

Yoko Ashray:Wendee Lee(Faye in Cowboy Bebop, Kaolla Su in Love Hina, and Yui in Fushigi Yugi)

Reina Arcturus: Jessica Stenuis (Miyajun of FLCL and Mama of I'm Gonna Be An Angel1)

Hokuto: Barbara Goodson (Rita Repulsa in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)

Ray Alucard: by Lex Lang (Captain Herlock of Space Pirate Captain Herlock, Goemon of Lupin III, Sanosuke of Rurouni Kenshin, and Ry of Initial D.)

Official Japanese Sites

From Natsume Maya Mahou Shoujo Tai Arusu (started on Japanese TV last week)

From Studio Gonzo Samurai 7 Bakuretsu Gantz

New production unit YamatoWorks has announced its original, full digital anime titled Kakurenbo (Hide and Seek). You can view a trailer here. To be released in the summer of 2004. The anime will have a length of approximately 25 minutes. Direction (and technical direction) by Morita Shuhei, character design and "world" design (for want of a better word) by Sajiki Daisuke. Actually, it looks like production of the anime will be performed by just two or three people. In addition, script will be by Cthulhu. YamatoWorks was formed in 2003 by Morita and Sajiki, members of the animation company Kamikaze Animation

Rave Master Cartoon Network Premiere

Anime News Network has learned Rave Master will premiere on Cartoon Network June 5th.

Live Action Cry Freeman Release

Jagged Team points out the official Mark Dacascos website, the live action adaptation of Crying Freeman will be released theatrically in the US by Universal Focus this August.

Manga Entertainment Relaunches Site

Manga Entertainment has commenterated their tenth anniversary with a newly designed site at www.manga.com

Gundam Seed Sells 1 Million DVDs in Japan

Bandai announced that they have sold over 1 million copies of Gundam Seed on DVD, counting the first 11 volumes. The company noted that in addiction to tradictional Gundam fans, the series sold well amoung younger and femal consumers.

April 7th marked the 25 anniversary of the first episode of the first Gundam series' broadcast in Japan

Upcoming Bandai Releases

June 8

Angel Tales: Sweet Transmigration

Infinite Ryvius: Retribution

Kaze No Yojimbo: Small Town Secrets

Witch Hunter Robin: Determination

June 22

Blast Off - Flight 01

Wolf's Rain - Leader of the Pack

Wolf's Rain

There is an old legend that speaks of a hidden paradise on Earth - A paradise which only wolves can find. And while thought to have been extinct for hundreds of years, wolves indeed still walk the Earth.hidden among mankind. Now, a group of outcast wolves set out to find Paradise: Kiba, Hige, Toboe, and Tsume. Each wolf is driven by their own personality and desires, but together they are pursued by humans seeking to quench their own thirst for power. A difficult and long journey lies ahead, with Paradise waiting to be found.

Broadcast Premiere on Cartoon Network This Spring 2004

From BONES Studio (Cowboy Bebop Movie, Rahxephon) Character Designs by Toshihiro Kawamoto Cowboy Bebop, Gundam 08th MS Team, Golden Boy) Music Composed by Yoko Kanno Escaflowne, Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Comlex) Directed by Tensai Okamura (Memories)

STRATOS 4

Comets are on a collision course with Earth! Sounds like just another bad Hollywood movie right? WRONG! With impending comets threatening to destroy Earth, an elite interceptor force known as the 'Meteor Sweepers' are entrusted with the task of destroying these life threatening comets before they enter Earth's atmosphere. Mikaze Honjo is a teen pilot and part of the 'Meteor Sweepers', she and her other squadron members are based at Shimoji Island in Okinawa. While active duty slows down, the team likes to spend their free time managing a local ramen shop, but just as Mikaze starts losing motivation in her work, she'll suddenly discover a new goal in life. saving the world!

From Studio Fantasia (Cowboy Bebop Movie, Cat Girl Nuku Nuku) Directed by Takeshi Mori (GONZO's Vandred, Meltylancer)

Character and Mechanical Designs Noriyasu Yamauchi (Agent Aika, Najica Blitz Tactics)

All-Star English Voice Cast Featuring the 80's Talents of: STACY Q and TIFFANY

Howl's Moving Castle Cast and Status News

From Natsume Maya

The upcoming Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli release Howl's Moving Castle (or Hauru no Ogoku Shiro) is now recieving a grey deal of press in Japan.

62 year old Baishou Chieko will play Sophie. The 31 year old ever popular Kimura Takuya (from singing/acting group SMAP) will voice the young wizard Howl. Miwa Akihiro (a 68 year old male) will play the witch who turns the 18 year old Sophie into a 90 year old woman. Producer Suzuki Toshio stated that only a veteran like Baishou would be able to play both an 18 year old and a 90 year old. Further, Suzuki pointed out that Howl's Moving Castle will feature a handsome young man, a rarity in Miyazaki movies - and KimuTaku is representative of handsome young men in today's Japan, making him an easy choice for the role.

Recording for Howl's Moving Castle commenced on 12 April 2004. Storyboards have been finished. The anime is 60% complete, with work expected to be completed in the summer.