Anime Preview: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, 2nd Gig

based on episode 1
To be Released by Manga Video and Bandai Entertainment
September 27th, 2005

No one who enjoyed the first Stand Alone Complex is going to be disappointed by 2nd gig. Given anime's propensity to copy a good thing, its surprising that no one copy-catted Stand Alone Complex, or to paraphrase Cowboy Bebop, that it didn't spawn a genre. Masamune Shirow's original Ghost in the Shell presented an idea of post-information age elite forces teams in action that amplified crack precision and quick reactions amplified with new-tech communications, weapons and tools. This aspect was altered in the the original Oshii movie, which used more solo or partnered action (though, in the Patlabor tradition, he did deliver on intricately coordinated, large scale highway chase/road block action). The Stand Alone Complex special ops team in action offered the efficiency in chaos of a Michael Mann shoot out. Driven by Yohko Kanno music, with characters like chick philosopher /super-cop Major Motoko Kusinagi and her partner veteran soldier Batou at the head of a team of black suited, heavily armed operatives, backed by snipers, 'copters and mecha, for a guy, how can you not be jazzed.

The first episode of the sequel series has the team in action, trying to beat a SWAT team to neutralizing a hostage situation, with more complex layers of technology and world politics that are both coherent and tantalizing incomplete.

There's a bit of an information dump debate about the politics of refugee immigrants that seems to be a clue to the direction of the new series. As does the introduction of an unusually competent new government official.

Given the turns the first Stand Alone Complex took in the development of the Laughing Man Case, one episode is almost certainly a poor representative sample for it's follow-up, but to use it as such anyway, it looks like a perfect sequel implementation of the "the same but different". A number of pieces get shuffled back in this first episode, but the characters seem wiser, and not necessarily happier for the experiences of the first Stand Alone Complex. The stakes and implications of their work seem to have hit the characters.

Many of the traditions of the first series, including more cases of interesting re-appropriations of the movie are brought back.(Maybe unexpectedly the Tachikoma days short epilogues are include, best of all with a Dig Dug parody screen).

Anime Spotlight: Fullmetal Alchemist

Volume 3 Equivalent Exchange
Volume 4 The Fall of Ishbal
Released by FUNimation

Fullmetal Alchemist passes through a few more stand alone episodes, which arguably serve a purpose in establishing a phase in the lead characters' lives and introducing a few plot points. Even in a series as well made as Fullmetal Alchemist, there's a tendency for the stand alones to be not quite as good as the main movement. In this case the visual aspects are fine. The track record of the secondary characters are a bit mixed. Some of them don't have the depth or logically more thought out personalities main-liners were imbued with.

This phase, mostly in the third volume, a little in the fourth passes quickly, returning to the meat of the continuous plot and Fullmetal Alchemist is able to to what it does best. Whether its animation by BONES that makes the characters and action always something to see, or a intricately connected, always well thought out plot, the series brings quality and intelligence to what might have been a nondescript fight quest.

For that, Fullmetal Alchemist is the current king of action anime series. It provides much of what anime does best without the flaws: exciting animation, exciting character concepts, sans over extended plot, forced artificial story structure or cheating on motivations. It is anime to get excitable about each episode from the first moments of the episode's opening, knowing that what is to come is packed with memorable visual and character moments.

The heros Ed and Al, despite their ages are masters of alchemy, a science and philosophy of transmuting matter. They broke the hard rule of conservation trying to resurrect their mother, and now Ed has an arm and leg replaced by prosthetics, Al has his bodiless soul imprinted in a suit of armor.

The journey to repair their bodies immediately begins mounting its own consequences. Joining the alchemist elite of the state military Ed found is set of the path of the power enhancing Philosopher's stone, but he also exposes him to a man with a lethal vendetta against the state alchemists. One of many factors that sets Fullmetal Alchemist apart from the typical or even the good shonen adventures is the moral ambiguity of the mission. Ed and Al try to do good along the way, but there is always a nagging suspicion that their efforts are not only selfish, but are racking up a cost that is too high.

These volumes introduce back-story that ties the search to for the Philosopher's Stone to a war in which prototypes were used as weapons in the state alchemists' front line role putting down a rebellion. The historic problem is exacerbated by an ugly post liberation civil war sparked by Ed and Al's actions early in the series. The bloodshed, lingering conflict and terrorist shadows of a war against fervently religious country of a darker ethnicity can be taken as a deep criticism of the conflicts in the Middle East. The depiction doesn't just score easy points for mirror real world issues, there's some complexity on all sides. Though the head of the protagonists' state is called a Fuehrer, he isn't a cardboard villain. He's a charismatic and even likable guy. Though as an observer of fiction, its clear he's responsible or complicit in terrible actions, you can see that it doesn't take zealots to follow to him (the protagonists are working for him). Similarly sympathetic character in this anime were clearly deeply effected by the conflict, and other sympathetic characters seemed to have gone through without being effected.

From a plot perspective this war feeds into provocative secrets. There is a central case of an agenda hidden to the viewer, with the direction, motivation and players obscured, but it is alot more fun watching the protagonists try to stay one step ahead of events. The smart moves and strategies of characters whose rational and decision making are apparent to the viewer is engaging in a way different than a emotional bound / predictable flow of some adventures, or the wait to see what will be pulled out next lost anticipation of others.

Compounding on the compelling cycles of consequence in Ed and Al's quest the series fills out a supporting cast with their on developing arcs. These volumes devote time to developing the Scar, the alchemist killing man who is almost the tormented anti-hero of his own parallel story. In the story of the wars and their own lives the volume also begins fleshing out the army officers Ed works for and with. Ed and Al's apparent love brotherly love is a big assets to the series, but Ed's antagonistic sempai relationship with senior state alchemist Roy Mustang the "Flame Alchemist", along with the collegial relationship between Roy and his staff/cohorts is a very appealing dimension to the series. Deadpan aid/gunslinger Riza Hawkeye, the "The Strong Alchemist" Alex Louis Armstrong an odd mix of cartoonish looks (pro-wrestler physique, bald except for a shock of blonde hair) with good aristocratic breeding and cartoonish chivalry, intelligence officer Hughes, and in interesting crew of "other guys" in Havoc, Breda, Falman and Fuery are all perfect characters for filling in a network of allies. Roy gets in some real show stealers with speeches on dog loyalty and mini-skirts. Hughes and Armstrong are used sparingly, but any time they appear on the screen is gold. There's plenty of series drama in these characters, but there's also time for some genuine, lighter moments that will make the cast all the more likable.

Anime Spotlight: Panda-Z: The Robomation

Volume 1
Released by Bandai Entertainment

With video games and merchandise, iconic design has become an art. Check out Giant Robot magazine for some the best. Working with geometric design and cell shaded animation, Panda-Z looks it could compete with Kubricks, Sanrio chotchkyes, Eric So, Pete Fowler, or Kaws figures in the dominance for desk space.

For something irresistibly cute, Panda-z builds its housed on some expected foundations. It can take alot weird-out a kid, but if you were watching TV in the 80's one of the animated series to do the job was Tranzor Z (originally Go Nagai's Mazinger Z). Between a plane that didn't have any purpose other than flying into a robots head to activate it (as opposed to Voltron's lions, which were ineffectual, but could run, fly and look cool), evil henchmen such as a split down the middle hermaphrodite and a German lord who carried around his own severed head, and a female robot that launched breast - missiles, even a child's accepting mind could detect something a bit off.

For something truly strange, Panda-Z presents a silent movie style (using placard in almost internet chat speech) re-configuration of Mazinger with a panda who pilots a giant robot panda starring in 5 minute set pieces. With its bold, simple aesthetics it looks more like very clever merchandise design, but he still makes an interesting subject for semi-animation.

Collecting 5 episodes for 30 minutes is the perfect quantity for a single sitting of Panda-Z. It's long enough to fall into a late night animation-like trance, short enough to avoid becoming wary of thee tonal music and droll stories.

After a catchy J-rock opening that might be a bit too long for the episode run time, the series goes into minimalist stories. The first starts a mountain side battle to the best with the Panda-Z's rocket punch against the scarred yellow bull, in a mallet wielding bull mech Super Moujumbo, then a pink bunny girl remote controlling a pink bunny mech (here's where the breast missiles come in). Other episodes have Panda-Z's pilot Pan-Taron fully attempting to dine on battles, or the series heros and villains trying to play Go Fish.

Anime Spotlight: Pom Poko

Released by Disney Home Video

Though Pom Poko shares thematic elements with many of Hayao Miyazaki's movies, this Ghibli takes the the studio's highly praised animation along a different path. Despite an anthropomorphic cast of one of Japan's most charming and beloved animals, mischievous band eyed canids called tanuki (referred to as "raccoons" or "raccoon dogs"), Pom Poko is an unrelentingly hard cycle of real loss.

Joyful scenes of exuberant animation are high notes in a story of conservation coupled with a heart wrenching epic of indigenous people being pushed off their lands. The tanuki's struggle to keep in home under pressure from a maximum land utilization suburban housing development follows a campaign of trials and almost uniformly failures down to a tragic splintering of factions pushing for mysticism, violence or assimilation.

The English dub soft sells a few points, but never completely white washes anything. You can't watch the movie without taking away the full impact. If you follow Ghibli's well deserved reputation as a paramount producer of family entertainment, be aware that this is a hard movie. Very real and very bad things happen to lovable woodland creatures. Younger audiences are going to at least require some explanations.

Pom Poko is a work by Studio Ghibli's second star director after Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata. The four major directorial works from Miyazaki's collaborator have been Grave of the Fireflies , Only Yesterday, Pom Poko, and My Neighbors the Yamadas. My Neighbor the Yamadas was released with Pom Poko. Only Yesterday was on Disney's schedule before several iterations ago, but there is no indication now of when it will be released. Disney does not hold the rights to Grave of the Fireflies).

Takahata's style has parallels to Miyazaki's, but they are far from duplicates. His world is more about capturing the familiar than creating something new. There's a concrete air to the woodland and the more urban environment. In contrast their a fantastic delight in the shaping shifting abilities of the tanuki. The animators imbue a magic in the tanuki's attempts to haunt humans off their lands, culminating in the monster parade, in which the tanuki gather their energy for a huge spectacle in which they go into the open human community in a parade of Japanese mythology entities. The scene matches any classic entry in a Disney or Miyazaki picture.

Takahata also brings in an unusual propensity to dramatize points through with metaphors, expressing ecology through Atari video games or human land usage as bull dowsers devouring a leaf like insects.

Its record on subtly is very mixed. There are seperate great visual jokes in the film that require a satisfying few mental beats to pick up on. Conversely, he slams the flow at the end of the movie by having a character break the narrative and talk to the camera.

You can't do tanuki myth without addressing their scrotums. Firstly, their genitals feature prominently in Japanese image of the animal. Visual presentations of tanuki often include male genitals. In Pom Poko, even in anthropomorphic, clothed form, they are often sans paints, and especially when they're running their parts are shown. Secondly, magical properties are often attributed to tanuki testicles, often that they expand for flight. During the movie, when the wise elder tanuki coaches the males about their flagging transformation technique he gathers them around on a blanket to tell them a secret, then says its in the "tanuki pouch" and the blanket withdraws and folds under his tunic. (There's a difference between the dub and subtitle scripts here, in the subtitles, he doesn't say pouch). Nor are all the references done for humor, the leader of the pro-human killing faction finds references to past tanuki using their testicles to fly and smother humans, which his followers employ in one of the movie's darker scenes.

This is what made Pomo Poko the big question among the Studio Ghibli titles licensed by Disney. The Disney-Tokuma Deal is an agreement made in 1996 granted Disney video distributor rights with restrictions on how the movies could be presented.

from Nausicaa.net's FAQ

Disney can not cut even one second from the films, according to the contract. Ghibli has officially stated that "With Disney's commitment to maintain the quality of the original titles, there will be no changes to music and sequences in foreign language versions." According to Mr. Suzuki, the producer of Ghibli, other companies such as Fox and Time-Warner contacted Tokuma, but Disney was the only company willing to agree to this condition, and that was the main reason why Tokuma chose Disney as a partner

(now the big question is whether the the Country Road song license that's holding up a release of Whispers of the Heart)

Anime Spotlight Gatchaman

volume 2
Released by ADV

While crazy ideas still bubble up from various sources, more often than not, especially in genre media, it seems like a forced effort. Look through Scott Shaw's comic cover archives in Oddball Comics, and you have to wonder how some of these past creatora weren't self conscious about their works. 70's classic Gatchman is one those past gems that could just spit out a stream of ideas like a comedian's rant. The English dub might be done slightly tongue in cheek, but either the straight subtitled original or the freer adaptation mix a fast creativity with a dam funny sense of humor.

The series gets good marks for its entertaining characters and serial story line, but its parade of outlandish monster of the episode threats alone is enough to make the series required watching. Whether its the horned, sawn mouthed zombie in a Thurston Howell III yachter's' getup standing up top of a metal tentacle equipped bi plane or the ant headed man with a cape and Elizabethan frilled collar who unleashes swarm of kitten sized insects in "The Great Underground Monster War" , Gatchman is madness at its best.

There's great that-70's anime elements to the work, such as when the team's bomb expert chick Jun throwing disco party in her apartment, or even the team's numbered jerseys civilian clothes.

The series begins handling building an entertaining 70's style mythos. It introduces Racer X like Red Impulse (who makes his connection to the Gatchaman lead dead-obvious without stating it in the narration). There's a small continuity between episodes that has been gardening this mythos. One episode the heros distract the enemies while a new secret base is built, the next episode it is unveiled.

Anime Spotlight: Koi Kaze

Volumes 1 and 2
Released by Geneon

In anime's realm of the unusual and unexpected, Koi Kaze is extra unusual and unexpected. If you're cataloging the strange relationships in anime, here's a new one, brother-sister romance. What makes the series outstanding and something you can't take your eyes off is that the sibling love affair isn't presented in a prurient fashion. It's slow and sweet, non-flashy and barely the speed you'd expect from anime, with lead characters who might pass for regular people. The anime might to catering a bother/sister relationship fetish, but if it is, that track is perfectly ignorable (just don't look at the "No-No Big Brother" stickers or think about some of the discussions in Genshiken, or think of the "moe" fetishized innocence trend). As wrong as it sounds, episodes of an anime where a guy is torturing himself for sniffing his sister's bra is not done for laughs, and its compelling drama. If for no other reason, you can't take you eyes off it because its a situation you just never become accustomed to.

The relationship happens between a 20-something guy and his 12 year junior highschool aged sister, who he barely remembers. He's large, passive,and having a hard time processing his recent breakup. (a little neathrerthol-ish with his size and scruffy look) His work at a wedding event planning agency isn't had played up as it might be, but it doesn't help either. As a young teen, living in a new city, trying to manage living with a moody brother and new friends, she's just about dealing with sensory overload.

As short drama, Koi Kaze simmers. Watching something so unhealthy presented in such a mundane fashion is fascinating. That both characters have emotional problems, but aren't the typical basket-cases only adds to the fascination. There's the shared parents, the age difference and that there's both inexperienced leads to such confusion and embarrassment that the sparks of misdirected emotions don't have to ignite the power keg to be dazzling.

The per episode bonus sequences themselves are almost enough to tip the scale. The short, quick-job animations featuring a female coworker running yakuza style judgments

Manga Spotlight: Mobile Suit Gundam:

By Haruhiko Mikimoto

Released by TOKYOPOP

Ecole Du Ciel looks to be an attempt to tell a shoujo story within the Gundam Universal Century continuum that would both be enjoyable for someone with no knowledge of Gundam, and interesting for someone who does know it. Rather than a case where neither aspiration is fulfilled, it is a situations where both are a bit unusual, made more so by Mikimoto's atypical illustration style. Universal Century, the time line of the original robot suit war tragedy predate the conscious efforts of later Gundam series to attract a female audience but this manga finds room for a between wars (0085) ugly duckling story about a girl in a training/weapon development facility. Shonen tropes of war machines and competition for supremacy are still present, but the more dominant impressions is left the characters relationships, and the impact the previous war on had the characters and their families.

Haruhiko Mikimoyo illustration is either going to be a big turn on or turn off for the series dependent on viewer taste. As the character designer for classics like Macross and Gunbuster, Mikimoto has been an influential illustrator. He's very good with simple, but distinctive look. His own style of large faces tends to get more generic when adapted into anime, but the essential qualities remain.

He hasn't done that much manga, and when he has, it has been a blessing and curse to the project. On one hand, if you like Mikimoto illustration, it presents a large quantity. If you don't, its a large quantity, exacerbated by a style that draws particular attention to the look of his design work. It's hard to digest anything else in him manga. Allowing for little optical rest space, he packs the page with shading and small, in-between panels.

Gundam fans will, especially the ones with an eye for mecha might be surprised that the manga is a source of some interesting variants on the Universal Century passes at functional design. Mechanical designer Yoshimori Soyama contributes considerable attention some what might be found on a Universal Century testing/proving grounds.

What Gundam fans might be disappointed with is that the series passes up the opportunity to tied itself to some of the franchise's institutions. It skips out on tying the series to some of the more fascinating under-explored aspects of Gundam, such as linking the characters to Anaheim Electronics, the arms dealers/developers who sold to both sides in the Universal Century wars (aptly located on the moon's Von Braun city)

One complaint with the manga's translations is that it one of that occasional scripts that work in an unneeded slur, in this case the phrase "what a gyp". You can be over careful in working PC dictates into a translation, especially with debated etymologies (some linguists will tell you "bad" is based on an old English homophobic slur), but "gyp" is a fairly clear cut case of terminology with an offensive origin that could easily be avoided.

Anime Spotlight: Otogi Zoshi

Volumes 2 and 3

Released by Media Blasters

The primary reason to watch Otogi Zoshi is to view a showcase of talented anime creators experimenting with the tools the medium now how to offer. They dig into working with digital techniques, not not as flash or pop pastiche, but for testing what new cinematography and directing ideas can be brought to the visual story telling.

Judging by the end results, it looks like the story of Otogi Zoshi was a secondary consideration to finding a good subject to animate. The Heian arc of Otogi Zoshi isn't the only anime to examine this period (794 to 1185 AD), but the time frame is decidedly rarer in anime than other time frames, such as the Tokugawa and Meiji. The strongest net benefit is that it offers an array of visually distinctive costumes and architecture; court dignitaries, Onmyoji yin-yang practitioners, pre-noh performers that provide their own unique visual culture.

A number of figures whose legends and real histories are a complicated study on their own (often tied to the titular otogi zoshi form of literature) make significant appearances including the noble Minamoto no Hikaru/Raiko, the pre-samurai warrior Watanabe no Tsuna, mystic and king maker Abe no Seimei and their related circles of allies, with minor roles by other legendary figures like Shuten Doji.

To return prosperity to the crumbling capital Heian Kyo, young Minamoto no Hikaru, masquerading as her gravely ill brother, her retainer Watanabe no Tsuna and a group of gathered allies travel to the edges of the Japanese empire to retrieve the maganata stones.

The setting and the characters are intriguing, but the episode move with the brand of point to point, never-settling motion that might be expected from a fight anime. In the one deviation from a predictable find the magic object quest, the plot introduced in the first ends half way through the series at the 13th, the final episode of the third volume.

The star of the Otogi Zoshi is it's animation. Production IG is experimenting, and the results are that something animation fans need to watch. To paraphrase Gump, its chocolate box animation. With a considerable rotation of directors, story board artists and script writers, the series is unified by a look, but the specific qualities you can pick up on differ from episode to episode. There are some real classic talents at work, especially Toshihiko Nishikubo (Rose of Versailles) trying out ideas ranging from subtle, like full jaw moves when talking, to brush illustration backgrounds, light conditions, to new degree of replicating the look of live action with the freedom of anime. The action makes many attempts to mesh anime type abilities (jumping 10 feet in the air, super strength), with details of realism, such as making the effort of the actions apparent.

The constant is a unique character design by Shou Tajima (Kill Bill, Madara) interpretted by Kazuchika Kise (End of Evangelion, Blood: The Last Vampire, Patlabor movies). The digital animation gives a hauntingly live to aspects like the eye.

Anime Spotlight: Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

Volumes 2 and 3
Released by The Right Stuf International

Shingu is an incomparable anime series, but Azumanga Daioh meets the Banner of the Star series might be a good place to start. The idea of super powered teen defending earth against alien invaders, slowed down to a tempo a few beats above Azumanga Daioh might not sound like a particularly genius idea, but if you are looking for an anime series to watch with a group, Shingu is a surprisingly rewarding choice. The subtly future-set story of a teenage boy who moves into town and finds that its really home to alien ambassadors, representatives of the Galactic Empire, and human protectors of Earth started slow, doesn't speed up too much, but its mix of situation comedy, sci-fi, politics, and most interestingly both a sense community and layered revelations are a gradual hook.

Anime, especially televised anime, tends no to work with space. Creator Tatsuo Sato stretched surreal minimalism in his abstract Cat Soup. Here, he's just not over-accentuating anything. Not character crowds the cast. No idea is hammered as over-obvious. The narrative is there to take things as they are at the moment, and wait for things to unfold in times. The payoff is an entertain network of relationships within a believable community. The population of the town has a common goal of keeping the planet safe, work together, but different responsibilities and outlooks have taken different lessons from their shard history. It's kept in interesting in that few people truly know where others stand. There are insiders on the inner secrets, but even the people at the top don't seem to know each-other's capabilities or agendas

The cohesion of a large cast and a sense that these diverse people are working as part of a complex social ecology smoothes out the edges in a mix good ideas, and ideas that are lousy, but good fun.

Hans Zimmer and Mark Mancina Tapped for Blood+

Production IG has announced Hans Zimmer and Mark Mancina, sign for the forthcoming Blood+ TV series music score. Hans Zimmer wrote the music for Gladiator, The Last Samurai, Black Rain, Batman Begins and The Thin Red Line. Mark Mancina composed the scores for action movies such as Speed, Con Air, Twister and the Academy winner Training Day.

Blood+ opening song will be performed by Hitomi Takahashi, a talented 16 year old singer who topped the Japanese music charts with the opening song for Gundam Seed Destiny.

Ghibli Short Films on DVD

Nausicaa.net reports Studio Ghibli will be releasing a number of their shorts works on a R2 Japanese DVD this fall called "Ghibli ga Ippai Special Short Short".

The collection includes:

On Your Mark
Sorairo no Tane
Portable Airport
Space Station No.5
Various commercials

The short films for Studio Ghibli Museum are not included.

Viz Manga Premieres

From Anime on DVD

02/07/2006 Absolute Boyfriend (aka: Zettai Kareshi)
Golgo 13
Read or Die

03/07/2006
God Child

03/14/2006
Black Cat

04/11/2006
Aishiteruze Baby
Claymore

05/02/2006
D. Gray-man

November ADV Collections and Premieres

11/01/2005
Chrono Crusade Complete Collection Collection (Thinpak)
Kaleido Star Complete Collection Collection (Thinpak)

11/08
Dirty Pair Movie Collection (Thinpak)
Eden's Bowy Complete Collection Collection (Thinpak)

11/15/05
Hello Kitty's Animation Theater Collection
Mezzo Complete Collection Collection (Thinpak)
Peacemaker Complete Collection (Thinpak)
Shadow Skill TV Vol. #1

11/22/2005
Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Complete Collection Collection (Thinpak)
Happy Lesson Complete Collection Collection (Thinpak)

11/29 Hakugei: Legend of the Moby Dick Vol. #1

Japanese Previews

From AnimeNation A placeholder site for Geneon's Japanese Helling OAV is online here.

A trailer of the upcoming Black Cat anime adaptation is online here. The show is sheduled to air in October.

Japanese television network TBS has opened its official website for the Binchotan TV series. The site features a Windows Media trailer.

The TBS website for Rozen Maiden now hosts a Windows Media trailer for Rozen Maiden Traumend.

The official Japanese website for the upcoming Paradise Kiss anime television series is now open.

Animate.tv now hosts a streaming Windows Media format trailer for the Noein ~ Mou Hitori no Kimi e anime TV series. The trailer is avialable in narrowband and broadband resolutions.

Manga Schedules '83 Astro Boy

AnimeNation reports Manga Entertainment will be releasing a collection of 1983 incarnation of Astro Boy on November 22nd, with the 51 episode series on 7 disc for $39.98.

Discotek Media Entering Anime DVD Market

Anime on DVD points out that Discotek Media will be releasing North American DVDs of children's anime Animal Treasure Island, Puss 'n Boots, and Taro the Dragon Boy, and Lupin III movies Lupin III: Strange Psycho-Kinetic Strategy, Lupin III: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon and Lupin III: The Fuma Conspiracy.

AnimEigo released the Fuma Conspiracy on DVD in early 2003, the DVD is still available from their website. AnimEigo also released The Legend of the Gold of Babylon on VHS and LaserDisc, however the title has never had a North American DVD release.

The live-action Strange Psycho-Kinetic Strategy has never been released in North America.

Princess Tutu Date Set

Anime on DVD reports ADV has set a 11/29/05 release date for the long delayed second volume of Princess Tutu, a well crafted anime series that mixed a magic transforming girl premise with ballet and fairy tales.

Bandai Preisent Talks Gundam

From Gunota's except of Bandai president Kazunori Ueno's interview with Nikkeibp.jp

Q: What are Bandai's strengths and weaknesses?

Ueno: Our strength is our characters and we have an entertainment enterprise that can be developed in many ways. That is an atypical global business model. On the other hand, since our basis is characters, we have waves of achievement due to hits and misses. That is our weakness.

And we are in a bad place with our earnings balance. Generally, with the game software industry, there's many undertakings in which foreign business is said to be 60% while the Japanese side is 40%. But in Bandai's case, the domestic side accounts for an overwhelming proportion. While we call it a global age, we receive 25% from overseas. Furthermore, though Gundam business accounts for 20% of our entire company's sales, more than 90% of that is domestic.

This isn't a problem that rests simply on increasing exports. I can say that the way Bandai has cultivated character merchandising isn't used globally. Here, there is a weakness.

Q: Is it feasible to develop the Gundam franchise overseas?

Ueno: Since Gundam has lots of fight scenes, we can't export it to America without changes. There are concepts for the creation of an American version. But there's no solid discussion. As for Asia, we can probably go about it the same way as in Japan. And Europe is very much untouched. There's still more places we have to do it.

DC Appoints new Marketing Director

Comics column Lying in the Gutters reports that Nellie Kurtzmann has been appointed as a director on DC Comics' marketing team.

She's best known in the industry for her work on the Harvey Awards, named after her father Harvey Kurtzmann, founder of MAD Magazine.

But she's also been Associate Director of Marketing at book publisher Simon & Schuster, where she worked on children's paperbacks and co-founded Simon Spotlight Entertainment an adult pop culture book imprint responsible for "He's Just Not That Into You".

This is seen as a further sign that DC intend to expand its growth into book publishing, while it simultaneously deepens its impact within the direct market.

To speculate, the Nellie Kurtzmann appointment may have an impact on DC's stated goal of transitioning manga readers to there other products.

Gundam SEED Destiny for Q4/Q1

AnimeNewsNetwork has confirmed that Bandai Entertainment plans to start SEED sequel series Gundam SEED Destiny inin late 2005 or early 2006

Gonzo Credit Cards

Anime on DVD points out that , Gonzo is offering "Gonzo Card" MasterCard credit cards in Japan with designs from Samurai 8, Kaleido Star and Gankutsuou: Count of Monte Christo.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX in Canada

Anime News Network reports Canda's YTV will be showing Yu-Gi-Oh! GX starting September 9th.

Merchandise News

Figures.com has photo of Yamato's Bubblegum Crisis statues here Yamato USA announces that they will be importing to the US a very limited quantity of action figures (less than 250 per style) based on the futuristic MegaTokyo tale Bubblegum Crisis. Manufactured by Atelier-Sei of Japan and distributed overseas by Yamato USA's parent company Yamato, this collection stars the four cyber-enhanced ladies of the Knight Sabers (click for a look): Sylia Stingray, Priscilla S. (Priss) Asagiri, Linna Yamazaki and Nene Romanova. Each 6" figure stars 22 points of articulation, interchangeable heads and display base... all packaged in a collector's style window box.

Yamato USA has settled on a MSRP of $74.99 on each figure; a price they feel comparable to that of Japan (¥6,500= US$58) with shipping (¥1,680=US$15).

Picture of Yamato USA's 1/12 Scale VOTOMS Accessory Packs, add on to the war mecha figures, can be seen here

Diamond Comics Distributors will be bringing resin statues based on the movie version of Go Nagai's classic supernatural hero, Devilman to the USA early next year. Photo's can be seen here

Made by Kaiyodo and imported from Japan, these four statues feature different characters and scenes based on the new live-action film Devilman.

Sculpted for Kaiyodo by the Japanese master artist Masahiko Kagawa and each featuring individual titles, this series includes (clockwise from upper left):

Between Death (measures 5" x 5" x 3")

The Cliff of Life (measures 6.75" x 4" x 3")

True Eyes (measures 4" x 3" x 2")

Man or Beast? (measures 4.25" x 4" x 1.75")

Each resin statue will come boxed and retail for approx. $40.00.

Toymania reports Palisades will be releases a set of five Invader Zim characters for the 2005 holiday season. Photos can be seen here.

The set includes Screaming Human ZIM, Doggie Suit Duty Mode GIR, "Neutral Faced" ALMIGHTY TALLEST Red, Hypnotized Dib, and "Shadow" Miss Bitters, along with a whole slew of accessories. The suggested retail price for the INVADER ZIM Special Edition boxed set is $39.99. For more information, visit www.PalisadesToys.com.

Naruto Climbing Naruto Latter

Since entering Lycos' top 50 search list, Naruto has moved to the 19th most searched term list.

Games News

Bandai will be releasing a PSP game based on the Mini-Pato game based on the super deformed incarnation of the Patlabor sci-fi police procedural.

Magic Box has screen shots of Fighting for One Piece here

Blood+, the upcoming TV adaptation of Blood: The Last Vampire will be adapted into games for the PLaystation2 and PSP.

GDH has granted Namco the exclusive interactive entertainment rights (game) to "Afro Samurai," the gritty manga series created by Takashi Okazaki. The agreement gives Namco rights to publish two different "Afro Samurai" video games over the next five years.

"Afro Samurai" follows the story of one man’s journey of bloody hardship and pain. After witnessing the cold blooded murder of his father, Afro devotes himself to the path of revenge. He sheds no tears, knows no love and stops at nothing to achieve his goal. Forever chased by powerful enemies in a lawless technology-speckled dystopia, he evades bullets and blades to reach his final prey: a man who will not die... Created by acclaimed visualist Takashi Okazaki, and originally told in comic book form, "Afro Samurai" is currently in pre-production by GDH group company GONZO and Japan's largest TV network and motion picture production company, FUJI TELEVISION NETWORK as an animated mini-series which Academy Award Nominee Samuel L. Jackson has joined as both co-producer and lead voice actor. Also, "Afro Samurai" will be adapted into a live-action feature film with Samuel L. Jackson to star as the title character and co-producer.

November Manga Premieres/Significant Releases

AVD MANGA

Lagoon Engine Einsatz Volume One
A thrilling new masterpiece from the creator of DNAngel, Yukiru Sugisaki’s Lagoon Engine Einsatz is a very special project that appeared for the first time ever as a serialized insert in the top-selling anime magazine Newtype USA-before it was even published in Japan! Sakis, the Scion and Godslayer, gets entangled in a deadly incident when an unknown ship enters Lagoonarian airspace. After uncovering explosives along with the seeds of Abomination, Sakis begins a quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Ancient Gods! SC, 6x7, B&W SRP: 10.95

Angel Dust Volume One
A mysterious creature has fallen from the sky and landed right at young Yuina’s feet! Branded as the master of this new angelic being, Yuina is forced into an otherworldly pact, one that will take her beyond the clouds and into battle against a new and yet hauntingly familiar evil, one that patiently waits in the shadows. SC, 6x7, B&W SRP: 10.95

CMX

Tower Of The Future Vol. 1
Written and illustrated by Hiwatari Saki
CMX. Matsuyuki Takeru could not have anticipated the decidedly different turn his life has taken. After his mother’s death, life continued at a reasonably normal pace - he studied hard for exams, played fantasy role-playing games, even fell in love. But things began to change when he discovered a half-sister he didn’t know about. A strange boy started appearing, claiming to be a warrior reborn who must fight an epic battle against forces of evil! When fantasy becomes reality, will every choice he makes affect the outcome?
On sale November 2 * 5" x 7.375" * 192 pg, B&W, $9.99 US * TEEN

Dark Horse (including December collections)

Harlequin Pink: A Girl In A Million Tpb
Betty Neels (W) And Kako Itoh (A)
On sale December 7, SC, 160pg, b&w, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4", $9.95 Dark Horse Manga and Harlequin Books are delighted to present a shining new line of books that marry two of the most successful phenomena to hit bookstores-best-selling Harlequin romance fiction and female-friendly Japanese manga! These sparkling manga adaptations of Harlequin’s best-selling titles are a romantic step above much of the cookie-cutter manga hitting the shelves today.

A vacation fling was completely out of character for old-fashioned Carol, but her attraction to intriguing, older Marius tempted her to break her own rules. The next thing she knew, though, he'd turned up working at her hospital! Does she have what it takes to attract-much less keep the attentions of-this intimidating, sophisticated, and utterly compelling man?

Harlequin Violet: Response Tpb
Penny Jordan (W) And Takako Hashimoto (A)
On sale December 7, SC, 160pg, b&w, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4", $9.95

Response takes a sexy look at love in the workplace. Sure, you shouldn’t date your boss, but what if he's really, really hot? Sienna is a temp hired at a busy London firm. In a stroke of luck, she’s assigned to work with Alex, who’s smart, sexy, and interested in her! But there may be much more to his attentions than he’s letting on. Will Sienna learn the startling truth behind their relationship...and if she does, will their love survive?

Lady Snowblood Volume 2: The Deep-Seated Grudge Tpb
Kazuo Koike (W) And Kazuo Kamimura (A)
On sale December 28, SC, 224pg, b&w, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4", $13.95

The path of revenge can have many twisted turns, and Lady Snowblood’s is no exception. Born in a prison, a product of her mother’s grudge, Yuki is a child of hell. What will she do for revenge? Pose as a nun? Become another woman’s lover? Possibly. In this volume we learn about Yuki’s training and youth, see her woo some allies, and embark on the first steps of her angry path.

Reiko The Zombie Shop Volume 1 Tpb
Rei Mikamoto (W/A)
On sale December 14, SC, 192pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $12.95 Terror has struck the sleepy little town of Shiraike. A serial killer stalks the streets murdering innocent girls. Twenty-nine grisly murders have been committed, with no clues to catch the killer. That is, until the town receives a strange visitor: a beautiful young woman who can raise the dead. She is Reiko the Zombie Shop, necromancer for hire. For a price, she'll wake your dead, if only to find a clue to their demise, but she's not responsible for what the dead will say or do once they awaken!

Blade Of The Immortal #107: Shortcut Part 1 (Of 5)
Hiroaki Samura (W/A)
On sale November 9, b&w, 32pg, $2.99

Samurai Executioner Volume 9 Tpb
Kazuo Koike (W) And Goseki Kojima (A)
On sale December 14, SC, 304pg, b&w, 4" x 6", $9.95

Oh My Goddess! Volume 22 Tpb
Kosuke Fujishima (W/A)
On sale December 14, SC, 176pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $10.95

Shadow Star Volume 7: Victim’S Eyes, Assailant’S Hands Tpb
Mohiro Kitoh (W/A)
On sale December 14, SC, 232pg, b&w, 5 3/4" x 8 1/4", $15.95
Bonding with cuddly extraterrestrial creatures with wondrous powers should have been a dream come true for Tokyo teens like Shiina and Akira, but these cute E.T.s can grow into fearsome Shadow Dragons, and when coupled with troubled teens, can become monstrous threats to Mankind. An underground movement of such delinquents tries to recruit the two girls, and the government begins to grow suspicious that the two girls may well be involved with this dangerous cabal. But back at school, the two friends have more mundane, but no less troubling, issues. Akira and her friend Hiroko become singled out for mean-spirited schoolyard harassment-but when Dragon Bearers become targets for torment, the tables may turn with lethal results!

Digital Manga Distribution

Edu-Manga: Helen Adams Keller Gn
by Sozo Yanagawa & Rie Yagi
"Edu-Manga" is term coined in Japan for educational manga or comics. In this new line of books from Digital Manga, the extraordinary lives of historical giants are retold in a unique format that younger readers can easily understand and enjoy. Kids will appreciate the added flavor that Japanese manga-style storytelling provides, and as it was originally published from right to left. Astro Boy, one of Japan’s most popular icons among children, journeys alongside the reader. He provides the kids not only a history lesson, but also a richer understanding on the of the life lessons these historical figures share with us. Helen Keller was robbed of her sight, hearing, and speech at an early age due to a childhood illness. Nevertheless she overcame her disabilities with the love and tenacious teachings of her tutor Anne Sullivan and the encouragement of other individuals such as Alexander Graham Bell. This is the courageous story she left behind.
Join Astro Boy and his friends as they learn what it’s like to live without something we take for granted everyday.
SC, 6x9, 168pgs, B&W SRP: $9.95

Kimi Shiruya: Does Thou Know? Volume 1 Gn
by Satoru Ishihara
Katsuomi Hanamori and Tsurugi Yaegashi are rivals in kendo, the Japanese sport of swordsmanship. Their competitive egos and contracting fighting styles clash, and yet Katsuomi gradually finds himself attracted to the graceful and keen Tsurugi. At first, Katsuomi hesitated pursuing his desire, fearing that his feelings may blunt his kendo skills against Tsurugi in competition. However, during the night of the summer festival, he eventually gives in to his overwhelming love for him. Torn between reciprocation of Katsuomi’s love and maintaining his pride as a competitive rival, Tsurugi rejects Katsuomi’s advances. But when his timid younger brother, Saya, shows that he has a crush in Katsuomi, Tsurugi realizes that he must finally make a decision. SC, 6x9, 176pgs, B&W SRP: $12.95

Let’s Draw Manga: Fantasy

Fanfare / Ponent Mon

Japan As Viewed By 17 Creators Tp
by Various
Ever thought about how you really picture Japan? Is it from her history advancement? From the teaming day-to-day life of her booming metropolises? Or from the tranquility of her mountain shrines and temples? Well, we asked 17 creators to give us their view, and so they did - each in their own individual hallmark manner. This massive gathering of talent from Europe and Japan has given rise to this anthology of incredibly different stories which will keep you enthralled from beginning to end.
SC, 256pgs, B&W SRP: $25.00

Ice Kunion (Korean Manwha)

Antique Gift Shop Volume 1 Gn
by Eun Lee
Did you know that an antique possesses a soul of its own? The Antique Gift Shop specializes in such items that charm and captivate the buyers that they are destined to belong to. Guided by a mysterious and charismatic shopkeeper, the enchanted relics lead their new owners on a journey into the alternate cosmic universe to their true destinies. Eerily bittersweet and dolefully melancholy, the Antique Gift Shop opens up a portal to a world where torn lovers unite, broken friendships are mended, and regrets are resolved. Do you believe?
SC, 5x7, 180pgs, B&W SRP: $10.95

Heavenly Executioner Chiwoo Volume 1 Gn
by HaNa Lee & KangHo Park
Rebellious Chiwoo is the town outcast. Without his parents to raise him, Chiwoo finds this world a difficult place to fit in. If only his mysterious father, would just show himself! What secret could drive them apart? When his father suddenly reappears, Chiwoo learns that his father is a Mangnani, a mysterious executioner who carries out God’s judgment. Only his father’s dance prior to the beheading of a sinner determines the fate of one’s afterlife- the forgiveness from God, or the eternal damnation. Now on the run from an Emperor determined to obliterate all Mangnanies and their heirs, Chiwoo must fight to fulfill his destiny! SC, 5x7, 180pgs, B&W SRP: $10.95

Image Comics Spawn Manga, Vol. 1 Tp
written & illustrated by Juzo Tokoro
cover by Brian Haberlin

TOKYOPOP

Ark Angels Volume 1
Author: Sang-Sun Park
Art By: Sang-Sun Park
From a small lake nestled in a secluded forest far from the edge of town, something strange has emerged: Three young girls-Shem, Ham and Japheth-sisters from another world. Equipped with magical powers, they are charged with saving all the creatures of Earth from extinction. However, there is someone or something sinister trying to stop them. And on top of saving our world, these sisters have to live like normal human girls- they go to school, work at a flower shop, hang around with friends and even fall in love! 5" x 7 7/16", 192 pgs, $9.99

Dreaming, The Volume 1
Art By: Queenie Chan
Amber and Jeanie, a pair of twin sisters, enroll in an Australian boarding school. But shortly after school begins, the twins uncover a dark, mysterious secret: Students have been known to walk off into the surrounding bushlands, where they have vanished completely, without a trace! 5" x 7 7/16", 192 pgs, $9.99

The World Exists For Me Volume 1
Author: Be-Papas
Art By: Chiho Saito
In the past, the devil R received his invincible powers from "The Book of S&M." But one day, an unknowing youth stole the book, cutting it up into bits-he created a girl paper doll called "S" and a boy paper doll called "M." The power that the devil held from "The Book of S & M" has now been divided between two dolls! 5" x 7 7/16", 192 pgs, $9.99

Tsukuyomi -Moon Phase- Volume 1
Art By: Keitaro Arima
Cameraman Morioka Kouhei is researching Castle Shebartsvere. Inside, he meets a mysterious little girl, Hazuki, who’s been trapped there for two years. Utilizing her controlling charm, Hazuki makes Kouhei set her free. Days later, Kouhei feels uneasy and wonders where Hazuki could have escaped to. Later, Kouhei finds an unhappy Hazuki-who’s looking for the mother who abandoned her! 5" x 7 7/16", 192 pgs, $9.99

Slayers Volume 6
Author: Hajime Kanzaka
Art By: Rui Araizumi
5" x 7 7/16", 192 pgs, $7.99

VIZ MEDIA LLC

The Art Of Inu-Yasha (2Nd Edition)
by Rumiko Takahashi
This book includes cell art and paintings from the hit anime series running on the Cartoon Network. Showcasing the excellent artwork and beautiful characters of the immensely popular time-traveling horror/action series, this book offers fans page after page of full- color designs, plus character profiles, watercolors from the manga covers, character profiles and 66 pages of colored manga pages, and much more! Rating: None SC, 160pgs, FC SRP: $24.99

Steamboy Novel Volume 1
by Sadayuki Murai & Katsuhiro Otomo
Based on the hit movie from Katsuhiro Otomo, director of the groundbreaking animated feature Akira, Steamboy is the story of Ray Steam, a resourceful young inventor whose father and grandfather have harnessed the ultimate energy source, a form of steam that could either revolutionize the world or destroy it!
SC, 224pgs, FC SRP: $17.99

Crimson Hero Volume 1 Tp
by Mitsuba Takanashi
Nobara's family wants her to inherit the role of "young mistress," serving rich patrons at her family's old-fashioned Japanese restaurant. No thanks! When Nobara transfers to Crimson Field High School, known for its top-notch volleyball team, it turns out that her will stoop to dirty tricks to keep her off the court. That’s when Nobara decides to start playing offense.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W SRP: $8.99

Nana Volume 1 Tp
by Ai Yazawa
This is the story of two 20-year-old women who share the same name. Even though they come from completely different backgrounds, they somehow meet and become best friends. The world of Nana is a world exploding with love, music, fashion, gossip and all- night parties.
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W SRP: $8.99

Diamond Cancellations

Diamond Distributor's Previews, which distributes comics to specialty comic shops and many bookstores list the following product cancellations:

ADV (cancelled by publisher)
Rahxephon Vol 1 High Def Dvd

Guardians Of Order (anime based RPGs), cancelled for lateness:
Artificers Almanac Silver Age Sentinels Rpg Supplement
Besm D20 Monsterous Manual Besm D20 Supplement
Besm D20 Monstrous Manual
Besm Neon Genesis Evangelion Book 1 Besm Supplement
Besm Revolutionary Girl Utena Book 3
Ex Machina D20 Cyberpunk Genre
Fushigi Yugi Vol 4 Ultimate Fan Guide Tp
Game Of Thrones D20 Rpg 1
Game Of Thrones Fire & Ice Rpg Hc
Game Of Thrones Rpg Hc
Game Of Thrones Rpg Winter Is Coming Part 1
Game Of Thrones The Book Of Ice And Fire
Seal Of The Imperium V1 Issue 1
Shroud Blood Legacy
Silver Age Sentinels Artificers Almanac

Infinity Studios (cancelled by publisher)
Fighting Guidance Vol 2 Gn
Hurrah Sailor Vol 2 Gn (Of 2)
Popo Can Vol 2 Gn (Of 3)
Traveler Of The Moon Vol 2 Gn (Of 3)
Jun053047 F Zippy Ziggy Vol 2 Gn

National Book Network (cancelled by publisher)
Tezukas Buddha Vol 1 Kapilavastu Sc

Early Ocober ADV Releases

10/11
All Purpose Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Dash: Complete Collection
Gantz: Deathwatch (8 of 10)
Maburaho: Ghost Of A Chance (4 of 7)
Wild Arms: Complete Collection
Yumeria: Into the Dreamscape (1 of 3)

All Purpose Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Dash
Ryunosuke Natsume has no idea his household helper is really the super sexy hero Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, he just feels lucky to have the lovely girl so close. Nuku on the other hand, while trying to take care of her newly adopted family, battles with the temper of Ryunosuke’s mother, Nuku’s lost memories and the evil that lurks inside Mishima, the most powerful company in Maneki City! As Mishima unleashes new and more terrorizing weapons in an attempt to take down Nuku, placing Maneki City in a clear and present danger, Nuku faces the ultimate choice-save herself or the people she loves!

All Purpose Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Dash: Complete Collection (SRP $44.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including all 12 episodes of the anime series, presented in both English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.

Wild Arms
Produced by animation studio extraordinaire Bee Train (Noir), Wild Arms is based on the popular Playstation video game series of the same name. The story takes place in a "wild west" inspired future, where a select group of people are able to control powerful weapons through their genetics. Sheyenne is the best of the breed, which is why sinister forces have taken his body for cloning and transferred his personality into the body of a five year old!

ARMS - mysterious, ultra-rare weapons of almost unbelievable power. So how did Sheyenne Rainstorm come into possession of one? More importantly, how did the twenty-five year old gunslinger end up in the body of a five year old boy? These are questions Dr. Kiel Aronnax would like to see answered. Sheyenne just wants to find his original body. On the other hand, fortune hunters Loretta Oratorio and Crimson Noble Mirabelle are only interested in treasure. So why, with the whole wide, wild west to travel, do they keep bumping into each other? They’ll dodge gunfighters, con-artists, dragons and crazed librarians in search of clues to solve the riddle of the ARMS. Don’t miss the action packed series of Wild Arms!

Wild Arms: Complete Collection (SRP $39.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including all 22 episodes of the anime series, presented in both English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.

Yumeria
Produced by the famed Studio Deen (Cowboy Bebop, Fruits Basket), Yumeria introduces us to Tomokazu, a pretty typical high school loser who can’t get a date. All that changes when he begins visiting an alternate world through his dreams - one in which he is transformed into a hero of destiny imbued with strange powers. But this dream world is threatened by the evil Faydooms, who have fiendish designs on the real world. Only Tomokazu can stop them, aided by five hotties from his very own high school, all of whom have undergone their own wondrous transformations!

Meet Tomokazu Mikuri: Typical high-school freshman. Certifiable loser. Self-admitted pervert. Just an ordinary, unmotivated slacker. In a word: BORING! But when he falls asleep on the eve of his 16th birthday, things start to change - big time! He enters a fantastical dream world, where he’s surrounded by a gaggle of gorgeous girls, oodles of otherworldly predators, and an ever-increasing influx of all-out weirdness! (Did we already mention all the gorgeous girls?) It’s a test of good versus evil, real world versus dream world, and lots of action-packed, scantily clad battles for the very survival of mankind! Will Tomokazu save the world? Will he finally get lucky? Or will he just die trying?

Shadow Star Narutaru Conclusion

Central Park Media has announced that it will release the concluding chapter of the action-packed Shadow Star Narutaru series, Shadow Star Narutaru 4, this November. Consumers will not be able to resist watching this final intense tale of vengeance, which captivatingly concludes the multifaceted story of the feature taken from the hit manga. Shadow Star Narutaru 4 contains episodes 11-13, release on November 8 and is priced at only $19.95 SRP.

From the Screenwriter of The Big O and the Animators behind Blue Gender.
Based on the hit manga!

Shy Hiroko is tormented by bullies. But everyone has their breaking point, and Hiroko wrestles with inner demons as she is tempted to use her powers to exact a terrifying and bloody revenge. Contains Episodes 11-13.

DVD Features: Storyboards, Director's Commentary, Interview with the Japanese Voice Actors, Art Gallery, Character Art, U.S. Shadow Star Narutaru Trailers, Previews, English & Japanese with English Subtitles
Running time: 75 minutes

Japanese Distributor Buys Stone Bridge

Stone Bridge Press, LLC, of Berkeley, California, has been purchased by Yohan, Inc. of Tokyo, Japan. The English-language publisher specializes in books about Japan and Asia. Stone Bridge's books about anime, manga, and film have established the press as a leading source of information about Japanese popular culture.

Yohan, Inc., established in 1953 and now headed by President and CEO Hiroshi Kagawa, has 120 employees and is the largest distributor of general foreign books and magazines in Asia. It owns several retail bookshops in Japan, including the well-known Aoyama Book Center in Tokyo, as well as the publisher IBC Books.

Stonebridge founder, editor-in-chief and publish Peter Goodman will remain as chief executive at Stone Bridge's offices in Berkeley. The company plans to expand its output, especially in the area of Japanese and Asian popular culture. Stone Bridge and IBC will also exchange editorial expertise to promote new title development in their respective markets.

Square Enix Bids on Taito

Animaxis and Anime News Network report that Square Enix has offered 45.16 billion yen (US$405 million) in a friendly bid to purchase game-make Taito. The companies have been in merger talks since last April and have decided that an outright acquisition would be the best way to proceed.

Kyocera, which owns a 36% stake in Taito supports the takeover bid and has agreed to sell its share back to Taito to facilitate the acquisition.

Dramaqueen Announces Two New Mangas

DramaQueen announced that it has officially acquired the rights to Challengers by Takanaga Hinako and Lies & Kisses (Utso to Kisu) by Minase Masara

Challengers (4 volumes)
This is the story of Tomoe Tatsumi, a freshman attending university in Tokyo. Life couldn’t be better: he’s living in a really nice apartment for less than most people pay for a single room. This is all thanks to Mitsugu Kurokawa: salary man, landlord, and (hopeful) lover. It is due to Kurokawa’s generosity that Tatsumi is able to live in Tokyo on such a tight budget. Kurokawa’s intention is clear: to love, honor, and cherish Tatsumi until his dying days! And if big brother Souichi Tatsumi has his way - that day will come sooner than not!

"The course of true love never did run smooth." And thus, Takanaga sensei introduces us to her charming romantic comedy, Challengers!

Lies & Kisses
Lies & Kisses asks the question: is love thicker than blood? Tatsuya and Haru discover that "lust" at first sight is not so bad - especially if it’s mutual! However, overshadowing their budding romance is Tatsuya’s lingering attachment for his long lost younger half-brother. Can love be thicker than blood?

This is Minase sensei’s most recent published manga from Aqua Comics. Publication date is planed for winter of 2005. Thank you to all the fans who have been anxiously awaiting this announcement.

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