Father Geek here with Scott Green's report on Manga and Anime for this week... But first some items that came directly to me here in Austin that may interest you... a little...
Check out the following article: By Clicking Here Now
About five minutes into watching "Final Fantasy", the first thing that came into my mind was JAMES CAMERON could use this technology to finally make AVATAR. And when I read this article, I can't help but wonder if this could be the secret movie. Nobody knows what Cameron plans on doing next for a feature film. Maybe he's been making it (entirely CGI) all along?
Check this out: April 21, 2000 entry. Just Click Here
It states (rumored) that Avatar isn't dead. And Sci Fi Wire states that Square has been working on the secret movie since March 2000.
Later,
John
Father Geek back... Here's another little bit of gossip...
Hey, I heard from a friendly source that John Woo is
considering making a live-action adaption of
"Dragonball Z", and that Jason Scott Lee and Jet Li
are up for the roles of Goku and Vegeta. I'll see what
I can dig up, later dude.
Well, that could prove interesting to watch... Here's Scott with his regular report...
AICN Anime Report...
New Date Announcements
Volumes 4 and 5 of Mobile Suit Gundam will be releaases on December 4th on dubbed VHS and DVD.
Mobile Suit Gundam - Desert of Despair (V.4) Universal Century 0079. As the war between the Federation and the Zeon forces continue - The Usually level-headed Sayla puts the crew of the White Base in danger as she desperately attempts to gather information on her brother. Soon after, Amuro overhears a conversation where Bright expresses his disappointment in Amuro. Upset, Amuro deserts the ship with the Gundam. Alone in the desert, he soon comes face-to-face with one of his deadliest opponents yet!
Mobile Suit Gundam - In Love and War (V.5) Universal Century 0079. The War has taken a turn for the worse for the Federation Forces. Amuro has been placed in solitary confinement for ignoring orders. But when Ramba Ral and his men attack the White Base - Sayla's hidden past is soon revealed. When Bright refuses to release Amuro from solitary, a lone pilot will take matters into their hands - paying the ultimate sacrifice to save the White Base and the Gundam.
Pilot Candidate volume 2 will be released on 1/8/02
Pilot Candidate - Training (V.2) Now that they've witnesses a battle firsthand, the training for the Pilot Candidates begins. Zero and the others are introduced to the Repairer Candidates, who will serve as their partners. The pilots fly the machines, and the Repair Candidates keep them in good condition. Zero and his new partner, the cat-eared girl Kizuna, will have to work together - but how long will this partnership last?
Central Park Media will be releasing The Ping Pong Club: Rots in Hell on DVD on December 11th.
Ping Pong Club is a gross out comedy that many describe as being funny, and "just wrong".
CPM will also be releasing Legend of the Dragon Kings: Under Fire on DVD and VHS on November 13th. It was previousl published as "Sohryuden: Legends of the Dragon Kings". The feature follows four brothers with extraordinary powers.
Ping Pong Club Movie Details
According to Anime News Service new info on the upcoming film adaptation of Taiyou Matsumoto's manga (and later TV series) Ping Pong and Ping Pong Club. Production has reportedly began in Japan, with former CGI effects director Fumihiko Sone at the helm using script by screenplay writter Kankurou Kudou. Seiyuu include Yousuke Kobuzuka who is to voice Peco and model ARATA who will voice smile. HK actor Sam Lee will co-starrin. Release for the live action film is targeted for next year.
Tenchi Muyo GXP Exclusive First Details
AIC has announced the 3rd Tenchi Muyo OVA series on October 10 in Japan as well as plans for a 3rd TV series. Creator Kajishima Masaki returns to supervise both productions which will be directed by Shinichi Watanabe. Other companies involved with production include B Stack and distributor VAP. Series Configuration is by Yusuke Kuroda of Ryvius fame, Character designs Okuta Atsushi (Dual).
This Week's Anime and Manga Releases
Anime
Manga
First Look at New Tenchi Muyo
The official Japanese Tenchi-Web site has updated on the Japanese "Day of Tenchi," October 10th. The site now features the first art and a long Real Media trailer for the upcoming Tenchi Muyo GXP Galaxy Police TV series here. The 10/10 release date from the name Tenchi, ten=10, chi=10. Tenchi Muyo is a sci-fi comedy about a young man who gets mixed up with a motely group of women including a space pirate, an alien princess, two galactic police officers ect.
Patlabor 3 and New Armitage Premier
The Tokyo International Fantastic Film Festival to be held at the end of October has officially announced that it will premier the 90 minute Armitage: Dual Matrix movie and WXIII Patlabor the Movie 3. For more information see here. Armitage: Dual Matrix is the follow-up to the Armitage III OAV (direct to video) series, which was re-cut into the Armitage Polymatrix movie. Armitage III is the story of a police officer a Mars colony who is a new type of android that is nearly indistinguishable from humans, and biologically compatible. Patlabor is a science fiction police drama.
Metreon Anime Festival
From the press release:
Bandai Entertainment, ADV Films and Viz Communications, Inc. Join Metreon in Celebrating Japanese Anime & Manga Culture with First Major Festival of its Kind in Bay Area
Sony's Popular AIBO(R) Entertainment Robot will Unveil its New Model
Metreon(R)--A Sony Entertainment Center in San Francisco, announced that Metreon will host the first annual Metreon Festival of Anime the weekend of October 27-28 inside Metreon's Action Theatre attraction. Anime, or Japanese animation, is one of the hottest new entertainment options among teens and young adults around the globe. The Metreon Festival of Anime will take place in conjunction with the Big Apple Anime Fest scheduled for the same weekend in New York City.
Metreon is partnering with Sony's Animax channel, as well as anime authorities Bandai Entertainment, ADV Films and Viz Communications, Inc. to provide exciting, top-notch anime entertainment for the Festival. Throughout the two-day event, fans will have a chance to watch Sony Pictures' "The Making of Metropolis", Bandai Entertainment's "Love Hina" and the U.S. premiere of "G-Saviour", and ADV Film's "Princess Nine: First Inning" and "Robotech: The Masters - A New Threat." The Festival will also feature an Anime Lounge hosted by ADV Films presenting all the latest music from Sony Music Imports and a Festival Party presented by Viz, featuring karaoke, local DJs and a Cosplay costume contest.
The Metreon Festival of Anime costs $25 through October 19 and $30 tickets will be available at the door. Price of admission includes 25 hours of anime screenings, the Festival Party presented by Viz, free gaming at Metreon's Airtight Garage (600 points), Cosplay costume contest, and insider panel discussions on timely anime issues with representatives from Bandai Entertainment, Viz, and San Jose-based No Name Anime, the premier anime club in the Bay Area. Also featured are how-to-draw manga workshops by Copic, an Anime Lounge hosted by ADV Films, and special offers and prizes. At the Festival, Sony's entertainment robot AIBO(R) will unveil its new cousins "LATTE" and "MACARON" and all festival attendees will be automatically entered to win a robot of their very own.
Metreon(R) is a business unit of Sony Corporation of America. Since opening in San Francisco on June 16, 1999, Metreon has received more than 13 million visitors. The 350,000 square foot center features a 15-screen cineplex - San Francisco's largest motion picture theatre complex, regularly rated among the top attended theatres in the country. Metreon is also home to North America's largest IMAX Theatre, nine Bay Area-based restaurants, several unique shopping destinations that include Sony Style, PlayStation(R), microsoft(R)SF, Discovery Channel Store: Destination San Francisco, and specialty retail shops and kiosks. For more information about Metreon, please call (415) 369-6000 or visit its Web site at http://www.metreon.com.
January Dark Horse Manga Releases
Blade of the Immortal #64: SKIN part 1 of 2 features the immortal swordsman Manji as the house guest of Master Sori, an eccentric genius swordsman who severed as the shogun's ninja in order to indulge in his passions for art. Matters are complicated when another man arrives at the house, the wild-haired Magatsu, lieutenant of the Itto-ryu, Manji's target.
Cannon God Exaxxion #3: Stage 1 part 3 of 8 continues Kenishi Sonoda's sci-fi tale. "One young man is Earth's only chance to escape the yoke of clever colonizing aliens. But this isn't just any young man, it's the grandson of the most perverted (and technologically connected) scientist in Japan. Hoichi Kano, a bull-headed teen with a bad attitude and a flair for fighting has stopped an alien robot in its tracks. But don't get too full of yourself, hero. It's only one small robot sent to guard one small high school. Desperate Earth commandos prepare to take out the alien ambassador, but not before he uses his giant robot to exact reprisal for Hoichi's actions. Little does he know that there's a bigger enemy waiting in Japan than a kid in a black gun-suit. "
Gunsmith Cats: Misty's Run is a trade paperback collection of issues #8-11 of the Gunsmith Cats: Mister V story-arc (the final story in the series) and two special Gunsmith Cats short stories. Bounty Hunter Rally Vincent, goes after the counterfeiters and fillers who have kidnapped her friend Misty.
Lone Wolf and Cub volume 18: The Last Kurokuwa features the Lone Wolf and Cub assassins' last confrontation with the Kurokuwa , a ninja clan nearly wiped out in the confrontations between Itto Ogami, and the man who framed him, Retsudo Yagyu. Retsudo then unleashes a band of warriors known as the Fire Watchers against the Lone Wolf and Cub. The volume also contains a story about Ogami's confrontation with a group of impoverished peasants who want part of the fortune he has amassed from his killing. The cover of this volume is by comic artist Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra Assassin).
Usagi Yomibo #54 features the return of Stan Sakai's Lone Wolf and Cub parody, Lone Goat and Kid. " Gorogoro, the "Kid" in question, has been separated from his father, the fearsome Lone Goat, and it's up to Usagi to bring them back together before a shifty samurai gang with a dubious plan gets in the way. The heat is on - and just in time for the winter! "
Dark Horse will also be releasing the collected edition of Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter II:
Forged in the clouds by the elemental gods of feudal Japan, the legendary sword Kusanagi - also known as "Grasscutter" - holds such power that it is sought after by mighty forces of good and evil. Multiple award winner Stan Sakai continues the epic adventures of his signature samurai rabbit, Usagi Yojimbo, in this second book centering on the mystical sword. Starting with a prologue that unveils the history of the sword, Grasscutter II rejoins Usagi with his samurai traveling companion, Gen, as they journey to the sacred shrine of Atsuta to return the powerful sword to its final resting place. But two ninja clans will fight the honorable samurai as well as each other in order to capture the sword and gain control of the empire with it. An enthralling book for all ages to enjoy, Grasscutter II will amaze readers with its narrative depth and poetic storytelling. (Dark Horse Maverick title) . The original Grasscutter saga won Eisner and Haxtur Awards! "
Usagi Yojimbo is not a manga series, but it is a highly enjoyable comic series that is one of the best example of truly strong graphic story teller. Miyamoto Usagi is a wandering rabbit ronin who lost his master is battle with an ambitious warlord. The series is mostly episodic, with occasional longer stories (such as Grasscutter II). Its simplicity is great for younger readers, and its real emotion will attract older readers. Its engross stories will hold the interest of readers of any age.
Evangelion Movies Delayed
Manga's schedule page is now listing a 4/30/2002 release date for Evangelion: Death and Rebirth, and a 7/30/2002 release date for Evangelion the Movie (End of Evangelion). The movie had been schedule for release this fall.
New Manga from TOKYOPOP
TOKYOPOP Manga is building a new formula for success as it utilizes the talents of Space Ghost: Coast to Coast and Action Girl writer Sarah Dyer as well as best-selling Dragonlance writer Richard A. Knaak as re-writers for two new series, Kodocha and Ragnarok - Into the Abyss this January. While keeping true to the original creator's style, the additions of Dyer and Knaak will also open up these series to new readers in ways a literal translation could not.
"Kodocha and Ragnarok - Into the Abyss are both excellent titles that have won over many fans,"Director of Marketing Sean Atkins said. "And these gifted writers, Sarah Dyer and Richard Knaak, have the ability to realize the nuances and styles of Miho Obana and Myung Jin Lee in a way that ensures that the creators' work is not lost in the translation."
Dyer, who in addition to working on Space Ghost and creating Action Girl, an anthology of comics by and for women and girls has also written Supergirl, and Superman Adventures (as featured on Cartoon Network! and Kids WB!). She also has previous re-writing experience for Dark Horse Comics where she adapted Italian comics for U.S. publication.
Dyer's flair for witty banter fits in well with the unique characters and storylines of Kodocha. Originally titled Kodoma no Omocha, Kodocha follows the most beloved child actress in Japan, Sana Kurata, a young girl who likes having things her way. So when a bully, Akito Hayama, comes and takes over her classroom in true Machiavellian style, it's only a matter of time before their interactions explode into a full-blown war of wills.
Steeped in Japanese pop cultural jokes and references, the series has already attracted a legion of avid U.S. fans, as is evident in the number of websites devoted to the series and series creator Miho Obana. Dyer is keeping these fans in mind while re-writing the series so as not to lose the crazy charm that won them over to begin with. The first volume of Kodocha will run as a limited edition comic for five issues before switching exclusively to graphic novel format next summer.
Knaak is performing a re-write on TOKYOPOP® Manga's other new series, Ragnarok - Into the Abyss. Knaak's talent for epic story telling, with which he has successfully adapted the role-playing game worlds of Dragonlance, Diablo and Warcraft into successful fantasy novel series, brings a larger-than-life appeal to Myung Jin Lee's sword and sorcery manga series.
In the story, Fenris Fenrir the Wolf God of Norse Mythology has been reborn. She seeks the reincarnation of the murdered god, Balder, who will play a crucial role in Ragnarok - the end of the world. At the heart of her search is Chaos, a warrior who holds the sacred sword Tyrfing and who has no memory of his past. Over the course of their quest, they become embroiled in a battle with the goddess Freya while an ensemble cast of characters teams together to change the world forever.
Knaak will co-write the first volume of the series with TOKYOPOP® Senior Editor Jake Forbes before helming the re-writing chores solo in volume two.The first volume will run as a limited edition comic for four issues before switching exclusively to graphic novel format next summer.
Live Action Gundam Coming to US
Bandai has announced that they have acquired and will be releasing the live action feature G-Saviour on DVD on 1/22/02.
Based on Mobile Suit Gundam, this 93 minute movie takes place in the Universal Century 223. Humanity is struggling to survive as famine spreads throughout the Earth and its orbiting space settlements known as Sides. Ex-Congressional pilot, Mark Curran (Brennan Elliot) stumbles across a secret research project to produce a new energy source that could potentially end the severe food crisis.
However, Congressional forces on Earth seek to suppress this discovery in order to maintain its control over the populace. Thrust into inevitable conflict, Curran must rely on the help of researcher, Cynthia Graves (Enuka Okuma), a secret organization known as the Illuminati, and an advance mobile suit called the G-Saviour in order to protect the energy source at all cost.
The DVD will feature Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound, a CG art gallery, Japanese language track, promotional spots, and trailer.
Synch-Point to Release I'm Gonna Be An Angel!: Earth Angel
Synch-Point has set as tentative December release date for the first volume of I'm Gonna Be An Angel!, with 5 episodes. "Never kiss a sleeping girl in the forest. That was Yuusuke's mistake. Ever since then, Yuusuke's been plagued by the girl. She follows him everywhere and insists that he's her husband. And now she's moved her family of witches, vampires and demons into his house!
Sweet and innocent. Strange and silly. Noelle has decided that Yuusuke is her husband. But Yuusuke already has a crush on Natsumi. He tells Natsumi that she is an angel. Noelle overhears this and decides she will also become an angel. But what exactly does it mean to be an angel? And why does Noelle have a halo on her head?"
ADV Licenses Southern Cross and Mospeada
From Anime on DVD's forum
"Matt Greenfield should be announcing at Ani-Magic that ADV has picked up the original Japanese versions of and will be releasing them on DVD. Details haven't been finalized yet and as the release plan is set I'll be sure and post. Of course everyone here knows Southern Cross and Mospeada formed the second and third arcs of Robotech."
More on Macross
Robert Woodhead of AnimEigo has sent out the latest update on how Macross is progressing: "As of today, the restoration process is fully complete, and authoring of the first 3 discs (out of 9) is underway. We have already received several check discs for the first DVD, and are busy debugging the menus. We are on schedule for an early/mid December release, and if we catch a few breaks, it'll be out earlier."
Conan Film To Make NA Debut At BAAF
Detective Conan: The Last Wizard of The Century (subtitled version) will be making its North American premiere at BAAF Courtesy of TMS Entertainment, LTD. Detective Conan is the a mystery series about a famous teenage detective who is reduced to childhood by one of his adversaries.
Puni Puni Poemy Final Volume Release
The last volume of the Excel Saga OAV "Puni-puni Poemy" will arrive in Japanese stores on Dec. 19th from J.C.Staff/ Victor Entertainment. The series is a rapid fire parody of magic girl anime series. The series has been acquired for domestic release by ADV, who will release the original Excel Saga TV series at some point.
Anime And Kurosawa At AFI Fest
According to the schedule at http://www.afifest.com/fest01/ , The Ah My Goddess Movie, a "surprise" Miyazaki film, Kyoshi Kurosawa's Pulse, and an Ang Lee retrospective will be at this year's AFI Festival.
First X TV Episode Broadcast
Madhouse's X TV series has premiered in Japan on Oct. 3, on Sept. 26 press conference and test showing of the first episode was held at WOWOW HQ in Tokyo. Several staff were there including the director Kawajiri-sensei, seiyuu (voice actor) and OP theme artist. X starts with a young man with psychic powers named Kamui who returns to Tokyo after a six year absence to face dreams about the destruction of the world. The series has very large cast, and detailed back story.
New Rurouni Kenshin OVA Japan Release Data
Rurouni Kenshin - Meiji Kenkaku Romantan Seiyuu: Mayo Suzukaze, Miki Fujitani, Miina Tominaga, Yuji Ueda and Shuichi Ikeda.
DVD Extras include production staff / voice actor interviews and character boards.
A behind the scenes production preview will be air on Fuji TV's BS satellite channel in December.
DVD - Volume 1 Episode 1 and special production feature Running Time: 50 mins Release date: December 19 (Volume 2 will be released in February 2002) First Limited Edition bonuses: colour jacket and illustrated label, special clear sticker Price: 5,600 Yen (Tax not included)
Cyborg 009 Anime
The classic science fiction manga epic Cyborg 009 will soon be airing as an anime series. The manga series is by Ishinomori Shoutaroh, who is considered to be second only to Osamu Tezuka (creator of Astroboy, Kimba the White lion and many others. The quality and breath of subjects in Japanese manga can be attributed to Tezuka's influence).
The original Cyborg 009 animation premiered on April 5 1968, it's reported that he had a hand styling this latest compilation work from his sickbed. Look for the debut on October 14th via TV Tokyo Channel 12 18:30 - 19:00 and on BS Japan October 19th of 2001 18:55 - 19:25. 52 episodes are scheduled. General producer: Nagasawa Takayuki, plan production: Kenichi Ohashi, Music: Tetsuya Omuro, supervisor: Onoji Akira, Director: Atsushii Kawagoe. Music Production: Avex Mode. Opening theme: "What's the jastice? " Lyrics: KEIKO & MARC, work arrangement: Tetsuya Komuro, Song: Globe (avex globe) Ending theme: "genesis of next ", Lyrics: MARC, work arrangement: Tetsuya Komuro, song: Globe (avex globe)
Earth Girl Arjuna Directors Edition
Rumor has it that recent TV series Earth Girl Arjuna will be the latest in the recent trend in series that are modified after their first showing. The "Earth Girl Arjuna Directors Edition" is supposed to be screened at several movie festivals including one on November 2nd in Sapporo Japan at 16:15.
Earth Girl Ajuna is an anime TV series project written and supervised by Macross creator Shoji Kawamori tells the story of a young girl who sees the future in a dream and then goes about trying to change the world in the present to avoid the future she foresaw. Yoko Kanno create edoriginal music for the series and production is through Bandai Visual. Ajuna was touted as using state of the art animation production. In the story a girl's encounter with an accident one summer, gives her a vision of a future Earth where she encounters male youth. In this future world mankind has apparently achieved a higher level of awareness where mind resonates with a surrounding "Aura of the Earth". But timelessly there exists those wishing to use power to unjustly manipulate others, and a mecha called "Aura Suit" is used against to fight the attacking forces. The site can be seen at here;.
RAVE Information
The anime adaptation of the Hiiro Mashima's manga series RAVE will soon be appearing in Japan. Studio Deen will be producing the anime version set to air on October 13th via TBS and MBS 17:30 - 18:00 weekly. Staff includes director Koshi Watanabe and Music Composer Kenji Kawai. According to the plot, 50 years ago, there was a large war in which the world was plunged into darkness by a magical artifact called the Demon Stone. Now the forces of light and darkness battle for control of the world, an organization called " daemon card " control a dark ring, now a young protagonist of 16 years of age and his comrades must battle the evil forces.
Toei 2002 Calender
Toei has uploaded this page with images from it's recently unveiled 2002 calendar, there fans will find images from all their favorite Toei series including Sailor Moon, DBZ and One Piece here
Play Magazine Launches With Anime Focus
"Play" magazine will be released starting this November with coverage of anime, in addition to video games, movies, TV DVD and more. The magazine will be edited by Dave Halverson of GameFan magazine. The press release states "Halverson was one of the very few American journalists to foresee the explosion of Japanese animation (anime) in the United States." design. "Unlike other publications in the same realm, we are sparing no expense to print each page in full-color on high-grade, glossy paper," asserts Jon M. Gibson, Executive Editor of PLAY. "Our graphic designers have crafted a polished, easily read and enjoyed scheme that is both unique and artistic. Since art is a very distinct aspect of all entertainment sectors - being a vibrant, visual medium - we wanted to compliment that on the printed page." Launching in time for the holiday shopping season, the premiere issue of PLAY will include extensive seasonal coverage.
Many anime and manga fans are eagerly awaiting the Spring release of the English version of NewType magazine, one of the most popular Japanese anime periodicals. Other major English periodicals include Viz's Animerica, and Protoculture Addicts.
Opening and Ending Videos Now Online
The GIA has reported that Anime Daisuki has put up the opening and ending movies for Final Fantasy Unlimited. You can check those out right here
AIBO Anime Scoop
As previously reported, from October on Japan's Fuji Television Network the broadcast of an anime series based on Sony's newly-announced AIBO LM series of "entertainment robots" will occur. The two new robots in the series, named "Latte" and "Macaron" (product numbers ERS 311 and ERS 312 respectively) are designed by well-known graphic artist MOSHINO Katsura. Latte and Macaron will apparently be able to respond to on-screen sounds of the show. Katsuhito-sensei will direct the TV series to be produced by Studio 4 degrees C, and a lavish anime staff will fill out the rest of the production contingent. The new AIBO models came out in Japan on September 22, and are available for preorder by American customers at the official www.aibo.com website. In Japan the new models retail at 98000 Yen. Anime Broadcast begins October 11th 23:09 - 23:15 , thereafter AIBO airs on Thursdays 22:54 - 23:00 via Fuji TV. Regarding a U.S. release of the AIBO anime, no official details have yet to be revealed, however, with the recent move by Sony to sponsor AIBO with the upcoming Big Apple Anime Fest in NYC later this month and plans to debut "LATTE'' and "MACARON'' in North America at the upcoming Metreon event it's quite possible an U.S. release or brodcast of this series is to be forthcoming.
Turn A Gundam Movie Theatrical Opening In Japan
The Turn A Gundam movie start running in theaters in Japan from Feb. 9th. Turn A Gundam is a 50 episode Gundam tv series that aired on Japanese TV during 1999 and 2000. The series takes place in the new calendar year of in the year 2345. According The Gundam Project's description of the series its bean two thousand years since humanity has populated space, and the technology has been abandoned. The Moonrace has rediscover the technology to travel to other planets, as well as the technology for armored mecha suits. With these they hope to return to Earth and conquer it. Earth's militaries are equipped with automobiles and biplanes, but a young driver find a mobile suit relic that may be the key to repelling the invasion. It's directed by Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, with character designs by Capcom's Akira Yasuda (Street Fighter II), mecha designs by veteran Kunio Okawara and guest Westerner Syd Mead (of Blade Runner fame), and music by Yoko Kanno (Macross Plus, Escaflowne).
Anno On Mahoromatic OP Storyboards
Hideaki Anno, director of Evangelion, will reportedly be presiding over the layout of animation storyboards on the Opening theme of Studio Gainax's latest anime Mahoromatic. Mahoromatic, is based on a manga series from Comic-Gum and is produced by Gainax-Shaft the anime will be directed by Hiroyuki Yamaga, director and scriptwriter of "Ouritsu Uchugun - Oanemisu no Tsubasa" and scriptwriter of "Top wo nerae!" (Released as Gunbuster in the US)
The series is the story of a female comabat robot used to save earth from alien invasion. In the years following the successful repelling off the invasion one of the robots is rewarded will a free life, but after her weapons are removed she'll only function for another 398 days.
Anime Daisuki has updated with the trailer for the TV series Mahoromatic here
More Saber Marionette
Charles McCarter of Bandai posted on Anime on DVD's forum that Saber Marionette J Again now has a release date of 01/08/2002. The set will be two DVD-9's with three episodes on each disc and will retail for 34.98$. Features and extras include: Japanese, English, Spanish audio, English subtitles, Textless Opening Collection, Textless Ending Collection, Saber Marionette Commercial Collection and a Production Art Gallery.
"As you might know, each Opening and Ending for Saber Marionette J to X was different, so there are numerous openings/closings." Charles went on to say.
"The Commercial collection features Japanese TV spots for Saber Marionette J, Saber Marionette J Again, and Saber Marionette J to X"
J Again is a six part comedy/action OAV the followed the story of Saber Marionette J. Otaru continues to live in piece with his three women robots with human emotions: the cute Lime (voiced by Megumi Hayashibara), the proper Cherry, and the seductive and hot headed Bloodberry. Matters are complicated when Lime begins to worry about being replaced, and a mysterious new android named Marine shows up. The animation budget per episode is noticeably higher than the TV series.
News Release Dates From Right Stuf
New title announcements (08:42 AM EST): The Right Stuf site is listing some new titles this morning. Pilot Candidate Vol. #2 1/8/02 FLCL Vol. #1 with a 1/29/02 release date I'm Gonna Be An Angel! volume 1 - Earth Angel, for a (12/31/01
C.B. Cebulski Talks Mangaverse, X-men
The Comics Continuum has posted a converasation with C.B. Cebulski here about the upcoming Marvel Mangaverse X-Men: Equinox book he will be doing will Jeff Matsuda.
"I went up to Marvel one day a while back to meet with a few editors about some of the Japanese artists I am friends with possibly working on some of their comics," he said. "I think it was at about this time that the Mangaverse project was just getting rolling. The subject came up over lunch and quickly became the main topic of conversation. After hearing what Marvel had in mind, I expressed a few opinions and concerns I had in regards to doing a project of this nature."
Cebulski said Marvel had the same concerns he had.
"So many people have tried to do manga or anime 'style' books in the past that it has become almost trendy and cliche," Cebulski said. "However, most artists and companies that have tried it have simply swiped and ripped off the ideas, characters and themes from popular titles like Ghost In the Shell, Akira, Battle Angel Alita or Lodoss War. They also focused solely on the visual aspect, making the artwork seemingly look like what they thought manga and anime were supposed to be. Maybe the played with the coloring to make it look different and deemed it 'anime coloring.' Anime and manga fans were onto this from day one though and blasted it.
"Marvel was well aware of this and wanted to avoid the pitfalls so many others who have tried it before had fallen into. I was so happy to hear they were so on the ball."
DBZ Dates
Yu-Gi-Oh #1 on KidsWB
From the press release:
In its eagerly awaited KIDS' WB! debut, the hot new Japanese anime series represented worldwide (outside of Asia) by New York-based 4Kids Entertainment (NYSE:KDE - news), ``Yu-Gi-Oh!'' debuted with a strong finish, ranking No. 1 among the broadcast competition in its time period in Kids 2-11 (2.5/11), Kids 6-11 (2.7/13), Boys 2-11 (3.8/16) and Boys 6-11 (3.6/18).
Produced by NAS (Nihon Ad Systems Inc.), ``Yu-Gi-Oh!''(TM) is the story of Yugi and his friends who are caught up in the game craze that is sweeping the nation: Duel Monsters -- a game that pits different mystical creatures against one another in wild, magical duels. Yugi, a high school kid, possesses the millennium puzzle that gives him special powers and makes him the best at the game. When Yugi gets into tough situations, his alter ego takes over and Yugi is able to defeat the virtual reality monster rivals.
The launch success of ``Yu-Gi-Oh!'' follows on the heels of 4Kids Entertainment's mega-franchise ``Pokemon''(TM), which, for its fourth year, also commanded winning ratings in both its 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. KIDS' WB! time periods. At the same time, 4Kids' original animated property ``Cubix''(TM), which debuted in August, continues to lead all broadcast competition in its 8:30 a.m. berth on KIDS' WB! -- giving 4Kids Entertainment four top-rated shows on the No. 1 broadcast network for kids.
Something New from Gainax
According to Luna-net Gainax has let some info on a new project slip. The New project titled Oblivion isn't what you would expect. The new project is a massively multiplayer online game. There hasn't been much information disclosed, but more is expected at TGS. Gainax has said a secret project will be disclosed at TGS. It seems likely that this may be that project. Oblivion is currently set to be shown off at Bandai's booth.
In order to celebrate the event some special mousepads will be given away.
Pilot Candidate Dubtitle?
Anime on DVD has received a preview copy of Pilot Candidate Vol. #1 . They report "We received our review copy of today, and while giving it a checkout while checking email, there's some oddities about this release. The first is that the dub was done by Mix Magic Studios, Inc in Hollywood CA, so this is a new studio doing it. Curiously, the section listing this on the video is listed as "Voiseover". Also worth noting is that Bandai Entertainment did not produce this show, but just the DVD side of it with what they were given. Bandai Visual of Japan is handling this show apparently. So what's that mean? Looks like dubtitles folks. Word for word throughout most of the first episode that I saw. "
A dubtitle refers to the English subtitle script of a domestic release having the same script as the English dub. Traditionally subtitle scripts are more literal translations than the dub script. Pilot Candidate (originally Candidate for Goddess) is a series about a group of young men training to pilot a mech that will help save humanity . The series will be airing on Cartoon Network.
Super Robot Wars Alpha Media
DC.IGN.COM has posted videos from Super Robot Wars Alpha at here, the game featuring giant robots such as Envangelion, Gundam, Giant Robo, Getter Robo, Mazinger, Gunbuster and Macross here.
Financial losses ensure the end of Square Pictures
The GIA reports due to Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within's disappointing performance in both the American and Japanese markets, Square announced today that they're leaving the film business. Though cost-saving measures such as reusing the character of Aki in different genres were rumored, it now seems that these are not to be. As a result of the losses, Square will also likely not post profits this financial quarter.
Spotlight ComicsOne
(Joan volume 1 and Sarai volume 1 )
ComicsOne has found its niche in the English translated manga (comic) market by providing cheap titles. Their 200+ page trade paperback collections retail for $9.95 to $10.95, and online as ebooks for between $2.95 to $4.95 (for color volumes). The manga works well in either version. The ebook version can be read on readers such as ones provided by Microsoft or Adobe. The experience reading the manga is eBook format is not substantial different from reading the books in paper form. The images, text and color are crisp. The only real difference is portability. Books can only be read the computer which the they were downloaded on.
Joan is the story of Joan of Arc. It's a testimony to the breathe of subject matter Japanese comics cover. Emil is a young woman who, like Joan of Arc, has adopted the clothes of a man. She was the illegitimate child of a duke. With the duke's death, Emily's mother was tortured and killed by his wife. Emily was taken by a noble soldier in the service of the duke who raised her as his son. Now named Emil, she sees visions of Joan of Arc, and finds a mission in uniting France.
The first volume offers hints of interesting action, with a good mounted battle, and political intrigue. It also offers a look at the always intriguing Joan of Arc. With only a History Channel knowledge of Joan of Arc, and French history one can easily get lost at a number of points in the story. If the short text history was included at the volumes beginning rather than end the first reading of the story would have flown is more comprehensible manner.
It is uncommon to see Japanese manga is color. Joan uses it as an asset in its storytelling rather than just window dressing. It play a large role in setting the tone of a scene. Amber autumn days, or the pink skies of dust are simple touches that make the series more real. The ghostly hues of Joan of Arc spirit make her presence seem to appear and emotion and spiritual manner, but not a physical one.
It's a bit hard to see what track Joan is taking from the first volume. Whether it will be a large epic of moving armies, or whether it will be more subtitle. Not a great deal happens we are introduced to the series' players. Shown a superficial summery of Emil's past, and a demonstration of her modus operendi on the battlefield. It's a curiosity, but it is worth a look.
Where as Joan was inexpensive, Sarai is cheap. In a post apocalyptic world of feudal culture, the wilds are populated by sub human monsters. In a perversion of bounty hunter - samurai genre, the protagonist is a "guard maid", a woman who kills monsters and get abusing by the people who hired her. Anime and manga are full of bad ideas executed well. This isn't one of them. The series is part action, part fetish. Neither aspect is effective or appealing. For its action scenes, something hideous appears like a grotesque monster, or human torso appears or a horse is very visibly cut in half, the protagonist draws her sword, and the whole thing is over before anything memorable happens, usually in a manner that is hard to mark sense of. I'm not an expert what works in bondage, fetish manga, but this isn't it. To paraphrase the famous restaurant complaint, the nudity is terrible, and portions are so small. Quick scenes of woman being stripped and or tied up are doing anything for anybody. I don't see how anybody could find a nun being bent over and spanked in what's meant to be a sexually provocative manner appealing. What Sarai has going for it is that you can get a 200 page volume for $2.95.
