Well, Anime/Manga geeks its Wednesday and time once again for Father Geek to present The AICN Anime Report from the keyboard of the prolific Scott Green, our editor who's piped in to all things related to the worlds of Manga and/or Anime; toys, games, comics. dolls, cards, VHS, DVD, and even your local theater. First though, I've got some info that came straight to ol' Father Geek here at Austin's Geek Headquarters that you may find interesting...

Shoujocon 2002, a women's anime and manga convention will be taking place in New Jersey this July.

Thank you!

Kristina Naudus, Shoujocon 2002 Publicity Staff

Father Geek back with this note of coolness...

A New DVD is realeased this week; It's part of Disney's new "American Legends" anthology disc of four Disney animated shorts introduced by James Earl Jones, including...

€ John Henry (2000) [narrated by Alfre Woodard]

€ Paul Bunyan (1958)

€ Johnny Appleseed (1955)

€ The Brave Engineer(1950)

Check it out...

Then there was this final bit...

I just noticed this report on the DVDJournal site, and thought you might squeeze it into this weeks Anime' report. I've yet to see RK's "Metropolis," and this looks to be a great DVD:

Columbia TriStar has announced a new imprint for their home-video line, "Destination Films," which is designed to highlight avant garde, foreign, and cult titles. Launching the new brand will be the 2001 anime Metropolis, a two-disc set that will include an interview with director Rintaro Katsushiro, a "making-of" featurette, two multi-angle animation comparisons, a history of the "Metropolis" comic book, and a concept-art gallery (March 12). Also in the pipe is the popular 1997 Korean espionage thriller Shiri, with a documentary and music video (April 9).

Harry calls me 'Twigman' when I scoop, but I'm just e.

Well that's it for Father Geek, here's Scott and his regular report for the week...

Anime Spotlight:

Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust

One of the best anime pure action movie released in a while. Bloodlust is a gothic "Man with No Name" tale in the western/samurai tradition. Its a quick rapidly moving action in the tradition of Ninja Scroll, though maybe not as shocking and outrageous as Ninja Scroll.

The far future age of feudal vampire lords seems to be waning as their race dwindles at the hands of human bounty hunters. One of these hunter is D, a half human/half vampire danpeal. He is a stoic wanderer in the Clint Eastwood/Toshirô Mifune tradition with a detachment bred from watching the tragic results of watching human/vampire interactions. Though he inherited some of his father's powers, his chosen tool for dispatching the prey is a long, narrow sword. His foil and sidekick is a talkative being with the power to inhale magical forces. This sidekick is a symbiotic being that inhabits D's left hand, and manifests itself as an elderly face.

D is brought in when the daughter of a wealthy man is kidnapped by the vampire Meier Link. The bet is hedged by hiring a competing group of the vampire hunters, the Markus Brothers, who earned their reputation though uncanny skill, and unrelentlessness, and by instructing all hunters to bring back the daughter's body if she has become a vampire. Meier brings to the table his own considerable power, and elite representatives from supernatural army. Matters are further complicated when it turns out the kidnapping was actually an eloping.

The animation shines in its techno-gothic aesthetic, high lighted in its digital pans of highly detailed spiraled castles. Biomechanical horses pull armored carriages along sides gasoline powered combustible engines.

Filled with interesting battles, and supernatural powers including spinning knives, a grossly oversize hammer, a particularly deadly plant spirit, and one of the most unique manifestations of a werewolf. There is sub genre of action/horror movies in anime that is high lighted by battle between hyper-capable monster/hunters, such as Wicked City, Dark Side Blues, or even Ninja Scroll, that teases by showing a perform a visually stunning feat, but then now show it a second time, or enough. Vampire Hunter D excels by nailing a large number of these visually impressive feats, and showing them enough. If a character impresses you once with an amazing spinning knife effect, the effect will be brought back in a second innovative way. It also comes through by covering both inventive takes old standbys such as the bridge standoff, or the band surrounded by hordes of undead, and throws in some creative new situations.

The story is stronger and more engage than many pure action movies, but it has a few weak spots. It does not establish any good adversarial relationships between the characters. There where some potentially interesting relations between D, and the Meier's army, who though sadism, or a samurai-like loyalty/need to prove self had a great deal of potential, but there was not enough interaction to firmly establish them. Instead, the movie demonstrate route hatred between the humans and vampires based on past interactions that are hinted at, or given a cursory telling. The other flaw to the story is a third act that seems to cheat a little.

The movie only features an English language track. The movie's original script was Japanese, but it animated for an English sound track. It appeared theatrical with an English sound track in Japan, but the Japanese DVD featured a Japanese language track.

Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory Episodes (1-4)

Those who have not seen or finished Mobile Suit Gundam will be able to follow Stardust Memory, but it will reveal some significant details about the original series.

The Year One War that started the Gundam's giant robot war story has ended. The series opens with the mother of all space battles. The forces of the revolting Zeon space colony know they are the losing end of the war. A Zeon commander retreats with his forces and ace pilot to carry on the fight. Three years after the war's end, federation security has eased, but the hostile has not. A Federation ship arrives at the Federation test pilot base in Australia with representative Nina Purpleton from Anaheim Electronics (the industrial half of the Federation's military-industrial complex), and new Gundams, one of which is set to be with banned nuclear war heads. A Zeon mole provides the opening for their ace pilot, Gato, to hijack the Gundam, and its nuclear armaments.

The federation pursuing include Kou, an earnest young test pilot, with an uncanny understanding of the Gundams, and his compatriotic Keith, who's a bit less competent, and a bit more vocal. Rather than the children who pilot the Gundams in the original series, Kou, and Keith are young military men, who have been trained for their position, but have seen real combat. They still don't know how to handle themselves in intense situations such as barrages.

Without the political machinations of the ruling Zarbi ruling family , the Zeon motivation has been distilled into a purer form with near religious fervor. The divide between the space born and the Earthborn is still very apparent. With the treat of a nuclear attack, the Federation is anxious to retrieve or destroy the stolen Gundam.

Because Stardust Memories is more about one on one combat between outstanding individuals than squad tactics (like 08th MS Team) , it has more visually impressive combat sequences that the original Gundam series or 08th MS Team. The complexity of the motion in battle makes it more exciting. There is a real feel for the differences in the machines that is achieved visually, rather than just having the character comment on it. Mecha action fans will not want to miss this one.

The production quality of the OAV (direct to vide) series really shines. It doesn't quite have the detailed looked that 08th MS Team has, but the design, and motion are bound to impress. The diversity of mechanical design present is rarely matched. The Zeon forces have a veritable zoo of different robots.

Manga Spotlight

Marvel MangaVerse (Part I)

Marvel Comic's MangaVerse was a week long event that presented single issue presentations of tradition Marvel titles in manga form. The titles will be collected in a trade paperback this April to coincide will the first issue of the Marvel Mangaverse monthly title.

Marvel MangaVerse titles are manga-like, in the way that a Reuben sandwich is Kosher-like. They take more storytelling cues from anime than manga. Most of them remain in Marvel's superhero framework. They are quite fun, and could easily support an ongoing series or mini-series.

Spider-Man by Kaare Andrews

Its roof top ninja battles Spider-Man style. Rather than sticking to walls, and swinging by webs, the young Peter Parker uses ninja training, hooks and lines.

When his sensei Benjamin is killed by a mysterious ninja behemoth known as Venom. With his sensei's last words, "with great power comes great responsibility" ringing in his head, the young Parker dons his spider costumes, and trains to challenge Venom, and his ninja army.

Half of the issue is dedicated to a classic roof top ninja rumble as takes on Venom and his ninja horde with Spidey spring through the combatants, blocking swords, and roping ninjas while spouting zen-ish truisms. There is a great deal of cartoon-ish energy in the illustration and coloring that are largely responsibly for what makes the issue work so well.

There are humorous moments has the author mixed manga/martial arts conventions, and Spiderman ones, such as sprinkling his rouges gallery in various places.

Of the Marvel MangaVerse titles this one has the most potential for expansion.

Fantastic Four by Adam Warren, and Keron Grany

Marvel's team of sci-fi explorer meets an Evangelion style Earth defense force. The mentally unhealthy foursome includes of fiery (literally)Jonatha Storm, the introverted Sioux Storm, neurotic Benjamin ("Ben-ya-meen") Grimm, and scruffy commander Reed Richards, who seems to do a lot of his thinking while in bed with one of his assistants. The MetaTalent operatives combat aliens (similar to Evangelion's angels) with exoskeletons that wrap the user is a giant elemental force.

Jonatha, Sioux, and Bejamin engage the giant Annihilus in a city block crushing battle while Reed stretches his neurons around the problem.

The coloring is both one the piece's highlight, and its biggest detriment. Some of the power effects, such as Jonatha's plasma giant are great, but its far too dark and muddy. It often requires an effort to determine what's happening. Sioux's invisible giant is a large humanoid figure, with bubble-like refraction around the edges. The giant gets in a knock down fist fight with the invader, but it requires work to follow. When the giant gets pushed into a skyscraper looked like it had the potential to be a memorable scene, but it is undermined by the lighting.

This Week's Anime And Manga Releases

Anime

• Adventures of the Mini Goddess, Vol. 1: The Gan-Chan Files
• Boogiepop Phantom - Boxed Set (Evolutions 1-4) ~ Boogiepop Phantom
• Boogiepop Phantom - Evolution 4 ~ Boogiepop Phantom
• Labyrinth of Flames
• NieA Under 7 - Under Seven Blues (Vol. 4)
• Soul Hunter - All the Queen's Men (Vol. 2)
• Those Who Hunt Elves - Elf Stripping (Vol. 2)
• Vampire Hunter D - Bloodlust

Manga

• Animerica Extra Vol 5 #3
• Aqua Knight Vol 3 Tp
• Bastard #3 (1 Of 3) (Mr)
• Gunsmith Cats Mistys Run Tp
• Kodocha #2 (Of 5)
• Pulp Vol 6 #3 (Mr)
• Saint Tail #16
• Storm Riders Gn #1
• Vagabond Part 1 #4
• Wounded Man Gn #5

Dark Horse will also be releasing action figures of Gunsmith Cat's Rally and Minnie May.

Japanese Manga Imported by Diamond

• Ah My Goddess Anime Comic #3 $17.99
• Cats Eye Manga #4 $6.99
• Cats Eye Manga #5 $6.99
• Cats Eye Manga #6 $6.99
• Cats Eye Manga #7 $6.99
• Cats Eye Manga #8 $6.99
• Cats Eye Manga #9 $6.99
• City Hunter Manga #12 $5.99
• City Hunter Manga #13 $5.99
• City Hunter Manga #14 $5.99
• City Hunter Manga #15 $5.99
• City Hunter Manga #16 $5.99
• Fist Of North Star Manga #14 $5.99
• Fist Of North Star Manga #15
• Fist Of North Star Manga #16
• Gunnm Last Order Manga #1
• Inu Yasha Manga #21
• Inu Yasha Manga #22
• Sakura Tsushin Manga #1 (A)
• Sakura Tsushin Manga #2
• Slayers Manga #8
• Spirited Away Anime Comic #1
• Spirited Away Anime Comic #2
• Spirited Away Anime Comic #3
• Spirited Away Anime Comic #4
• Spirited Away Anime Comic #5
• Spriggan Manga #3

Adventures of the Mini Goddess is a super deformed (big head, small body) comedy version of Ah! My Goddess. The 15 minute shorts feature the childish inventor Skuld, and her trickster/temptress sister Urd as they torment the rat Gan, in various ways. Such as marrying him off to a tea pot.

Boogiepop Phantom is a horror series from maker of Slayers.

Storm Riders is ComicOne.com's new Kung Fu action series.

Vagabond is the manga adaptation of the life of the samurai Miyamoto Mushashi, see here for a description of the first two issues.

Bandai Entertainment announces new theatrical openings for Escaflowne

Theatrical runs for Escaflowne in the following cities: Boston, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle

3.1.2002

Boston

• TBA

Dallas

• United Artists Plaza 9330 N. Central Expressway Dallas, TX. 75231

Houston

• AMC Studio 30 2949 Dunvale Road Houston, TX 77063 (713) 977-4431

San Francisco

• UA Galaxy 1285 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA 94109 (415)474-8700

3.8.2002

San Diego

• UA Horton Plaza 475 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101 (619)234-4661

Seattle

• TBA

Coming soon: Minneapolis, Denver, Miami, Washington DC, Toronto, Orange County, Portland.additional theaters and cities to be announced shortly.

Since opening on January 25, 2002 - Escaflowne has grossed approx. $80,000 for 5 screens in the past week and a half. (1-25 thru 2-3)

Please continuing checking http://www.escamovie.com/releasedates/ for updated release announcements

Right Stuf Here and There, Then and Now Box Set

This May Right Stuf will be the exclusive retailer of the Here and There, Then and Now, limited to 1000 units. The bonus disc includes features such as 'From Then to Now: Behind the Scenes', the Japanese Opening, Character Sketches, Mechanical Sketches, Background Sketches, Storyboards, and Trailers.

C See here See here for stand alone box sets.

A description of the first volume can be found here

Production IG Launches New Website

Today, Production IG announces the launch of a new English website as part of an international campaign aimed at raising people's awareness of "anime," and introducing the works and history of Production IG. The new site includes detailed descriptions and pictures from past IG projects as well current projects, news and updates. Also, IG hopes to use the site as a conduit for opportunities in the international entertainment media markets.

The site can be found here: http://www.production-ig.com

Over the past 15 years, Production I.G has become of Japan's top animation studios known worldwide for creating such high quality "anime" as "Ghost in the Shell," "JIN-ROH: The Wolf Brigade," and the Annie Award nominated, "Blood:The Last Vampire." Currently, I.G is positioning itself to be an integral part of the "New Wave" of Japanese animated films which are steadily gaining recognition and critical acclaim on a global scale.

AnimeTrax Announces April Releases

AnimeTrax has 3 new domestic anime titles for release on 4/30

Samurai X (Rurouni Kenshin) OVA CD Soundtrack

From composer Taku Iwasaki comes the beautifully haunting melodies of the Samurai X OVAs that fans simply can't forget. Fitting perfectly with the dark overtones of the series, this gorgeous score makes listeners relive Rurouni Kenshin's early struggles as the Battosai and gives true power and emotion to the animated series.

Boogiepop Phantom Original Soundtrack 2-CD Set

The soundtrack to the hit horror-thriller Boogiepop Phantom! This 2 disc set is packed with a collection of some of the creepiest techno-laced tunes imaginable with a solid, pumping underground groove. From Happy End by Flare to Angel in the Dark by M.Y.K.N., the audio thrash of this roller coaster never lets you go. Boogiepop Phantom, are you ready to scream?

Boogiepop Phantom: Music

Inspired by Boogiepop Phantom and Others, Yuki Kaijura (NOIR, KOR, BLOOD THE LAST VAMPIRE) transforms music into a wonderland of variety. With musical styles ranging from light jazz and piano and to pop mixes, this CD pulls from the lighter side of the series with playful musical renditions rather than the darker tones found on the Original Boogiepop Soundtrack CD.

New Announcements from Media Blasters

AnimeNation reports, in a surprise announcement, Media Blasters has announced that they will release Masamune Shirow's most recent theatrical anime film, Gundress, this May. Gundress is a feature length cyber-punk action film surrounding a five woman para-military unit and their landmate mecha armor suits trying to stop a terrorist threat to futuristic Japan. Masamune Shirow provided the character and mecha designs for the film. Gundress earned some notoriety for its rushed production schedule and release to Japanese theaters in an unfinished, rough form in 1999. In June 2000 a limited edition production of only 5000 DVDs was released to the Japanese market. This extremely rare Japanese DVD included both the original theatrical version and a five-minute longer "completed" version of the film.

Media Blasters has confirmed that Gundress will be released in America on May 28th on dubbed VHS for $19.95 and bilingual DVD for $29.95. A limited American theatrical release is also "already in the planning [stage]."

Media Blasters has also announced that Weiss Kreuz volume 3, Gokudo volume 3 and Rurouni Kenshin volume 18 "Fall From Grace" (including episodes 75-78) will also premier in America on May 28th.

New Detail on Destination Films

Video Business Magazine has published a short feature article on the new announcements of Columbia Pictures' Destination Films subdivision. The article confirms that the DVD release of Metropolis has been delayed do to the strong theatrical opening of the film, earning over $130,000 in nine screens. (By comparison, Escaflowne has earned approximately $80,000 in a week and a half on five screens).

The article confirms Destination Films plans to release the Cowboy Bebop movie and Jackie Chan's classic 1978 Drunken Master, as well as breaking news of an American license for the Tsui Hark directed Black Mask 2.

Ranma 1/2 Anything Goes Martial Arts DVD Box Set Release

From the Viz release:

The Second Season of the Popular Martial Arts/Romantic Comedy Series!

RANMA 1/2 ANYTHING-GOES MARTIAL ARTS DVD BOX SET DVD BOX SET RELEASE IN APRIL

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - February 4, 2002 - Viz Communications, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of Ranma 1/2 Anything-Goes Martial Arts DVD Box Set in April 2002. Part of the Viz Video line, this 5 DVD set includes all 22 episodes from the second season of the Ranma 1/2 anime series and features stereo sound, a selection of English or Japanese audio, English subtitles and DVD extras including line art, text-less versions of the opening and closing sequences and cast profiles. This set will retail for $119.98 U.S.

This set continues to develop the on-going storylines of Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo, their families, and introduces even more of the series' zany cast of characters.Get to know the infamous Golden Pair of the high school combat figure skating world; Mikado "Emperor" Sanzenin; Azusa Shiratori, the girl who gives anything "cute" a bad name (before taking it home); Sasuke, loyal ninja manservant to high school swordsman Tatewaki "Blue Thunder" Kuno; Cologne, the hundreds-of-years-old-leader of the same Chinese Amazon tribe that introduced the sassy Shampoo; Mousse, the nearsighted master of hidden weapons and all things avian; Happosai, panty stealing master of both Ranma and Akane's fathers; plus a host of others.

Creator Rumiko Takahashi is the world's most popular female comic artist, with over 100,000,000 copies of her work (including Lum*Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2 and Inu-Yasha) sold.Her works have provided the basis for three long-running animated TV series and over eight animated movies, almost all of which are available in the U.S through Viz Video.

About Ranma 1/2

At the time, martial arts training hall or "dojo" owner Soun Tendo thought engaging one of this three daughters to Ranma - the son of longtime friend and training partner Genma Saotome - was a good idea, but that was before "he" turned out to be a "she!" Due to an unfortunate accident at the cursed Chinese training ground known as Jusenkyo, when martial artists Ranma and his father, Genma, get splashed with cold water, dad transforms into a giant panda - and male Ranma becomes a buxom young girl!Hot water reverses the effect, but only until the next time.

Her older sisters quickly nominate the youngest and most fiery Tendo daughter, Akane, for bridal duty, while an unruly Ranma (who never wants to do anything his dad says, on general principle) must come to grips with the mixed blessing of having a fiancée and his/her own sex appeal.When Ranma is constantly challenged by battle-crazed martial artists for offenses both real and imagined, and pursued by lovesick suitors of both genders, what's a half-boy, half-girl to do?

New FUNimation Announcements

AnimeNation has been informed that FUNimation will release the 1996 Lupin III TV movie Legend of Twilight Gemini on domestic VHS and DVD on April 30th under the title "Lupin the 3rd: Secret of the Twilight Gemini."

New Dragonball Z Majin Buu saga episodes not yet broadcast on the Cartoon Network are on the way as well. Majin Buu: "Revival" & "Tactics" will be available on edited and uncut VHS on the 12th. "A Hero's Farewell" & "Defiance" will debut in America on edited and uncut VHS on March 19th.

Riding Bean DVD Announced

According to Anime on DVD, Kenichi Sonoda's classic action OAV Riding Bean will premier on domestic DVD for $24.95 on March 22nd.

Full Metal Panic in English

According to a post on Anime on DVD's forum, Australian anime distributor Madman has announced that they are releasing the recent anime series Full Metal Pacic here. Madman never release any title in Australia unless it has an English dub, so there may be implication to a North American release.

Online Interview

Comic Book Resources has posted an interview with TOKYOPOP CEO Stuart Levy here.

Anime Jump has posted an interview with Kelly Sheridan, the English voice actor of Hitomi in Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaia here

New Manga Series from Sailor Moon Creator

Naoko Takeuchi, creator of the Sailor Moon manga will begin a new manga series called Love Witch starting in the April issue of Nakayoshi. See SOS for more, and the Japanese site at here

Bandai Announces Kikaider

From the press release:

One of Japan's most renowned and beloved live action and animated property comes to North America

Bandai Entertainment announced today the DVD home video release of Kikaider at this year's American International Toy Fair. Based on the popular Japanese live action series, Kikaider the animated series comprises of 13 episodes and will be released exclusively on DVD - August 6, 2002.

Produced by SME Visual Works in Japan and distributed by Bandai Entertainment in North America, Kikaider is based on live action works by Shotaro Ishinomori (Kamen Rider, Power Rangers).

Alongside the release of Kikaider on DVD home video - Bandai Creation, a division of Bandai America Inc., also announced the launch of Bandai StudioWorks, a compilation of highly detailed collector figures designed by famous Japanese artists based on classic Japanese live action and anime properties. Bandai StudioWorks first compilation of collector figures, based on the popular Kikaida series, will be released this spring.

The genius robotics professor, Dr. Komyoji has created Kikaider - a humanoid robot tasked with the protection of Dr. Komyoji's son and daughter. Gifted with the conscience circuit, Kikaider is given the power to simulate real emotions that helps to distinguish between "right and wrong". Can Kikaider protect Dr. Komyoji's children and battle against the evil Dr. Gill and his army of androids? The fight against world domination lies in the hands of Kikaider.

The DVD home video release will feature the first four episodes in both English and Japanese with English subtitles. Planned bonus materials include trailers, production art gallery, and various interviews.

ADV Announces Sailor Moon DVDs

ADV sent out a press release today announcing the first volume of Sailor Moon on DVD to be released on April 16th.

Excerpts from Press Release:

ADV films has set a street date of April 16, 2002 for Sailor Moon: A Heroine is Chosen and Sailor Moon: Sailor Scouts to the Rescue, the highly anticipated first DVD releases of the international best-selling title from ADV Films.

Sailor Moon: A Heroine is Chosen

To stop the evil Queen Beryl from taking over the Earth, Luna the magic cat seeks out 14 year-old Serena and reveals that she has the magic powers of Sailor Moon! Although she's unsure of herself at first, Serena quickly learns that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Together with Luna, the mysterious Tuxedo Mask and her many other friends, Sailor Moon leads the fight for good and justice! And when Sailor Mercury joins the battle, Queen Beryl and her Negaverse won't stand a chance! Earth has a new protector and her name is Sailor Moon!

Sailor Moon: Sailor Scouts to the Rescue

The battle against the evil Queen Beryl and her Negaverse continues as new enemies attack the Sailor Scouts. First a dream vacation on a cruise ship becomes a nightmare when Jedite and Titus steal all of the love energy from the passengers, then the sinister Nephlite uses lies and disguises to trick innocent people into helping Queen Beryl's wicked plans! It will take all three Sailor Scouts to stop Queen Beryl and the forces of evil in the second fantastic volume of Sailor Moon!

Previously available only on VHS, fans of the worldwide hit series Sailor Moon have been waiting patiently for ADV to release these episodes in the DVD format. As seen on television, these DVD installments from Sailor Moon include the English-language, family-friendly versions of this exciting animated program. Each disc will include six episodes and will retail at $14.98.

Adult Swim Skips Cowboy Bebop 22 Again

Though previous schedules indicate Cartoon Network may show the Cowboy Bebop episodes they skipped the first time, and they shows the previously missing episodes 6 and 8, they skipped episode 22, "Cowboy Funk" again.

Sen To Chihiro Coming Soon?

An article from Japan Today quotes Studio Ghibli president Toshio Suzuki as saying "it'll take less time to reach the international market than Princess Mononoke"

Anime News Service reports more quotes

"Japan's Animation King to Take on World" by Philip Blenkinsop.

The film in question is Sen To Chihiro. Thanks to Daniel for compiling these:

'"We will have an English version out soon..." said Toshio Suzuki, Ghibli president and the film's producer."'

'"I can drop a hint that it'll take less time to reach the international market than 'Princess Mononoke,'" Suzuki said, responding to criticism over the slow roll out of that film.

'"I'll be frank. We have a friendly relationship with Disney and the first negotiations are already underway. They are looking at our film."'

Tenchi GXP Spread in January Newtype

January's Newtype Magazine features a two page Tenchi Muyo GXP spread featuring some of the regular cast and the new characters together. John Willis posted a copy here.

Toei Confirms New Digimon Series

From Anime News Service reports

Toei Animation has issued a new press release officially confirming that Digimon Frontier, the fourth Digimon TV series, will premier on Japanese television on Sunday, April 7th at 9am. The 30 minute, weekly TV series will be broadcast on Fuji TV.

The 6th Digimon Movie, Digimon Tamers: Reckless Driving - Digimon Super-Express, is scheduled for theatrical release in Japan sometime in the Spring of this year.

The official Japanese website can be found here

KidsWB Licenses Pokemon Season 5

KidsWB announced that they've picked up Pokemon for a 5th season (entitled "Pokemon: Master Quest"), starting in the Fall. 52 new episodes have been licensed.

Cartoon Network to Air More Gundam

NewType Asylum reports Cartoon Network is set to air Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory on February 23, at 12:30 AM.

Upcoming Releases Dates

From Right Stuf:

ADV

• 4-16 Sailor Moon 1: A Heroine.. DVD (D)
• 4-16 Sailor Moon 2: Sailor Scouts.. DVD (D)
• 4-23 Nadia TV 8 (D): The Secret Cave
• 4-30 Medabots Vol. #1
• 7-2 Power Stone DVD Vol. 6 (D)

Bandai

• 4-23 Saber Marionette J-X Vol. 1 DVD
• 5-7 Pilot Candidate Vol. 4 DVD
• 5-21 Gundam 0083 Vol. 3 DVD
• 5-21 Ronin Warriors Vol. 2 DVD
• 6-4 Ronin Warriors Vol. 3 DVD
• 6-18 Ronin Warriors Vol. 4 DVD

Dark Horse

• 6-5 Oh My Goddess Graphic Novel 12
• 6-12 Blade of the Immortal Graphic Novel 10
• 6-15 Blade of the Immortal T-Shirt: Anatsu/Manji/Rin (M / L / XL / XXL)
• 6-15 Blade of the Immortal T-Shirt: Manji/Rin (M / L / XL / XXL)
• 6-26 Lone Wolf & Cub Graphic Novel 22
• 6-26 Astro Boy Graphic Novel 4

FUNimation

• 4-30 Lupin the 3rd: Secret of the Twilight Gemini (DUB / DVD)

Manga

• 5-28 Psychic Wars DVD
• 6-25 Tokyo Revelation DVD
• 6-25 Redhawk DVD

Media Blasters (all 5-28)

• Gundress: the Movie (DUB / DVD)
• Gokudo 3 (DUB / DVD)
• Knight Hunters, Weiss Kreuz 3 (DUB / SUB / DVD)
• Rurouni Kenshin 18 (DUB / SUB / DVD)
• Two Orphan Vampires LiveAction (DUB / DVD DUB)

Urban Vision

• 4-30 Strange Dawn 2 (DUB / DVD)

Viz

• 3-8 Vagabond Graphic Novel 1
• 3-15 Zoids Graphic Novel 1
• 3-15 Zoids Graphic Novel 2

Love Hina to Appear at Anime Central

Ken Akamatsu, creator of the Love Hina manga Ken Akamatsu will appear as the guest of honor at this year's Anime Central 2002 anime convention.

Merchandise News

Raving Toy Maniac reports Diamond will be releasing a 12" lin of Battle of the Planet figures/Imported from Japan by Diamond Select Toys, these two 1/6th scale figures mark the return of the "Real Action Heroes" editions with the lead G-Force team members, Mark and Jason. Originally produced in the mid-90s by Medicom Toy Corporation, these 12" tall articulated action figures were an instant sell-out and are now sought-after collector items. Now available for the first time in the U.S., these figures feature authentic fabric costumes and removable helmets, mounted on Medicom's all-new, highly articulated base body. The Jason figure includes a gun accessory, while the Mark figure features his sonic boomerang. Scheduled to ship in July 2002,

Raving to Maniac has images here. The latest addition to the popular line of Battle of the Planets collectibles are headed for toy shelves, are 12" Battle of the Planets.

Dynamic Forces announced the latest in its line of exclusive Battle of the Planets merchandise. Following the release of their popular Battle of the Planets 6-Card Collector's Preview Set, G-Force is now set to have their very first full set of American trading cards. This high-quality collection is now in production and locked for release this summer.

A combination of classic Battle of the Planets episode images will be featured from the original TV series, along with brand-new illustrations by some of today's greatest artists! Master painter Alex Ross will contribute to this set with his first painted trading card work in over five years. And Alex isn't only doing one card, but NINE CARDS THAT CONNECT TOGETHER TO FORM ONE AWESOME IMAGE! Joining Alex are the talents of John (Captain America) Cassaday, Jae (FF 1,2,3,4) Lee, Pat (Transformers) Lee, Mike (X-Force) Allred, Dan (Wolverine) Fraga, Dan (First Wave) Parsons, Greg and Tim (Sci-Fi and Fantasy Masters) Hildebrandt, Alex (Batman/Lobo) Horley and many other creators will also highlight and enhance this collection! The trading card backs will be written by Battle of the Planets expert, Jason Hofius. A card by John Cassaday can be seen here

Irwin has just released images of their eighth series of Dragonball Z figures. This set will include Super Saiyan Gohan (in black jumpsuit), Dabura, Videl (with dinosaur), Angelic Goku, and SS Trunks & SS Goten (2-pack). Figures.com has images here

F Labs has released new images of Launch and Mai, from the second wave of their upcoming Dragonball Line. The second wave is set for an April release. Figures.com here

Figures.com has posted a look at Irwin's upcoming Dragon Ball figures from Toy Fair here

Irwin is taking their Light & Sound figures a step further with their new line of "Energy Glow" figures, available this month. Thes figures are partly transluscent, and when attached to their bases, light up while a power-up sound is played. T Series 1 will include Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan. Series 2, which will be available in early summer, will include SS3 Gotenks, SS Vegeta w/Halo, and SS3 Goku.

The second series of Secret Saiyan Warriors 2 will include Majin Buu/Super Buu, Goku/SS3 Goku, Vegeta/Majin Vegeta, and Imperfect Cell/Perfect Cell.

The second series of Striking Z Fighters, available in March, includes Great Saiyaman, Goku, Cell, and Krillin. The third series will include SS3 Gotenks, SS3 Goku, Dabura, and Super Buu. Buu will be made of stretchable platic to allow him to engulf other figures, as he does in the show before absorbing them.

Super Articulated Figures will include the following lines:

Series 8 will include SS Gohan, Videl, Dabura, SS Goten & SS Trunks and "Angelic" Goku.

Series 9 will include Hercule, Krillin, Pui Pui, Babidi and Majin Buu.

Series 10 will include SS Gohan (School Uniform), Bulma, Yamcha, SS Vegeta and Yakon.

Series 11 will include SS3 Goku, Gotenks, SS Gohan, Supreme Kai and Evil Buu.

Series 12 will include Mystic Gohan, SS Gotenks & 2 Kamikaze Ghosts, Tien (wearing cape), Vegito, and Super Buu.

Samurai fans will want to check out McFarlane Toy's Onimusha 2 line here, which includes historical legends Yagyu Jubei and Oda Nobunaga.

Anime Game News

From Magic Box

Sega WOW Entertainment is working on a new arcade keyboarding game called Lupid the 3rd the Typing, which based on the classic anime. The game will be in playable form at the AOU show.

Here are some new screen shots of Bandai's PlayStation fighting game From TV Animation: One Piece Grand Battle 2, scheduled to release in Japan on March 20, for 5800 yen. This time the game will feature a large number of new characters, over 40 characters will be in the Story Mode (not all characters are playable), and all the characters will have voice from the cartoon series. Screen shots can be seen here.

Screen shots of Bandai's Mobile Suit Gundam: Giren's Ambition - Independence War, the game is scheduled for a spring release in Japan can be seen here.

GameSpot has published the first "hands 0n" preview of the still-in-production American Gameboy Advance Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku here