Father Geek here with ol' Scott Green posting another long long AICN Anime Report for our regular Wednesday Column full of valuable info on Manga, Games, Cards, Toys, VHS, DVD, Theater Releases and just about anything having to due with the World of Anime. Soooooo, as I said this is a long report so Father Geek will let you get right into it...

Anime Spotlight: Osamu Tezuka's Metropolis

Releases By Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Metropolis brings together a formidable roster of anime's A list talents. Akira's creator and director Katsuhiro Otomo adapted the screen play from a short manga (comic) series by Osamu Tezuka, who earned the title of "God of Manga" with his innovative works ranging from Astro Boy, to adapting Crime and Punishment. Director Rintaro reunited with his X collaborators at the always high energy Studio Madhouse, a combination that can be counted on for something new and amazing.

Metroplis is a vertically stratified city. The power class of people live in the highly architected sky scrapers that raise above clean streets, and colorfully tiled walk ways. Bellow group level are the gaudy markets, and crumbling slums of the working class. Further down are the industrial pits where robots toil in the city's power and sanitation systems.

Private detective Shunsaku Ban, and his nephew Kenichi have traveled from Japan to the city tracking Dr. Lawton, a maverick scientist using human organ in his robotic creations. Turmoil is bubbling in the city with the near completion of the industrialist Duke Red's towering Ziggurat, tensions are building between robots, and humans, especially the fascist Marduke organization, led by Duke Red's adopted son Rock, and a left wing underground fomenting a proletariat revolution. At the central of Duke Red's plans is Dr. Lawton's project, a robot heiress, who will sit on the Ziggurat's throne and rule the world's robots.

As the movie explicitly states, it is a retelling of the Tower of Babel. After the complex build up of factions and drives, when the dust clears, the results may be ideologically disappointing. While the story is engaging, it has less to say that one might expect from the presence of a Tezuka heritage.

Metropolis is a visual masterpiece. There are few comparisons to how well it portrayed the city. For what Mamoru Oshii did in Ghost in the Shell to create the immersion in the future of a real city, Rintaro and Madhouse do immersing the viewer in the future of a fanciful city.

It combines 2D cell animation for character, and 3D computer animation for backgrounds and cityscapes. It is animation you can't take your eyes off of, that rewards scrutiny with amazing levels of detail. The thought of volumes, and diversity of design it must have taken to create all of the different people, robost, buildings and scenery is staggering. People win Oscars for far less.

The jazz sound track synchs the feeling of a hyper inflated past, an old New York filled up to where it is about to pop, where robots fill the menial jobs, and a Ziggurate reaches into the heavens, but Zeppelins, and vacuum tube TV are still in use.

Metropolis is a perfect example of the type of visual that only animation can create. It creates a new environment, impossible in live action, and it makes it believable.

The DVD release features a bonus mini-DVD with a "Making of Osamu Tezuka's Metropolis" mini-documentary, interviews with the creators, a history of Metropolis, and a look at how the visual effects were created. The extras provide insight into the history of the movie, and the process behind its creation. Its interesting, and well worth watching

Anime Spotlight: Macross Plus: Movie Edition

Released by Manga Entertainment

Seven years after its release, Macross Plus remains one of anime's pinnacles of production, and of story. Originally the feature was presented as a four episode OAV (direct to video) series. The Macross Plus movie edited the series into a less episodic structure, with new footage that substantially expands of some aspects of the original.

Macross Plus is an insular story set in the universe of the original Macross series, which became the first third of Robotech. Strangely, it is a serious, character driven, and mature look at a universe where a galactic war was won by pop music, and giant Zentraedi aliens have been micronized to interbreed with humans.

Isamu Dyson, Guld Bowman, and Myung Fan Lone grew up together on the idyllic colony of Eden. Isamu was always the rash daredevil, Guld was the tightly self controlled builder, and Myung was the local singer and sweetheart. Seven years after they parted company, all three have met with wild success in the careers, but their personal lives have yet to heal from events surrounding their parting. Their careers have brought them back to Eden. Isamu and Guld are test pilots for competing teams building the next generation of Valkyies, fighter plane battle armors used for space or urban warfare. Myung has given up her own singing career to serve as manager, and emotional source for Sharon Apple, the galaxy's most popular virtual idol singer, an AI creation that manifests itself in light. Once the three meet again, their separate and combined genius, flaws and unresolved issues put them in an inescapable nosedive.

Macross Plus combines a look at the relationship between these three characters, with an amazing sensory experience. The sound track was composed by Yohko Yanno (Cowboy Bebop, Escaflowne, ect) , who deserves her reputation as a factor that can make an anime series one of a kind. In Macross Plus she divides her talent between symphonic movie score style background music, and a vocal pop style for Sharon Apples songs. The popularity of the music had lead to at least four sound tracks. Director Shoji Kawamori wonderfully captures the feeling of flight, both in its peacefully incarnation, and in the nerve wracking intensity of a dog fight. The conclusion, which combines elements of urban and aerial warfare with abstract Sharon Apple imagery and music, is one of anime's most memorable experiences. The new footage of this confrontation is stunning.

The movie edit fleshes out the relationship between the major characters, and Isamu's relationship with several or the minor characters, but reduces, or removes the subplots, including a reduction of time and significance given to Valkyie development competition, Isamu's combat military career, and the Sharon's AI development. While these subplots where interesting, and well executed, being scaled back or removed does not effect the central relationship of the story. The cuts do mean that the movie loses some of the brilliantly animated dog fights, and training exercises of the OAV series. It also loses the pace of the OAV series. Constant heat is added to the confrontation between the characters, and it boils over quickly, as opposed to the ebbing and flowing of tension in the OAV series as the character try to lose themselves in their careers, and separate personal lives.

The new material, particularly in the movie's conclusion adds a great deal to understanding of Isamu's character, and his contribution to the central relationship. Sharon Apple fans will be pleased to see an expansion of her concert.

Fans of the OAV series may be interested in the movie's addition to the story of the character's relationship. The new footage is also substantial and noticeable. Guld fans will likewise be treated to more of his flight.

Macross Plus should be on every anime fan's must watch list. If you haven't already seen the OAV series, the benefits of the OAV series and movies balance each other out fairly evenly. The additions are great, but pacing and length of the OAV adds a bit more depth to the series. Ultimately it may come down to an economic decision. One DVD for the movie, versus two for the OAV.

The Macross Plus movie edition will be released on May 28th. There is no English language track on the movie.

Anime Spotlight Goldenboy: Treasure Hunt

(episode 1-3)

A quality sex-comedy is rare in many medium, but Golden by comes through by being earnest, but never taking itself too seriously. There is no actual sex, but a considerable amount of T&A, and suggestive situations. The titular character, Kintaro Oe is anime's bohemian anti-slacker. After completing his course work for a law degree at the prestigious Tokyo University, he left school to bike across Japan and learn about life. He takes jobs for brief periods of time, takes notes on what he sees and hears, and lusts after women he meets, maybe to an unnatural degree. The mere thought of a toilet one of his female co-workers used sends him into paroxysms of joy. When his knock out boss tries to spit on him he catches it in his mouth. What makes the series work is Kintaro's incredible likeability. Despite his lack in specific fields of skill and knowledge, he has the keen intellect to keep himself on top of rapidly changing situations, and a universally aspired to morality and ethic.

"Treasure Hunt" features three of the OAV's six stand alone episodes.

In "Computer Lesson" Kintaro takes a cleaning job at an all women's software company. Fortunately he taught himself how to use a company a head of time, but since he couldn't afford one he had to settle with practicing on a key board made of paper. He is some what quick as catching on to the fact that "C" isn't a euphemism for sex.

In "Temptation of the Maiden" Kintaro works on campaign of a ruthless politician, who is over protective of his teenage daughter, but his daughter decides to have some fun at Kintaro and her father's expense.

In "Danger! The Virgins First Love" Kintaro works for an injure noodle maker. He's between a rock in a hard place when he finds out that the man the noodle maker's innocent and very sensitive daughter has fallen for is trying to user her to get her father's building

Golden Boy is one of the rare English dubs, that isn't just good, but a must listen-to. Doug Smth is far over the top as Kintaro. The Japanese Kintaro Mituo Iwata sounds too average, and not excitable enough. There's not enough of a difference between calm Kintaro, and spastic Kintaro in the Japanese tack. This is helped by the fact that many of the jokes work better when heard on in the listener's spoken language, and that the dub script is excellent. Rather than localizing the jokes, it keeps original intent. If told correctly, jokes about Buddha's patience can still be funny, even if you don't know the culture.

This Week's Anime and Manga Releases

Anime

• Battle Of The Planets (Vol. 5)
• Battle Of The Planets (Vol. 6)
• Getter Robo - Armageddon Power Pack
• Golden Boy - Treasure Hunt (Vol. 1)
• Love Hina - Go West! (Vol. 2)
• Metropolis
• Mobile Suit Gundam 0080 - War In The Pocket (Vol. 2)
• Nadia, The Secret Of Blue Water - The Secret Cave (Vol. 8)
• Ronin Warrior Vol. #1
• Spriggan
• Saber Marionette J To X Program One
• Sherlock Hound - Case File 2

Other Animation Of Note

• Batman - The Animated Series - The Legend Begins
• Batman Beyond - Return Of The Joker (Uncut Version)
• Batman & Mr. Freeze - Subzero
• The Batman Superman Movie
• Justice League
• Transformers - Complete Season 1 Boxed Set

Manga

• Astro Boy Vol 2 Tp
• Big O Part 1 #3 (Of 5)
• Ceres Celestial Legend Part 2 #5 (Of 6
• Dance Till Tomorrow Vol 5 Tp
• Inu Yasha Part 6 #12 (Of 15)
• Kodocha #4 (Of 5)
• Lone Wolf & Cub Vol 20 A Taste Of Poison Tp (Mr)
• Love Hina #4 (Of 4)
• Ragnarok #4 (Of 4)
• Sarai Vol 1 Gn #7
• Smile Vol 4 #5
• X-Men Evolution #6 (Featuring a cover by Kia Asamiya)
• Zoids #3

Imported Manga

• Love Hina Bilingual Ed #6
• Love Hina Bilingual Ed #7

Magazines

• Animerica May 2002 Vol 10 #5
• Protoculture Addicts #70

Spriggan is an action movie about a special agent set to track down the remains of Noah's Ark before it the artifact can be misused.

Getter Robo is Go Nagai's dark retro take on the giant robot genre, which he helped to create with Mazinger (Tranzor).

Dance Till Tomorrow is collected from Viz's Pulp mature manga anthology. College student Suekichi will inheret a stamp collection valued at 450 million tn from his great grandfather if he can graduate, get married, and establish a career.

Berserk 2

Media Blasters said at Anime Central that Berserk 2 is currently in pre-production, but all this means is that the creative team that produced the original series are looking into creating a new series. They mentioned that the new series would be too violent for Japanese TV.

In original series, the first episode introduces a huge, scarred man people call "The Black Swordsman", entered a settlement ruled by a snake like demon who is being appeased with money, and feasts of human flesh. After a brutal fight, the swordman kill the demon, and takes a head shaped amulet from its neck. The rest of the series is the story of how a mercenary named Guts becomes the black swordsman and his dealings with an ambitious mercenary captain with other-worldly qualities named Griffith. The series is a story of medieval ware-fare, drama and politics, with some supernatural elements that come to dominate it at its conclusion.

The manga series continues after the events of the anime series with Guts as the Black Swordsman.

Toonami Gets its 3rd Hour Back

Press Release from Cartoon Network today confirmed that Cartoon Network will be returning to a 3 hour time block as of June 3rd, 2002. Cartoon Network will run from 4 to 7 pm every Monday to Friday. Also on June 3rd Sailor Moon will return to Cartoon Network, but interestingly, Sailor Moon will air at 3:30 pm, and will not technically be a part of Toonami... So that's 3 and a half hours of Anime on Cartoon Network every day.

Excerpts from Official PR:

Cartoon Network's top-rated afternoon action-adventure block will expand to three full hours with TOM bringing fans some of the most popular cartoons. Beginning June 3, Monday- Friday from 4-7 p.m. the expanded Toonami schedule will be as follows:

• 4 - Hamtaro
• 4.5 - Zoids
• 5 - Batman Beyond
• 5.5 - Powerpuff Girls
• 6 - Dragonball
• 6.5 Dragon Ball Z

The Toonami programming block is blowing away the competition in ratings for several key demographics, ranking #1 in its time period among ALL networks with boys 9-14 and boys 12-17. Intermittently throughout the block, Toonami features popular music, computer generated 3-D animation segments and video game reviews. TOM, the animated host of the block, transmits Toonami programming from his space vessel, the Absolution.

The post that first announced the schedule change can be found here

The post which reports June 3 as the premiere date can be found here

Tezuka Award Winners Announced

Asahi Shimbun announced that the Tezuka Cultural Award winners are INOUE for Vagabond and MIURA Kentaro for Berserk. They selected no special award winner. Vagabond, the manga adaptation of the fictionalized account of the life of famed samurai Miyamoto Mushashi is currently being released by Viz. The Berserk anime series will be released by Media Blasters, but no one has announced the acquisition of manga series.

Harmony Gold bars Macross Imports

Anime News Network reports Harmony Gold has moved again to block the import of Macross Toys. Harmony Gold's Legal department demanded that Anime Toy Merchant Blasto Toys cease importing Macross merchandise and deliver all their current Macross related stock to Harmony Gold.

Despite the fan backlash and disaproval of their tactics, Harmony Gold does indeed own exclusive worldwide (except Japan) rights to the Macross Property and are within their rights to block commercial "grey market" importations.

This isn't the first time Harmony Gold has made similar demands to an independant North American importer, in November 2000 Harmony Gold very politely requested that Valkyrie Exchange stop taking international pre-orders for Macross Toys. Since then there have numerous reports of other instances where Harmony Gold has enforced its trademark with letters from their lawyers.

Recent legal issues in Japan have brought speculation into the status Harmony Gold's complete ownership of the Macross trademark, but Harmony Gold has stated that the Japanese legal fight does not relate to Harmony Gold in any manner. As long as the Japanese Trademark owners do not directly contest Harmony Gold's trademark the company can continue to enforce its ownership of the International rights.

The letter to Blasto can be seen here

While Harmony Gold does own the exclusive Worldwide (except Japan) licence for Macross (until proven otherwise) they do not own a US Trademark for Macross in relation to Toys or related merchandise (model / figurines / etc..) however they have tried to trademark the name in the past and currently have a pending trademark application.

Big West and Tatsunoko have also attempted to Trademark the Macross and Macross Plus names in the United States in the past, however both companies abandoned their applications, possibly as a result of the Japanese Legal processes related to the license.

Anime News Network has been informed that the letter received by Blasto Toys was also sent to a number of other retailers and importers during the past week. Anime Nation's Gene Field has informed us that they received a letter from Harmony Gold's lawyers that is essentially identical to the one received by Blasto Toys.

Meanwhile, it is belived that while Harmony Gold does have the right to bar sale of the items in question, they do not have the right to demand that the items be turned over to them. Anime News Network been informed that these items, if removed from commercial sale, become the private property of the retailers.

Yu-Gi-Oh Dominates Ratings

WB's Yu-Gi-Oh is dominating Saturday morning cartoons amung boys, inncluding cable, as the #1 program among Boys 6-11 (6.8/25) and as the #1 broadcast program among Boys 2-11 (5.5/20). The animé-adventure tied for the #1 broadcast program spot in Kids 2-11 (3.7/15) and Kids 6-11 (4.6/19) with {i]Jackie Chan Adventures[/i] (3.7/16 and 4.6/21). Yu-Gi-Oh! posted its best ratings season-to-date in Kids 2-11, Kids 6-11, Boys 2-11 and Boys 6-11.

Kids' WB! topped the broadcast and cable competition to rank as the #1 network for the morning in Boys 6-11 (5.3/23). The network continues its dominance over the broadcast competition by finishing #1 among Kids 2-11 (3.1/14), Kids 6-11 (3.7/17), Boys 2-11 (4.3/17), Girls 2-11 (1.8/9) and Girls 6-11 (2.1/11). Achieving outstanding year-to-year growth, Kids' WB! saw strong ratings/share gains in Kids 2-11 (+63%/+56%), Kids 6-11 (+32%/+42%), Boys 2-11 (+79%/+55%), Boys 6-11 (+43%/+44%), Girls 2-11 (+29%/+29%) and Girls 6-11 (+17%/+38%). Among Kids 2-11, Kids' WB! beat ABC (1.5/7) and Fox Kids (1.4/6) combined.

Yu-Gi-Oh is based on the card that succeeded the Pokemn fad in Japan about a boy who must solve various puzzles, and win various games to become a champion.

Pokémon: Johto League Champions, at 10:00 a.m. ET, ranked among the top 10 broadcast and cable programs for the morning in Kids 2-11 (3.6/14), Kids 6-11 (4.0/17), Boys 2-11 (5.1/18) and Boys 6-11 (5.6/22).

Central Park Media Schedule (including more Utena) Tokyo Kid sent out a list of Central Park Media's releases for 2002 including:

• Project A-ko DVD Collection (enhanced) $29.99 9/10/2002
• Legend of Himiko:The Pendant $29.99 9/10/2002
• M.D. Geist I & II Collector's Series $29.99 9/10/2002
• Mecha Masterpieces $79.99 9/10/2002
• Grave of the Fireflies Collector's Series $29.99
• 10/8/2002 The Ping Pong Club: Love & Comedy (Die! Die! Die!) $29.99 10/8/2002
• Harmagedon $29.99 11/12/2002
• Legend of Himiko:Sword of Seven Blades $29.99
• 11/12/2002 Legend of Himiko DVD Collection $89.99 11/12/2002
• Revolutionary Girl Utena:Black Rose Collection (14-17) $29.99 12/3/2002
• Patlabor:The Mobile Police/The TV Series:3 $29.99
• 12/3/2002 The Ping Pong Club: Goes too Far $29.99 12/3/2002
• The Ping Pong Club DVD Collection $119.99 12/3/2002

The complete schedule can be seen here

Legend of Himiko is about a Japanese girl who discovers she is really the daugher of the guardians of a shrine in the ancient lad of Yamatai, sent into the future as protection againest an invading army. The series is considered well written, especially considering it was based on a video game. The series was produced by Sakura Wars creator Oji Hiroi.

Anime on DVD clarified a few points from what was said at Anime Central

The next 13 episodes (14-26) of Utena includes the entire Black Rose arc and two eps from the next arc. They don't have the last 13 episodes yet, but they are working on it. The other three volumes will be released in early 2003.

CPM has extended their Patlabor license for to the rest of the TV episides, and the OAV.

CPM will begin to start using more DVD-9s. The producer at the panel (didn't catch his name) said that they were using a process known as DVNR. I believe he said that it stood for "Digital Video Noise Reduction." It fixes things like color saturation and drop-outs.

Lodoss remaster is coming in July. I believe it was said that they were going to include some footage from a Japanese convention.

The rest of Ping Pong Club is coming. For those that do not know, this title was released on VHS first, sub-only. The first DVD was from where the VHS left off, only this time, there was also a dub. So, they have to do a dub for the earlier, VHS-only episodes. They mentioned that they'd really like to get this on TV. Maybe MTV or Comedy Central. Could you imagine that? Before anyone thinks that they are in talks (I don't know if they are or were), I think it had to do more with the content of Ping Pong Club, which was compared to Beavis and Butthead. The series will be 5 DVDs total.

Legend of Himiko will be 3 discs or a box set.

Revolutionary Girl Utena is a surreal series, including a student council that fight sword duels for the right to a short that is pulled from a girl's chest which works to shatter the world, a pink hair girl who lives her life and become a prince, and shadow puppetry intermissions. Central Park Media released the first 13 episodes on across two releases before putting the series on hold due to licensing disagreements. In the interum they releases the Utena movie.

Grave of Fireflies is a tragic classic about a young boy and his sister whose mother was killed in the 1945 firebombing of Kobe. The two move into an air raid shelter where they face the looming threat of starvation.

Patlabor is a sci-fi police drama about a unit set to police crimes involving labors, robots chiefly used for construction.

Ping Pong Club is a runchy comedy about group of losers and misfits in a high school ping ping clug.

Bubblegum Crisis 2040 Box Set

According to a post on Anime on DVD's forum, ADV Films will be releasing Bubblegum Crisis Prefect Collection Box set. The six disc set will retail for $89.98, for a 8/13 release. Bubblegum 2040 is a re-make/update of the popular 80's sci-fi action about a team of four women with robotic exo-skeleton suits who battle out of control robots.

Kimagure Orange Road Box

A post to Anime on DVD's forum reports that AnimEigo hopes to start shipping the Kimagure Orange Road box set on May first, but the 12 volume takes a considerable about of time to replicate. A picture of the set can be seen here.

His and Her Circumstances

From Anime on DVD: Right Stuf's release of His and Her Cirumstances as the first disc is under going the final proofing stages.

A previously unannounced piece is the inclusion of Spanish subtitles for both the language and for the signs. This brings the release up to six total. There are more than 50 different colors, and 67 different fonts used.

There will be 4 different silkscreens for each volume. Depending upon when/what batch goes to what store or when they were made, there will be different silks.

The bumpers, which featured the Japanese actors, will also have the English actors if you play that version as previously talked about. We should also be seeing the box artwork shortly.

ADV Aquisitions

From Anime News Network's report on the Anime Central convention"

After teasing fans for close to a Year with hints, announcements and retractions, ADV has finally come clean and announced that they do indeed have Noir and will be releasing the title "Soon."

When pressed for an explanation of "Soon" it seemed like the highly anticipated series, which is going to be in recording for the next few months, would be released either late in 2002 or in early 2003. ccording to Anime on DVD there is supposed to be a "Making of Noir" Special that ADV either has or is in talks for. David Williams also confirmed that it will be widescreen and anamorphic.

Noir aired starting in April 2001, and combines traditions of late 30's french film noir and late 90's Hong Kong action films. Its the tale of two young assassins, a girl who suffers from amnesia, and one who suffers from flashbacks of horrific events.

ADV also mentionned Full Metal Panic, which had actually slipped out in a Magazine article earlier this week, as well as Giant Robot TV series Mazenkaizer, Najica Dengeki Sakusen (Najica Blitz Tactics, which ADV is calling just Najica) and the Angelic Layer TV series.

Originally thought by some to be going to Tokyopop, Angelic Layer is a 26 episode TV series based on a Manga series by Clamp. First broadcast on Japanese TV last April, Angelic Layer is often compared to Pokemon and Digimon as it features miniature robot "Angels" that fight in the "Angelic Layer." The story follows 11 year old Misaki Suzuka who buys an angel egg and raises her angel and learns more about the angels and Angelic Layer.

Najica Blitz Tactics is a 12 episode TV series produced by the creators of Agent Aika and involves similar ammounts of fan service. Taking place 30 years after a cataclysm which submerges 17% of the Earth's surface under water, Najica follows the secret Agent and Perfumist Najica as she is sent on a mission to rescue another secret agent, Kira who turns out to be much more than a run of the mill agent. Najica aired on Japanese TV in Octover 2001.

Released in September 2001, the new Mazinkaizer OVA series was the first addition to Go Nagai's Mazinger series in almost 30 years and is described as "old school Go Nagai."

Full Metal Panic is a TV series that only debuted in Japan 4 months ago, in January 2001, after being delayed from it's original scheduled airdate in Ocober 2001. Full Metal Panic takes place in a present day scenario where the earth is only slightely different then the new world. The Soviet Union still exists and the cold war is still in full swing. The 24 episode TV series follows an elite soldier, Kaname Chidori, who is ordered to protect a special Japanese school girl, Kaname Chidori, from the KGB and other unknown threats. The highly trained Kanami tranfers to Kaname's High School but has problems blending into peaceful Japanese society. Anotehr character, Theresa Testarossa is a young pilot of a high tech submarine, but for some reason she isn't read headed.

To date, only 15 of the 24 episodes have been broadcast on WOWOW, with a new episode airing every Tuesday.

Animetrax: New CD's due out for Princess Nine OST, Nadesico Movie OST, Ninja Ressurection, Nuku Nuku and Giant Robo.

Slayer Box Set Replacements

Central Park Media indicated at the ACEN anime convention that they will likely set up a mail in exchange for the Slayers DVD box set discs with problems. News should be on their web site in the next few weeks.

It was stated that the enchange will require the discs only (no box or case) and $8 shipping and handling to be sent to CPM/ The participent will recieve a $20 coupon that will be accepted at CPM's web site or Right Stuf.

Omocha Box Now Anime Gamers

Online anime store Omocha Box is now Anime Gamers, reflecting its affiation with Japan's Gamer stores.

New Ghibli Film Music Confirmed

Anime News Service reports the song "Kaze ni Naru (I Become a Wind)" by Ayano TSUJI will be used as a theme in "Neko no Ongaeshi," the next Ghibli film to be released this summer in Japan. The singer uses the Japanese folk style playing the ukulele, more info on her cna be obtained here at JVC Music.

Studio Tron / Kia Asamiya Happenings

According to Anime News Service Asamiya Kia has stated on his Studio Tron web site that the new Silent Mobius Tales manga will begin running in Enix's monthly shonen manga magazine G Fantasy with the June 2002 issue (released May 18th). Seven installments are planned and each will be character specific going through the AMP members one by one. After that, a new work Silent Mobius Neos is planned, also to be serialised in G Fantasy. The website also mentions the release of the Silent Mobius DVDs in June 2002 in the US and refers to a DVD special package and a special version of the manga, but suggests that these may be for promotional purposes, not retail sale.

I'm going to be Released... Finally!

Synch Point representative Ardith Santiago has confirmed to Anime News Network that, after many delays, I'm Going to Be an Angel Volume 1 is complete will meet its April 23rd release date and will be available at online retailers this Tuesday. "Tenshi ni Narumon" ("I'll be an Angel") has been described as a super-cute, anime version of the Adams Family. It is a comedy about a boy who meets a girl with a halo whose mother is a witch, father is a Frankenstein's monster, brother is a vampire, younger sister is a mecha obsessed elf, older sister is invisible, and grandmother is a hag.

Tsukikage Ran Process <

a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com">Anime News Network reports Bandai Entertainment is currently working on their upcoming release of Kazemakaze Tsukikage Ran. The video will be premiered at Anime Expo 2002 and a release date should be announced shortly. Currently Bandai is having trouble with the title though, they are looking to modify the name in some way so that it will be evident that "Tsukikage Ran" is the name of the female lead character. Tsukikage Ran is a colaberation between Studio Madhouse, known for frantic action such as Ninja Scroll, and director Daichi Akitaro, known for hyper action comedies Jubei-Chan, Elf Princess Ren (Fairy Princess Rain) and Kodomo no Omocha. Tsukikage Ran is a samurai action about a samurai woman with a love for sake, and her Chinse martial artist sidekick. It is an episodic series, telling familiar tales of wondering ronin. Many have noted the high quality and detail of the series' fight scenes.

According toNewtype Asylum Bandai will screen the Mobile Fighter G Gundam TV series at 'Anime Expo 2002' in Long Beach, California July 4-7. G-Gundam recently made it's USA premiere at an event at Sony Metreon, Anime Expo will offer a far wider event audience.

Tokyopop uses Fansub Script for Initial D

Anime on DVD reports Tokyopop is using the script from Central Anime's fansub of Initial D as reference material for their upcoming Initial D release. When Tokyopop announced that they had licenced Initial D Central Anime pulled their Initial D offerings and offered their scripts to Tokyopop.

Tokyopop graciously accepted the offer, Central Anime's Initial D translation was generally regarded as being of very high quality. Central Anime also produced Liner notes to help viewers understand the script.

According to Tokyopop's Ken Lee, "We're still early in our localization of Initial D and we're still planning our releases and our translation efforts," so it isn't yet clear just how similar the final, licensed release will resemble the Central Anime fansub.

Fansubs are non-comercial translation of anime that are typical produced and distributed before an anime series is officially licensed.

Right Stuf Acquires Comic Party

Anime on DVD reports Right Stuf has acquired the license for Comic Party, inclduing the 13 episode TV series and the specials associated with it. Comic part is about a group of students working on their own doujinshi (fan comic).

Possible Media Blasters Releases

Media Blasters indicated at Anime Central that they are looking into the Knight Hunters (Weiss Kreuz) OAV series, and the recent anime title Gravitation.

Spirited Away Premier Information

At the US premiere of Spirited Away, in addition to this September's US theatrical general release of Spirited Away both dubbed AND subtitled, John Lasseter and Studio Ghibli representatives verbally confirmed (we didn't get it in writing, and details are of course subject to change) some very interesting stuff about the possibility of R1 Ghibli DVDs:

They hope to release 2 DVDs late this year (I suspect Totoro and Kiki) 3 more DVDs should be released next year, and about 2 per year thereafter, (always after the corresponding Japanese DVD is released) The DVDs are being authored in Japan (by either Buena Vista or Ghibli directly, it wasn't clear, but this means the quality should be great!) All DVDs will have the original Japanese soundtrack with English subtitles, plus an English dub if it exists

From his comments and enthusiasm at the introduction and Q&A session after the film, John Lasseter has obviously been a huge fan (and actually personal friend) of Miyazaki for years and really wants the Ghibli films to be released here! So hopefully Disney will let him take charge of things and get the films out finally (after years of Disney sitting on the rights to, and practically suppressing them)

Harmony Gold Licenses Robotech for Videogames

According to Anime News Service Harmony Gold has licensed Robotech for videogames to be produced by TDK Mediactive and Mattel ) for Xbox, Gamecube, PS2, and Gameboy Advance. Design will be by Vicious Cycle. Robotech is another 80s property (see "Top Movie/TV Merchandise Stories of 2001") that's been selling well in DVD collections (see "Top 10 Cool Anime") and is now coming around again in other ways as well. Toynami has toys (see "Robotech Leads Toynami Line"), and other products are undoubtedly not far behind. The videogames represent additional exposure for the property, which can only feed the revival and the sales based on it.

The announcement of this license is further indication that any rights disputes over Macross in Japan (see "Macross Rights Litigation in Japan") are not affecting the Harmony-Gold produced Robotech. Harmony Gold also released a statement last month, stating that because the Japanese decision applied only to Japanese rights to Macross, it was unaffected.

Upcoming ADV Releases

According to a series of recent press releases Orphen volume five, The Soul Stealers will be released 5/28. Orphen: Scion of Sorcery tells the first of three stories in a popular series of Japanese fantasy novel series. A Playstation: 2 game, and manga (comics) series have also been made based on these novels. Its titular character, Orphen is a graduate of the elite Tusked Tower who travels making money by tutoring people in magic, and other less scrupulous methods, ie money lending. Orphen's more significant goal is to free his friend who was transformed into the demon-dragon known as "Bloody August".

The Blue Seed Perfect Collection Box set will be released on 6/18 for $59.98.

"The countdown to extinction begins when the evil shape-shifting monsters known as the Aragami make their grand play to gain control of the earth. Humanity's only chance for survival rests on the shoulders of Momiji, a young girl carrying an unborn Aragami in her chest; and Kusanagi, a servant of the Aragami rebelling against his masters in order to ensure mankind's survival. Watch the battle for earth's survival unfold in the groundbreaking anime series, Blue Seed! "

ADV Films' release of the Blue Seed Perfect Collection contains the entire twenty-six episode series on four discs in the English language, along with the Japanese language version with English subtitles. DVD extras include character bios, original series trailers, clean credit animation, "Omake Theater," and ADV previews.

The second volume of Medabots, "Medabots, Robattle!" will be released on 6/25

" Ten-year old Ikki finally has his very own Medabot. But what a Medabot! Metabee talks back, won't do what Ikki tells him to, and worse yet, takes out the trash when Ikki's mom asks! Instead of fulfilling his dream of becoming a world-renown Robattler, Ikki is rapidly becoming the laughing stock of every Medafighter in town. With the city Robattle Tournament looming, Ikki and Metabee must learn to work together or face elimination. But the Robattle Tournament is the least of their problems. The Rubberobo Gang is new in town, and it's going to be up to Ikki and his friends to make sure that their evil plans are thwarted. Don't miss the continuing excitement in Medabots! "

Anime Convention Guests

Rurouni Kenshin creator Nobuhiro Watsukiwill be a quest of honor at this summer's Anime Expo. Mr. Watsuki is best known for being creator of the popular Rurouni Kenshin manga series that was first serialized in 1993 Weekly Shonen Jump. He received the 1987 Tezuka Award Honorable Mention and is also creater of Gun Blaze West first serialized in 2001 Weekly Shonen Jump.

Akitaroh Daichi will be Director Guest of Honor at Anime Expo New York.

Mr. Daichi earned his first success when he directed Fairy Princess Ren, followed by the popular Nurse Angel Ririka. Mr. Daichi exploded onto the mainstream anime community with his direction of the hugely popular Kodomo no Omocha (Child's Toy) anime. This was followed by his direction of the Sogoiyo Masaru-san (Sexy Commando Masaru-san) TV series.

Mr. Daichi eventually tried his hand at both writing and directing with the Juubei - Chan (released in the U.S. by Bandai Entertainment as Jubei-Chan the Ninja Girl), followed by Kazeni Makase Tsukigake Ran (also being released by Bandai Entertainment). Mr. Daichi's latest project to be released in the US is the critically acclaimed TV series, Ima, Soko ni iru Boku (released in the US by Central Park Media as Now and Then, Here and There), a story he both created and directed. Mr. Daichi's current project is directing Fruits Basket (which is being released by FUNimation).

Manga artist Kia Asamiya will be guest at this October's Anime Next. His creations include the manga series Silent Mobius, Nadesico, Dark Angel, and Steam Detectives.

Ronin Warriors Characters designer Norio Shioyama will be a guest of honor at Sakura-Con. He is a veteran of the animation industry in Japan working as a character designer and animation director at Sunrise studios. He is credited for his designs in many of the popular "giant robot" shows from the early eighties up to today's most recent hit anime series. More recently, Mr. Shioyama has served as key animator for the popular Gaogaigar and Infinite Ryvius series by Sunrise studios as well as the lead monster designer for Inuyasha. This is his first convention appearance here in the United States.

Anime Merchandise News

The April issue of Diamond's Previews magazine is offering a new set of Kubricks (lego-men type figures) based on some of Evangelion's stranger, and more popular enteries, including The 12th Angel Leliel, the sphere the sucked in the EVA 01, Kaji Ryoji, and "Bloody Awakening" EVA 01. Figures.com has images here

According to Right Stuf's online store, this summer Toynami will be releasing Serial Experiments Lain dolls of the title character. The 1/12 scaled figures include Lain in her school uniform (to be released 6/30), and in her trade mark bear pajamas (to be released on 7/30).

More On Eiji Okuda Paris Film Festival Win

According to Anime News Service Japanese actor Eiji Okuda took top prize for his debut directorial work at the 17th annual Paris Film Festival. The script of Shoujyo is based on a novel by Mikihiko Renjo and tells the story of the relationship between a young girl and policeman. Newcomer Mayu Ozawa received the best actress award for her part in the film.

AnimEigo at Acen

From Anime News Network's report on Anime Central

AnimEigo made some Urusei Yatsura announcements that are sure to please UY fans, in 2003 the company will finally release more episodes of the TV series and they will be preparing a release for the 1st movie, "Urusei Yatsura - Only You" - for which they will be producing a dub. If the movie sells well they will be willing to do the rest of the movies as well.

Urusei Yatsura is a romantic comedy from Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Ranma ½ as Maison Ikkoku about a lecherous boy who most save Earth from invading oni by winning a game of tag with Lum, a girl in a tiger striped bikini, green hair and horns.

They also spoke about Macross "mini boxed sets." Before releasing the full series on 9 separately sold DVDs, they will release it in three "mini boxed sets" of 3 DVDs each.

Also coming out in several boxed sets will be the You're Under Arrest TV series as 4 boxed sets of 4 DVDs each. The first 3 sets will have 3 DVDs with episodes on them, and 1 episode of extras, while the fourth set will have the episodes and extras spread out over all the DVDs. They will start authoring on May 1st. As a special bonus, they will be accepting fan-art submissions to be included on the DVDs.

You're Under Arrest follows the mostly humorous, but sometimes-dramatic lives of two Japanese policewomen, the rational, and mechanically inclined Kobayakawa Miyuki, and the impulsive and strong Tsujimoto Natsumi. The manga (comic) series by Fujishima Kosuke's (best known for Oh! My Goddess) has already spawned has been an OAV (direct to video release), theatrical movie and one season of a television. The movie, which veered more to the more towards intense drama and action than the normally light hearted OAV and television. You're Under Arrest is dubbed by Coastal Carolina Studios, whose work on the OAV is regarded as one of the finest English dubbing of an anime series.

Appleseed Update

According to Anime News Service a 3 part Appleseed OVA series will be released on DVD this June 25th, followed by the new Appleseed movie next year. The Trailer for the new Appleseed movie is expected to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Appleseed is based on a manga series from Ghost in the Shell creator Masamune Shirow.

Ghibli Releases

From Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group

At the Q&A sessions at this weekend's North American premier of Spirited Away (Sen To Chihiro), attended by Steve Alpert (Buena Vista Home Entertainment), Toshio Suzuki (Ghibli) and John Lasseter (Pixar) fans were informed of a preliminary date for the beginning of a North American theatrical run for Spirited Away; September 20th, 2002. It was said that both subtitled and dubbed prints would be made available.

Also mentioned were future DVD release plans for other Ghibli titles. They said that two Ghibli films would be released on DVD in 2002 and three or four more in 2003. The primary reason for the delays was given, and as suspected it was in order to allow the titles to be released in Japan and sell for a while in order to avoid reverse importation due to the lower North American DVD prices. All DVDs will be released with English and Japanese audio (with English subs). Apparrently prefers to do the authoring for all the R1 DVDs themselves in Japan.

Buena Vista Home Entertainment (A Subsisiary of Disney) owns the North American rights to the following Ghibli titles:

• Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away)
• Tonari no Yamada-kun (My Neighbors the Yamadas)
• Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke)
• Majo no Takkyubin (Kiki's Delivery Service)
• Tenkuu no Shiro Rapyuta (Castle in the Sky)
• Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro)
• Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä (Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind)
• Omohide Poro-Poro (Only Yesterday)
• Kurenai no Buta (Porco Rosso)
• Heisei Tanuki Gassen Pom Poko (Pom Poko)
• Mimi wo Sumaseba (Whisper of the Heart)

May Bandai Releases

From the press release

Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Trilogy - DVD Box Set

Recently celebrating its 20th Anniversary in Japan - the definitive collection for all Gundam fans has finally arrived! Available for the first time on DVD home video - All three Mobile Suit Gundam theatrical movies will be made available in a handsome collector's foil bound DVD Box set.

In the year 0079 of the Universal Century, the Earth Federation and its space colonies are engaged in an apocalyptic war. The rebellious Principality of Zeon, using humanoid fighting machines called mobile suits, has all but vanquished the Federation. Now the Federation's last hope lies within the prototype mobile suit Gundam. When a twist of fate makes young civilian Amuro Ray the Gundam's pilot, his own battle begins - a struggle not only for the Federation's survival, but for his own.

Directed by the legendary, Yoshiyuki Tomino - The Mobile Suit Gundam trilogy is presented in its original Japanese language with English subtitles, rich Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, interactive menus, scene selections, full staff/cast ist, and Bandai Entertainment previews.

SRP: $69.98 Street Date: 5.7.2002

Also Available Individually: Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Mobile Suit Gundam Movie - Soldiers of Sorrow Mobile Suit Gundam - Encounters in Space

Pilot Candidate - The Test (V.4)

One of the highest rated shows on Cartoon Network's brand new Adult Swim block is coming exclusively to DVD home video. Created by Yukiru Sugisaki, the final volume of the Pilot Candidate series will be released in its original and uncut form.

Zero's experience inside the Goddess has recently earned him quite a bit of popularity within the G.O.A. When a Pilot is severely injured, the search to select a new top candidate begins! But it is during the candidate selection process in which Victim launches its new offensive! Zero and the others are ordered to support the Pilots in real life combat! Can the Pilot Candidates survive the test? Street Date: 5.21.2002

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory - Volume 3

Universal Century 0083. As the Earth Federation's space fleet begins its naval review, the remnants of the Principality of Zeon carry out their secret plan of vengeance. Will Kou Uraki's newfound confidence and upgraded Gundam enable him to stop Anavel Gato's nuclear strike? Now begins the ultimate battle of Gundam against Gundam! Street Date: 5.21.2002

Ronin Warriors - Rescue Operations (V.2)

Ryo has been separated from the others by the forces of darkness. But his courage and his strength will drive him to find them. Unfortunately though, they have been scattered throughout the land. Luckily, he's got Mia on his side. And she will help him decipher the mysterious poem that holds the key to the locations of the remaining warriors. But there is danger at every turn, as the forces of evil are looking for the warriors as well. Street Date: 5.21.2002

Brain Powered DVD Collection 1

From the original creator and director of Mobile Suit Gundam, Yoshiyuki Tomino - Born from organic plates of the planet, creatures known as Antibodies are being sought after by a mysterious organization known as Orphan. Hime Utsumiya finds herself in a middle of struggle that she does not understand. What secret agenda does Orphan have in store for Hime, the Brain Powered, and for the Earth?

Brain Powered DVD Collection 1 features the first nine episodes on one 2-disc set, interactive animated menus, English and Japanese language with English subtitles, textless opening and ending credits, and Bandai Entertainment Previews. Street Date: 5.21.2002

Upcoming Anime Release

According to the latest Diamond Previews, Gundam the Movie: Chars Counterattack, Kikaider Vol. #1 and Marmalade Boy Vol. #1 are due out in late Summer or early fall.