Father Geek with another one-stop-shopping edition of our regular mid-work-week column on all that is the world of Manga & Anime. Yes, Geeks, ol'Scott Green has once again worn Father Geek's fingers to their nubs typing the loads of code necessary to post this weekly report that puts all the news of DVD, video, comic, gaming, TV show, and motion picture releases in one easy to find location for you, along with a heathy side portion of convention, personality, and company politics news to boot.

Before we launch into the normal (?) report I've got this one little personal bit (review) for you...

Yesterday Harry, SisterSatan, and ol'Father Geek took my grandson and ultimate kid-flick critic KublaKhan (age just short of 2) to see LILO & STITCH at the local Mega Metro Media-plex. It was a hoot watching him watch the screen from the center of row number 2 and interact with the swarms of other kids present. He had a great time, especially during the beautifully done surfing scenes and the Hula dance and fire twirling numbers. Oh, and of course during the various chase scenes, buuuuuut his attention waned during the (to a two year old) overly long and too numberous "family problems... lets talk about them" parts. The movie almost lost him for good during the long (to him) final job hunting sequence. He twitched, twiddled his 20 odd fingers, picked at his wild boar tusks with his inch long nails (claws), and finally frailed his 4 arms about wildly in an attempt to break free of his mom's loving, but firm embrace. Luckly, the climatic spaceship chase saved us all from the woesome wrath of THE super mutant movie critic... KUBLAKHAN. Over all he gives LILO & STITCH a rousing 3 thumbs up with the fourth stuck in his uncle's "all-knowing" eye! Oh yeah, the bug-eyed little green devil gives the "Will Rogers Special Snack & Drink Tray" a full four thumbs up! Of course we paid the price for that later when we went out to eat. Guess who wasn't hungry?

Now on to the regular report, and Scott...

Manga Spotlight: Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play

By Yu Watase... Released by Viz

It speaks well for the health of translated manga (comics) that it can support a lengthy, shoujo (girl's) relationship driven fantasy epic like Fushigi Yugi. It is the polar opposite of the traditionally successful giant robots, or muscle bound energy ball chucking combatants that you'd expect to released. Instead its author Yu Watase focuses on personalities of her characters and drama of their interactions (and a bit on handsome men). It is a high caliber, highly addictive fantasy soap opera, with a large and interesting cast.

Miaka is an average middle-school girl, or perhaps a bit sub-average in terms of scholastic skill and self control, and above average in terms of appetite. Her goal is to be able to pass the entrance exams for the prestigious school her best friend will be attended. While studying in the library they find "The Universe of the Four Gods", a boot than transports them to a mythological version of China. Miaka learns she is destined to be the priestess of Suzaku, the astrological god of the South, and protector of the country of Konan, a nation on the verge of being invaded by its more powerful northern neighbor. By gathering the Suzaku's seven celestial warriors, Miaka will be able summon Suzaku, to grant her wishes and protect Konan. Miaka's warriors are a motley lot, including an occasionally charming, money loving martial artist, a vain and handsome but good hearted prince, a transsexual with super strength, and perpetually smiling monk among others.

As the series continues it becomes a grand soap opera. It gets darker, and relationship between Miaka, her warriors, and their opposite numbers of their northern rival get far more complex as the character's strength's and flaws feed off each other, forming bonds of love, hate, or both. Some of the plot devices to continue the flowing, and twisting can be trying, but the character remain engaging.

Watase's illustration style is an effective variation of the traditional shoujo conventions. Faces, and expressions are the key focus, often distorted to exaggerate the comic, or dramatic character of a moment. It's more of a story told in emotions than pictures, and she is a master at capturing the differences between the characters, and each character a particular point in time.

Outside the context of a story where relationships and emotions are the central focus, Watase's action sequences would easily be labeled weak. Her depictions of motion, and moving position look stunted, She's masterful at convey subtle emotions with an expression, but she can't depict a moving character or sword fight in a convincing manner, but the story is telling isn't substantial hampered by these problems.

Fushigi Yugi has the qualities of a cult classic: characters they pull your emotional strings to empathize with them, like them, or hate them, scenes you can remember years later, and a twist story that drives you to follow. Watase's side-bar commentary is an excellent feature that really adds to the series' appeal.

Note: There is also an anime version of Fushigi Yugi that has been released in the US by Pioneer.

Anime Spotlight: Silent Mobius Volume 1 "Under Attack"

Released by Bandai

Silent Mobius is an enjoyable, if standard television series about paramilitary group of women batlling demonic invasion. The squad of super-powered women under the laughable name "Attacked Mystification PD" or AMP include the reluctant hero daughter of the man who may have brought the demon invasion, a cyborg, a psychic, a Shinto, and some mysterious organizers. It is a bit slower and more melodramatic than the emotion endearment from the characters can support, but when it turns on its action/horror charm, the visuals are great. It has a visual flavor a bit like a stylistically updated version of the genre's late 80's movies, such as Demon City Shinjuko, or Wicked City, with their ubiquitous city scapes, world shattering magic, and neon speedlines.

The series best features are those it inherited from the Kia Asamiya manga, namely his design, and an interesting back story that garners interest even when the ongoing events are slow( though it is a bit tough when the thrust of the episode is that a character gets to feel welcome by having her own coffee mug with her teammate's).

For some, Kia Asamiya's design is an acquired taste, but once you appreciate it, it is an interesting one. It is similar to the well known large eyed design, but with more natural shapes for the eyes, sharp noses, and attention paid to facial structure.

Bandai's packaging of Silent Mobius is exceptional. The two disc set features the first nine episodes of the series, a mini comic by Kia Asamiya, and a mini poster.

This Week's Anime and Manga Releases

Anime

• Armitage - Dual Matrix
• Armitage - Dual Matrix (Special Edition)
• Armitage - Dual Matrix/Poly Matrix ~ Katsuhito Akiyama
• City Hunter - Secret Service
• Ghost Sweeper Mikami (Vol. 1)
• Gundress
• Knight Hunters Vol. #3
• Kurogane Communication - Future Horizon (Episodes 17-24)
• Medabots - Medabots Robattle (Vol. 2)
• Psychic Wars
• Rurouni Kenshin - Dreams of Youth (Episodes 79-82)
• Vampire Wars

Manga

• Astro Boy Vol 4 Tp
• Ceres Celestial Legend Part 3 #1 (Of 4)
• Futabakun Change Vol 8 #5
• Lone Wolf & Cub Vol 22 Heaven & Earth Tp
• Magical Pokemon Journey Vol 1 Party With Pikachu Tp
• Medabots Part 2 #2 (Of 4)
• Pokemon Advs Part 7 #3 (Of 5)
• Short Cuts Vol 1 Tp
• Slayers New Edition Manga #1
• Slayers Super Explosive Demon Story Vol 1 Tp Legend Darkness
• Vampire Yui Vol 4 #5
• Zoids #5

Other Comics of Note

• Lone Wolf 2100 #2 (Of 4)
• Usagi Yojimbo #58

Armitage Dual Matrix is the sequel to the Armitage III OAV series, which was edited into the Armitage Poly Matrix movie, an interesting sci-fi/police drama with some interesting robotic ideas, and scenes of well executed high speed action.

Gundress is a movie with character design by Ghost in the Shell's Masamune Shirow.

Short Cuts is single page mature humor from Viz's Pulp anthology.

Slayers is a swords and sorcery comedy about volatile wizard Lina Inverse.

Captain Harlock: Endless Odyssey cancellation explained

Anime News Network has followed up on the reasoning for the cancellation of the new 13 episode Captain Harlock series, Endless Odyssey.

On June 23rd Anime Theater X channel of satellite broadcasting station Skyperfect TV officially announced why the series had been cancelled. According to the Daily Manichi (Japanese) the broadcast was cancelled because Leiji Matsumoto, original creator of space pirate Harlock, claimed the new series contains of the use of the Star of David, the symbol associated with the Jewish religion, as the weapon for the alien race which provided the story's source of evil

"Matsumoto said, 'My blood was frozen when I found the Star of David symbol appeared. I believe you cannot debase any religion or religious soul. I bear that in mind whenever I make stories. I cannot allow my characters ro appear in any Anime that tramples on my philosophy.'"

The Star of David is commonly used in anime a source of mysticism, especially by the series director Rin Taro.

Excel Saga Dub Voice Change

Voice actress Jessica Calvello, the voice of Excel in ADV's recently released Excel Saga reports that she must leave the role.

When she accepted the demanding, fast talking role last October, she was told she would receive vocal rest between volumes for vocally heal. She agreed to the new schedule, but during the recording of the fourth volume the strain began to effect her vocal cord. Her doctor informed her she would heal, and no permanent damage would be done, but ADV could not delay the product. They role will be recast for the fourth, fifth, and sixth volumes.

Neko no Ongaeshi Official Website

Studio Ghibli has opened the web site for the Whisper of the Hearts spin-off Neko no Ongaeshi (The Cat Returns) in preparation for its July 20th release.

According to Nausicaa.net the film, directed by Hiroyuki Morita, director of Tenchi Muyo in Love 2, follows Muta (the fat cat in Whisper of the Heart) and Baron (also from Whisper) as they set out to rescue a young girl named Haru who has wandered into the world of cats. The film, coupled with Ghiblies Episode 2, will premier in Japanese theaters on July 19th.

Anime Convention News

Gustoon! Entertainment has announced manga (comic) creator Tsukasa Hojo will be appearing that this years Anime Expo July 5th-7th. His works include action series "City Hunter," "Cat's Eye," and "Family Compo". Tsukasa Hojo Will be in Long Beach to discuss the art of his work, His hew & upcoming projects including the Founding Of Gutsoon! Entertainment and the upcoming launch of RAIJIN COMICS.

Anime Expo New York has announced that Takao Koyama will be attending as Writer Guest of honor.Koyama's work includes Gatchaman, Dragonball, Saint Seiya, Project A-ko, Time Bokan, Urusei Yatsura, Dr. Slump, Shurato, NG Knight Lamume & 40 and Slayers .

Seiyuu (voice actor) Mayumi Tanaka as Voice Actress Guest of Honor. Her career includes roles as Young Satoru Kanzaki from Area 88, Seneca from Arion, Yu from Giant Gorg and Ryunosuke Fujinami from Urusei Yatsura, Kuririn and Yajirobe from Dragonball and Dragonball Z, Giovanni from Night on the Galactic Railroad, Pazu from Laputa, Kanna Kirishima from Sakura Taisen and Koenma from Yu Yu Hakusho. Ms. Tanaka has also had roles in 3x3 Eyes, Dragonball GT, Fire Tripper, Rurouni Kenshin, Sailor Moon and Wataru.

Anime Expo has announced that Yoko Ishida will appear as a guest of honor at the convention and perform in concert. Ishida-san has sung the opening themes for Shin Shirayukihime Densetsu Pretear, Chicchana Yukitsukai Sugar, Ai Yori Aoshi, and the Sailormoon R ending theme and been featured as a vocalist on the "Ultra Anime Eurobeat Series - Para Para Max" CDs from Pioneer.

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust distributors Urban Vision will be running a cosplay(costume) contest at Anime Expo July 6th, 2002 at 1:00pm. Prizes includes posters, production calls, and statues.

Upcoming AnimEigo DVD

AnimEigo's web site has been updated with the planned anime and samurai DVD releases.

They are now taking order for space opera Macross mini boxes, box sets, and the psychic flavor relationship comedy/drama Kimagure Orange Road sets.

The three 12 episode Macross mini box sets will be releases on 7/1 for $88.

• Urusei Yatsura Box Set 4 (Episodes 15-20) : Late August
• Urusei Yatsura Box Set 5 (Episodes 21-25) : February 2003
• Urusei YatsuraMovie 1 (Only You, Subbed & Dubbed) : Late November
• You're Under Arrest Box Set 1 (Episodes 1-12 + Bonus Disc) : Early October
• You're Under Arrest Box Set 2 (Episodes 13-24 + Bonus Disc) : Late December
• You're Under Arrest Box Set 3 (Episodes 25-36 + Bonus Disc) : Spring 2003
• You're Under Arrest Box Set 4 (Episodes 37-52) : Summer 2003
• Lone Wolf & Cub 1 : Early December
• Lone Wolf & Cub 2 : Late Spring, 2003
• Zatoichi 1 : Early Spring, 2003
• Crusher Joe (Movie & OVAs on 1 disc) : Late August
• Rupan: The Fuma Conspiracy : Xmas
• Arcadia of My Youth : Spring 2003

Urusei Yatsura is Ranma creator Rumiko Takahashi's romantic comedy about a lecherous boy who must save the human race in a game of tag, with a green hair/horned alien in a tiger striped bikini.

You're Under Arrest is a comedy/drama about a pair of women traffic cops.

Crusher Joe is a sci-fi tale loosely connected to the comedic Dirty Pair, but with a more series tone.

Rupin: The Fuma Conspiracy is a Lupin III movie, entitled Rupin because of uncertainties with the legal liabilities from the connection between the character, and the rights holder of the French Arsene Lupin he was based on.

DNA² Anime Acquisition Announcement Coming

According to Anime News Service reports that DNA^s has been licensed for American distribution. Rumor has it that the popular series would not be released in the US because the Japanese master copy had been lost or destroyed. Based on the romantic comedy manga by Video Girl Ai's Masakazu Katsura the anime is the story of a time traveling agent Karin from Japan's future who must find the "Mega-Playboy" responsible for an overpopulation issue. After arriving in 1990's Japan, Karin soon finds her presence has only added to the very problem she has sought out to stop.

Alien 9 News

From Anime News Service: Akita Shoten will publish the first issue of its new monthly shonen manga magazine Champion Red on 19 August 2002. Among the manga to be serialised in this magazine will be Tomizawa Hitoshi's Alien 9 -Emulators-, presumably a continuation of the original manga series.

The 4-part Sci-Fi / Comedy OVA series Alien 9 has been acquired for eventual release in America by a party who will make themselves known in the near future. JC Staff (Utena) produced the anime based on the manga by Hitoshi Tomizawa, Yasuhiro Irie (Cowboy Bebop, Vision of Escaflowne) supervises, Yuri Fujimoto directs. Story by Hitoshi Tomizawa and Sadayuki Murai (Perfect Blue and Boogiepop Phantom). In Japan, Alien 9 played as the centerpiece of many fan events and is heavily supported by seiyuu fans. The series boasts a wide range of top voice star talent including Aya Hisakawa (Skuld - Ah! Megami Sama) who plays centerpiece character Kumi Kawamura.

In Alien 9, a sixth grade female student, Yuri Otani is elected to post of Alien Countermeasure Team in her class. In that role she must defend her school from Alien Invaders.

FLCL Delayed Again

Due to a video glitch in the master tape Synch-point has delayed the first volume of Production I.G. and Gainax's odd-ball sci-fi to August 13th.

The DVD will feature a commentary track by director Kazuya TSURUMAKI, a 20 page booklet with liner notes, background information and manga.

FLCL - Fooly Cooly will feature the first two episodes of the six episode OAV series.

Upcoming Releases?

Anime on DVD reports Diamond Comic's Previews magazine indicates the following are tentatively scheduled for a...

September-October release

• Dragon Half - 14.95
• Dai Guard Vol. #1 - 29.98
• Fist of the Northstar Vol. #1 - 29.95
• Fist of the Northstar Vol. #2 - 29.95
• Great Dangaoih Vol. #1 - 24.95
• Kimera - 19.98
• Lupin the 3rd Movie: Harimaos Treasure (cut/uncut) - 19.95/29.95

Dragon Half was a two episode hyper-energetic comedy, from before hyper-energetic comedies were in vogue. Half-dragon girl Mink competes with her beautiful and influential half-slime rival Princess Vina for the attention of the handsome singer Dick Saucer. Even if you avoid fantasy, the title is sufficiently amusing to make it a must see.

Kimera is a vampire thriller with a biological/alien bend.

Viz Licensees Great Dangaioh

Anime on DVD's license cataloger has learned Viz had licensed Great Dangaioh.

Upcoming ADV Releases

ADV will be releasing Sailor Moon volumes 9 "The Return of the Doom Tree" and 10 " The Trouble With Rini", on October 15th. Dagger of Kamui will be released in Spring 2003.

Anime on American TV

The Action Channel's July relaunch will include new anime titles X, the restored Akira, Metropolis, and 3x3 Eyes.

The films will be part of "Animidnight" which will feature Anime titles every Friday at midnight.

"Anime is an extremely important element of the ACTION channel's re-launch," says Stephan Shelanski, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Scheduling. "We have been programming Anime since 1999 and it has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm by subscribers and fans of the genre. The acquisition of these four titles is huge for the channel."

X - In this world television premiere, the future of the universe rests on one young man who must decide whether to destroy either the Dragons of Earth or the Dragons of Heaven, two opposing armies.

Akira - The #1 Anime title of all-time was first released in 1988 and restored in 2001. The plot centers on a secret government project known as Akira, where anti-government activists, greedy politicians, irresponsible scientists and a powerful military leader all have their footprints linked.

Metropolis - Based on Fritz Lang's classic 1927 silent film, this version features a powerful leader who plans to unveil a highly advanced robot and his violent son who vows to destroy it. Film director James Cameron comments, "It has beauty, power, mystery and above all.heart. Images from this film will stay with you forever."

3 X3 Eyes - A savvy boy is drawn into the spellbinding world of immortals and three-eyed demons and is forced to confront this hidden world in order to find some sense of humanity.

Anime News Service is reporting that a deal may be underway for Cartoon Network to product an anime pilot in a Japanese and American animation collaboration.

TV Tome is listing that the swords and sorcery comedy Slayer will be appearing on ABC Family on July 6 or 7th, but ABC Family's summer line-up as shown on commercials is not listing it. Slayers was supposedly going to appear on Fox Kid's last year.

Lupin III News

Anime News Service the Lupin III TV Special: "LUPIN The Third Episode 0, First Contact", the 14th yearly TV special, will air July 26th in Japan on TV. The special details the first meets with the thief Lupin III, his somber gunman partner Jigen, his feme fatale associate Fujiko, his police officer antagonist Zenigata, and the stoic samurai Goemon.

See the Official Lupin page and Nihon Terebi's Friday Road Show web page

Lupin III is a consistency fun caper series with James Bond action, and Cowboy Bebop character and group dynamics. Even at its worst (and with hundreds of TV episodes, movies and specials, there are some real clunkers), Lupin features quick action, and entertaining situations.

According to www.lupinencyclopedia.com Animeigo intends to put out the Lupin movie: Fuma Conspiracy on dvd by Christmas.

Anime on DVD has learned the Video Business trade magazine confirms Pioneer has entered into an agreement for the TV and DVD rights to the Lupin III television episodes. The article also mentions TOKYOPOP's plans for Initial D and Stray Sheep on TV.

Cowboy Bebop Movie Premiere

Anime News Service reports The Cowboy Bebop movie will be showing Sunday August 11 at 5 p.m. at the Egyptian theater in Hollywood. As mentioned earlier, the title has been changed from "Knockin On Heaven's Door" to simply "Cowboy Bebop: The Movie". It will be presented in Japanese with subtitles. Running time seems to be 120 minutes, which is around the same time as Jonah's R2 version; thus no content should be edited post-9/11 as rumoured.

The Egyptian theatre will be showing a number of other anime features. Ghost in the Shell and X the movie will be shown as a double feature starting at 9:45 p.m., both dubbed; Spriggan will be at the Egyptian Friday August 23 at 10:15 p.m. in Japanese with subs; and Versus will be present Saturday, August 24, 7:15 in Japanese with subs. Also, for those interested, there will be two tributes to Gerry Anderson(Space: 1999 and Thunderbirds) on Friday, August 23 at 7 p.m., and Saturday August 24 at 4 p.m.; he will be present after each screening to discuss his work.

ABC Family's weekend kids' block will be expanded to five hours on Saturday and Sunday starting July 6th. The anime "Beyblade" based on the toy top anime.

Hamtaro, and Scooby-Doo have bolstered Cartoon Network's raitings with its highest ever weekly tweens 9-14 (379,000, up 25 percent from last year) and household total day deliveries (1.1 million, up 15 percent). In primetime, Cartoon Network was first in its delivery of kids 6-11 (723,000) and kids 2-11 (1.31 million).

Newtype Article: Gerry Anderson On New Anime Project

According to Anime News Service Japanese anime magazine NewType reports since more and more anime projects are starting to use non-Japanese talent for their series (Syd Mead in Turn A Gundam and Peter Chung in Alexander--or Reign if you use the TOKYOPOP title) The July issue of New Type has a brief article about a new anime created in part with Gerry Anderson, creator of Thunderbirds, Space 1999, Stingray, and many others. The series will be called Gerry Anderson's Firestorm.

Firestorm takes place in the year 2014, where the world is threatened by Black Okoto. A team of specialists from around the world called Storm Force is created. The best of the best is Storm Force 9, a six member team led by Sam Scott. Equipped with advance vehicles and weapons, their code name is Firestorm. Gerry Anderson handles the Mechanical Designs, while the character designs and CG animation will be handled by the Japanese company. No word on when it will be release, or if it is an OVA or TV series.

Courtesy to Justin on this news:

The latest SFX carries news that Gerry Anderson, in-between working on revamping Captain Scarlet for the actual 21st Century, currently has two CGI/cel-animation animated series in early production with Japanese studios - Stormforce and Eternity. Not too many details yet, but Stormforce has the premise of an alien-backed terrorist organisation on Earth (to be fair, Mr. Anderson states that he can't say more than that for fear of giving too much away), while Eternity will, interestingly, be a CGI series, CGI film - and live action film.

Right Stuf Anime and Music Delays

Right Stuf, International has rescheduled the release dates for His & Her Circumstances Volume 1 DVD. The new pre-book date is June 25, 2002. The new street date is July 23, 2002.

ADV Films regrets to announce that due to circumstances beyond our control, the release dates for the following Right Stuf titles distributed by ADV Films have been postponed until further notice:

Right Stuf:

• RSDVD8012 His & Her Circumstances Volume 2 DVD

Animetrax:

• AT9316 Slayers Try BGM 1 CD Soundtrack
• AT9317 Slayers Try BGM 2 CD Soundtrack
• AT9318 Yamamoto Yohko Vocals CD Soundtrack

Nuku Nuku to be Dubbed

Anime on DVD reports Cat Girl Nuku Nuku will be dubbed for the long awaited DVD release.

Pop Japan Statistics

Akadot has update their Pop Japan Statistics with tops 10 sales rankings for Import Anime CDS.

Corto Maltese Animated Feature

ICV2 reports Gebeka Films and Studio Canal are producing a feature length animated film based on the Corto Maltese graphic novels by Hugo Pratt. The 92-minute traditionally animated feature film is set to debut on September 25 in France.

Extremely popular in Europe, the Corto Maltese books have had relatively little exposure in the U.S.

Set in the Far East in the period immediately after World War I, the animated Corto Maltese film makes great use of the exotica from Pratt's far-flung adventures, including the always fascinating character of Rasputin as well as the ruthless villain Kolchak and his incredibly intimidating armored train.