Father Geek here with our regular Anime column for the week sorry its a little late. That no fault of Scott's. The site has been running sooooooo slow due to the massive increase in usage since MATRIX;s release that posting the larger columns like this one has become difficult and I must await the correct window of opportunity to get it posted... this was my 5th try to get this edition up for you, buuuuuut here it is, better late than never... once again sorry for the delay...

Manga Spotlight: Battle Royale Volume 1

Release by TOKYOPOP's Authentic Manga Line By Koushun Takami & Masayuki Taguchi English Adaptation by Keith Griffin

It is ironic that the medium that earned Battle Royale its international notoriety, the movie, is the one version of the story that hasn't been released in the US. Instead, it has fallen to the less watch-dogged mediums, the original novel, and the more closely adapted manga (comic) version to carry its banner.

"The Program" is part reality TV, part government experiment. It takes a randomly selected class of ninth grade students, provides them with supplies, randomly distributed weapons, then forces them to kill each other, until one remains. Detonating collars affixed around the students necks ensure their cooperation, that they keep killing, and that they don't stay in one place too long.

As the novel points out, the title is taken from a professional wrestling event where a large number of wrestlers compete in the ring at the same time until one remains. The draw is to see how existing alliances and enmities shift when each participant has to eliminate everyone else. It takes high school pressure, personalities and cliques, and extrapolates them into them into a situation where there are no barriers.

All of the "Battle Royale" variants are Reese's media. You've got spectacle throat slashing in my Orwellian social satire; You've got class warfare, and in my teen extermination thriller. There are strong, sometimes dominating currents of social critique. On the other hand the rules and characters are constructed to yield heart pounding violence and thrills. While it's a fully functioning thriller, the style provides neither a clear statement, or a clear indication of its statement would be about. If you look at it one way it question of what values, experiences and treats prepare one to survive in the world. From another angle it asks about the causes of violence.

The manga version of Battle Royale is more of a caricature telling of the story. The characters looks like marginally anime-ized exaggerations of familiar high school stereotypes. There are a number of mutations from the source that add visual flash to the work, at the cost of a little suspension off disbelief, ie the lead character standing up in the tense classroom scene where the competition rules are introduced becomes an cross desk top dash to the front of the classroom, or a quiet studious boy with an interested in martial arts becomes Bruce Lee. What is clinical in the novel, or altered in the movie, is exaggerated to its full brutality in manga.

The gore is stunning. It isn't quite a "must avoid" red flag for those with a week stomach, but there are the blood and guts, exposed brains, massive face wounds, and dripping eyes to effect anyone. The graphic killing is part of the perverse appeal of Battle Royale. Post-turn of the millennium school violence, students killing each other is something you're not supposed to think about, even in a metaphoric sense.

Battle Royale is part of TOKYOPOP's Authentic Manga line, which features the original right to left page arrangements (good for an physical series like Battle Royale), and untranslated sound effects (some of which are annoyingly ambiguous). The interesting deviation with Battle Royale, is that they have gone to a comic writer, Keith Giffen to the English adaptation, and given him more leeway with the script (previously done with Sarah Dyer's work on Kodocha). The decision has been met with some controversy.

If you accept that you're never going to get complete accuracy in a translation, the small differences Giffen adds are worth a little departure from the source, as long as they don't shift the meaning of the original. There have been a number of very dry manga translation, at least partially due to slavish devotion accuracy. There's some annoying try-to-be-hip dialogue in Battle Royale, but the occasional well execute use of a "hard-core" makes up for it.

Anime Preview: s-CRY-ed Volume 1: The Lost Ground

Released by Bandai July 15th

s-CRY-ed (hence forth referred to as Scryed, because it's easier to read and type), is one of the best animated adaptations of modern super hero comics. The Bruce Timm Batman, Superman, ect. are certainly excellent, but Scryed is a closer to the mix of action/melodrama, and soap opera relationships of many American super-hero comics.

Twenty two years ago an earthquake split off Lost Ground from the rest of Japan. After partially being re-built, the land divide between the wealthy urban inhabitants, and those in the rural surrounds because razor sharp. Life became further complicated when 2% of children being born began exhibiting Alter powers, generally the ability to create some a specific of mechanism out of random matter, from something simple like an exoskeleton, to something stranger manifestations like a separate being with its own powers, or hair-tendrils that changes objects to water.

To police the growing problem of Alters and Alter related crimes the government of Lost Ground formed an armed military police known as HOLD, and an inner squad of Alters known as HOLY in order to prevent Alter related crimes.

s-CRY-ed bares similarities to X-Men. HOLY has is the same sort of segregate family of quirky individuals who are bound together because they are persecuted by the rest of the world, in an organization to gives them uniforms, resources, and comfort. The striking difference is that HOLY is run by people who have their own interests in mind, and have as much use for people who want to apply their gifts to sadistic purposes, as those want to serve and protect.

The protagonist gives the concept an even more anti-establishment spin. Kazuma is a native Alter user, someone from the poor side Lost Ground, who doesn't work for HOLY. He's a bit of a socially connected Man-With-No-Name, a semi-mercenary who makes up for a weak power (he can manifest a casing around his arms that projects force), with guts, and innovation. The odd jobs that he takes begin to take him into more direct conflict with HOLY, especially a certain ranking officer who becomes Kazuma's rival.

Scryed has all you can hope for an in modern age super-hero adventure series: an interesting premise, fast pacing, action that remains fresh, characters with consistently interesting motivations. Many of the characters have a drawing, drawing charm. A favorite example is Straight Cougar, and fast talking, joker who always blatantly operates on two levels, whose alter power is to change characters into a souped purple hot rod, that looks like a bad second generation Transformer. One the serious side, the escalating feud between Kazuma and HOLY is proving to be compelling, and has made the second volume something to look forward to.

The animation is detailed and scrip; providing the series with fluid and visually compelling battles, and effects. Again, its worth saying that digital animation notably starting to come into its own.

Scryed is part of Bandai's new "Platinum Series", a brand distinction for titled with increased supplementary material on the DVD that Bandai worked to get beyond the initial license of the title. Current titles in the line include .hack//SIGN, s-CRY-ed, Infinite Ryvius and Witch Hunter Robin. For example, the first volume of Scryed features textless versions of the opening and closing animation (without the credits), story background information, and a design gallery.

Manga Spotlight: Wolverine: Snikt! Issue 1 By Tsutomu Nihei

Released by Marvel

"Snikt" is the comic book sound effect used when the X-Men's Wolverine extends his claws out from between his knuckles. It isn't a great name for a mini series, and it might be an indication that Marvel comics has put the character is so many that they're running out of names, but it does look very striking on the cover, set against a red background, and an especially lethal looking rendition of the character.

The consistent aspects of Wolverine as a character are that he's a spitfire fighter, with a need not to be collared by authority, and a rage problem... perfect for fighting wasteland monstrosities, which is right up manga creator Tsumotu Nihei's alley.

Nihei's claim to fame is Blame!, a descending odyssey into a Escher labyrinth, where nature and human design grow bio-mechanic rot the way a fruit grow mold. Nihei invokes a sickening awe by trapping the reader in a world that combines penetrating claustrophobia and vertigo with nightmare creatures. Nihei's design is something that every sci-fi or manga fan owes it to theme self to check-out.

Snikt transports Wolverine, and a chunk of Blame's design into a shattered wasteland. Nihei staples are quickly introduced: subterranean people with their humanity nearly bleached out, giant crumbling structures, and creatures that are all tubes, jutting bones, metallic organs, and fractures death-masks. The action has the some of Blame's life or death brutality, but it is toned down a little, without the wince inducing moments, and unexpected traps. A bio-mechanic monster whose innards bubble has he reconstitutes himself is about the extent that Snikt journeys outside the lines of good taste,

Wolverine: Snikt! is an indication that Marvel does not understand the manga boom, and probably isn't listening to editor/resident manga expert C. B. Cebulski, who always seemed to have a good head for where manga was going, and how to market it. If the first issue is any indication, dividing Snikt! into six issues was a mistake. Maybe there was a rush to get a foot in the door, but with rare holdouts, Studio Proteus for example, manga translators have arrived at the fact that outside anthologies, manga is most commercially successful in collected editions. If Marvel is trying to woo growing crowd of manga fans, they're using a mindset that is too traditional.

Issue one of six (there doesn't seem to be any indication that it is a mini-series, or its size in the issue), is a fine first chapter for a collection, or an anthology, but as a stand alone, it has had a noticeable amount of people swearing off the series. There is nothing bad about the issue. It features brilliant illustration, and a good, creative fight scene, but there is nothing satisfying. At twenty two story pages, with an addition page of advertisements almost every other page (21 pages in all), it feels insubstantial. It isn't that entries in manga anthologies aren't this length (Blame tends to the slightly longer, especially the opening). In a manga anthology this issue would certainly pique interest. It just does have the muscle to stand alone. If you're going to divide something into individual issues, issue 1 has to hook you, or at $3.00 an issue, you're going to pass on issue 2.

"Wait for the collected edition" isn't always the best advice for purchasing comics, but Snikt just doesn't read like it is written to be spread out over six issues.

This Week's Anime and Manga Releases:

Anime

• Brigadoon - Marin and Melan Blue (Vol. 1)
• Cardcaptor Sakura - Realizations (Vol. 15)
• Casshan - Robot Hunter
• Chobits - The Empty City (Vol. 2)
• Descendants of Darkness - Tarot Curse (Vol. 3)
• The Devil Lady - The Gathering (Vol. 4)
• Great Dangaioh - Volume 4
• GTO - Transformations (Vol. 8)
• Noir - The Firing Chamber (Vol. 3)
• Patlabor - The Mobile Police, The TV Series (Vol. 5)
• Revolutionary Girl Utena - The Beginning of the End (Vol. 6)
• Revolutionary Girl Utena - The Black Rose Saga DVD Collection
• Sailor Moon SuperS - Pegasus Collection 7
• Saint Tail - Final Collection
• Ushio & Tora - Complete Collection

Manga

• Alien Nine Book 1 Gn
• Big O Part 4 #3 (Of 4)
• Digimon Vol 2 Gn (Of 12)
• Erica Sakurazawas Between The Sheets Gn (Mr)
• Fake Vol 1 Gn (Of 7)
• Gatekeepers Vol 2 Gn (Of 7)
• Gto Vol 11 Gn (Of 25)
• Kare Kano Vol 3 Gn (Of 13)
• Love Hina Vol 10 Gn (Of 14)
• Mars Vol 10 Gn (Of 15)
• Man Of Many Faces Vol 1 Gn (Of 2)
• Mars Vol 10 Gn (Of 15)
• Miracle Girls Vol 9 Pkt Tp (Of 9)
• Raijin Comics #22
• Rebirth Vol 2 Gn (Of 11)
• Revolutionary Girl Utena Vol 3 Tp To Sprout
• Scryed Vol 2 Gn (Of 5)
• Skull Man Vol 6 Gn (Of 7)
• Super Manga Blast #31

Ghibli 4th Most Trusted Brand in Japan

According to ICV2 a nationwide survey by BP Consulting Inc., Studio Ghibli, best known for Hayao Miyazaki's motion pictures, include Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away was ranked the fourth monst trusted brand by Japanese consumers, behind Sony, Disney, and the Fuji Television network. The Ghibli brand ranked higher in the estimation of Japanese consumers than the highest rated auto company (Toyota #5), the hip Tokyu Hands department store (#6), and Japan's favorite beer (Kirin #8). Studio Ghibli was the only anime studio ranked in the top 20 by Japanese consumers.

Cameron's Alita in pre-production

According to Natsume Maya James Cameron told Fuji TV's Tokudane that the script for his Battle Angel movie is currently being written. Cameron was in Japan to see a new camera for 3D filming.

Macross Zero Episode 2

The second thirty minute episode of the new Macross OAV, Macross Zero will go on sale on May 23rd in Japan.

Anime on TV

After repeating the early episode of Ruruoni Kenshin, Cartoon Network has schedule the Kyoto story arc to start on June 9th.

Kenshin's Kyoto arc, is thirty episode long continuous story in which Kenshin, a former political assassin who gave up killed is asked by Japan's Meiji government an insurrection from the man who replaced him as top assassin. The story well regarded for its sword fights, political intrigue, and character drama.

The June schedule will also replace G Gundam with Dragon Ball Z at 5:00pm, followed by the original Dragon Ball at 5:30, YuYu Hakusho at 6:00, and Kenshin at 6:30.

Cartoon Network will begin showing Bandai's Kikaider on June 4th at midnight.

Cartoon Network's online schedule currently lists Bandai's Kikaider as premiering on June 4th at Midnight.

Jerry Chu of Bandai Entertainment has confirmed to Anime News Network hat Cartoon Network will be airing all 16 episodes of Kikaider on Adult Swim, that's the original TV series and the Kikaider-01 OVA series.

The first DVD in the series is set to be released on August 5th.

Teletoon has announced that they will be showing the AniMatrix feature Flight of the Osiris on Monday May 26th on the prime time block at 10:00 p.m., and again at 11:15 p.m., 2:00 a.m., and 2:45 a.m.

Final Flight of the Osiris is the centerpiece of The Animatrix, a DVD/video release which serves as background to The Matrix movie trilogy. The film is one of nine animated shorts inspired by the visionary action and innovative storytelling that power The Matrix, using computer generated imagery and Japanese anime to explore its mind-bending world. Described by Entertainment Weekly as "the jewel in the crown" of The Animatrix, Final Flight of the Osiris was written by Andy and Larry Wachowski, creators of the Matrix trilogy, who enlisted the directing talents of the world's foremost anime filmmakers to contribute to the anthology.

MTV2 has played AniMatris segments Second Renaissance 1 and 2, Final Flight of the Osiris, Detective Story, and Beyond.

Kids' WB will be adding Megaman NT Warrior to their Saturday morning lineup start on May 17th. The series was known as Rockman.exe in Japan.

Frequently Delayed Anime Series Delayed Again

TOKYOPOP's release of street racing anime series has been delayed from from August to an unspecified date in September. The new delay has been credited to DVD improvements rather than still in progress TV deal that caused previous ones.

Super Techno Art's release of the first volume of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure has been pushed back from June 10th to August 10th.

Upcoming Media Blasters Releases

The fantasy movie Weathering Continent, and the Juuni Kokki TV series, The Twelve Kingdoms will be released on DVD on July 29th.

Anime At Cannes Update

From Natsume Maya The new Leiji Matsumoto/Daft Punk collaboration is "Interstella5555 - the 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem", an hour long music video set to Daft Punk's Discovery, incorporating the existing four music videos. Anime News Network has learned that the feature be screened at 35th Annual Quinzaine des Realisateurs (Director's Fortnight) Film Festival, rather than the previously believed Cannes.

The website for the bicycle racing anime Nasu ~ Andulusia no Natsu (Eggplant ~ Andulusian Summer) by Studio Madhouse and Spirited Away art director Kitaro Kosaka, set to premiere at Cannes has gone online at www.nasu-summer.com/

Tezuka Game Screenshots

Gamespot has posted screen shots of the 3D game based on the Dororo by Osuma Tezuka here. AnimeNation has offered up this this as an original work comparison.

Sound Tracks

Pioner has set the following release dates for sound tracks

August 5:

Heat Guy J

September 2:

Helling: Ruins

Serial Experiments Lain: Cyberia Mix

X TV OST1

Right Stuf will be releasing the first sound tracks of Princess Nine, and Giant Robo on August 26th as part of their AnimeTrax line.

Another New CLAMP Manga Confirmed

CLAMP has confirmed their upcoming manga series Tsubasa - Reservoir Chronicle on at clamp-net.com

June Bandai Releases

Bandai's June anime releases include Blue Submarine No. 6 - Special Edition, Ronin Warriors - New Adventures OVA 1, Argentosoma (V.3), Crest of the Stars - Collector's Edition, Angel Links - Collector's Edition, and Mobile Fighter G Gundam - Collector's Box Set 4.

Blue Submarine No. 6 -- Special Edition

From critically acclaimed GONZO Digimation (Hellsing, Vandred) with mechanical styling by renowned creator Shoji Kawamori (Macross Plus). In the future, the rising heat has begun melting the polar ice caps. As if humanity didn't have enough problems, a group of ocean-dwelling creatures led by the scientist Zorndyke have seemingly declared war on mankind! Humanity's last hope rests with the state of the art vessel, Blue Sub 6 and her crew! Can Tetsu and Mayumi stop Zorndyke's army before it's too late?

Breaking the boundaries of Japanese animation, Blue Submarine No. 6 was one of the first anime series to successfully blend cutting edge 3D CG animation with traditional 2D cell animation. Originally released individually on DVD in 1999, it was broadcast as a special mini-series on the Cartoon Network. The Special Edition collects all four unedited OVA episodes, a collection of new footage from the Japanese Playstation video game, and a ton of DVD extra features in one 3 disc set. Blue Submarine No. 6 Special Edition is the definitive anime release that should be part of every anime fan's DVD library.

"The most exciting anime since Escaflowne!" - Manga Max

"The only thing we could find to say after viewing Blue Submarine No. 6 was, WOW!" Protoculture Addicts

Ronin Warriors - New Adventures OVA 1

Things have calmed down considerably since the defeat of Talpa. Sage has gone off to America to study, Ryo is celebrating his birthday, and Kento's won the lottery! However, the joyous mood disappears when the local news breaks a story about a strange killer in New York wearing mysterious armor! When the four warriors arrive to investigate, they are met by a new sinister force. The ancient sorcerer Shikaisen has discovered the power of the armors and is now intent on making them his own!

Crest of the Stars -- Collector's Edition

Based on the best selling science fiction novels by Hiroyuki Morioka, with character designs by Keisuke Watabe. Jinto Lin's life changes forever when the Humankind Empire Abh takes over his home planet of Martine without firing a single shot. Sent off to study the Abh language and culture, Jinto must prepare himself for his future as an Abh nobleman. Entering the next phase of his training, he'll meet his first Abh, the lovely Lafiel. However, Jinto will soon learn that Lafiel is more than she appears and together they will have to fight for their very lives. Collects the entire 13 episode series (2 disc set).

Angel Links -- Collector's Edition

Set within the Outlaw Star Universe.Meifon is quite an overachiever for a sixteen-year-old girl. She's the head of a major corporation, and the captain of a state-of-the-art ship, which provides a free pirate fighting service. And her crew is just as extraordinary! Join the Angel Links as they fight pirates, right wrongs, and discover the hidden secrets behind Meifon's mysterious past... A spin-off series of the immensely popular Outlaw Star series (created by Takehito Ito) broadcast on Cartoon Network. Angel Links is pure adrenaline and action. Collects all 13 episodes (2 disc set).

Mobile Fighter G Gundam - Collector's Box Set 4

The Battle Royale begins! Domon must defeat his friends and face the Four Evil Kings. But with the fate of his brother still fresh on his mind, Domon and the rest of the Shuffle Alliance must face the ultimate test as they rocket into space to save the Earth. Beside them stands all of the Gundams from all of the nations of Earth. The Gundam Federation has been formed to prevent the destruction of the Earth from the Ultimate Gundam. But is it too late?

The Mobile Fighter G Gundam - Collector's Box Set 4 DVD offers the following features:

• § Interactive Animated Menus
• § English/Japanese language
• § English subtitles optional
• § G-Files #10-12
• § Bandai Previews
• RUNNING TIME: Box Set TRT: 325 min.
• RUNNING TIME: Round TRT: 100 min.
• STREET DATE: June 17, 2003

ADV Wraps Jing Production

From the press release: ADV Films ADR Director Charles Campbell, based at ADV Films-Austin West (one of two ADV Films production facilities in Austin, Texas) reports that English-language dubbing of the hotly anticipated series King of Bandit Jing is complete.

Excitement! Campbell is enthusiastic about the experience. "King of Bandit Jing is one of the best shows I've ever worked on," said Campbell. "Great action, music, animation and strong stories. ...Jing will be great entertainment for action lovers."

Talent! Joey Hood played the role of "Jing" in ADV Films' English-language version of the title. An experienced voice actor, with experience including playing "Akagi" in Dai-Guard, as well as roles in Soul Hunter, Samurai X, Zone of the Enders: Dolores and others, Hood is also a busy stage actor in the lively Austin theater scene.

Trivia! King of Bandit Jing is filled with characters named after alcoholic beverages: Vodka, Cognac, Cidre ("Cider" in French); Fino (a very dry sherry), Vermouth, Mimosa-even Kir, which is a cocktail, popular in France, made by mixing dry white whine with Crème de Cassis. Who knew?

Story Background! Directed originally by Hiroshi Watanabe (Orphen, Kiki's Delivery Service) King of Bandit Jing is based upon a manga of the same title by Yuchi Kumakura, detailing the adventures of Jing, a youthful and charming Robin Hood-esque bandit who travels from town to town, stealing valuables and hearts in equal measure. Along for the ride is his randy wiseacre albatross companion, Kir, who's constantly getting the pair into difficulties. Each episode of the series features a different lovely lady who catches Kir's eye, and finally in the plot.

DiC suing Speed Racer Enterprises for $5M+

From Anime News Network: DiC is seeking at least $5 million in damages and an injunction against Speed Racer Enterprises, barring the company from selling rights to the Speed Racer show to any other companies.

The lawsuit stems from the recent expiry of DiC's license to the show. Speed Racer Entertainment claims that DiC knowingly allowed their contract to expire by failing to exercise an option for more episodes by December 31st. However DiC contends that Speed Racer Enterprises purposefully withheld information about the terms of the contract option in a bid to remove DiC from the picture.

The original agreement between DiC and Speed Racer Enterprises was signed in August 2002. By this agreement DiC received the broadcast rights to a limited number of Speed Racer episodes, which are being broadcast on Nikelodeon Sundays at 2pm.

The first eleven episodes of Speed Racer were recently released on DVD in the Speed Racer Limited Edition DVD from Artisan Entertainment.

Upcoming CPM Manga

Central Park Media has announced that they will be releasing Taniguchi's Popcorn Romance. Call Me princess and Aquarium will be re-released for $9.99

Convention News

.Hack and Noir composer Yuki Kajiura, and yoshitoshi ABe, character designer for Serpial Expirments Lain, will be appearing at Anime Export 2003.

The Raijin Comics senior editor Jake Tarbox will be attending A-Kon.

Raijin will be hosting City Hunter creator Tsukasa Hojo will attending this year's Big Apple Anime Fest see here

Shoujo manga artist Tomoko Taniguchi will attend the Big Apple Anime Fest MangaFest.

The Big Apple Anime FestT and Raijin Comics have announced that Raijin Comics will be the exclusive presentation sponsor for the 2003 BAAF MangaFest! , a celebration of manga and comic art influenced by Asian pop culture. BAAF MangaFestT! will take place during the Big Apple Anime Fest on Labor Day Weekend, August 29-31, 2003 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. BAAF MangaFestT! will bring together creators from Japan, Korea, and the United States for three exciting days of industry panels, how-to workshops, Guest of Honor autograph sessions, dealer sales and much more. BAAF MangaFestT! is expected to offer one of the largest manga and graphic novel dealer rooms in the U.S., making it easy for fans to find their back issues and favorite works. BAAF MangaFestT! is one of many activities taking place during Big Apple Anime Fest 2003 under the slogan, "World Anime Party®."

"BAAF MangaFestT! offers even more attractions to the attendees of BAAF this year," said Ryoko Maebayashi, Liaison Manager of the Big Apple Anime Fest. "Many fans of anime are also fans of manga, but most anime fan conventions don't focus on manga. We at BAAF want to treat our fans to an exciting, festival experience which celebrates manga as well as anime, so we are making BAAF MangaFestT! the largest event of its kind. We are especially grateful to RAIJIN COMICS for helping BAAF and the fans by sponsoring BAAF MangaFestT! and by supporting the creation of this unique event!"

For more information please visit http://www.bigappleanimefest.com/

BAAF Could Make YOU An Anime Voice Actor/Actress

The Big Apple Anime Fest (BAAF) today announced the "Big Apple Anime Fest 'Anime Idol' Voice Acting Contest," a nation-wide search for new voice talents looking to break into the highly competitive world of English language anime voice acting. The winners of four regional contests will be invited to compete in the finals, to be held at BAAF 2003 in Times Square, New York City, on Sunday, August 31, 2003. Judges will include leading directors and producers of Japanese anime attending BAAF 2003 as Guests of Honor, as well as professional voice actors currently active in the field.

Preliminary auditions will be held at Anime Boston, Anime Central, Otakon, and at BAAF itself. Three regional finalists will be selected from each regional site to advance to the semi-final and final rounds in New York over Labor Day Weekend. The three winners of each regional audition will receive weekend passes to BAAF 2003 and the chance to compete for the Grand Prize.

Don't miss your chance to be a part of the action, as voice actors from around the country vie for the title of "Big Apple Anime Fest 'Anime Idol'." This grueling competition will put the talents of our contestants to the ultimate test as they strut their stuff in front of a live audience in what is sure to be the highlight of this year's Big Apple Anime Fest. Be a part of the fun and cast your vote to decide who will be this year's "BAAF Anime Idol!"

The Big Apple Anime Fest "Anime Idol" Voice Acting Contest

Grand Prize (1): The Grand Prize winner will receive 15 DVD's (a $450 value!), and earn a role in an upcoming Anime English Dub plus $500 for travel expenses, and standard voice actor pay.

First Prize (1): One winner will receive 15 DVDs (a $450 value).

Runners up (3): Three participants will win 10 DVDs each (a $300 value).

Ryoko Maebayashi, BAAF Liaison Manager, commented, "Voice acting is one of the most exciting potential careers for many anime fans. A number of anime fans have sufficient talent to bring diverse anime characters to life on the screen. However, it is tough to break into the voice-acting world. This is why BAAF has come up with the concept of the Big Apple Anime Fest "Anime Idol" Voice Acting Contest. We believe that this contest will become the gateway for anime fans to achieve their dream and passion, and we welcome everyone to give it their best shot."

See www.bigappleanimefest.com/animeidol/

Sony Revs Up Animation Unit

Icv2 relayed that Sony Pictures Animation (SPA) has hired a host of animation heavyweights including the director and producer of The Lion King, two directors from Fantasia 2000, nationally known cartoonist Jules Feiffer, and Neil Gaiman, the best-selling author of American Gods and the Sandman graphic novels. Both Feiffer and Gaiman have had animation experience. Feiffer won an Oscar for his cartoon Munro in 1961, while Gaiman did an excellent job of adapting Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke for the American market. SPA has a number of animated features in development, though the studio is yet to announce which film will become its first entry into the marketplace.

Gaiman is writing the script for Tam Lin, a fantasy property created by husband and wife artist team Brian and Wendy Froud. Lion King director Roger Allers and Brenda Chapman (script supervisor on the Disney classic) will direct Tam Lin, which is loosely based on a Celtic folk ballad. Meanwhile Feiffer is penning This Enchanted Forest, an original property that mirrors the author's skewed outlook.

Other projects at SPA include an Astro Boy feature film one based on the work of nationally syndicated cartoonist Steve Moore (Bleachers), and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, based on the children's book by Judi and Ron Barrett.