Father Geek here with the Anime/Manga report for this week from ol' Scott, buuuuuuuuut before we get into the body of the regular weekly column I have this interesting lil' bit for you that arrived on my Geek Headquarter's PC this morning from New Zealand...

Spotted this in Wellington's morning paper today. Thought it may be news for you.

Cheers, NZmatt

29 May 2003

Wellington's Oscar-winning visual effects wizard Weta Workshop is moving from Middle-Earth to outer space...

The company, which has many awards including Oscars for both The Fellowship of the Ring, and The Two Towers, is to create visual effects for a live action feature film based on a popular Japanese anime series.

The film, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a joint project with American film company ADV Films and Japanese gaming company Gainax.

"We are very excited to be a part of this wonderful project," Weta boss Richard Taylor said. "The subject matter is providing a fantastic level of diversity for us, allowing us to work in the wonderful anime world – which is at the other far-end of the design spectrum from Middle-earth. Having had the privilege of working on such strong source material that The Lord of the Rings offered, it is a privilege to again be involved in a totally different subject matter that also has a very strong and loyal fan base."

Production of the film is still at an early stage, but Mr Taylor said Weta and ADV Films had already formed a great relationship and there was high excitement among everyone working on the film from both companies.

Father Geek here thought that might tickle your fancy a bit, now on to...

The AICN Anime Report...

by Scott Green

Anime Spotlight: Animatrix

Released by Warner Home Video

The Animatrix is a collection of nine short, animated films, from The Matrix's creators, the Wachowski brothers, and some of animation's top talent, including Shinchiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Macross Plus), Peter Chung (Reign, Aeon Flux), Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust), Square USA (Final Fantasy Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within ), Madhouse Studios (Ninja Scroll, Trigun, Card Captor Sakura), and Studio 4°C (Spriggan, Memories).

Animatrix is everything you'd expect, or want (Matrix meets Ninja scroll samurai duels, the human and machines armies meeting in Armageddon, anime version Trinity), along with an array of surprising, well construction, and brilliantly animated stories.

The entries written by the Wachowski brothers are direct tie-ins to the movies, which include Last Flight of the Osiris, the set-up for Reloaded shown before Dreamcatchers in theatres, the two part The Second Renaissance which details the raise of the machines, and the fate of humans, and Kid's Story, the background for a Reloaded supporting character. The entries explore of aspects of the Matrix's world, often from unexpected angles. such as humans putting a robot in their artificial world, or a haunted house where the rules of the Matrix don't apply.

Animatrix continues the melding of live action, and animation begun by the movie. As live action begins to product effects previously only seen in animation, and animation gains the capability to look like life action, or photo-realistic, the Matrix and Animatrix explorer the distinct strengths of both video mediums.

That something not look real is a strength, adding dream-like qualities, aspects of cubism, visual rending of perception's distortions springboards on the Matrix's malleable sense of reality. The segments vary from The Second Renaissance's caricature of the faults, and ultimately fate humanity, with both the impact and subtlety of a sledgehammer, to the subtle, and dream-like fracture of the Matrix have broken down in Beyond.

None of the segments (apart from the two part Second Renaissance) look alike, and few of the segments have the traditional anime look. It's a sample of the breath of the medium and where it may go. There's plenty of computer and digital animation, with looks that range from Square's digital actors, grainy noir, kaleidoscopic cgi psychedelics, or a "hand drawn" looks that like a more flexible version of Waking Life-style rotoscoped video.

The Animatrix offer what anime fans come to the medium for, the stories, and visual experiences that are rarely found in other formats. It speaks well to the legacy of the Matrix that it could inspire such a literally unparalleled collection of talent and ideas.

Anime Preview: Full Metal Panic

to be released by ADV Films June 10th

Full Metal Panic is a bipolar combination of cinematic military combat, and high school drama-comedy, alternating between Metal Gear style action, and student slapstick. The two aspects complement each other well, the military stoicism, or rowdiness is fun in the high school aspect, and the character drama adds a an emotional handle for the action.

In a extended west-Soviet cold war Mithril sergeant Sousuke Sagara is assigned to assume the identify of a high school student to protect 16 year old girl Kaname Chidori from any possible peril. Mithril is an independent army whose role thus far appears to be as a pro-west stabilizing force, removing threats before they flower into problems. Sousuke Sagara and Kaname Chidori are an odd couple pairing. He was raised as a guerilla fighter, and adopted strict military behavior discipline from his time with Mithril. She's outgoing, energetic, and more than a little bit of a ham. She's also a Whispered, a girl born or bio-engineered with some treat that makes them sought after by various threatening organization. (The whispered introduced so far all have unnatural colored hair, and with the exception of Kaname, a serve obsessive compulsive behavior).

The format of the series is more serial than episodic. After a few episodes to establish the premise, and Sagara over-reacting to perceived threats, explaining that his weapons are real, and that he isn't a geek with toys, Full Metal Panic settles into a continuous story,. The first of these stories is what caused Full Metal Panic to have the distinction of being the anime series with the distinction of having its Japanese tv premiere delayed due to September 11th. The series' threat is established with a tense airplane highjacking.

This brand of serial television is as uncommon in anime as it is in western TV. It adds a momentum to the seen, as seen in Kenshin's story arc, and Berserk, but it sometimes leads to arbitrary cut points as the volumes are released.

The action plays out in military engagements, and in the mode of skilled special against threat. Interesting scenarios, slick Studio Gonzo animation and a theatrical style score combine to give it a blockbuster movie feel. The campy-ness of the high school aspects creep into the action sequences, complete with a background music A-Team theme riff.

Full Metal Panic's combination of strong action, and enjoyable character make it one of the more enjoyable series upcoming series. It works like an extended big screen action movie. It's more than enjoyable enough to make up for a lack of cerebral resonance

Manga Spotlight: Wish by CLAMP

Release by TOKYOPOP

One of the many things that team of women manga creators CLAMP excel at is throwing a monkey wretch in familiar or over-used formulas. Here, it's the loser guy who winds up with super powered woman. The guy somehow facilitates woman living with him and they end up falling in love. In this case, Shuichiro rescues a super cherubic (or super deformed) angle Kohaku from a pair of devil possessed crows. The catch here, is that Shuichiro is a doctor who's self-reliant, rightly satisfied with his life, and doesn't see the need for an angle to hang on him, attempting to repay him with a wish.

Wish establishes itself around domestic problem of living with a clueless angel and its baggage, before expanding into ethereal politics/society, and circle back into the domestic realm (in other words, more wacky relations come to live with the protagonist).

For readers who haven't experience the genre before, it's a charming, and whimsical story. Though it is populated by an angels who frequently adopts a pudgy mini- forms, not to mention a chorus of birds, a flower twirling bunny, it managers not to be sweet instead of saccharin.

For those familiar which the genre (especially those wary of it), the story is manic. Shuichiro's deadpan reaction to what the events around him, and rational approach to angelic problems is an interesting antidote to what manga readers have some to expect. It is well worth seeing the series for his zen contemplation in the face of the threat of heavenly wars.

Another catch to Wish, is that the illustration depicts a very androgynous Kohaku, especially given CLAMP's history of feminine men. The text consistently and dialogue constantly, and frequently refer to her as "her", but the physical features, and attire seem to be driving at ambiguity. Japanese doesn't have gender pronouns, so this was problem even less definitive in the original. There's enough material to debate whether the character has a gender, and if so what it would be, but in the end, it doesn't seem rigidly defined. This makes the relationship between the Kohaku and Shuichiro hard to define. It doesn't seem quit romantic or platonic, so it is up the reader to pin it as friendship, heterosexual romance, or homosexual romance.

Though Wish is illustrated in true CLAMP style is done by Mick Nekoi, rather than the ussual Mokona Apapa. The style is more thin, and simple than many CLAMP works, it doesn't jump out as much. Despite divine lightning bolts or rainstorms, the tone is soft. Ironically it is more reliant on speed-lines for motion.

Wish is a charming story, devoid of often tiring rigidity of formula.

Manga Spotlight: Ranma 1/2 By Rumiko Takahashi

Released by Viz

Viz recently shifted to a new strategy for their manga releases. Rather than monthly issues, that that are collected into graphic novels, they are releasing two monthly anthologies (the shojo/titles typically with a female readership Animerica Extra, and the shonen/titles with a male readership Shonen Jump), with the remaining titles going to straight to reduced priced (typically $10) graphic novels. The graphic novels have been divided into four lines: Action, Editor's Choice, Shojo, and Shonen Jump.

Viz is re-releasing early volumes of currently ongoing series in the re-priced format. The $9.95 price tag for the 300 page first volume of Ranm1 1/2 is a deal, unparalleled in the realm of translated manga. Ranma ½ is a kung fu sitcom, with a comic strip's endurance. Some manga are designed with a beginning, middle, and end, but, Ranma seems to be designed to just go on with a snow-balling cast and manic sense of absurdity.

Ranma 1/2's premise is fairly widely known. For awhile, it and Akira were undoubtedly the best known anime. A young martial artist and his father turn up at Tendo's Martial Arts: School of Indiscriminate Grappling, each with a curse. While training in the Jusenkyo springs of China, they knocked each other into cursed waters such that young Ranma turns into a girl when doused with cold water, and his father Genma turns into a panda. For various reasons (mostly shamelessness), Genma, and Soun Tendo arrange a marriage between Ranma and the youngest Tendo daughter Akane. The relationship is further complicated by Akane's is a free spirit, and Ranma tendency to be oblivious to anything not directly relation to martial arts.

The first volume features the introduction of the characters, and features Ranma's first fights with Kuno, an upper classman kendo swordsman, or yearns for Akane, but develops an infatuation with the "Tree-Bourne Kettle-Girl", aka Ranma's female form, and with Ryoga, a childhood rival and near equal of Ranma with such poor directional sence that he once showed up four days late to a duel with Ranma which was to take place 500 yard down a main street from his house.

Takahashi does incredible work incorporating physical comedy into comic-illustration form. Rather than simple or static gags, she frequently juggles elements in fight scenes that have the free-for-all complexity of a Jackie Chan, or Iron Monkey blow-out. Typically Ranma is trying to fight an oponent, argue with Akane, and avoid cold water, or grab a kettle of hot water.

This Week's Releases

Anime

• Berserk - God's Hands (Epi. 22-25)
• Boogiepop Phantom - Boxed Set (Evolutions 1-4)
• Boogiepop Phantom - Evolution 1
• Boogiepop Phantom - Evolution 2
• Boogiepop Phantom - Evolution 3
• Boogiepop Phantom - Evolution 4
• Dai Guard - The Bottom Line (Vol 6)
• Fruits Basket - Clearing Sky
• Genma Wars - Elusive Sanctuary
• Knight Hunters - Complete Collection
• Mahoromatic, Automatic Maiden-Warrior - A Warrior's
• Fate (Vol. 3)
• Neo Ranga - The Right of Kings (Vol. 3)
• R.O.D. - Read or Die
• Sakura Wars TV - Opening Night (Vol. 1)
• Star Blazers:Bolar Wars Series 3 Pt 3
• Variable Geo
• Virtua Fighter - Round 1
• X - Five (TV Series, Vol. 5)
• Yu Yu Hakusho Dark Tournament:Genkai
• Yu Yu Hakusho Dark Tournament:No Return

Manga

• Astro Boy Vol 15 Tp
• Fist Of North Star Master Ed Vol 4 Gn
• Raijin Comics #24
• Vampire Yui Vol 5 #4
• Vampire Yui Vol 5 #5
• You And Me Vol 1 #6
• You And Me Vol 1 #7

Late night horror series Boogiepop Phantom has been re-priced and re-released.

Read or Die, is a gem of pulp action. See the review here

Reviews of the first volumes of ongoing series can be seen at Dai Guard... Fruits Basket... Mahoromatic ... Neo Ranga... Sakura Wars... X

New Anime Series From Viz

From here

Viz will be releasing the anime version of Corrector Yui, a computer-magical girl (Sailor Moon) with character design by Asamiya Kia. Volume one, with the first five episode of the series will be released on July 1st.

Viz will also be releasing the anime, as well as manga versions of Hana Yori Dango, or Boys over Flowers, and Flame of Recca.

Hana Yori Dango is a school drama about a working class girl's conflict with a quartet of wealth boys who exert influence of the elite highschool which she transfers to.

Flame of Recca is a tournament fight anime starring the child of a ninja with the power to control flames who is sent into the modern era.

Pi Director on Lone Wolf and Cub

Variety reports Pi director Darren Aronofsky is working on a live action adaptation of samurai revenge epic Lone Wolf and Cub.

Kenshin Timeframe

Issue 7 of Shonen Jump features a four page look at the samurai action Ruruoni Kenshin, which lists a November start date for the manga.

The article describes the premise of the series, and the relationship between the manga version, and the anime, which is being released on video by Media Blasters and airing on Cartoon Network.

Tezuka Manga Adapted into Theatrical Anime

Manga pioneer, and Astro Boy creator's Osuma Tezuka's manga of the Journey to the West, Boku no Son Goku (My Son Goku) has been adapted into an anime movie, which will be released theatrically in Japan on July 12th.

The movie has been in the works for five years.

Singers "Yuka" and Imai Eriko will provide the voices for the main characters.

The frequently adapted Buddhist legend tells the tale of a monk, the monkey king, and their allies on their journey to India for a holy book. Its most widely notable adaptation is the original Dragon Ball series.

New CLAMP Manga Card Captor Sakura Variant

The new manga from CLAMP, "Tsubasa - RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE", which starts in Weekly Shonen Magazine 25 will be a variant on Card Captor Sakura, which re-uses some of the original's characters, names, and design in a new setting. Sakura and Li Shaoran star as a princess and her childhood friend who are torn apart.

Bandai Announces Sunrise Studio Game

Bandai has announced the Playstation 2 game Sunrise World War. The game appears to be similar to the Super Robot War games, but with 39 anime series from Studio Sunrise, including Cowboy Bebop, Big O, Gundam, and Armored Trooper Votoms. The Magic Box has screenshots here

Maison Ikkoku DVD Release Info

Anime on DVD reports that Viz will be releasing the first DVD box set on Rumiko Takahashi's 96 episode soap opera Maison Ikkoku on July 1st. The first of the 8 twelve episode collections will retail for $49.98.

Hirameki International to Release Anime in US

Anime on DVD reports Hirameki International will begin distributing translated anime in the US, starting with Idol Fight Suchi-Pai OAV series and Soar High! Isami (Tobe! Isami) TV series from 1995, directed by Gisaburo Sigii. The two titles are scheduled to released this June. To add more interesting bits to it, Hirameki is also the company behind Anime Play, the anime/DVD magazine.

The company previously released an interactive anime DVD called Phantom of Inferno.

Official English Websites

Pioneer has opened a site for Heat Guy J at www.heatguyj.com/ Heat Guy J is an action series from Kazuki Akane, the director of the Escaflowne movie, and Yuki Nobuteru, the Escaflowne character designer.

Bandai Entertainment announced today the launch of Junkerscomehere.com in conjunction with its limited theatrical and upcoming DVD home video release of an anime family classic, Junkers Come Here. The website will provide an in-depth look into this heart warming film including the latest news, theatrical listings, story background, character profiles, DVD home video information, trailer, e-cards, and music clips.

Based on Naoto Kine's two-volume novel published in 1989, a theatrical animated film was subsequently released in 1995. Junkers Come Here combines the talents of established anime director Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon) and the late renowned animator director Kazuo Komatsubara (Miyazaki's Nausicaa: The Valley of the Wind). With its North American premiere at this year's American Cinematheque Anime Festival at the Egpytian Theater in Hollywood, California - Junkers Come Here has already received critical acclaim for its rich story telling and lush style of animation. Chris Wyatt, Cinescape states, "Junkers Come Here is a delightful anime feature film with a similar sensibility to the Oscar-winning Spirited Away.This one's going to be a classic."

Junkers Come Here tells the story of Hiromi Nozawa, a young girl growing up in a home where both of her parents are busy and are seldom home. Her most trusted companion is her dog, Junkers. But this is no ordinary dog! Gifted with the ability to speak and do human-like tasks, this canine is civil enough to use the toilet and, like some of us, won't miss his favorite TV show for the world. When things at home start to go wrong, Hiromi learns that she needs to grow up fast, but also realizes that life has a pretty unique sense of humor.

Theatrical / Festival screenings will be forthcoming and will be announced through the Junkerscomehere.com website.

Junkers Come Here

Street Date: 8/19/2003 Rated 7UP TRT: 105 min. SRP: $29.98

DVD Features and Extras include: Interactive Animated Menus, Dolby Digital Audio, English/Japanese Language, English Subtitles Optional, Art Gallery, Interviews, Trailer with English Subtitles, Pilot Film with English Subtitles.

.hack//Dusk Manga Licensed

TOKYOPOP has announced that they have licensed the .hack//Legend of the Twilight Bracelet manga. The first volume will be released under the title .hack//DUSK this September.

.hack ties into a video game, and anime series about a video game that interacts with a fantasy world. Original character design for .hack was performed by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki, perhaps best known for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Dark Horse to Release Ultraman Tiga Comics

Dark Horse Comics will be releasing a 10 issue Ultraman Tiga comic series from Tony Wong, and Khoo Fuk Lung starting this August.

Raijin Announcements

Gutsoon! has announced that subscriptions can now be purchased in installments of four weekly issues in addition to the previously available longer subscriptions.

Pioneer Dragonball Z Going Out of Print

Pioneer's license of the first 17 volumes of the Dragon Ball Z tv series and first three Dragon Ball Z movies will be expiring and going out of print on August 31st. FUNimation, the new license holder will be re-releasing the content in an uncut form.

Initial D Anime Format Release Update

From TOKYOPOP's website, conserning the oft delayed street racing anime series:

The TOKYOPOP DVD release of Initial D will include an 'Import - Classic' version (Japanese audio & video intact) and a special U.S. 'Tricked Out' version featuring enhanced video, music, and English dialogue. Fans can 'mix-and-match' these versions, thereby customizing their viewing of each exciting episode!

So, on each DVD, you actually get a total of 6 episodes (!) - 3 episodes rendered in the 'Import - Classic' mode, and the same 3 eps presented in the enhanced 'Tricked Out' mode - all for just $19.99!!

Upcoming Anime on American TV

On June 30th, Cartoon Network's Toonami block will be releasing Yu Yu Hakusho will Cyborg 009.

Kikaider airing at 1:00am as part of Adult Swim starting on July 6th.

The first Big O TV series will re-run on July 7th, with the second season airing beginning on August 31st.

Toei Animation is producing a new Kinnikuman/Ultimate Muscle series for forign audiences. The Ultimate Muscle is currently airing on Fox.

The 2003-2004 Saturday Morning Fox Box lineup starting in Fall 2003 will be :

• 8:00AM: Cubix
• 8:30AM: The Cramp Twins
• 9:00AM: Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy
• 9:30AM: Sonic X
• 10:00AM Kirby: Right Back at Ya!
• 10:30AM: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• 11:00AM: Shaman King
• 11:30AM: Funky Cops

SONIC X

Accidentally transported by Chaos Control, Sonic finds himself on a strange planet inhabited by humans and teams up with his newest friend, Christopher. Together, Sonic and Christopher embark on a series of exhilarating and elaborate quests as they search for the "Chaos Emeralds," precious stones delivering the power to conquer the world to whoever possesses them. Through their adventures, Sonic and Christopher must battle Sonic's archrival, the evil Dr. Eggman, a robotics authority, who wants the "Chaos Emeralds" for himself so that he can establish his own empire to dominate the world. Known for speed, power and energy, Sonic helps Christopher overcome his boyhood fears as they meet up with long-time friends Knuckles, Tails and Amy, and encounter new pals Cream and Cheese. In a distant galaxy, the confrontation between Sonic and Dr. Eggman begins once again!

FUNKY COPS

Fresh from winning a Best New Animated Series award from the prestigious "Cartoon on the Bay" international animation conference, Funky Cops is 1970's nostalgia and outrageous comedy! Modeled after '70's cop shows, Funky Cops chronicles the adventures of two brothers on the police force who become stars at a San Francisco disco. Brother Ace is the smooth one ... The head of a band fashioned after the Jackson Five, Ace used to be a hairdresser before he became a cop. His partner Dick is the Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry-type. The show was created by brothers Christophe and Benoit Di Sabatino and is produced by Antefilm.

SHAMAN KING

From the producers of Yu-Gi-Oh! comes the Shaman King. This adventurous series takes place in a world where anything is possible ... where spirits and ghosts interact with humans. The main character is a 13-year-old boy who is a modern-day shaman, one of the gifted few who can see the spirit world. His power comes by teaming up with Amidamaru, a samurai warrior spirit. Together they travel the globe fighting evil spirits and misguided shamans on their quest to be the next Shaman King. Each battle prepares them for the once every 500 years "Grand Tournament" that will name the new Shaman King.

CUBIX

4Kids' first original animated series, Cubix follows the adventures of robot whiz-kid Connor, a 13-year-old who brings to life a robot named Cubix that had been discarded as useless. After Connor gets done, though, Cubix is anything but useless ... applying his phenomenal super-charged powers to help Connor and his friends face down the endless stream of threats posed by the town's wacky mad scientist, the evil Dr. K. Set in the futuristic world of Bubble Town, where 10,000 of its population of 24,000 residents are robots, Cubix is all about action, adventure - and uncommon friendship.

FOX BOX RETURNS.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

They're the biggest heroes ever transformed and empowered by globs of weird, glowing green alien ooze. They're a family filled with love for each other - and committed to battling evil wherever they find it. This new series sets itself apart from the past by staying close to the original comic books' strong graphics and rich stories, combining serious butt-kicking ninja action and irreverent humor. This exciting series unfolds in a linear fashion, with each episode setting up the next - keeping kids on the edge of their seats!

KIRBY: RIGHT BACK AT YA!

One of Nintendo's most popular characters of all time, Kirby made his U.S. broadcast debut on the FOX BOX. Loaded with action, Kirby is a cosmic comic adventure. Kirby is a Warpstar knight-in-training who crash-lands on the Planet Popstar - and accidentally ends up as the pink protector of villagers. When King Dedede conjures up all his maniacal monsters, Kirby inhales their powers and gives them back a taste of their own medicine! Don't mess with Kirby. He'll send it "Right Back at Ya!"

THE CRAMP TWINS

They're sibling rivalry's twin spokesmen ... Meet Wayne and Lucien, a pair of twins with zero in common who have turned Saturday morning television into a raucous laugh fest. Produced by TV-Loonland and based on two graphic novels by Brian Wood, The Cramp Twins is the story of Wayne and Lucien Cramp, 10-year-old twins who are not at all alike. And, that's not just because Wayne has a big, oval shaped, purplish-gray head, in contrast to Lucien's small, round, pink head. It goes much deeper, no doubt all the way back to the womb. Delightfully mischievous, Wayne has one mission in life: to embarrass and bother his brother Lucien. His hobbies include eating, stirring up trouble and collecting weird stuff in his bedroom. And then there's Lucien, eager to please and thoroughly well mannered, he wants to save the world through knitting!

ULTIMATE MUSCLE: THE KINNIKUMAN LEGACY

Nothing captures the attention of boys quite like wrestling - and Ultimate Muscle is wrestling at its most radical! Ultimate Muscle pits the powerful but cowardly Kid Muscle in an intergalactic slam-a-rama of fast-paced excitement and far-out fun. With earth threatened by a sinister and oh-so-muscular band of space baddies, an interplanetary cry for help goes out for a hero to fight off these ne'er do-wells. Reluctantly and accidentally answering the call: Kid Muscle, who must somehow find the courage to compete in a wrestling tournament like none before. In the other corner: hundreds of the most diverse and powerful super-wrestlers that the cosmos has to offer. Oh, yeah, the fate of the universe is at stake, of course! Only one outcome's for sure: Ultimate Muscle will turn up the action and the laughter.

International Manga sales Trends

The Comics Journak Journalista points out a Japan Times article which states that manga sales are down in Europe.

'In 2002, 377 Japanese manga were translated and published in France,' said Julien Bastide, a French journalist. 'Sales of manga that same year reached an estimated 26 million euros, representing between 11 (percent) and 12 percent of the French comic book market.

'Although the French manga market declined throughout the 1990s, it picked up again in 1999 with the popularity of such manga as Ruroni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki.'

A Japan Times article states that manga publishers are blaming second-hand bookstore for the decline of manga sales in Japan.

American Anime TV Ratings

Cartoon Network's adult swin block, which has been showing anime such as Lupin III, Trigun, Cowboy Bebop and Inu-Yash has topped rating for the 12-24 male demographics against all other programming (broadcast and cable) for its time slot. The Adult Swim programming is now beating Leno by 18%, Letterman by 82%, Conan by 26%, and the other competition by greater margins in that demographic

Kids's WB Saturday morning animation block won against its competition during May sweeps.

The continued strength of Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon as well as the strong premiere of MegaMan: NT Warrior allowed KidsWB to finish the May Sweeps as the #1 network amongs all other Saturday morning competition, with a rating of (3.2/14) for Kids 2-11. From this time last year, KidsWB has gained viewers, with an increase in Tweens 9-14 (+15%/+11%), with significant growth amongst female viewers.

Yu-Gi-Oh ranked #1 overall with Boys 6-11 (8.7/32), Tweens 9-14 (5.6/25), and Male Tweens 9-14 (9.3/37), #2 in Boys 2-11 (6.5/25), and #5 in Kids 6-11 (5.6/22). Yu-Gi-Oh's season numbers also put it as the #1 program for the season for many of the above demographics.

Pokemon: Master Quest placed #3 in Boys 6-11 (7.5/26), Tweens 9-14 (4.6/20), and Male Tweens 9-14 (6.9/28), and the #2 broadcast program for Kids 2-11 (4.2/16).

With respect to May 18th's ratings, MegaMan: NT Warrior finished #2 overall amongst Boys 6-11 (6.6/26), and #5 in Boys 2-11 (5.2/21) despite a 9:30am timeslot.

The Results of the 27th Kodansha Manga Awards

From AniMaxis Kodansha has announced its 27th Manga Awards.

This year's award winners are as follows:

• * Children's Manga Category : Mirumo de Pon! (by: Hiromu Shinozuka)
• * Shonen Manga Category : Kunimitsu no Matsuri (Story by: Yuuma Andou, Manga by: Asaki Masashi)
• * Shojyo Manga Category: Hachimitsu to Clover (by: Chica Umino) / Kimi wa Pet (by: Yayoi Ogawa)
• * General Category: Tensai Yanagizawa Kyojyu no Seikatsu (by: Kazumi Yamashita)

"Kimi wa Pet" (you are a pet) and "Tensai Yanagizawa Kyojyu no Seikatsu" (the life of the genius professor Yanagizawa) have already been adapted into TV dramas.

Anime Convention News (Guests and Screenings)

J-Pop group TM Revolution, who performed various anime theme songs, will be appearing at Otakon 2003 (Baltimore Maryland August August 8,-10). Other newly announced guests include voice actor Johnny Bosch, and the creators of Penny Arcade.

Tomoko Taniguchi ( Call Me Princess, Princess Prince, Aquarium) will be appearing at ShoujoCon (Rye Brook, New York August 22-24)

Central Park Media will be hosting shoujo manga creator Tomoko Taniguchi at Big Apple Anime Fest (BAAF)'s MangaFest. (New York, New York August 29-31)

BAAF will host the east cost premiere of Bubble Gum Crisis spin-off Parasite Doll. The series has been licensed for American distribution by Urban Vision.

The Big Apple Anime Fest (BAAF) proudly announces that Parasite Dolls, from IMAGICAentertainment, will have its special East Coast Premiere at the Big Apple Anime Fest 2003, taking place this Labor Day Weekend in Times Square, New York City (August 29 to 31, 2003).

Directed by Mr. Kazuto Nakazawa and Mr. Naoyuki Yoshinaga, Parasite Dolls is a trilogy set in Tokyo, A.D. 2034, where "artifactual 'sub-humans'" or "Boomers", are developed, manufactured and designated to fulfill specific purposes, and to live symbiotically with humans. But there are many people with evil intentions, who desire to use them for criminal ends, such as terrorism crime and prostitution. To maintain control over such misused Boomers, a high mobility, anti-terrorism team-- the A.D. Police-- organize a special unit called "Branch". Each episode involves Branch, featuring the many adventures this alternative unit of A.D. Police, which tries to bring human desires reconcile relief sexually and psychologically through Boomers.

Mr. Fukui, Senior Managing Director at IMAGICAentertainment, commented, "We are very excited to show Parasite Dolls to fans in the U.S. This movie illustrates the dark side of society in the not-too-distant future, where human beings and artificial human live together; I would like especially grownups to watch it. If you think animation is only for children, please experience this multi-complex story, which leads you unexpected world of anime. We hope that many people will find it eloquent after seeing the movie."

The Big Apple Anime Fest (BAAF) proudly announces that Mr. Taka Nagasawa from avex Inc., the audio-visual entertainment company, was confirmed as a Guest of Honor at the Big Apple Anime Fest 2003, taking place this Labor Day Weekend in Times Square, New York City (August 29 to 31, 2003). Mr. Nagasawa's talent, not only as a producer but also as a director, has been showcased in several anime as well as live-films, such as Kido Tenshi: Angelic Rayer (2001: animated), Vampire Hunter D (2001: animated), Cyborg 009 (2002: animated), Monkey Typhoon (2003: animated) and Circuit Wolf series (1992 & 1994: live-film).

Managing the dual roles of both production executive as well as active producer, Mr. Nagasawa has quickly evolved to become a major figure in the anime industry in Japan. Mr. Nagasawa has received an award for Kido Tenshi: Angelic Rayer (audio-visual category), and has also been awarded the MTV Award. He is unique in his involvement with both the creation and production of anime series. One of avex's most powerful assets is its commitment to developing and cultivating its own in-house singers, voice talents, scenario writers, composers, staff members, etc., all within avex. The company also owns a studio, a music publishing company-Prime Direction-not to mention other companies responsible for merchandising and managing artists, events and concerts. This business strategy allows avex to quickly devise and implement efficient business plans and enables the company to both produce and market a steady stream of unique anime.

Mr. Victor Eisenberg, Festival Director & BAAF COO, commented, "We're excited about introducing Mr. Nagasawa, one of Japanese inspired producers & directors at BAAF, along with the new anime titles from avex. Since 1999, Mr. Nagasawa has been infusing the anime industry innovative ideas once again in his role as a producer. Dramatic developments have distinguished avex from any other anime production company. Being in this unique business atmosphere, Mr. Nagasawa is capable for producing animation which can extend business opportunities almost unlimitedly.

The final cut of Otaku Unite!a feature-length documentary on the history of Japanese animation fandom in the United States will be screen at September's Anime Weekend Atlanta in September.

Otaku Unite! is a 90 minute documentary that illustrates the history of a truly unique fan group. A fan group that embraces a completely foreign culture, that exhibits the conflicts and feelings common amongst any tight knit community, that ignores the opinions of outsiders in favor of the enjoyment of the cartoons themselves. The evolution of fandom is represented through the use of archive material dating back to the very first anime convention, as is the evolution of both the "cosplay" phenomenon and the representation of Japanese animation on television.

The soundtrack to Otaku Unite! is comprised exclusively of Japanese artists both mainstream and underground. Footage from several anime programs is included throughout the documentary for the benefit of those who are unacquainted with the art form. The result is a sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic, but all around fun experience for both die-hard anime fans and non-fans alike.

http://www.otakuunite.com

http://www.awa-con.com

Kari Wahlgren and Jennifer Sekiguchi, both known for their performance as the English voice of Haruko Haruhara and Mamimi Samejima, respectively, in FLCL (Fooly Cooly), will be attending FanimeCon 2003 on June 20, 2003 in Santa Clara, CA. Both will be available to meet and answer questions at the FLCL panel. For more information about FanimeCon 2003, please visit their website at www.fanime.com.

Synch-Point/Anime Gamers USA will be having a joint booth with GAINAX and will have exclusive merchandise only available at FanimeCon 2003, as well as the Limited Edition of FLCL DVD volume 3. For more information about Synch-Point, please visit the website at www.synch-point.com.

FLCL (Fooly Cooly) is a 6-episode Original Video Animation directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki with original character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto.

IF Labs Replacement

Before the brankruptcy of Dragon Ball Z action figure licensors/manufactuarers Irwin, the company had been working anime licensor FUNimation of a line of high quality figures under the label IF Labs. FUNimation has revived the program with current figure distrobutitor JAKKS Pacific under the label Giant Ape.

CPM Acquires Popcorn Romance Manga

CPM Manga has announced that they will be releasing the shoujo manga Popcorn Romance by Tomoko Taniguchi starting this September. The collection will be presented in right to left page flow, at $9.99 for the 5" X 7 3/8" edition.

Utena Box Sets

The 7th volume of Utena, which will be released on July 8th, will be available as a specual edition limited release with a slip case of the Apocalypse Saga volumes of a series, and a t-shirt.

Japanese Anime Sites

From Natsume Maya Madhouse has opened a Tokyo Godfathers' site at here. Tokyo Godfathers is the latest from Perfect Blue, and Millenium Actress director Satoshi Kon. The movie follows a former bicycle racer, a transvestite, and a run-away girl, who are now homeless, who find a baby girl.

The official website for the TV anime Sumeba Miyako no Cosmos Sou - Suttoko Taisen Dokkaida is here.

The official website for the upcoming OVA Makasete Iruka! has also opened. Daichi Akitaroh's still working on the storyboards.

The gallery section of the R.O.D The TV has been updated. The series is a follow-up on the Read or Die TV series.

Production company Bones (the Cowboy Bebop movie, Wolf's Rain) has a webpage up for Scrapped Princess.

Until June 3rd, the first Episode of Gunparade March will be available for download, in Japanese, on this website. The first two buttons are for the Anime, the one on the left is 56kbs, while the one on the right is 300kbs. The buttons under these are for the trailers.

The official website for the Green Green TV anime is now open. The series commences broadcast on 12 July 2003.

Rondo Robe's website for Texhnolyze is now open here

JVC Music's website for D.N.Angel is now officially open.

A trailer is available for download in relation to volume 2 of the Sakura Taisen (Sakura Wars) OVA series Ecole de Paris at the official website.

Starchild's website for the upcoming shoujo series Ultra Maniac is now open.

Starchild's webpage for the upcoming TV anime D.C. ~ Da Capo ~ is now up. The anime is based on the love adventure game of the same name and will commence broadcast in July 2003.

Trouble For Wolf's Rain?

Studio Bone's Wolf's Rain has raised concern amoung fans by scheduling four conceutive recap episodes from the perspectives of the four lead characters in episodes 16-18.

Financial question have been raised with the production to the Rahxephon movie, and scheduling question have been raised by their workload with Scrapped Princess.

ADV Announces Mospeda

From the press release: ADV Films today announced that the Genesis Climber Mospeada collection, containing all 25 episodes of the legendary series in one package, has undergone an exhaustive video remastering process, returning the series to a lovely and near-pristine state, without compromising the character of the original animation. In a further respectful note of authenticity, the ADV Films release of Genesis Climber Mospeada is available only in the original Japanese, with English subtitles.

Never before released in the U.S., Genesis Climber Mospeada was the source material from which the third chapter of the ROBOTECH saga-ROBOTECH: The New Generation-was created. Genesis Climber Mospeada was directed by Katsuhisa Yamada (Battle of the Planets, Devil Hunter Yohko), and its design staff included Yoshitaka Amano (1,001 Nights) and Shinji Aramaki (Gasaraki).

ADV Films technicians supervised a clean digital transfer of the series from the original 16mm film stock, then restored the colors, returning them to the rich tones that the series' creators originally sought. Finally, ADV meticulously removed more than 60,000 individual defects-including dust specks, rough splices, emulsion imperfections and more-from the newly-transferred version.

The Story... The Earth has been invaded by the mysterious Inbit, and it's up to a handful of survivors from Mars Colony to liberate the planet. After an unsuccessful first attempt to retake the Earth, the inhabitants of Mars Base are ready to try again. Unfortunately, it's been many years since they have been to Earth and they miscalculate both the strength of the enemy and the strength of the Earth forces-with disastrous results. When the Second Liberation force is all but wiped out entering the Earth's atmosphere, the fate of the planet winds up in the hands of a single survivor, Stick Bernard. Joined by a bare handful of resistance fighters born on Earth, Stick must journey to the Inbit's headquarters at Reflex point in an attempt to discover the secrets of the Inbit and find a way to defeat them. Seven young warriors and their transforming planes and motorcycles are all that stand between the Inbit and Earth's freedom in one of the outstanding series that comprised the multi-generational favorite ROBOTECH.

Genesis Climber Mospeada (SRP $89.98) is a DVD-only release on five discs, including 25 complete episodes. In Japanese with English subtitles. Extras include character bios, clean opening and closing animations, production portfolios and ADV Previews.