Father Geek here wishing you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS, and a happy holiday season. We've got a nice little present for all you Anime-Manga fans out there sooooo, sit back, relax, grap some of those great leftover holiday snacks and your favorite seasonal drink and prepare to unwrap this weeks edition of...

AnimAICN...

by Scott Green

Anime Preview: Yukikaze Volume 1: Danger Zone

To be release by Bandai Entertainment February 17,

Machine learning can be a funny thing. Given a goal, a learning mechanism, and a degree of freedom can it cam yield some startlingly unexpected results.

There is a famous, perhaps apocryphal story of the army training a neural network to spot tanks in photographs. After feeding it a series of images, it was able to spot tanks out in the open, tanks partially concealed, and even tanks that were fully concealed and visually unidentifiable from the photograph. It turns out that all of the photographs with tanks used to train the system were shot on a cloudy day. The system had learnt that cloud cover meant tanks were present.

Yukikaze speculates on the use of untested learning machine in an active war. Early on there is a striking moment of the potential, faith, and threat inherent in the proposition. While flying an artificial intelligence augmented interceptor over enemy territory a pilot encounters an unidentified craft that appears to be the make of one of his compatriots. Though the enemy has never been known to us these aircrafts the artificial system identifies unknown as an enemy, and the pilot fires.

The buzz on the series Yukikaze that it is the next Macross Plus. Evaluated on the basis of its marvelous flight and dog fights footage, the comparison is dead on. Yukikaze captures Macross Plu's cockpit flair with the capabilities of new technology fabulous talent of Studio Gonzo. However, the first two episode of Yukikaze paint the series as more of a post spirit of wonder hard science fiction. Technology is precise, and neither a blessing, or a threat, but a burden.

The series is comparable to Crest of the Stars in that it is a prose novel based science fiction work with an uncommon depth and thoughtfulness that has applied to its subject. The amount fastidious detail and thought is immediately evident. It is an aviation geek's dream. Everything is hyper-designed. Studio Gonzo has applied their considerable craft at its best in Yukikaze. The movements of the crafts look like studied extrapolations of current capabilities. The style of flight, the sounds, the cockpit and procedures all ring true.

33 years ago an alien force invaded earth from a portal over Antarctica. After fighting off the mysterious crafts, a UN force pursued them through the portal, where the war has bogged down. While nations have tired of sending their best and brightest, and begun sending their troubled and dangerous, technology has improved. The Yukikaze is one of the new breed or artificial intelligence augmented interceptors.

The flip side of the vibrancy in technical detail is a dullness in the uniformity of how the burden of war sits on the shoulders of its combatants. Philosophies, and positions differ, but consistent despair and frayed anger throughout all characters makes for a dour series. There is creepy decompression outside the tension of battle. When the characters aren't actively working on a problem the series feels depressurized. It isn't that the series lacks missing the typical host of spice characters or a stratication as strict as Macross Plus' trichotomy, but the personal aspects of the series has a way to go in order to become as engrossing as the technical aspects.

A trailer for Yukikaze can be seen her e.

Manga Spotlight: Happy Mania Volumes 3-5 by Moyoco Anno

Released by TOKYOPOP

In large part thanks to Tokyopop, there is a wide spectrum of choices in romance manga, from sweet, to dark. On the flip side there is Happy Mania: a delightfully mean spirited rebuttal to the love story.

iComics's review of Moyoco Anno's Flowers & Bees may have hit upon the appeal of her work in general: sadism. The anti-romance Happy Mania certainly invites readers to delight in the agony of its heroin, Kayoko Shingeta. You're not sitting in the back of the room laughing as the characters fumble, you're actively reveling in. Kayoko is the Daffy Duck of romance, expending copious amounts of energy to receive the relationship equivalent of a face full Elmer Fudd's buckshot.

Happy Mania captures the rapid dash between 20 and 30 (the point where a twenty something tells themselves they will have to stop pretending to be young). Kayoko Shingeta wants a soul mate, the kind you read about in romance manga, yet she takes every opportunity to club to death all chances for happiness and stability in their infancy. There's Takahashi, who beyond being younger, and a bit of a geek has a few personality flaws, but he cares for her happiness, and is willing to build a relationship with her. He appears to be offering what she proclaims to be looking for. They're even engaged. Instead, she find herself in the bed of every attractive, sleazy guy she meets.

Early on, it didn't seem like a sustainable series. It looked like it would have to betray itself to keep running, but five volumes into the 11 volume series, it is burning through situations with no sign of slowing. Nor is it forcing bad decisions. It is allowing Kayoko's twisted logic to rub against the grain of romance standards, such as dating an artist, or bring a fiancé home to meet the parents, and go down its own paths.

The bubble of self involvement and manufactured drama around Kayoko is a work of art. There are people around her living their own romance stories, her sometimes roommate Fuku in particular. Their stories, which tend to have more gravity due to their participants effort, often travel in parallel and intersection Kayoko's own, but in her tunnel vision, they pop by like soap bubbles. Even human misery, and or tops as serious as domestic abuse enter Kayoko's mental equations as hints of how she should conduct her love life in her warped navel gazing.

Manga Spotlight: Di Gi Charat Theatre

Manga Spotlight: Dejiko's Summer Vaction Piyoko is Number One! by Koge-Donbo and Others

Released by Broccoli Books

Fictional characters become corporate icons, and corporate icons becomes fictional characters. While not perfectly cut and dry, the later is the case with Di Gi Charat aka Dejiko, a green haired alien girl with a cat-head hat, giant bells, a maid-ish outfit, and laser eye beams, who went from being the mascot of the anime merchandise store Gamers to the star of manga, anime, and video games.

The various incarnation of Di Gi Charat tend to be short and punchy, with a degree of manic energy, which is the case with the Di Gi Charat Theatre manga. The volumes are composed of four to ten page stories by Di Gi Charat's creator Koge-Donbo or one of a number of various other manga artist, rounded out by a number of four panel comics, translation notes, and extras such as time lines, haiku and character design.

Dejiko's Summer Vacation features a number of stories starring Dejiko as an employee of the Gamers store, along with her sidekick Petit Charat aka Puchiko (a smaller, cute varient on herself), and her rabbit ear wearing human coworker Rabi~en~Rose (no Judism connections).

Piyoko is Number One! focuses on the kind-hearted/self described evil rival Black Gema Gema Gang, lead by Piyoko, a missile spitting girl in a panda-ish outfit, her childhood friend/wannabe doctor, a dentist, and a veterinarian.

It takes a few comics to warm to the characters, especially if you're not already familiar with them. The sheer cuteness of the character design is so loud that it takes the mind some adjustment to focus on what is going on.

There are a number of fun comics from derived using the characters as straight cartoon antagonists, intentionally or unintentionally tormenting each other. A number take some well deserved jabs at what has to be at least misdemeanor level capitalism in sell a comic about a corporate mascot, in which she hocks merchandise with some frequency, and the best work by applying the character's energy toward farcical looks at their roles as popular culture constructs. One of the best features Dejiko's quest to find the magic herb she saw on TV in response to Puchiko catching the flu, and returning with a random weed. The four panel comics in particular have a delightful dementedness. The inclusion of all the King of Fighters (a video game) references make sense, but where did the one about Ed Gein (the cannibal killer of various movie influence fame) come from.

Broccoli's translation takes an approach, which is surprisingly unusual. Surprising mostlythat hasn't been done more often before in commercial manga translations. They leave and phonetically spell out many of the catch phrases and terms, then end note their meanings. This sort of packaged lingo seems like it would be popular among fans of this branding of cute, shoujo-esque series. Similar untranslated terms certainly have a history of gaining traction through fan translation. For a series like Di Gi Charat, it is well worth emulation, and surprisingly rare in commercial translations.

While there isn't a dominating abundance of injokes, and there is nothing to preclude a casual reader from enjoying Di Gi Charat, it is fan humor. It plays to a shoujo fan audience (though not strictly a female demographic), and gives them what they want.

Manga Spotlight: One Piece Chapters 7-26 By Eiichiro Oda

Part of Viz's Shonen Jump

Manga graphic novel collections are all the rage, but some times it more fun to explore a world one piece at time. (That really bad pun wasn't initially intended.) The monthly Shonen Jump anthology is a great vehicle for following the twists of an adventure yarn like One Piece. Eiichiro Oda has constructed a group of likable, radically distinct characters, and set them adrift to explore a world in high resolution with constant enticement to find out what the characters will do or see next. It is easy to envy readers of the Japanese Shonen Jump, who receive the story weekly.

One Piece starts with the frequent Shonen Jump rallying point "I want to be the best...". In this case Monkey D. Luffy leaves home with nothing but a straw hat in hopes of becoming the Pirate King. His first step in the journey in gathering a crew: so far three sword wielding Roronoa Zoro, navigator/thief Nami, and the amusingly ugly liar, sharpshooter (via slingshot) and jack-of-all-trades Ussop. Luffy sets out with an infectious exuberance found in the rare people who can draw you into a conversation on matters that would normally be of no interest. Beyond that, there is not set formula for becoming Pirate King. There is a vague instinct to travel to the mysterious Grand Line and search of the One Piece, the greatest treasure of the first Pirate King, and man who obtained everything, Gold Roger. Beyond that, there are not tournaments, or prescribed stepping stones, only goals. As the series has developed, more than half of its current 300+ chapter length has been dedicated to side quests to save a desert kingdom, and what started off as a whim to visit an island in the sky.

One Piece doesn't pretend to be a pirate adventure in a historically true sense, or in the sense of a high seas swashbucker. Instead, it used the pirate ideal of freedom beyond the constraints of governments, captain, and militaries, and the opportunity to die for a dream.

One Piece is often fueled by high energy strangeness, starting with Luffy himself. As a child he ate a devil fruit, which gave him the power to stretch, but left him forsaken by the sea (he can't swim, submerged he's a turtle on its back). At first glance stretching isn't a particularly interesting super power. Its been used in American comics at least as far back as Jack Cole's Plastic Man, and generally with a greater range of applications than Luffy's, with rarely with the same exuberance. When Luffy catapults himself into the air, or towards an enemy it captures the series spirit of freedom and will.

Despite being cheery and upbeat there are darker elements to One Piece. Luffy and his crew mate all exhibit at least one compulsion or trait (sleeping, lying, stealing, eating, general obsessiveness ect) that could be classified as symptom of depression or another mental ailment. The are reasons for the characters quests that go beyond simple dedication to a goal.

These character encompass a brief look at the events that shaped Luffy's first crewmate, the stoic, and perhaps too violent swordsman Zoro. These flashback tearjerkers are very successful is establishing a gravity to One Piece's larger than life characters. As the series continues Eiichiro Oda begins to stretch them out for his characters. While it is easy to overestimate enjoyable work, there is an undeniable depth in humanity to One Piece's characters beneath the surface which allows the reader to share their trials, and accomplishments.

The results are often slapstick, which is one of the series' strength, but they're also good for telling an engaging story. It allows for a dramatic backing to the comedy, and levity in the darkest moment. Never allowing one side to dominate the other.

This Week's Anime and Manga Releases

Anime

• Casshan: Robot Hunter Special Edition
• Sakura Wars TV - Curtain Call (Vol. 6)

Manga

• Bride Of Deimos
• Cannon God Exaxxion #
• Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Vol 5
• Five Star Stories Eng Lang Manga #15
• Five Star Stories Eng Lang Manga #16
• Legendary Couple Gn #6
• Saint Legend Gn #7
• Weapons Of The Gods Gn #7
• X 1999 Vol 7 Tp 2Nd Ed Rhapsody
• X 1999 Vol 8 Tp 2Nd Ed Crescendo

Trailers and Clips

Toei has posted a trailer of Saint Seiya: The Heaven Chapter here.

AnimeNation points out that the site for the upcoming CGI movie based on Masamune Shirow's Appleseed has posted a trailer in small medium and large resolutions.

Also from Anime Nation, a site for violent manga series Gantz has been launched at gantz.net, with a short anime clip.

Manga Licensing News Rumors

Anime News Network has confirmed that TOKYOPOP will be releasing the manga series Gundam Seed Astray, Mikan no Tsuki, Mitsukazu Mihara's DOL Deus Vitae and Metroid.

The first volume of Doll will be released in hard and soft cover editions. Anime News Network described Doll as a collection of Loli-Goth stories about the interactions between "Dolls" and their human masters as the Dolls often become an important part of their masters' lives. The stories range in genre from comedy, to tragedy. DOLL is rated "OT" (16+) and will be released in May, with the English Adaptation by Simon Furman (Transformers & Death's Head).

Currently unconfirmed licenses include

• Dream Saga
• Eternity
• Evil's Return
• Heat Guy J
• Passionfruit
• To-Ma

Anime on DVD has compiled a list of unconfirmed Viz manga released from Barnes and Noble listings of July releases.

• Bleach
• Cheeky Angel (Tenshi na Konamaiki)
• Detective Conan
• Imadoki
• Mermaid Saga: Forest

Also hinted by a company employee is the manga adapatation of the Rahxephon anime.

Bleach is a popular series from the Japanes Shonen Jump, well regarded by fans of One Piece and Naruto.

Imadoki is a series by Yu Watase (Fushigi Yuugi, Ceries: Celestial Legend, ect)

The Mermaid Saga is a horror work by Inu-Yasha/Ranma 1/2 creaor Rumiko Takahashi.

Del Rey Manga Site

Publisher Del Rel has opened a site for upcoming manga division here. The site features basic information of their releases, include Love Hina creator Ken Akamatsu's Negima, Gundam Seed, and CLAMP's xxxHOLIC, and Tsubasa.

Warren Ellis at TOKYOPOP

Comic book rumor column Lying in the Gutters is reporting Warren Ellis is planning to write original manga-style series for TOKYOPOP and Humanoids.

Studio Ironcat Cancellations

A post on Anime on DVD's forum points out that the latest edition of comic distributor Diamond's Previews catalogue lists that Studio Ironcat aka I C Entertainment has cancelled a number of releases. The cancellation have been assigned a code 4, which means "cancelled by publisher". Noteworthy is that they were not given a code 2 "Will resolicit". Anime News Network has an in-depth summary of the manga translator/distributor's recent problems here A post on the company's website here gives a broad statement about the company's indented direction.

The list of cancelled titles includes:

• A I Revolution Volume 3 Tp
• Ai Revolution Vol 1 Gn
• Ai Revolution Volume 2
• Black Crow Gn
• Central City Vol 2 Gn
• Dragon Fist Vol 2 Gn
• Dragon Fist Volume 3 Tp
• Heartcore Vol 1 Gn
• How To Be An Angel Vol 1 Gn
• I Love You Vol 1 Gn
• Labyrinth Circus Vol 1 Gn
• Nanaka 6/17 Vol 1 Gn
• Nanaka 6/17 Volume 2 Tp
• Nanaka 6/17 Volume 3 Tp
• No Bra Volume 1 Tp
• No Bra Volume 2 Tp
• Ogenki Clinic Volume 8 Super Sexcapades
• Ogenki Clinic Volume 9 Tp
• Real Life The Complete Year One Collection Gn
• Ren Ai Vol 1 Gn
• Ren Ai Vol 2 Gn
• Ren Ai Vol 3 Gn
• Super Gag Family Gn
• The Part Timer Gn
• You And Me Vol 1 Gn
• You And Me Vol 2 Gn
• You And Me Vol 3 Gn
• You And Me Vol 4 Gn
• You And Me Vol 5 Gn
• You And Me Vol 6 Gn
• You And Me Vol 7 Gn
• You And Me Vol 8 Gn
• Yui Kanonsho Volume 2 Tp
• Yui Kanosho Vol 1 Gn

TOKYOPOP To Increase Titles in 2004

Icv2 reports Tokyopop plans to increase the number of its releases from approximately 350 in 2003 to between 450 and 500 in 2004. Tokyopop Vice President Sales Steve Kleckner tied the 30-40% increase in production to growing sales and to continued increases in display space at retail, both from existing outlets and from new ones.

Rising Stars of Manga

TOKYOPOP has announced a third edition of their Rising Starts of Manga talent competition, which will run from January 1st to March 15 2004.

The prize structure is now:

• Grand Prize: $2,500.00
• 2nd Place: $1,500.00
• 3rd Place: $1,000.00
• Seven Runners-Up: $500.00 each

For more information see here.

Lindsay Chibos, who was the grand prize winner of the second Rising Stars has signed with TOKYOPOP to create a manga series based on her Peach Fuzz Comic.

Rising Star winner Tania del Rio has recently been hired by Archie comics to write and illustrate Sabrina the Teenage Witch starting with issue 58. (The character originating in Archie Comic before making the leap to live action comics).

This character will receive a new manga style look, which is rare considering Archie Comic's traditionally conservative stance of character redesign.

Comic blog Worlds Within Worlds... has been following the Rising Stars winners and points out a number of articles and profile here

Also see here for more information

Hellsing's Monster Print Run

Ic2 reports Dark Horse and Digital Manga have ubcreased the first print run of Hellsing to 40,000 after printing an additional 15,000 copies of Trigun following the sell out of the initial 350,000 copy run.

Each of the previous three titles co-published by Dark Horse and Digital Manga this fall has gone through multiple printings. A 15,000 copy third printing of Trigun is due to ship on New Year's Eve (bringing the total for this title to 65,000), while Berserk's first printing of 17,500 sold out quickly, necessitating a second printing of 10,000 copies. A first printing of 20,000 copies of the manga adaptation of The Ring also sold out and a second printing of 10,000 will ship at year's end. All four of the manga volumes published by Dark Horse and Digital Manga are in the Japanese format and read from right to left.

Anime Game News

Konami has announced that they will be developing two games based on the Shaman King anime/manga series that will be released in the US.

AnimeNation points out a commerial for an upcoming Playstation 2 game based on Gunslinger Girl.

The Magic Box has posted images of Playstation 2 RPG game Inu Yasha: The Cursed Mask Anime News Network academic publisher Palgrave will be publish an in dept look at the films of anime director Mamoru Oshii, by Brian Ruh, entitled "The Stray Dog of Anime: The Films of Mamoru Oshii". The book will include a discussion of Oshii within the context of anime and cinema in general and overviews of his works, from the Urusei Yatsura movies, through Ghost in the Shell, Jin-Roh, and Blood: The Last Vampire, to his most recent title, Avalon. Ordering and other additional information is available at the Palgrave website h ere

Manga Writer to Pen Marvel's all-new THOR Mini-Series

Manga writer Akira Yoshida will be writing the six part Thor: The Son Of Asgard limited series for Marvel comics.

The series will feature Thor, Balder, Sif and Loki in their youths as competitive young Norse Demi-Gods, long before THOR appears on present day earth.

Yoshida has worked on: Record of the Lodoss War, Nadesico, and Steam Detectives, but has not been credited as a lead writer before.

Ghost in the Shell Music Video Collection

Buena Vista Japan will be a collection of Ghost in the Shell 2 Innocence on March 19th.

Gunparade March Site Opens

Media Blasters has opened a website for their upcoming release of Gunparade March at gunparademarch.com.

Upcoming Release Dates

Media Blasters

2/24

10 Tokyo Warriors

Idol Project Pack: Super Pop Anthology

Sadamitsu Volume 2

Samurai Deeper Kyo Volume 5

Bandai

3/16

Big O II Volume 2

s-Cry-ed Volume 5

Viz

2/24

Zoids Chaotic Century Volume 1

Zoids Chaotic Century Volume 2

3/9

Boys Over Flowers Volume 4

4/27

Saikano volume 1