Father Geek entrenched here at my recently reworked & updated work station in the barbed wire enclosed Geek Headquarters compound in ol' Austin Texas' heart with the latest word from Scott, our chief Anime & Manga reporter, and this week's news filled edition of the long running popular AICN regular weekly column...

AnimAICN...

by Scott Green

Anime Preview Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Volume 1 Grim Reality

To be Released By Bandai Entertainment August 10th

Gundam SEED owed much of its blinding successes in Japan to shotgun blast demographic appeal, and it probably owes much of its dispersed appeal to lessons learned from past entries in the franchise. Ostensibly , it goal was to hook the next generation of the venerable human pilot giant robots at war franchise, while appeal to the older fans. Taking elements from the female appeal outlier Gundam Wing: more prominent colors in the machinery (mecha), an array of handsome male pilots, hints of romantic tension, and integrating them into the mainstays of the franchise: large arrays impressively designed war machines and weapons, life and death dog fights and fleet battles, and a skilled young hero as the front line of a war with murky moral divides and flawed authorities. And it pays attention to the points of intersection points of intersection (even the characters admit to liking the quasi-fascist uniforms of the adversary better than the navy on Star Trek on flight crew of the protagonists). The results balance bright and visually captivating sights with bleak and tormented characters or situations, large scale war with intimate relationships. SEED is the coup de grace amalgamation of the successful and appealing elements of the previous Gundam works. Without pandering or overly manipulating the audience, it succeeds in being widely entertaining.

Despite a rich background, SEED opens right in the action. Gundam series tend to be conceptually intensive. They cater to fans who want series with informational depth, and SEED is no different. Much of the background information is made explicit on the DVD's insert (or it can extrapolated from knowledge of other Gundams). The granularity doesn't require attention, but it is present. Tensions between Earth born Naturals and genetically engineer Coordinators dwelling in orbiting Plants ignited into war after The Bloody Valentine Tragedy, a nuclear attack which opened direct conflict between the colonial ZAFT militia and the Earth Alliance.

Isolated in a university of a neutral satellite, Kira Yamato and his circle of friends only see the war on news cast until their ivory tower isolation is cracked by a Zaft assault, sent to capture Earth Alliance weapons hidden on the satellite. Among the attackers is Kira's childhoold friend Athrun, who acts as part of commando teams sent to steal Earth Alliance's experimental Gundam battle armors. In a twist of fate, Kira kinds himself in the one remaining Gundam, defending his classmates against his old friend.

From the first episode SEED works along parallel tracks, complex actions and complex relationships, offering a military assault of impressive scope and consequence, along with a hid array of characters with hints of a tangle of personality dynamics.

Traditional Gundam fans may be wary of another youthful identification character serving as the reluctant hero in a prominent military role, but SEED's rapid launch, and the scope and energy it add to its tableaus make up for their familiarity.

Anime Spotlight: Blue Gender: The Warrior

Released by FUNimation

The Blue Gender: The Warrior is a movie, spliced, and at a number of points altered abridgement of the 26 episode Blue Gender television series. The series was brutal, late night power armor-on bug violence from Ryousuke Takahashi, the most intelligent piloted combat armor series in anime (Votoms and Gasaraki in particular). The abridgement effectively captures the essence of the television series, which part of its problem. Rather than the intelligent dumb fun of a well executed bug hunt, or a dark mood piece, Blue Gender tried to set itself apart with human drama, but in being meaningful, it fell into being too obvious.

Though the new ending may have attempted to be less heavy handed than the original, and less explicit about many plot points, ultimately, both attempts failed to lay new material over the familiar foundation of destructive purge. Instead it retells the flood tale, with ecology being the wrongs of humanity, and giant bugs as the 40 days and nights of rain.

There is plenty of salvageable material, but the plot victimized itself by setting its heroes against problem that was too big, and then insisting on resolving it, leading a revelation earned intervention that sinks the proceedings.

Despite not being a completely satisfying work, the Blue Gender movie has much to offer fans of military mecha. For those who missed Blue Gender's Cartoon Network Adult Swim run, or didn't invest in the original series, the movie is worth a look. It does offer an interesting dynamic in the combat with some nicely bizarre bugs, and most notably, taken particularly brutal degree. Not that the series is without logical woes, its best not to think too much about any of the mechanics, everything from hair to armament is left open to be picked apart, but Ryousuke Takahashi manages a few smart concepts into the work, especially in motion and human fragility.

Set in 2031, the self appointed best and brightest have fled Earth to an orbiting habitat to avoid the giant, insect-like Blue that have overrun the planet. While the stranded "groundlings" attempt to survive on the Blue dominated planet, the space-dwelling elite build an army of power-armored equipped soldiers gain a foothold and eventually exterminate the Blue. One of the campaign's initiates is to retrieve Sleepers, sufferers of a mysterious disease frozen before the Blue appeared.

Blue Gender focuses on Yuji, a pivotal Sleeper who wakes up during his rescue, and after a long and lethal journey, makes it back to orbiting state with the surviving member of his rescue team, Marlene Ange,l before being employed as a tool in the attempted reconquest.

The Warrior trims most of the material not dedicated to directly exploring Yuji and Marlene's journey together. Bursting onto the scene in a death's head helmet, Marlene's history in a world where life is cheap is juxtaposed against Yuji's value for individual existence. While balancing out the truth through role reversals, there are some clever ironies along with the more obvious.

Blue Gender was produced during the cooling period of the hot in the 90's studio AiC, who for a while where a name to follow in the US thanks for their Tenchi Muyo and El Hazard franchises. Though Blue Gender was produced after Ryousuke Takahashi's work on Gasaraki, and the late night anime movement already had several years under its belt, it some ways Blue Gender feels like an attempt at test the waters of maturity. The vision of machine on bug violence is clear, but the larger mental framework is very sketchy.

Manga Spotlight: Saikano Volume 1 By Shin Takahashi

Released by Viz's Editor Choice Line

The story of lovers separated by war is undoubtedly ageless, and science fiction has added a few entries to its canon, the classic Forever War leaps out, and the similarly themed independent anime Voices of a Distant deserves to come out in the same breath. Saikano (the shortened version of the series' Japanese name, Saishû heiki kanojo, which has the deceptively campy translation She, The Ultimate Weapon), doesn't divide its participants by space and time so much as separating them by the changes introduced in becoming a weapon of war. Without much pause, an identifiable high school love story turns into a wrenching look at a young man trying to understand and connect to his love as she is physically and mentally scarred in the process of becoming a war machine.

Shuji and Chise are the text book shoujo romantic manga couple. He's the typical shoujo love interest, tall, athletic, intelligent, and initially a bit cruel. She's the shoujo heroine, cute, below average is school and clumsy. The first hints of a divergence from the norm creep in when they agree to share a love diary, which is quick in bringing out how arbitrary their pairing was. Then something exceptional happens. While on a shopping trip with his friends, Shuji finds himself in the middle of a bombing raid. No one knows how to react, and in the midst of the confusion, Shuji stumbles upon the Japanese Self Defense Force's ultimate weapon, Chise, looking abashed with a grotesque up and wing growing out of her shoulder.

Saikano solely concerns itself with Shuji and Chise. Details of the larger conflict are left out. Minimal details are presented to explain the politics of the war, the reason Chise was chosen to become a weapon, or even much of on how she is used.

Whether Saikano has more to offer than a memorable tragedy remains to be seen as the series evolves, but as an engrossing, painful romance, Saikano is on in a league of its own. With the hammer blows of empathetic characters, a situation of which its the cruel mechanics are never explained, and uncomforting back-commentary (notes of Shuji looking back, and indicating things get worse), the character's disappear is contagious.

Saikano successfully manipulates the readers emotions without coming across as manipulative. It builds an empathy with the two characters. They aren't especially likable, but works to establish a link with them. They stumbling uncertainty toward each other, confusion, and awkward feelings toward sexuality humanized them, and insights gained through reading diary entries and witnessing small moments builds an intimate familiarity.

This Week's Releases

Anime

• Aura Battler Dunbine - Mysterious of Byston Well (Vol. 7)
• Azumanga Daioh - Rivals (Vol. 3)
• Beyblade G Revoultion - Beginning of the End? (Vol. 1)
• Gravion - Knights of Gravity (Vol. 2)
• Heat Guy J - Revolution (Vol. 7)
• Orphen 2:Revenge Vol 6
• Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat:Nyu Vol 2
• Pokemon Advanced:Tree's a Crowd Vol 2
• Pokemon:Ruin With a View
• Rahxephon - The Motion Picture
• Zoids Chaotic Century:Rematch Vol 3

Manga

• Abenobashi Magical Shopping Arcade Vol 1 Gn (Of 2)
• Ai Love You Vol 4 Gn (Of 8)
• Angel Sanctuary Gn Vol 3
• At Large Vol 2 Gn (Of 2)
• Battle Vixens Vol 3 Gn (Of 6)
• Boys Over Flowers Vol 7 Tp
• Candidate For Goddess Vol 3 Gn (Of 5)
• Comic Party Vol 2 Gn (Of 3) (Tkp)
• Demon Ororon Vol 3 Gn (Of 4)
• Deus Vitae Vol 2 Gn (Of 3)
• Digimon Tamers Vol 3 Gn (Of 5)
• Dnangel Vol 3 Gn (Of 8)
• Dragon Knights Vol 15 Gn (Of 20)
• Dream Saga Vol 1 Gn (Of 5)
• Flame Of Recca Vol 7 Tp
• Fruits Basket Vol 4 Gn (Of 11)
• Get Backers Vol 4 Gn (Of 23)
• Gravitation Vol 7 Gn (Of 12)
• Gundam Seed Astray Vol 2 Gn (Of 2)
• Happy Mania Vol 9 Gn (Of 11) (Mr)
• Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre Gn #10
• Immortal Rain Vol 2 Gn (Of 5)
• Initial D Vol 13 Gn (Of 26)
• Junk Force Vol 3 Tp (Mr)
• Kill Me Kiss Me Vol 3 Gn (Of 5)
• Kindaichi Case Files Vol 8 Gn No Noose Is Good Noose (Of 10)
• Mink Vol 3 Gn (Of 6)
• My Sassy Girl Gn #4
• One Vol 3 Gn (Of 11)
• Ranma 1/2 Tp Vol 11 2Nd Ed
• Rave Master Vol 10 Gn (Of 21)
• Rebirth Vol 9 Gn (Of 15)
• Rebound Vol 9 Gn (Of 11)
• Remote Vol 2 Gn (Of 6) (Mr)
• Samurai Deeper Kyo Vol 8 Gn (Of 18)
• Seikai Trilogy Vol 2 Banner Of The Stars Gn (Of 3)
• Tramps Like Us Vol 1 Gn (Of 7)
• Tuxedo Gin Vol 7 Tp
• Warriors Of Tao Vol 1 Gn (Of 4)

Steam Sequel

According to Steam Boy producer Watanabe Shigeru, plans are being considered for a second movie following the adventures of the talked about feature's progaonist Rei, as well as a look at the character Scarlet becoming "Steamgirl". A short Steamboy manga entitled Steam Grandfather will be appearing in the Japanese Weekly Young Magazine.

Steam Boy has recently giving the honor of the being the closing movie at the 61st Venice Film Festival this September.

Howl's Moving Castle News

The website for Studio Ghibli/Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle is online at www.howl-movie.com

Natsume Maya points out Kimura Youmi's website has announced that her song Sekai no Yakusoku (The World's Promise) from her album Ryuusei (released in November 2003) has been chosen as the theme song for Howl's Moving Castle.

For the movie, the song will be performed by Baishou Chieko who voices the role of heroine Sophie. Another of Kimura's songs, "Itsumo Nando Demo", was used as the theme song for Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away).

The site features samples of her songs her songs from the album.

Alien 9 creator Tomizawa Hitoshi wrote a one-shot manga called "Uchuu wo Kaitakusuru Houhou" for the new issue of Champion Red.

Howl's Moving Castle adapts British author Diana Wynne Jones' novel about the eldest daughter of a hatter who, after being cursed into the body of an old woman, find a home with the soul eating womanizer Wizard Howl, his apprentice and his a fire demon.

Hollywood Lupin III

According to Natsume Maya, Japanese periodical Yomiuri reports that the Hollywood live action adaptation of thief caper action Lupin III is schedule to be released in spring 2006.

In other Lupin news, a quarterly official Lupin III magazine will be released in Japan starting July 27th. Issue one will be 220 pages, with five manga stories, information about the upcoming Lupin III anime TV special, an interview with Lupin III creator Monkey Punch, and a look at Monkey Punches upcoming anime series Katsudou Dai Shashin.

Shonen Jump Shake Ups

From official announcements and Anime on DVD forum conversations, Viz has decided to jump past the Duelist Kingdom and Battle City story lines in the Shonen Jump manga anthology's offering of Yu-Gi-Oh to the Pharoah's Memories story. The internediate character will be released directly to graphic novel collections.

From Viz's newsletter

Beginning February 2005, you won't have to wait three months for a new Yu-Gi-Oh! Graphic Novel to appear on book shelves. Because of our friend Yugi's growing popularity on this side of the ocean, we've decided to feed your appetites for more Yu-Gi-Oh! stories. Starting with Volume 8, you can buy a new Volume every month! And to make matters more interesting, in SHONEN JUMP Magazine, you'll start reading stories never seen in the anime! We're fast forwarding to the period after Battle City, when Yugi must begin the most dangerous quest of all, and go back in time 3000 years to uncover the lost memories of his alter ego Dark Yugi. The origin of the Millennium Items and the identity of Yugi's ultimate opponent will be revealed!"

There are rumors that Viz is considering releasing Shonen Jump bi-weekly when its circulation reaches 500k a month.

The release schedule of Shonen Jump graphic novel collections of sword play action Ruruoni Kenshin will be increased to monthly rather than bi-monthly.

Anime Philanthropic Initiative

Anime News Network has announced Project: New Future, a effort to enlist anime fans to volunteer to spend time with children who have cancer. See here for more information.

Broken Saints Trailer

A trailer for the October release of the DVD collection of award winning, anime/manga influenced epic Broken Saints is online on its website. Be sure to give this chilling web animation a look.

North American Gundam F91 Premiere

Bandai Entertainment has announced that Mobile Suit Gundam F91, from famed director, Yoshiyuki Tomino will premiere at the Otakon 2004 anime convention.

Mobile Suit Gundam F91 was originally released theatrically in Japan in 1991 where it helped to re-launch the Gundam franchise as a separate feature without ties to the original Gundam series characters or story continuity. The theatrical feature will be presented in its original Japanese language with English subtitles. Directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, key creative members from previous Gundam projects have also lent a hand in the theatrical creative production including Kunio Okawara for mecha designs and Yoshikazu Yasuhiko for character designs.

Directed by legendary director Yoshiyuki Tomino (Mobile Suit Gundam, Overman King Gainer) - Mobile Suit Gundam F91 takes place many years after the devastating One Year War. The Earth Federation has begun constructing new space colonies to replace the former Side 4 cluster. This new Frontier Side now consists of four colonies, among them the Frontier IV colony where young Seabook Arno lives with his father and his sister Reese. Their peaceful lives are disrupted when the colony is attacked by the Crossbone Vanguard, an elite fighting force seeking to reestablish the aristocratic ideals of the Ronah family. Fleeing from the attacks, Seabrook is forced to pilot the F91 Gundam in defense of the Space Ark training facility in a journey to escape a new and destructive war.

The North American premiere will take place on Saturday afternoon July 31, 2004 at the Otakon convention located at the Baltimore Convention Center. Bandai Entertainment will be handing out raffle tickets to attendees at the screening for exclusive Gundam prizes to be drawn at the Bandai Booth in the exhibit hall. For more information, please visit www.otakon.com or visit www.gundamofficial.com for further theatrical screening dates.

New and Upcoming Japanese Releases

From Natsume Maya

A second season of Gantz, an adpation of a lengthy violent sci-fi manga bout seemlingly random people pluck in the moment before death to engage a game of alien hunting, will begin on Japanese TV August 26th.

New anime Girls Bravo has sparked controversy of the fog in the used to mask a number of scenes. Character designer Makino Ryuichi has stated on his BBS that since the fog or "cut scenes" were due to Fuji TV's regulations, the DVDs should not have the same effects.

The story in next year's Full Metal Alchemist is set two years after the events of the final of television series. The movie will be directed by the series' Mizushima Seiji and with a script by Aikawa Shou.

Popular children's anime franchise Doraemon has spawned a movie every since since 1980, but the theatrical incarnation of the title will go on hiatus in 2005, but return on 2006.

Manga series Bleach and Ichigo 100% will be anime as part of the Jump Festa Anime Tour. Bleach will be directed by Abe Kishi with animation produced by Studio Perriot. For the Ichigo 100% anime, director and character designer will be Yamauchi Noriyasu, with script by Hanada Jukki and animation production by Madhouse.

Staff of the direct to video Tales of Phantasia the Animation OVA series will feature design, layout and chief animation direction by Matsutake Tokuyuki (based on original design by Fujishima Kosuke), animation production by Actas Inc., production by Frontier Works, Geneon Entertaiment and Geneon Entertainment (USA) Inc.

Official website for the Japanese-South Korean anime movie Shin Angyo Onshi, is online at www.shin-angyo.com. The movie is scheduled to be released theatrically this fall.

The first of ten direct to video episodes of Leiji Matsumoto's new Yamato (adapted as Star Blazers domestically) series Dai Yamato Zero-go is schedule to be released in March.

Matsumoto's Uchuu Koukyoushi Maetel (Space Symphony Maetel) ~ Ginga Tetsudo 999 Gaiden ~ will begin on Japanese TV August 6th.

The official site for the anime adaptation of rock manga Beck is online at Hell's Angel will be adapted into an anime series for 2005 by Nakazawa Kazuto and Madhouse. Nakazawa Kazuto directed the anime segement of Kill Bill for Production IG.

Martian Successor Nadesico director Satou Tatsuo writes on his website that the series and its follow up movie will be remastered towards the ends of the year.

The live action adaptation of Go Nagai's horror super hero Devilman will open in Japanese theatres October 9th.

New trailers online include

• The Cosmopolitan Prayers
• DearS
• Elfen Lied
• Hit wo Nerae!
• Inuyasha "Guren no Houraijima"(fourth movie)
• Love Love?
• Maria -sama ga Miteru ~ Haru ~
• Monke y Turn V
• Samurai Champloo
• Souky uu no Fafnir - Dead Aggressor
• Tales of Phantasia

Live Action Cromartie High

AniMaxis and Anime News Network reports that Eiji Nonaka's 4 panel manga Sakigake!! Cromartie High , which was previously adapated into anime shorts will be adapted into a live action movie, directed by Yuudai Yamaguchi and staring Takamasa Suga as the main character, Takashi Kamiyama. Other actors will include former professional boxer Mitsuki Koga and professional wrestler Yoshihiro Takayama as Shinjirou Hayashida and Takenouchi respectively. Hiroyuki Watanabe will play the part of Freddy.

Cromartie is an odd comedy about a high school of delinquents with some strange students such as a Freddy Mercury look-alike, a gorilla and a tin can robot.

New Shirow Poster Book

Natsume Maya points out that The Shirow Masamune Galgrease 2nd Series Poster Books (from the creator of Ghost in the Shell) are due out August 26th in Japan. The collection includes Wild Wet Quest, Hellcat and Galhound 2.

Upcoming AnimEigo Releases

From Anime News Network's report on AnimEigo's panel at Anime Expo, the colected release of Rumiko Takahashi's comedy Urusei Yatsura will be completed by summer of 2005. A box set of the movie will be released in December. The second movie, Beutiful Dreamer is available through CPM rather than AnimEigo, but space will be provided in the box to hold the DVD. The fourth movie, Lum Forever, will include a coupon offer for the empty box. The OAV box will be released in first quater 2005.

The upcoming re-release of classic action sci-fi Bubblegume Crisis will be released with a number of omake (bonus) features the Japanese release including a documentary on a Bali vacation the four voice actresses that played the Knight Sabers went on. The box will also feature a new video transfer

Upcoming FUNimation Releases

From Anime News Network's report on FUNimation's panel at Anime Expo:

dates of prominent releases include:

• Blue Gender: The Warrior on July 20th
• Case Closed on August 24th
• Sakura Wars: Sumire in October
• Spiral on November 9th
• Fruits Basket Box Set (Tentative) November 9th
• Fullmetal Alchemist on January 18th

Burst Angel aka Bakuretsu Tenshi and Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki OAV 3 will be released in 2005

Sakura Wars: Sumire has been delayed due to difficulties securing the services of all the original voice actors that Geneon used in its previous Sakura Taisen dubs.

The Case Closed DVD will be include "alternate angles" preserving the original Japanese on screen text where it was changed for the Cartoon Network broadcast.

The release of more Lupin III movies have been delayed due to contract issue that have recently been resolved. The next to be release is likely to be Voyage to Danger. Previous movies will likely be repriced. (Geneon has been releasing the Lupin III television series),

FUNimation will try to reassamble the original English voice actors for Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki OAV 3. In the case of actors that can not be secured, FUNimation will use "sound-alikes," replacement actors who sound similar to the original actor.

The character appear in the 17th episode of GXP, but for time considerations the use of the original cast did not make sense.

Upcoming Media Blasters Releases

From Anime News Network's report on Media Blasters's panel at Anime Expo:

Media Blaster's current plans are to release 2 graphic novel collects per month.

Yaoi (male homosexual romance for a female audience) Level C will be released quarterly staring in January. Sky Scrapers of Oz will be released starting in September.

Newly announced titles include Korean manwha Volcano High (prequel to the live action movie), and manga Pilgrim Jager (story by the writer of Shenmue & Fafner with art by Capcom designer), Baron Gong Battle (art by same artist as Battle Royale), Apocalypse Zero and Death Trance.

Death Trance is another original manga being created for Media Blasters, and is a co-production with creators of the Japanese action/horror movie Versus. It will be 3 volumes (144 pages each) and will be released simultaneously with a live action Death Trance movie that will be released in Japan and North America.

The movie will star Tak Sakaguchi and will be directed by Yuji Shimomura. Yudai Yamaguchi, who wrote Versus and Alive, will write the story for the movie and manga. Media Blaster's Tokyo Shock label will release the movie in North America (Tokyo Shock also released Versus).

Anime Game News

Dragon Ball Z 3 (DragonBall Z: Budokai 3) for the Playstation 2 can be seen here. The game is scheduled to be released domestically in November.

Playstation 2 fighting game Yu Yu Hakusho: Dark Tournament, based on the supernatural combat anime, is scheduled to be released in the US this September. Screenshots can be seen here

From Magic Box Images of the upcoming Naruto cel-shaded fighting game Naruto: Narutimet Hero 2 for the Playstation 2 can be seen here. The sequel's new playable including Jiraiya, Ino, Choji and more from the popular ninja anime/manga series. The game is scheduled to be released in Japan on September 30th.

A Saiyuki Reload: Gunlock fighting game for the Playstation 2, seen here will be released in Japan this August.

Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Akaki Elixir no Akuma, the RPG sequel to the anime/manga based Fullmetal Alchemist & The Broken Angel will be released in Japan September 22nd. Screenshots can be seen here

October Geneon Releases

Anim

10/12

• Fighting Spirit - Debut Match (V.2)
• Last Exile - Queen Delphine (V.6)
• Lupin the 3rd - Sweet Betrayals (V.8)

Signature Series Repriced Re-Releases

10/12

• Sailor Moon SuperS - (V.3)
• The SoulTaker - (V.3)
• Tenchi in Tokyo - (V.5)

Sounds Tracks

10/5

• Love Hina - Hinata Girls Song Collection
• Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi OST - Abenobashi Magical Music Mansion CD
• TEXHNOLYZE Original Soundtrack 2 - The Man of Men

ADV Talks Lady Death

ADV announced that attendees at this year's San Diego Comic Con will have the first opportunity to see the Lady Death The Motion Picture on Friday, July 23. Director Andrew Orjuela and creator Brian Pulido, among other members of the Lady Death creative team, are scheduled to be on hand at the screening Friday night. The creators will also be signing autographs and talking to fans at the ADV booth at 1pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the convention.

And Lady Death herself will be there in the flesh at Comic Con mingling with her fans! Attendees can also receive a free Lady Death movie-sized poster at the ADV booth (#3628) while supplies last. There will also be a "Behind the Scenes" discussion panel on Friday, July 23rd with director Andrew Orjuela and ADV Sr. Marketing Manager Rod Peters, along with other members of the creative team, dishing up behind-the-scenes tidbits.

LADY DEATH COMIC CON EVENTS:

• THURSDAY, JULY 22nd, 1pm ADV Booth #3628, Lady Death director Andrew Orjuela and creator Brian Pulido
• FRIDAY, JULY 23rd, 1pm ADV Booth #3628, Lady Death director Andrew Orjuela and creator Brian Pulido
• FRIDAY, JULY 23rd, ADV Panel: LADY DEATH "Behind the Scenes", 2:30-3:30pm ROOM 9
• FRIDAY, JULY 23rd, ADV: LADY DEATH WORLD PREMIERE, 9-11:00pm ROOM 5AB
• SATURDAY, JULY 24th, 1pm ADV Booth #3628, Lady Death director Andrew Orjuela and creator Brian Pulido

Visit the Lady Death website at www.ladydeathtmp.com for the latest production updates, amazing character gallery and to view the upcoming movie trailer.

The Making of the Film

ADV Films took great pains in bringing to life Chaos! Comics' popular character, Lady Death! To ensure this film would deliver a unique and original vision, ADV Films brought together some of its finest talents and incorporated them with some of the best animators and musicians in the business.

This animated masterpiece was directed and produced by first-time director Andrew Orjuela, who also conceptualized the stunning animation. The screenplay was written by renowned writer Carl Macek, developer and story editor for Robotech; producer of the English-language version of Miyazaki's classic My Neighbor Totoro; and producer and director of the English language version of Vampire Hunter D. ADV Films also, worked closely with Lady Death creator, Brian Pulido in capturing the true essence of the diva of death herself. Known for composing music for such directors as Steven Spielberg, Clive Barker and Oliver Stone in films like Any Given Sunday, Ali and Finding Forrester, famed composer Bill Brown took command of composing the original musical score for this epic tale.

The Story Set in 15th Century Sweden, Hope, the beautiful daughter of Matthias-believed to be a skilled mercenary, but who in actuality is Lucifer, the Lord of Lies-is accused of being the devil's consort following a hellish incident witnessed by local villagers. Ultimately, Hope is sentenced by the town priest to be burned at the stake. Writhing in pain and unable to think clearly, she accepts Lucifer's offer of life in Hell-presented by the malevolent Pagan-over a hideously painful death.

Lucifer's grand plan to corrupt a soul of pure innocence meets unanticipated resistance, as Hope rejects Lucifer's scheme and eventually, transformed into the powerful warrior LADY DEATH, challenges the Lord of Lies for control of Hell itself. A powerful story of innocence lost, savage betrayal and glorious rebirth.

Lone Wolf Creator To Miss Comic-Con

Dark Horse Comics announced that Lone Wolf and Cub creator Kazuo Koike will not be able to attend the San Diego Comic-Con as previoiusly announced.

December TOKYOPOP Manga Premieres

TOKYOPOP announced that the series President Dad, Mouryou Kiden: Legend of the Nymphs, Love or Money and Neck and Neck will be released starting December 7th.

President Dad (Comedy/Drama, Volume 1 Release: 12/07/04)

Ju-Yeon Rhim's coming-of-age story, President Dad, introduces the plight of Ami Won, a klutzy teenage girl who thinks she's just average-except for the fact that her father just got elected President of Korea! As Ami discovers the potential beneath her ordinary exterior, will she step into the role of a lifetime?

Mouryou Kiden: Legend of the Nymphs (Fantasy, Volume 1 Release: 12/07/04)

The lush art of Tamayo Akiyama, formerly of CLAMP and creator of TOKYOPOP's Hyper Rune, graces this haunting tale set in a land submerged in 1,000 years of fog. As demons and nymphs battle, a fated meeting between sworn enemies unravels a passionate story that takes Ayaka, the daughter of a deity, on a voyage of discovery and love.

Love or Money (Drama, Volume 1 Release: 12/07/04)

A feisty and cute 15-year-old named Yenni stars in creator Sang-Eun Lee's (Too Young to Die, Lover Discovery and The 13th Guy) delicious drama. Yenni is so obsessed with money that she runs a loan-sharking business. When her wealthy grandmother finds out, she writes Yenni out of her will-unless she marries an honest man!

Neck and Neck (Comedy/Drama, Volume 1 Release: 12/07/04)

Sun Hee Lee's teen soap opera is like the wild theatrics of The O.C. crossed with the power games of The Sopranos. Dabin Choi is a girl who takes after her father, Seoul's most powerful crime boss. Sparks fly when she sets her sights on her hot new classmate Eugene-who happens to be the son of Dabin's father's long-time rival!

Boys Be to be released as Boys Be

TOKYPOP has decided to release relationship anthology manga under its original title "Boys Be" rather than its under the proposed localization "Guys Guide to Girl", though the release is actually the second round of the anthology, "Boys Be... 2nd".

November Media Blaster Releases From the AnimeWorks Label:

Berserk Complete Collection (Alpha case box)

In the castle town of Midland, a new king has come to power through treachery and violence. His demonic agents victimize the citizens relentlessly, until the night a battle weary soldier approaches the city. Covered in a slew of weapons and countless jagged scars, he calls himself the Black Swords man. The sword he carries is the as big as his grudge against the king, and he hunts the servants of evil with unending vengeful fury.

6 Discs, 25 episodes, 625 minutes (complete collection) English/Japanese Dialogue with English Subtitles

Gunparade March Steel Box Filled

It began in 1945, at the end of the Pacific war. Alien invaders filled the Earth's skies, and mankind was forced to confront an unprecedented threat. For the first time in human history, people of all cultures came together under one banner. This war has now been raging for over fifty years. Countless lives have been lost, and the Japanese military is now forced to rely on young people and the latest technology of humanoid combat machines.

3 discs, 13 episodes, 325 minutes, English/Japanese Dialogue with English subtitles

Mirage of Blaze Box Filled

Takaya Oogi is a street smart high school student, dedicated to protecting his best friend Yuzuru Narita. The two are wrapped up in an ancient war of darkness and tragedy, begun during Japan's chaotic Warring States Period. The psychic powers of long ago find new life in the hearts of Takaya and Yuzuru, but rival clansmen seek to destroy them.

4 discs, 13 episodes, 325 minutes, English/Japanese Dialogue with English subtitles

Samurai Deeper Kyo Complete Collection w/Wooden Box

At the epic battle of Sekigahara, two samurai face off outside of history. During the heated duel between Kyoshiro and Demon Eyes Kyo, a shooting star slams into the plains, shattering the ground and engulfing both of them. Years later Kyoshiro wanders the land with no knowledge of his past. Hidden deep inside his mind waits the soul of his old opponent, the merciless samurai Kyo.

6 Discs, 26 episodes, 650 minutes (complete collection) English/Japanese Dialogue with English Subtitles

Seven of Seven Volume 3: Greatest American Heroes

Shura no Toki Volume 1: Age of Chaos

According to legend, there was a clan of warriors in the Hiean era who were a match for any samurai even though they fought without weapons. They were called the Mutsu clan, and their art was known as the Mutsu Enmei Style. The great samurai, Musashi Miyamoto, cuts down a group of assassins and saves a young nobleman. However, he has no desire to work as an escort. To keep the young master safe, Musashi recommends a passerby from whom he senses great potential. And thus, Yakumo Mutsu becomes a bodyguard, and the young master gains the protection of an invincible warrior.

1 disc, 5 episodes, 125 minutes, English/Japanese Dialogue with English subtitles

Media Blasters Press releases

Apocalypse Zero 1

The Monstrous Versus The Master! On a stage of raw bones and rotten skulls, two brothers are prepared to battle with one another. The first is Harara, who wishes to expunge Earth of its humanity, while Kakugo immersed in "living body armor" defends Earth. With both being masters of the Zero Form martial art, who will survive till the very end?

Story and art by Takayuki Yamaguchi, 216 pages Japanese style right to left format 5" X 7.375" Price per copy $9.99. Price in Canada $13.99 Suggested 18 and up (this release will be shrink-wrapped)

Baron Gong Battle 1

An Ancient Terror.REBORN! The worst living weapon was a super creature from ancient times.the Neo Hume, and the Nazis have brought it back. Only one man has ever encountered the Neo Hume and lived.Baron Gong! The stakes are high. Their power is incredible. The destruction will be terrible. The battle to save humanity begins NOW!

Story and Art by Masayuki Taguchi, 200 pages Japanese style right to left format 5" X 7.375" Price per copy $9.99. Price in Canada $13.99

Suggested 16 and up (this release will be shrink-wrapped)

Other releases of interest From the Tokyo Shock line

Aragami Duel

Director: Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus, Alive, Godzilla: Final Wars 2005)

Deep in the mountains of ancient Japan...Fleeing from enemies, a wounded samurai arrives at a mysterious old temple,. The doors are opened by a beautiful female who beckons him inside. Unable to walk any further, the Samurai collapses from exhaustion. Awakening to find his wounds miraculously healed, his mysterious host tells him the legend of the "Tengu," a Japanese goblin which is said to reside in the mountains dining on the flesh of men. He goes on to reveal the goblins true name is "Aragami." When asked if Aragami poses a threat to the temple, his host answers, "I am Aragami..." The only way for the Samurai to leave the temple is to destroy Aragami.

1 disc, a film, 80 minutes, Japanese dialogue with English subtitles

Kunoichi: Deadly Mirage

During the Edo period of Japan, the Tokugawa shogunate hired the Shinsengumi warriors to bring down the Imperial Court. However, the Satsuma Clan sends the last five kunoichi (female ninjas) of the Hiryu ninja clan, to stop the Shinsengumi. Meanwhile, an evil skeletal spirit is brought to life and is bent on world destruction.

1 disc, a film, 74 minutes, Japanese dialogue with English subtitles

Mid September ADV Releases

September 14

• Aquarian Age: Awakening (Volume 1 of 3)
• Gravion: Upgrade (Volume 3 of 3)
• Kaleido Star: Fall From Grace (Volume 4 of 6)
• Neo Tokyo

9/21

• New Fist Of The North Star: The Cursed City (Volume 1 of 3)

Aquarian Age

Aquarian Age was adapted from a popular Japanese trading card game and the original story was undertaken by Broccoli (Di Gi Charat). This must-see fantasy anime was produced by Madhouse Studios (Sakura Wars, Chobits, X) and presented by Victor Entertainment, Inc., (Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040, RahXephon: The Movie). The awe-inspiring music was composed by Yuki Kajiura (.hack//SIGN, Noir)

Kyota and his pals Shingo and Junichi dream of becoming pop idols. At a New Year's show they get their lucky break when a Cosmopop agent discovers the trio and offers to manage their debut. Then things take a turn for the weird when Kyota begins having visions of magical girls battling one another in the air - only he's not dreaming! For centuries, five supernatural factions have waged war for supremacy over mankind with legend prophesizing that one day the Aquarian Age will begin and one group will reign supreme. Now Kyota's dreams must take a backseat to his destiny as he may hold the power to turn the tides of war in favor of whichever faction can control him.

Neo Tokyo

Neo Tokyo is a stunning masterpiece from the brainchild of legendary anime, producer Masao Maruyama (Tokyo Godfathers). This incredible DVD showcases the remarkable talents of Rintaro (Metropolis), Yoshiyaki Kawajiri (Ninja Scroll) and Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira) in three highly individual short films held together by the thread of the fantastic.

Rintaro's Labyrinth Labyrinthos is an elegant fantasy exploring a little girl's impressionable imagination. Kawajiri's The Running Man, as seen on MTV®, is a high-octane futuristic thriller revolving around a deadly Formula-1 race. And Otomo's Construction Cancellation Order is a Bradbury-esque allegory speculating on the dangers of man's over-reliance with technology.

New First of the North Star

A twist to the classic favorite that begins in the aftermath of the great apocalypse, across a barren Earth, where chaos is the rule, and order the exception with bandits and enterprising overlords terrorizing the survivors of the holocaust. Will a hero rise from the ashes and cut a swath of justice across the Earth's ruined landscape?

Bonus features on the DVD include an interview with Phil Cardella of Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu

FUNimation At San Diego Comic Con

FUNimation has announced that they will be appearing at the the San Diego Comic-Con, held from July 22nd to July 25th. FUNimation's island booth, #4107 will feature ree posters from Fruits Basket, Kiddy Grade, Tenchi Muyo! GXP and Fullmetal Alchemist, convention exclusive Fruits Basket Kyo and Yuki fleece and Kyo knit caps, screenings of Yu Yu Hakusho, Dragon Ball GT - The Lost Episodes, Case Closed and Kiddy Grade to upcoming Fullmetal Alchemist, Spiral and Gunslinger Girl, the playable demo of the Playstation 2 game Fullmetal Alchemist - The Broken Angel by Square Enix, Inc. and will host Fan Boy Radio's interviews with comic professionals Frank Cho, Greg Rucka, Scott Kurtz, John Cassaday, Robert Kirkman, Brian Michael Bendis and more.