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Column by Scott Green
Unexciting True Stories
It's only been about a week's since a column has gone online, but that week felt significantly longer. In honor of AICN Anime's seventh anniversary, my place was flooded. I didn't have the presence of mind to get a good picture when it looked really interesting, but here's what the place looked like after the carpet was torn out.Road work in the apartment complex caused a pressure surge that blew up the water heater in the place above mine. My ceiling was stained. My carpet was soaked. Ruined things included my stack of the New Yorkers, the first issue of cereal:geek, the Kazuo Koike manga Samurai Executioner and the Yoshitoshi ABe design book that C.B. Cebulski's Fanboy Inc released. All in all... at least it wasn't a fire.
Anime Spotlight: Venus Versus Virus Volume 1: Outbreak Released by ADV Films
There's an element of voyeurism in all fiction, but that notion is particularly pronounced in Venus Versus Virus. The primary appeal of the show is that it features adolescent girls decked out in attention grabbing loli-goth fashion, and, there is a slight, but less than subtle suggestion of lesbian (yuri) interest. Except, the series is not positioned for people who can dissect and explain the myriad strains of Gothic Lolita, or who might identify with what might be lesbian feelings. The original manga (published in North America by Seven Seas) was a shonen (boy's) title, published in Dengeki Comic Gao!, an anthology largely comprised of bishojo (cute girl) series. This periodical has been the source of DearS, Burst Angel, Club-To-Death Angel Dokuro-chan and Best Student Council. Here, Venus Versus Virus simply presents on opportunity for an interested viewer to look at a cute yuri couple in dark, elaborately designed outfits. The quasi-Victorian look, stark tones and religious iconography of the showcased fashion is complemented by a horror high concept for Venus Versus Virus. The "Viruses" in question are demonic beings that vary in complexity from guck, shambling in the shadows and watching the world through diseased eyeballs to more human like creatures with the physical and cognitive abilities needed to entrap victims. The partnership at the center of Venus Versus Virus consists of Sumire, an every-girl who stumbles into harm's way and Lucia, a life long virus exterminator. Along the prominent aesthetic angle of the show, Sumire attends a school with a particularly memorable uniform, in the tradition of some of CLAMP's extravagant designs, consisting of what looks like a maroon tunic over a puffy blouse, long, fingerless gloves, black stocking and a black micro-tie. On Lucia's side, her Venus Vanguard works under the cover of a shop for jewelry and clothes. In the place of a super-hero's bright colors, the career figher's outfit is a black and purple, lace trimmed gown/kimono hybrid... and, she has an patch to cover an eye that has some power over viruses. The pair follow the route of supernatural monster trouble shooting, solving specific virus caused miseries. For drama, Lucia clearly has a tragic history tied this battle. Sumire is forced to deal with breaking away from friends and typical teenager activities to pursue her duties. The extra hook here leverages the idea of demonic "viruses". The beings are stopped by "anti-viruses," which are loaded into bullets. Lucia is quite skilled at taking down viruses with a modified fire arm. Despite her time training at the range, Sumire literally can't hit a target at point blank. Yet, when exposed to this, Sumire herself because an anti-versus, and in that berserk state, she'll rend the viruses apart. Dramatic irony being that while she becomes the ultimately weapons to stop viruses, she also attacks the people that she cares about, particularly Lucia. The pair are given personalities and circumstances that are suitable to the hoped-for tone. While the anime appeals to be aiming for something a bit dark, occasionally poignant, the perspective that it offers is too narrow to find anything seriously credible. Even minor ticks, such as some one who is perpetually munching on sweets does not break the impression that everyone on screen is exactly molded to their function. They perform their roles as the stars of an exorcist action anime. They wear the clothes. But there's little beyond that. They aren't quite reduced to mannequins, but they aren't given the flesh or characteristics beyond a base, utilitarian character sketches either. The animation takes a similar, no frills, no embellishments, get the job done approach. Unless you're a fan of the vampire comedy Karin, director Shinichiro Kimura's resume is not exactly populated by universally regarded works (Burn Up Excess, Cosplay Complex, Hand Maid May, Maburaho, Popotan, Sugar: A Little Snow Fairy). He's worked in anime's cute girl subgenre long enough that he should be a reliable choice for something like Venus Versus Virus, but not a choice that will elevate the material or the production. Nor is the series animator, Studio Hibari a name that inspires confidence. Studio Hibari has been around, and with anime like political sci-fi Moonlight Mile, they have become more noteworthy, but up until recently, their work has generally been contributing to rather than leading anime production. The results are not sloppy, but not inspired either. The series appears as if it was not a particularly involved project for the animators. As such, they didn't seem particularly mindful of what they were doing. For example, Lucia might be a rigid character, but frequently, she is animated as unnaturally stiff, without any semblance of a reasonably adopted posture. Starting with an opening credits sequence that recalls the structure and beats of 90's works, the animators look like they were resting on comfortable routine. While it seems easier to achieve more complex color palettes in digital animation than it was in the cel days, Venus Versus Virus looks hesitant to move away from fully illuminated daylight. The black and white of the manga was missing some of the purples of Lucia's attire, but it did complement the atmosphere of the work. Here, it's short on shadows and lacking specific tone. This "as is" look detracts from a sense of a hidden, ghostly world lurking just out of eyeshot, and that eerie proximity was one the few effective elements of horror in the manga. Venus Versus Virus is rudimentary supernatural horror/action that is set apart by its showcasing of a specific aesthetic. The anime does slightly pull back on some of the excesses in that regard. The pin-up aspect of the manga has largely been transitioned to brief stills in the anime's eyecatches (what would break an episode to introduce/return from commercials), where Samire and Lucia wear more extreme examples of the focal fashion. Even though the point of a series like this is to have its characters in their trademark outfits in motion, that lighter touch does not present a problem for the anime,. Unfortunately, with a lackluster quality of animation at work, the end result is not especially impressive.
Dragon Ball Live Action Moving Forward
Twentieth Century Fox's live action Dragonball movie is moving forward with James Wong (Final Destination) writing and directing and Stephen Chow as director). AnimeNation points out that according to Hollywood Reporter Justin Chatwin will star as Son Goku while James Marsters will portray the villain Piccolo. James Kyson Lee (Heroes) is auditioning for the role of the bandit YamchaThe movie is tentatively scheduled for theatrical release on August 15th, 2008.
Viz to Release Takehiko Inoue's Real
During a special in-store event attended by the acclaimed artist/creator to inaugurate the new Kinokuniya Bookstore in Bryant Park, New York City, Viz announced that publishing will be distirbuting Slam Dunk creator Takehiko Inoue’s basketball manga REAL. The REAL series is scheduled to debut July 2008 and is the third manga series created by Takehiko Inoue set to be released by VIZ Media. The company plans to debut his long-awaited SLAM DUNK basketball series, Rated T for Teens, in September 2008 and VIZ Media will also publish a pair of beautifully illustrated art books; SUMI and WATER. VIZ Media currently publishes Inoue’s acclaimed samurai series VAGABOND. REAL offers a unique twist on the sports manga genre as it focuses on wheelchair basketball. A motorcycle accident, bone cancer, and a speeding truck crashing into a boy on a stolen bicycle all present tragic, life-changing events that turn the worlds of three young men upside down in Inoue’s gripping series. Three very different personalities have only one thing in common - their passion for basketball. On a related note, comics212 and the Beat has photos of Takehiko Inoue's, author of Vagabond, Slam Dunk, and Real, appearance at the opening of Kniokuniya Books’ new store location
Media Blasters to Release Lone Wolf and Cub TV
Anime News Network has confirmed that Media Blasters has licensed the 1973-1976 Lone Wolf and Cub live-action television series adaptation of Kazuo Koike's samurai manga.
Kite Liberator Pushed Out
The January 25th Japanese release date of the Media Blasters co-produced OVA Kite Liberator has been scraped with no new date announced. Production issues were sighted for the the delay in the sci-fi follow-up to the popular tragedy-action.
Same Hat! Same Hat! Readies Zines
The folks behind Same Hat! Same Hat! are reading their Electric Ant zine. ELECTRIC ANT #1 ("YOUR FIRST KISS"), FEATURING: COMICS, FICTION, ILLUSTRATIONS, LISTS, INTERVIEWS, AWESOMENESS EDITED & PUBLISHED BY: RYAN SANDS, EVAN HAYDEN, and ALICE KIM CONTRIBUTORS: FEATURE COMIC BY AARON K HELLEN JO DEREK YU ANTHONY WU ANTHONY HA DEREK KIRK KIM JEN YIN CALVIN WONG JULIA WERTZ DAVID MURRAY MC LARS MISCHA UNOVITCH MATT LOCK GEA* MARI NAOMI ROOT STUDIO OLIVER RIZK RYAN GERMICK TONY TULATHIMUTTE JUSTINE LAI HANNAH ISBELL NATE SHOCKEY SOPHIA FOSTER-DIMINO ERIC NAKAMURA ...and an interview with FREDERIK SCHODT Speaking of Same Hat! Same Hat!, the blog has photos of Tezuka branded shoes from Timberland Japan
Date Announced for Gundam 00 Season 2
The second season of Gundam 00 will not be directly following the conclusion of the first. Instead, it will be following a model that more closely reflects American TV. Like season one, which started in October 2007, season two will start in October 2008.
Viz Naruto Plans
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), has announced the availability of the NARUTO animated series for digital download in the U.S. on Direct2Drive. Episodes of the series debuted sequentially beginning on November 15, 2007 with episodes costing $1.99 each; fans may go to www.direct2drive.com to download the first 25 episodes. NARUTO is the latest animated series to be offered on a Download-to-Own (DTO) basis via Direct2Drive. VIZ Media teamed with the popular outlet earlier this year to offer DEATH NOTE and BLEACH, and both series received an enthusiastic response from fans and Direct2Drive users. VIZ Media also announced that it has teamed with Trans World Entertainment Corporation to launch a special holiday retail campaign utilizing web, print, broadcast and related multimedia to promote the release of a new three-disc Deluxe Edition of NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW. As part of the promotion, Maile Flanagan, who is the voice of Naruto in the animated TV series, has recorded a special in-character reminder for the f.y.e. and Suncoast Backstage Pass customers. These customers who previously signed up for the Backstage Pass program will be sent this special audio message with details about how they can be among the first to purchase the Deluxe Edition DVD of NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW. More than 770 f.y.e. locations nationwide will feature prominent in-store NARUTO signage, and 30 second commercial spots for the new release will run on both in-store monitors and also through the www.fye.com website. There will also be a text-to-win component for an opportunity to win related NARUTO merchandise and a plasma TV prize that will be supported through additional in-store signage and television advertising. A subsequent print ad promoting the release will also appear in the Holiday FUSE TV Amplified Guide. The Deluxe Edition of NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW is a three-disc set that contains both the feature film and an added NARUTO short - Hidden Leaf Village Grand Sports Festival. The second disc features exclusive interviews with the original Japanese cast, a message from series creator Masashi Kishimoto, theatrical trailers, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the dubbing sessions for the domestic release of the film and interviews with the English dub cast. The third disc offers the dramatic soundtrack to the film. All are packaged in an engraved full-color collector’s tin with a suggested retail price of $29.98. A special NARUTO Shadow Box Limited Collector Set which bundles all 27 volumes of the hit series’ first story arc will be released hos holiday season for $189.95. The production run is limited to 5,000 The NARUTO Shadow Box Limited Collector Set contains 27 volumes housed in a special wooden display box that is individually numbered and emblazoned with the NARUTO logo. Included are the final three volumes of the first story arc - available in advance of their December 4 general release date. A special mini-manga of the "proto-chapter" of the first NARUTO story ever published is also included, along with a sneak peek of Vol. 28, an exclusive two-sided color poster, collectible graphic novel cover stickers, and a NARUTO trading card exclusive to VIZ Media.
Yen Press Announces Yaoi Licenses
Yen Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group USA that is dedicated to graphic novels, will publish its first BL (Boys Love) romances that feature adult males starting in Fall 2008. Obtained from the Japanese publisher Houbunsha and created by the talented Lily Hoshino, additional BL titles will be published throughout 2009. Title: Love Quest (Rabu Kue) Author: Lily Hoshino Release Date: October 2008 $12.99 / 176 pages / 5"x 7.5" Licensor: Houbunsha Summary: Kazunori Akabane's nursing a wounded ego after being rejected by the girl of his dreams. And all because she's got the hots for some guy named Moriya! But when the two rivals suddenly meet in the school hallway, the universe spasms and the floor falls away, swallowing the rivals up! They end up in an alternate reality that looks like a whole lot like an RPG videogame, where a scantily-clad heroine with superpowers informs them that the key to their staying alive in this world and making involve the two becoming much more...intimately familiar. Title: Mr. Flower Bride (Hanayome-kun) Author: Lily Hoshino Release Date: March 2009 $12.99 / 176 pages / 5" x 7.5" Licensor: Houbunsha Summary: Shinji Souda's not exactly happy about his family’s age-old marriage customs, namely the fact that he has to marry a boy! Will a sudden confession from his bride-to-be, a beautiful boy in his class named Aoi, make Shinji change his mind? This sweet love story follows the couple through their marriage ceremony, wedding night, life as newlyweds, and even childbirth! The title story in this compilation is the prequel to Mr. Flower Groom, also being published by Yen Press. Childhood friends Ritsu and Kouichirou are married in a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, as men of the Souda household have been for generations. But where the groom, Ritsu, thinks the custom is a mere formality and urges his betrothed to find himself a girl, Kouichirou (the bride) has other ideas. When Ritsu learns of Kouichirou's sincere intentions, will the marriage end before it even begins? Title: Mr. Flower Groom (Hanamuko-san) Author: Lily Hoshino Release Date: July 2009 $12.99 / 192 pages / 5" x 7.5" Licensor: Houbunsha Summary: After a rocky start to their marriage, Ritsu and Kouichirou have tentatively reconciled. . . into an uneasy friendship. Unable to come to grips with his conflicted feelings about the marriage and Kouichirou's undisguised affection, Ritsu is shocked by his own jealous reaction to his "wife" bringing a girl home. But when Ritsu's attentions towards a past love hurt Kouichirou badly, will the bride and groom be able to bring their marriage safely back from the edge of the precipice or was their marriage always doomed to failure? Born on December 17, Lily Hoshino (pen name) is a mangaka who primarily draws and writes boys’ love manga. She also occasionally dabbles in seinen (or adult male) comics and self-publishes original doujinshi comics. She's fond of slightly unripened bananas, the taste of yuzu, and mirin seasoning.
NYICFF Screenings
This weekend, the New York International Children's Film Festival will be screening Kid Flix Mix & Pelicanman at the Symphony Space - 95th & B'way/ Tickets can be purchased here PELICANMAN Finland/Sweden, Lisa Helminen, 2005, 86 min Symphony Space- Sat & Sun, Nov 24 & 25 - 2:00pm In Finnish with English subtitles - Recommended ages 7-14 A festival favorite (Cannes, Toronto, Berlin), Pelicanman is a fantasy-allegory about a pelican who becomes human, imitating our looks, learning our culture, getting a job at the opera, and even falling in love with a graceful dancer. Ten-year-olds Emil and Elsa, his new neighbors, immediately see through the disguise and, as they teach him to read and navigate the human world, the Pelican discovers the best humanity has to offer: poetry and science, philosophy and friendship. But the Pelican also learns the dangers, when his bird-allergic landlady becomes suspicious and convinces the townspeople to capture the Pelican and place him in a zoo. Critics have compared the film to everything from Felini's Amarcord to "the Finnish E.T.," but we see Chaplin-esque innocence and naiveté in Kari Ketonen's delightfully absurd portrayal of the Pelican who teaches us about our world as he experiences it for himself. Q&A WITH PRODUCER HANNA HEMILA FOLLOWING BOTH SCREENINGS KID FLIX MIX Sympony Space - Sat & Sun, Nov 24 & 25 - 11:00am In English - recommended ages 4-8 Kid Flix Mix is a "Best of NYICFF" selection of animated, live action and experimental shorts for ages 4-8 (though older kids and adults will also enjoy!). The program includes audience and jury favorites cherry-picked from the past ten years. The Dog Who Was a Cat Inside UK, Animation, Siri Melchior, 2002, 3.5 min In this beautifully animated parable, a dog struggles with his "inner cat." 2CV France, Experimental, Charlotte Lowe/David Lowe, 2004, 3 min On a moonlit night Little Peter runs away with his true love, driving a car through land, sea, and sky, eyes open to the intoxicating mysteries of the night. A glorious helter-skelter, dreamlike romp, set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev.Shaun the Sheep: Bathtime UK, Animation, Christopher Sadler, 2006, 7 min A tale of ovine mayhem from Aardman Animations. The flock refuses to have a wash in the freezing sheep dip, so Shaun goes on a commando raid to hijack the hot water from the farmer's bath tub. Field Guide to Snapping Canada, Animation, Nihhil Adnani, 2003, 3 min. When a young girl breaks out her turntable in the woods, the animals have just got to get down! Tom and the Strawberry Mouse Germany, Animation, Andreas Hykade, 2003, 5 min Tom craves a slice of bread with strawberry jam and honey and must pick his way through a funny and unpredictable adventure before his appetite can be satisfied. Despite some mishaps, he never loses heart! Happy Horse and the Monster Germany, Animation, Gerhard Hahn, 1997, 3 min A cheerful and delicate ballet-dancing horse charms a toothy monster. Driving Alone Brazil/Germany, Animation, Rosangela De Aruajo, 2003, 6.5 min A film about creativity and imagination. With only a toy truck and a lime, a little boy creates a fantastic landscape full of joy and surprises. But when his colorful daydream is abruptly ended he is brought back to the reality of life on the street. Color Combination USA, Experimental, Kota Ezawa, 2000, 2 min An experimental animated video exploring the relationship between color, rhythm and words. Laughing Moon Japan, Animation, Kiyoshi Nishimoto, 2000, 6 min A moving tangram, twelve pieces divided from a circle and square combine to form different shapes and figures and act out elegantly simple scenes. Big Cat Little Cat Germany, Animation, Alexandra Schatz, 2000, 5 min Big Cat is worried that Little Cat's naïve honesty will offend the clientele of a neighborhood clothing boutique. But as it turns out, Little Cat's advice is just what these customers need. Fowl Play USA, Animation, Christopher De Santis, 2003, 3 min Ducks and penguins face off on a virtual soccer field in the hopes of finding out which is the dominant species. Bring it on! Marbles Israel, Experimental, Maya Tiberman, 2005, 3 min Video image manipulation gives a new perspective on everyday surroundings. Montrose Avenue Canada, Animation, Marek Colek/Pat Shewchuk, 2006, 5.5 min Drawings feel as if they've leapt directly from the pages of a picture book in this colorful day in the life of Montrose Avenue, a bustling street in a Portuguese neighborhood.
Providence Anime Conference 2008 Dated
The Providence Anime Conference (PAC) announced that the event will take place October 3 - 5, 2008, at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The event is being called Rhode Island's first anime convention and the world's first convention exclusively for anime fans 21 and up. Providence Anime Conference is designed to appeal to older fans' curiosity, enthusiasm, and even nostalgia, featuring video tracks and live events that include an evening reception as well as academic, industry, and professional programming. In furtherance of its mission, Providence Anime Conference is proud to be a host venue for the 2008 Robotech Convention Tour. Special guest Kevin McKeever, from the Harmony Gold production staff, will be in attendance to discuss the classic anime saga that's sure to strike a familiar chord with many attendees. McKeever will also discuss current Robotech news, including the recent release of Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles. Providence Anime Conference attendance will be limited to just 2000 attendees, allowing fans and guests alike to enjoy this uniquely congenial event created by the New England Anime Society (NEAS), the organization behind the successful, all-ages Anime Boston convention. "We're thrilled to bring something new and different to the world of anime events--we've got a great show planned, in a fantastic setting," says Jon Niehof, PAC Conference Chair and NEAS board member. Niehof adds, "Building on our experience with Anime Boston, PAC will provide a home for everyone who grew up watching 'those cartoons' and later discovered the medium of anime and the culture behind it. Of course we invite those new to the scene as well, and welcome everyone involved in producing this art and bringing it to the US."
Del Rey Events at NYAF
Del Rey has announced a number manga related events to take place at this year's inaugural New York Anime Festival, December 7-9 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan Del Rey & Marvel Comics Join Del Rey Manga and Marvel Comics for a special announcement! 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sunday, Dec 9 Manga Panel Room Del Rey Industry Panel The team from Del Rey Manga is on hand to dish out some exciting new manga announcements and updates on what you can expect from your favorite publisher through 2008 and beyond. Plus all the usual fun of the Del Rey Q&A. Join Dallas Middaugh (Associate Publisher) Mutsumi Miyazaki (Director of Licensing & Acquisitions) Tricia Narwani (Editorial Associate) Ali T. Kokmen (Marketing Manager) and April Flores (Publicity) for a panel packed full of more fun than should be allowed! 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Friday, Dec 7 Manga Panel Room Katsushi Ota Spotlight Katsushi Ota is the editor of Faust, Kodansha's acclaimed fiction anthology that's coming to North America in 2008 from Del Rey. Join us for an entertaining conversation with Ota-san, Del Rey Manga Associate Publisher Dallas Middaugh, and Del Rey Licensing & Acquisitions Director Mutsumi Miyazaki filled with insider insights and anecdotes on the world of Japanese publishing. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Saturday, Dec 8 Manga Panel Room
Robotech Convention Tour Announced
Robotech.com has announced the venues for the 2008 Convention Tour. UPCOMING EVENTS: ANIME LOS ANGELES Burbank, California Jan. 4-6, 2008 Guests: Kevin McKeever, Steve Yun, Tommy Yune AnimeLosAngeles.org ANIMATION ON DISPLAY San Francisco, California Feb. 16-17, 2008 Guests: Tommy Yune AoDSF.org SUPER-CON San Jose, California May 17-18, 2008 Guests: Kevin McKeever Super-Con.com PROJECT A-KON Dallas, Texas May 30-June 1, 2007 Guests: Kevin McKeever, Vic Mignona, Chris Patton, Monica Rial A-Kon.com ANIME EXPO Los Angeles, California June 29-July 2, 2008 Guests: Kevin McKeever, Steve Yun, Tommy Yune Anime-Expo.org SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON San Diego, California July 24-27, 2008 Guests: Kevin McKeever, Steve Yun, Tommy Yune Comic-Con.org MECHA CON IV Lafayette Louisiana Aug. 1-3, 2008 Guests: Richard Epcar, Ellyn Stern, Tommy Yune MechaCon.com CONNECTICON Hartford, Connecticut Aug. 1-3, 2008 Guests: Kevin McKeever ConnectiCon.org PROVIDENCE ANIME CONFERENCE Providence, Rhode Island October, 2007 Guests: Kevin McKeever ProvidenceAnime.com
New Academic Anime Book
Robot Ghosts and Wired Dreams: Japanese Science Fiction from Origins to Anime is now being sold through University of Minnesota Press. A paperback copy of the book retails for 20.00. Contributor's include Hiroki Azuma, Hiroko Chiba, Naoki Chiba, William O. Gardner, Mari Kotani, Livia Monnet, Miri Nakamura, Susan Napier, Sharalyn Orbaugh, Tamaki Saitô; Thomas Schnellbächer.
Upcoming ADV Releases
1/1/08Jinki: Extend Complete Collection ($59.98) Martian Successor Nadesico Perfect Collection (49.98) Kanon Volume One (of 6) 1/8/08 Ah! My Goddess: Flights Of Fancy 5 (5 of 6) Ghost Stories Complete Collection ($49.98) 1/15/08 Get Backers Seasons 1 & 2 Collection (SRP $89.98 DVD) Venus Versus Virus: Epidemic (volume 2 of 3, also sold with Limited Edition Collectors Box) Xenosaga: Free Will (3 of 3) 1/22 Comic Party Revolution Tv-Complete Collection ( $44.98) Red Garden: The Body Snatchers (3 of 6) Kannon Five opperlapping narratives, animated by Kyoto Animation Synopsis: Yuichi Aizawa used to visit his cousin Nayuki all the time when he was younger, but now he can hardly remember a thing about those visits. And upon his return to finish his senior year in high school while living with his Aunt Akiko and his cousin, the blank spots in his memory have become more and more worrisome. After a seven year absence, Yuichi makes a valiant effort to adjust to his vaguely familiar surroundings. Bits and pieces of his past come back to him, but his memories elude him still. Why canÕt he remember? What is he blocking out? From the same animation studio that brought you AIR TV, a poignant concerto of tears, laughter and pinky promises make up a mystical world in Kanon.
Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment Launches Lost Universe Official Site
Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment announced the launch of lostuniverse.rightstuf.com, the official series site celebrating the release of the LOST UNIVERSE DVD Thinpak Collection on December 4, 2007 ($49.99). At lostuniverse.rightstuf.com, visitors can read a new, exclusive interview with Lost Universe (and Slayers) Producer Mr. Kazuto Imanishi that answers some of fans’ "frequently asked questions" about Lost Universe, including the connections between the two series, how much influence creator Hajime Kanzaka had on the anime adaptation of Lost Universe, and the important role experienced Japanese voice actors, such as Megumi Hayashibara, played in bringing Lost Universe to Japanese television. Visitors will also find a streaming version of the new Lost Universe trailer and can download avatars and desktop wallpapers featuring character artwork from the show. The series’ first-ever DVD collection also marks the first time the 26-episode Lost Universe saga will be available to North American fans with unedited (and remastered) video. This collection will also include two new subtitle tracks (standard and on-screen translations), plus the previously released Japanese audio and English-language dub. Lost Universe shares a creative team with the popular Slayers anime series: Both anime properties were based upon novels by Hajime Kanzaka (Slayers), directed by Takashi Watanabe (Slayers, Slayers Next, Slayers Try, Shakugan No Shana) and feature character designs by Naomi Miyata (Slayers, Slayers Next, Slayers Try). Additionally, the series was recognized with the "Best Individual Episode" award by the Japanese magazine Animage following its initial TV Tokyo broadcast.
Figures News
Organic Hobby, Inc will be introducing "Tezuka Moderno Labo "Atom & Leo" (Santa Version) miniature PVC figures to the US market in early December. The 3" figures retail for $9.50 each."Tezuka Moderno Labo - Atom (Santa Version)" "Atom" is a fictional character created by Osamu Tezuka, introduced in the 1951 Captain Atom manga. Astro Boy has appeared in animated television series and feature film adaptations of its eponymous manga and other works by Tezuka. "Atom (Santa Version)" is being introduced in his Santa costume and he is ready to bring you some joyful moments for this winter holidays. The figure stands 3" tall and comes in a clear box. "Atom (Santa Version) has swivel joints located at the neck, shoulders and legs. "Tezuka Moderno Labo - Leo (Santa Version)" "Leo (Santa Version)" is a fictional character originated from a Japanese anime series from the 1960s named "Jungle Emperor" (or also known in the United States as Kimba the White Lion), created by Osamu Tezuka, and based on his manga of the same title which started in 1950. It was the first color TV animation series created in Japan. The entire series of manga was first published in serialized form in Manga Shonen magazine. "Leo (Santa Version)" is 3" tall PVC figure and comes in a clear box. The figure has a swivel joint located at the neck. Organic Hobby will also be releasing the Rei Ayanami figure from Kaiyodo’s new Revoltech Series known as the "FRAÜLEIN REVOLTECH." The 6" Evangelion figure, sculpted by Enoki Tomohide will be released in January 2008 with a SRP of $23.00. "Fraülein Revoltech Rei Ayanami" comes equipped with "Replaceable" parts and accessories (such as 1 lance of longinus, 2 set of hands and 1 display base).
Kazuto Nakazawa's Asience: Hairy Tale Wins Ad Award
The Production I.G animated "Asience: Hairy Tale" compain directed by Kazuto Nakazawa for Kao Corporation, has been awarded Gold at the 22nd London International Advertising Awards, Television/Cinema category, cel animation section. The award ceremony took place in London at the Hippodrome on November 12, 2007. Created by Production I.G for Kao Corporation's Asience shampoo, "Asience: Hairy Tale" is a 60-second animated film directed by Kazuto Nakazawa, who gained international fame by directing the animation part in Quentin Tarantino's world hit "Kill Bill: Vol. 1." Nakazawa also designed the characters, made the storyboard, directed the animation and drew all key frames. Backgrounds are beautifully produced by Shuichi Hirata, the texture wizard behind the stunning artwork of Cannes-nominated "Innocence" and Annecy-selected "xxxHOLiC - A Midsummer Night's Dream," while the music is composed and performed by Yoshihiro Ike, whose past collaborations with I.G include "Blood: The Last Vampire" and "Reideen". The graphic style of "Asience: Hairy Tale" is visually inspired by XVIII century Japanese paintings, and personalized by Nakazawa's nervous and expressive brush touch used for the characters outlines. Without any support of 3D animation techniques, the brush lines were painstakingly traced with pencil on paper by the in-between staff. The story concept, focusing on woman's hair as metaphor of feminine life, is portrayed as a tragic love story in a samurai drama fashion. Of note, Production I.G has posted an interview with Junko Nishimura (Inbetween Checker) about making Asience here. Asience: Hairy Tale can be seen on clappa! website here
Manga Serialization
From Anime News Network, leading into the cancellation of Kodansha's Comic BonBon magazine, Takuya Fujima's Negima!? neo spinoff to Ken Akamatsu's original Negima! Magister Negi Magi will find a home in Weekly Shonen Magazine spin-off Magazine Special. The Gundam titles Mobile Suit Gundam Alive, and SD Gundam: Full-Color Gekijo (SD Gundam: Full-Color Theater) will continue in a Terebi Magazine (TV Magazine) next spring, along with Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro: Yokai Sen Monogatari (Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro: A Thousand Ghost Stories), and Deltora Quest. SD Gundam Sangokuden (SD Gundam: The Legend of the Three Kingdoms) will finished in a collected edition. Kodansha is planning a new magazine called Monthly Shonen Rival in April, but its manga titles have not been announced. Square Enix announced that Violinist of Hameln' creator Michiaki Watanabe's new Hameln no Violin Hiki Gaiden: Sore kara… (Violinist of Hameln Side Story: And Then…) will start in the second issue of Zokan Young Gangan (Young Gangan Special Edition).
Smith Micro Software Picks Up Anime Software
Smith Micro Software, Inc. announced that it will add the popular e frontier 3D graphic and animation solutions Poser, Anime Studio and Manga Studio to its growing lineup of consumer-focused products. Smith Micro will acquire ownership and distribution rights of certain e frontier assets for $6 million in cash and anticipates the deal to be immediately accretive upon close of transaction, expected in the fourth quarter of 2007. e frontier had total revenues in excess of $7 million for their fiscal year ending March 2007.
Society For The Promotion Of Japanese Animation Hires Experient
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), has signed on Experient as the official company overseeing the development and implementation of a brand new pre-registration and on-site registration system for the highly acclaimed Anime Expo convention. More information can be found on the website www.spja.org Experient will oversee and streamline Anime Expo's pre-registration and on-site registration systems. "Due to the significant success and growth of Anime Expo, Experient's Southern California account management team was confident that our collaboration could be quite beneficial to everyone," said Andy Smith, Vice President Independent Agent Channel for Experient. "Since our involvement with this organization began, the relationship has allowed us to significantly leverage our respective purchasing powers in the hospitality industry to control costs, manage risks, and implement cutting edge attendee management solutions for Anime Expo's, 50,000+ attendees beginning in 2008."
FUNimation Release Plans
According to Anime on DVD, FUNimation's panel at the Anime USA convention released that the distributor plans to release season one of Shoji Kawamori's (Macross Plus, Arjuna, Escaflowne) latest mecha series Aquarion in a box set. Vampire action Black Blood Brothers will be released in dual volumes (2 discs) which I think will be about 6 episodes per release set." Ragnarok, based on the Koren MMORPG is getting a similar treatment in that the first release will contain nine episodes on two discs.
Downloaders Non-Licensed Anime Put on Notice
The forums on anime fan translations (fansub) repository AnimeSuki feature posts stating that bittorent users have begun receiving "Notice of Claim of Copyright Infringement" notices from their ISPs. These are reportedly from Comcast, who sights the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Users had been downloading titles that had not been officially licensed in North America, including Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Kai (the second season of When They Cry) Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Nagasarete Airantou Seto no Hanayome Shugo Chara! Suteki Tantei Labyrinth
March CMX Releases
TERU TERU x SHONEN VOL. 1 Written and illustrated by Shigeru Takao CMX. Before she left her rural village to go to school in the big city, 6-year-old Shinobu told her friend Saizou to grow up strong so he could someday come and protect her. Now 16, Shinobu's enjoying life at the Tokyo Private Imperial Academy. But when a male exchange student comes to the school, it turns out to be none other than Saizou! Although his appearance hasn't changed much, he is now a skilled ninja. And his arrival couldn't be more timely: Someone is out to get Shinobu, but no one knows who or why. Saizou wants to be more than a protector to his old friend - but he may have a rival. on sale March 5 o 5" x 7.375" o 200 pg, B&W, $9.99 US o TEEN+ LEADER'S HIGH VOL. 1 Written and illustrated by Arashi Shindoh CMX/FLEX COMIX. Eleven-year-old Daichi's father is the principal at a school for budding young magicians. Daichi doesn't have much in the way of magical powers and has even less interest in the subject. But one day, his parents abruptly take off for vacation and Daichi finds himself appointed to take his father's place! Complicating his life further is the fact that Yozora - the beautiful student council President - is convinced that she's destined to be with Daichi. Daichi also has to contend with a student council and a resentful teacher. Magic and comedy combine in this funny and fast-paced stand-alone volume from CMX/Flex Comics. on sale March 26 o 5" x 7.375" o 170 pg, B&W, $7.99 US o TEEN EMMA VOL. 7 Written and illustrated by Kaoru Mori CMX. The saga of Emma and William comes to its dramatic conclusion in this expanded volume. Emma's been shipped off to America by the Viscount, the father of William's jilted fiancée, and William's in pursuit. In England, Emma's employer has plans that could elevate Emma's social standing. Meanwhile, the Jones family must deal with their societal blackballing, courtesy of the Viscount. on sale March 12 o 5" x 7.375" o 280 pg, B&W, $9.99 US o TEEN+ THE EMPTY EMPIRE VOL. 7 Written and illustrated by Naoe Kita CMX. FINAL VOLUME on sale March 26 o 5" x 7.375" o 224 pg, B&W, $9.99 US o TEEN FROM EROICA WITH LOVE VOL. 12 Written and illustrated by Yasuko Aoike CMX. "The Laughing Cardinals" concludes and "From Lawrence With Love." on sale March 12 o 5" x 7.375" o 192 pg, B&W, $9.99 US o TEEN GO GO HEAVEN!! VOL. 5 Written and illustrated by Keiko Yamada on sale March 5 o 5" x 7.375" o 200 pg, B&W, $9.99 US o TEEN MOON CHILD VOL. 10 Written and illustrated by Reiko Shimizu on sale March 19 o 5" x 7.375" o 192 pg, B&W, $9.99 US o TEEN MUSASHI #9 VOL. 14 Written and illustrated by Miyuki Takahashi on sale March 19 o 5" x 7.375" o 200 pg, B&W, $9.99 US o TEEN TOWER OF THE FUTURE VOL. 10 Written and illustrated by Saki Hiwatari on sale March 26 o 5" x 7.375" o 192 pg, B&W, $9.99 US o TEEN THE YOUNG MAGICIAN VOL. 11 Written and illustrated by Yuri Narushima on sale March 19 o 5" x 7.375" o 208 pg, B&W, $9.99 US o MATURE READERS CMX's publisher DC will also be releasing the AME-COMI: CHEETAH VINYL FIGURE Designed by UDON STUDIOS Wonder Woman's number one nemesis joins her in the world of Ame-Comi! The CHEETAH VINYL FIGURE is a limited-edition, hand-painted piece in a 9" scale. This non-articulated plastic display figure comes with a base, is packaged in a 4-color window box with J-hook and is manufactured to order. on sale July 23, 2008 o Statue o $49.99 US
Upcoming Dark Horse Releases
BLOOD+ VOLUME 2: CHEVALIER RYO IKEHATA (W) and CHIZU HASHII (A) On sale Apr. 13 SC, 256 pages $8.95 Prose, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4" Featuring sixteen pages of illustrations by series character designer Chizu Hashii. GLOOMY BEAR T-SHIRTS On sale Feb 13 Women's M-XL $29.99 Men's M-XXL $29.99 Gloomy Bear creator, Mori Chack, is designing two new T-shirts for Dark Horse! More Gloomy, more Pity, and more blood! These high-quality super-soft T-shirts will be a prized possession for any Gloomy fan. Both designs come in women's and men's styles. Our last round of Gloomy Bear T-shirts flew off the rack, so get yours while you can! OH MY GODDESS! VOLUME 29 KOSUKE FUJISHIMA On sale Apr 16 b&w, 160 pages $10.95 TPB, 5 1/8" x 7 3/16"
Upcoming in Japan
A trailer for the live action Death Note spinoff L is online here. The movie opens in Japanese theatres February 9th. The novelization of "L change the worLd" will be written by an anonymous "M", who is supposedly a famous Japanese author. According to Twitch, Kazuo Umezu's gothic horror manga Orochi: Blood, released in North America by Viz, will be adapted into a live action film with Norio Tsuruta [Ring 0: Birthday] directing and Hiroshi Takahashi writing the screen play. Yoshino Kimura [Sukiyaki Western Django] will be playing two separate roles, the older sister Kazusa, and her own mother. The younger sister Lisa will be played by Noriko Nakagoshi and the mysterious girl, Orochi, will be played by Mitsuki Tanimura. Taro Yamamoto [Battle Royale] plays Kazusa’s boyfriend. From Anime Nation and Anime News Network The 25th World Masterpiece Theater will be Porfy no Nagai Tabi ("Porfy's Long Journey"), a 52 episode adaptation of French author Paul-Jacques Bonzon's 1955 children's novel The Orphans of Simitra. The anime will start on Japanese TV January 6th. The official Japanese Macross homepage now hosts a two minute long trailer for the upcoming, tentatively titled "Macross F" television series. The OVA adaptation of shock rock manga Detroit Metal City will be adapted by Studio 4°C. As part of a new advertising campaign promoting the November 29th release of Kentaro Miura's Berserk manga volume 32 and Kiminori Wakasugi's Detroit Metal City manga volume 4, Japanese publisher Hakusensha has released the first animated video in a series of 3 shorts depicting Detroit Metal City's Johannes Krauser II versus Berserk's Gutts. Japanese PC game and "multimedia" development studio Nitroplus now hosts a Flash trailer for its upcoming original anime co-production with Gonzo, Blassreiter. Design media from the second season of Gunslinger Girl is online here Fujisaki Masato's punked turned veternarian shonen manga series WildLife will be adapted as a live action TV series. A live action adapation of Mizuho Aimoto's manga "Daisuki!! Yuzu no Kosodate Nikki" is scheduled to start on Japanese TV on January 17th. The manga followed mentally disabled woman with the mind of an 8-year-old, who falls in love with a man with a similar disability. She becomes pregnant, but he dies in an accident, leaving her alone to raise their child. The television drama will star model and actress Karina. AIC and director Hoshikawa Takafumi will be animating a music video for Japanese pop vocalist Meilin's new single "Candy?Boy." A second season of Hidamari Sketch , entitled Hidamari Sketch x 365 is reportedly scheduled for next year. Katsumi Nishino's Kanokon romantic comedy light novels about a human boy, a wolf girl and a fox girl, will be adapted into an anime series. Entertainment. A 39 episode, third season of Kyo Kara Maoh, released is north America by Geneon, is scheduled to start on Japanese TV next April.
Right Stuf Removes Mythwear
Anime on DVD notes that Right Stuf has announced announced that the retailer will no longer be carrying Mythwear's anime branded messenger bags. Right Stuf that the company could not be reached via e-mail or phone. The item continues on that all items that are in stock will continue to be sold but anything coming out in the future has been canceled.
American Otaking Passes Away
Anime News Network reports that Steve Pearl, a long time anime fan, stand-out Usenet contributor, and a co-founder of the Atlantic Anime Alliance passed away. Gainax co-founder Toshio Okada dubbed Pearl the American Otaking
Worth Checking Out
Dark Horse is offering readers a chance to win volumes 1 through 17 of Blade of the Immortal here FirstShowing.net spoke to Colin Brady about Imagi's CG Astro Boy Patrick Macias's An Eternal Thought in the Mind of Godzilla has been looking through his favorite Japanese alblums. Midnight Eye looks at Lady Oscar aka the live action adaptation of Rose of Versailles Dave Merrill has revived the classic anime guide Let's Anime IGN has an English trailer for Appleseed: Ex Machina here An 18 minute, raw Japanese preview of Yawaraka Sangokushi Tsukisase!! Ryofuko-chan is online here Via Newsarama Blog, a Monkey Punch (Lupin III) profile Speaking of classic creators from the 70's, in her Okazu blog, Erica Friedman look at Go Nagai's Cutey Honey a GoGo Bandai Visual USA has posted the trailer for Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO here. The company has also launched a site for SOS! Tokyo Metro Explorers, the theatrical anime adapation of Katsuhiro Otomo's manga here. The DVD and Blu-ray will be released on 12.11.07 Retailer dot-anime.us has announced the launch of 5 blogs, which will rotating during the working week. Topics include 1. dot-anime.us store manager's diary 2. Notes on the anime business in the US and Japan market by Bandai Visual USA president Tatsunori Konno 3. Behind-the-scenes news and information of the Japanese and US industry insiders 4. Observation of fan activities in the US 5. Recommendations of new anime titles and merchandise around, but not limited to moe, hot out of Japan For more, see here Broccoli Book has launched a site for their Boysenberry Books yaoi imprint A preview of Del Rey's upcoming Aventura is on MySpace Kadokowa Pictures USA has English language information and trailers for their recent and upcoming anime titles, including The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid at www.kadokawapicturesusa.com ComiPress looks at the work of Murotani Tsunezo: Trauma manga brought to you by the king of educational manga Wired.com's Geekipedia has a manga reccomdendation formula Danny Choo posts the results of a poll that took 32,263 entrants rankings of their favorite mech from the original Gundam series. Star Cross Anime Blog looks forward to the winter anime season of Japanese TV programming here. In addition to lOTS of moe and eroge adaptations, there's Sayonara Zetsubou-Sensei Second Season and the latest World Masterpiece Theatre series Porfy’s Long Journey Anime on DVD talks to Bandai Visual about HD content here. The site has also started their 2007 in review early with a look at Illumitoon's output MangaNews.net interviews Hope Donovan from TOKYOPOP's Rising Stars of Manga competition here Publisher's Weekly talked to IDW's EIC Chris Ryall about the publisher's release of Kazuo Umezu's Reptilla here Dallas Middaugh from Del Rey talks about meeting Mangaka (manga creators) Kristy Valenti talks to Adam Warren Game Set Watch spoke with cosplayers Adella Clockwork Machina has a lego version of the Akira bike here. An Akira-like electronic bike MangaCast continues their look at manga in Indonesia here Icarus Blog points out Heisei Democracy looks at the history of Japanese movements against adult manga here Ace Combat in popular in Japan. So is Ace Combat. Kotaku looks at what happens when they meet here Pictures of the Hotako No Ken MMORPG here Hajime no Ippo Portable: Victorious Spirits for the PSP Takehiko Inoue designed characters for Lost Odyssey can be seen here It's not anime, but Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother) has launched a blog
