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Column by Scott Green
Free Screening of Paprika with Director Satoshi Kon
New York-Tokyo, a company which promotes Japanese media through streetside events, will be screening Satoshi Kon's psychological thriller Paprika on June 30th at The ImaginAsian. Director Kon will present at the event to discuss this film Time: June 30 (Doors open 6:15) Location: The ImaginAsian: 239 East 59th St., NYC If you are interested in attending, RSVP here
Satoshi Kon Retrospective With Kon
Speaking of Kon, "Satoshi Kon: Beyond Imagination" runs June 27 – July 1, 2008 at the Lincoln Center Millennium Actress / Sennen joyû Satoshi Kon, Japan/South Korea, 2001; 87m Fri Jun 27: 4:15 Sat Jun 28: 6:15 Tue Jul 1: 4:20 A Conversation with Satoshi Kon A screening of Paprika (Japan, 2006; 89m) followed by a conversation with Satoshi Kon featuring onscreen highlights of his work. Fri Jun 27: 6:15 Paprika Satoshi Kon, Japan, 2006; 89m Mon Jun 30: 4 Tue Jul 1: 2:30 & 9:10 Paranoia Agent / Môsô dairinin Satoshi Kon, Japan, 2004, DVD Part One: Chapters 1-7; 175m Part Two: Chapters 8-13; 150m PART ONE: CHAPTERS 1-7 Sat Jun 28: 8:15 Sun Jun 29: 1* *Q&A w/Satoshi Kon PART TWO: CHAPTERS 8-13 Sun Jun 29: 4:15 Tue Jul 1: 6:15 Perfect Blue Satoshi Kon, Japan, 1998; 80m Fri Jun 27: 2:30 Sat Jun 28: 4:30 Sun Jun 29: 9:15 Tokyo Godfathers Satoshi Kon & Shôgo Furuya, Japan, 2003; 92m Sat Jun 28: 2:30* *Intro by Satoshi Kon Sun Jun 29: 7:15 Mon Jun 30: 2
On a Final Kon Note...
Grady Hendrix at Kaiju Shakedown interviews the director.
AICN Figures
Organic Hobby, Inc in conjunction with Kaiyodo will release “Revoltech Gurren Lagann Fulldrillized, Revoltech ARX-8 Laevatein & Revoltech Yotsuba DX (Summer Vacation Set) in August" Gurren Lagann Fulldrillized, is based on a Japanese shonen anime television series animated by Gainax and co-produced by Aniplex and Konami known as "Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (or Break-Through Heaven Gurren Lagann" or more loosely "Heaven Shattering Gurren Lagann)." The "Gurren-Lagann" is originally formed as a response to the Enki's initial two-headed configuration. Its status as a fused machine (with two exceptionally spirited pilots) makes it one of, if not, the most powerful entity of its size seen in the series. The figure is 5-6" tall and has 54 articulation points with 19 joint parts. "Revoltech Gurren Lagann Fulldrillized" comes equipped with interchangeable accessories and parts (1 core drill, 1 optional pair of sunglasses, 4 optional hands, 1 optional head and 1 display base). SRP: $24.00.ARX-8 Laevatein is an Arm Slave, a fictional mecha from the light novel, manga, and anime series Full Metal Panic! written by Shoji Gatoh and illustrated by Shikidouji. The series follows Sousuke Sagara, a member of the covert anti-terrorist mercenary group Mithril, tasked with protecting Kaname Chidori, a spirited Japanese high school girl. It first saw action during the events of the series' eighth novel. The figure is 5-6" tall and has 50 articulation points with 10 joint parts. "Revoltech ARX-8 Laevatein" comes equipped with interchangeable accessories and parts (such as 1 demolition gun, 2 shot guns, 2 single molecule cutter [x2 cutter storage], 2 anti-tank daggers, 1 optional shoulder [x3 shoulder protect.] & robot arm, 1 optional pair of sunglasses, 5 optional hands, 1 optional head and 1 display base). SRP: $28.00. Yotsuba DX (Summer Vacation Set) is a fictional character from the ongoing manga series "Yotsuba&!," as well as the one-shot manga Try! Try! Try!, both by Kiyohiko Azuma. "Revoltech Yotsuba DX" is 5-6" tall, has multiple articulation points and comes equipped with accessories (such as 4 different option faces and option hands, out going hat, leisure bag and her T-shirts is made with soft material to make her shoulders and arms more flexible. SRP: $28.00. The Fraülein Revoltech #008 – Rei Ayanami (Bandage Version) will also be released in August for $26.00. From Organic's description The new line of “REVOLTECH" (also know as “FRAÜLEIN REVOLTECH") comes equipped with another innovative newly developed joint & body system known as “E.L.F" that allows the figure(s) to demonstrate a large variety of realistic pose unlike any other PVC action figure. The five innovations of "E.L.F" ("FRAÜLEIN REVOLTECH") are as follow: 1. The ball & socket joints are hidden inside the torso, imparting an elegant shoulder shape. 2. The shoulders rotate on all axes, allowing poses never before possible, including folded arms. 3. The special concealed custom Kaiyodo's Revolver joints maintain the natural leg shape and posture. 4. The curved lower pelvis flows smoothly into the leg and creates a natural bikini line. 5. The ankle Revolver joint clicks comfortably into position for graceful poses. Fraülein Revoltech Rei Ayanami (Bandage Vers.) is a fictional character and one of the three primary protagonists from the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, its accompanying manga, and the films Evangelion: Death and Rebirth and The End of Evangelion. She is the First Child (First Children in the Japanese version) and pilot of Unit 00. The figure stands six inches tall and has multiple articulation points. "Fraülein Revoltech Rei Ayanami" comes equipped with “Replaceable" parts and accessories (such as 1 lance of longinus, 1 optional head, 3 optional hands and 1 display base). Yamato USA has reviewed the detailed for the first release in their Fantasy Figure Gallery Line. "Akira" is inspired by art by Dorian Cleavenger and sculpted by Plant-jzero Moekichi. Yamato has stated For over a decade, Yamato has been on a quest, a quest for quality. Through advanced mold engineering, PAD printing, and stringent quality control, we have minimized the shrinkage, deformation, and rough, unsightly parting lines typical of other PVC products. Moreover, we have championed the paint application process. Take for example, Akira! The figure will be impressive 10.50", 15.00" with her ornamental staff and themed display base. Yamato is accepting pre-orders through August 22, 2008 with a Winter 2008 release at a suggested retail price of $98. Anime Nation reports that Triad Toys has secured rights from Geneon Entertainment to produce toys and collectibles based on Samurai Champloo. 12" figures of Mugen and Jin will be released December 15th for $119.99 each. Triad Toys also has plans for a series of collectible scale statues and maquettes. Mike Bell's Astro Man Munny Danny Choo on recent Japanese releases On the large scale, high end side of things Godzilla x Marui: The Wood Carvings Cristoph Mark on Daily Yomiuri talks toys In other merch, shirt paying tribute to the classic 151 Pokemon
Event News
Anime Festival Orlando 9 has added Reuben Langdon, Devil May Cry's Dante, as well as a stunt actor with credits on "Power Rangers", "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and James Cameron's current project: "Avatar," to their list of guests. Langdon will be participating in a number of panels during AFO where he will discuss his work on various projects, explain the process of motion capture for video games and demonstrate how stunts are choreographed. Already confirmed guests for AFO9 are Aaron Dismuke (Alphonse Elric, "Fullmetal Alchemist"), Travis Willingham (Roy Mustang, "Fullmetal Alchemist, " Ginko, "Mushishi") Christopher Patton (Sousuke Sagara, "Full Metal Panic"), Doug Smith (Kintaro, "GoldenBoy", Graphic Artist), Colleen Clinkenbeard (Riza Hawkeye in "Fullmetal Alchemist," Éclair in "Kiddy Grade"), Monica Rial (Sakura, "Tsubasa Chronicle," Lumiere in "Kiddy Grade"), Jason David Frank (Tommy Oliver the "Green Ranger," "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers") and Stephanie Yanez (Pop Singer). AFO is held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort August 15, 16 and 17, 2008. Memphis, TN will be getting its own anime convention with Anime Addicts Convention. The event is scheduled to take place January 9-11, 2009. Announced guests include Kyle Hebert, Chuck Huber and Maria Vu. ADR director and voice actor Tom Wayland has been added to the Providence Anime Conference guest list. Additional panels have also been announced. The New York Anime Festival (NYAF) announced Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D, Gatchaman) appear as a Guest of Honor. The event takes place September 26th through the 28th at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Yoshitaka Amano joins fellow Vampire Hunter D talents Hideyuki Kikuchi (the author behind the Vampire Hunter D novel series) and Kevin Leahy (the translator of the Vampire Hunter D novel series) at NYAF. All are Co-Sponsored by Dark Horse Comics. Virginia's Anime USA will host Freezepop as its first musical guest of honor. During their stay, Freezepop will perform in concert, and will also be available throughout the weekend for autograph sessions, panels, and press interviews. Baltimore's Otakon has added voice actor and localizer Peter Fernandez ( Astro Boy and Gigantor, more recently Star Blazers’ "Mark Venture," Lupin III’s "Arsene Lupin"), Willow Johnson (Kasumi Tendo" in Ranma 1/2, "Kikyo" in Inuyasha) and Michael Sinterniklaas ("Dean Venture" in Venture Bros, "Leonardo" in the updated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, "Mikey" in Kappa Mikey, "Leo" in Fullmetal Alchemist, "Ataru" in Urutsei Yatsura, "Mackie Stingray" in Bubblegum Crisis) Supercon Conventions will presents Super Anime Day and Super Comic Day.a< September 6 & 7, 2008 in Davie, FL. at the Davie P.A.L. Anime News Network summarizes the anime/manga based films at Montreal's Fantasia Fest Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment unveiled their events schedule for Anime Expo 2008, which takes place July 3-6, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. Right Stuf & Nozomi Entertainment at Anime Expo 2008: Right Stuf & Nozomi Entertainment Industry Panel Day 2: Friday, July 4 at 3 p.m. PDT / Location: LP2 (LACC Rm. 502) Join Right Stuf President and C.E.O. Shawne Kleckner for the inside scoop on Nozomi Entertainment’s DVD releases of Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us (Maria-sama ga Miteru) and Aria, plus the latest news about upcoming projects. Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment Premieres: Convention Premiere of MARIA WATCHES OVER US, plus EMMA: A VICTORIAN ROMANCE Day 3: Saturday, July 5 at 4:30 p.m. PDT / Location: LP2 (LACC Rm. 502) Preview Maria Watches Over Us (Maria-sama ga Miteru) at its first official convention screening, and check out Nozomi’s recent release Emma: A Victorian Romance. Production I.G will be hosting a panel, which will show previews of The Sky Crawlers, Library War, Real Drive, and Phone Braver 7 Event: Anime Expo 2008 Panel: Production I.G Panel Panelist: Maki Terashima-Furuta Place: Los Angeles Convention Center, Live Programming 1 (West Hall B) Date: July 5, 2007 (Sat) Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Patrick Macias details MARUIONE.JP and KERA's Anime Expo presence.
Space Adventure Cobra
Anime News Network notes Mainichi Shimbun reported that Buichi Terasawa gave an 'off-the-record" comment that he is being wooed by Hollywood for a film adaptation of Space Adventure Cobra work. Speaking of Cobra, Hawiian Shirts
Aktiv Digital And Crunchyroll Announce Asia Pacific Regional Partnership
Aktiv Digital, the global online sales house, announces a partnership with online Asian media content site Crunchyroll. Aktiv Digital will be officially representing Crunchyroll¹s advertising inventory in the Asia Pacific region. The partnership will aim to deliver a full range of online marketing services, from display and rich media solutions to advertiser integration and micro-sites.
Upcoming in Japan
A new two episode Gunslinger Girl -Il Teatrino- , subtitled "Vanessa no Hikari, Kokoro no Yam" OVA has been announced A preview for the new Bird the Mighty action sci-fi From AnimeNation The site for space opera Titania, based on the work by Legend of the Galactic Heroes creator Yoshiki Tanaka has gone online Character designs for the anime incarnation of Yozakura Quartet are online From Anime News Network Doraemon's Fujiko Fujio A posted an original one-shot manga called Mumako: Kokoro no Yume, Kanaemasu on Sony's Japanese mobile comic site Manchu. The digital distribution company Suncorp will launch a Leiji Matsumoto (Space Battleship Yamato, Galaxy Express 999, Space Pirate Captain Harlock) project on Nintendo Wii's WiiWare platform. Suzue Miuchi's classic theatre shoujo manga Glass no Kamen (The Glass Mask) will return to Hakusensha's Bessatsu Hana to Yume magazine in its September issue (on sale on July 26). The manga had previously run in the main Hana to Yume magazine, but the 42nd and last compiled volume of the manga was published back in 2004. Gegege no Kitaro creator Shigeru Mizuki will return to manga and folklore with an adapation of Kunio Yanagita's Tono Monogatari (Tales of Tono) in Shogakukan's Big Comic magazine. Big Comic says that it is unprecedented for an author of Mizuki's age (86 years old) to start a new manga. Takara Tomy's Tokyo Toy Show exhibit indicated that the new incarnation of sci-fi action Casshan will tentatively be titled Shinzo Ningen Casshan anime. Creative staff features director Shigeyasu Yamauchi (Saint Seiya, Boys Over Flowers, Dragon Ball Z movies), character designer Yoshihiko Umakoshi (Berserk, Mushi-Shi, Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor), and series script supervisor Yasuko Kobayashi (Claymore, Witchblade, Shakugan no Shana). On the non anime/manga front, software maker Internet announced that it will be releasing Gackpoid vocal music synthesizer (a follow-up to the blue-haired Miku Hatsune), featuring the voice of voice of musician and occasional anime voice actor Gackt, with packaging design by Berserk manga creator Kentarou Miura.
AICN Anime <3 Junko Mizuno
The Beat points out C.B. Cebulski posted on his blog: Junko Mizuno at Marvel? Yes, you better believe it! I've been dying to post some of Junko's pages ever since she sent them over to me!! But as the project hasn't been officially announced just yet, I can only give you a sneak peak of this upcoming Marvel/Mizuno madness. And trust me, you ain't seen nothing yet! More details shortly... check the post for some great panels Patrick Macias' An Eternal Thought in The Mind of Godzilla looks at Miznuno's new A-ko chan no Beautiful Cinema The tome itself is a compilation of 55 short movie reviews that Junko made in her distinctive manga style for Princess Gold magazine. The selection of films, seemingly plucked out of the æther at random, range from Ocean's Eleven, Queen of the Dammed, Minority Report, to Legally Blond 2. And there is nothing predictable about her weird caricatures of movie stars (like Anger Management-era Jack Nicholson, above) as they parade through the Mizunoverse. The Washington Post cover a number of artists, including Junk Mizuno design My Little Pony figures for the Give Kids the World charity.
4Kids Licenses Kamen Rider Series
ICV2 reports that Adness Entertainment has licensed the 2002 50-episode live action tokusatsu (special effects) series Kamen Rider Ryuki to 4Kids Entertainment. 4Kids will air the series, which will be renamed Kamen Rider Dragon Knight, during the 2008-2009 TV season on the former Kids WB block on the CW network. Speaking of 4kids, ICV2 also reports that the company has licensed the Russian anime series Smeshariki for the Americas, Asia, and English-speaking territories. The 200 episodes, produced by Animation Studios of St. Petersburg, will be adapted by 4Kids and begin airing on the CW4Kids Saturday a.m. block this fall. ICV2 also notes, 4Kids plans toys, publishing, apparel and stationery for the property.
Cereal Geek 4 Coming Soon
The horror centric issue 4 of 80's cartoon fan comic cereal:geek is now scheduled to be release released in early July. UK readers can purchase it from the Graham Cracker Comics
Worth Checking Out...
Batman Gotham Knight preview and another PW has spoken to ADV about their manga line and Queenie Chan about In Odd We Trust. The site also speaks to Viz's new operating model If you're interested in reading ADV tea leaves A and B C D Newsarama has a lengthy investigation of the TOKYOPOP situation and history one two three Johanna Draper Carlson considers the legacy of OEL manga or lack thereof Live action Dragon Ball movie poster AniPages Daily continues their look at Kaiba Various interesting people talk to the NY Times about Maid Cafes New York-Tokyo on the Kojima/Metal Gear Solid 4 UNIGLO event here Music Japan+ Magazine interviewed Amuro Ray voice action Tohru Furuya Mecha Mecha Media talks "the final frontier of Japanese Media" - here Naoki Urasawa (Monster) has released a CD single Via Awesome Engine Also, shoujo legend Haggio Moto made her film acting debut Media Blasters' John Sirabella talks adult anime on Anime on DVD's forum MangaCast with Morning 2's Eijiro Shimada concerning their international winners Jason Thompson spoke to Morning 2 feature artist Felipe Smith (MBQ) ComiPress presents Readership Data Analysis of Ichijinsha Publications A trailer for animated action figures in Akiba-chan Comics Reporter lists 12 Overlooked Comics of the Last 12 Years, including anthropomorphized animal didactic manga Apocalypse Meow (originally "Cat Shit One") David Welsh on Kazuo Umezu Kaiju Big Battel on IGN Same Hat! Same Hat! has manga history Dark Horse's Gantz preview and here 1Up reviews Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress Yomiuri Shimbun's Makoto Fukuda covers Through Otaku Eyes / Lawsuit exposes mangaka-editor relations Production I.G's The Making of Asience 5 part I: Kazuto Nakazawa Iwa ni Hana on More Shinkai-ish animation shorts from Chinese animators A look at the live action adaptation of Grave of the Fireflies
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