Kira Farmer
Consulate-General of Japan at Houston
phone (713) 652-2977
fax (713) 651-7822
Father Geek back... If you can possibility get to one of these two events you should. It is well worth a couple of hour drive with some of your buds to see, hear, and meet this important figure to the Anime world you enjoy... Now here's Scott with our regular report...
Manga Spotlight: Record of Lodoss War: The Grey
Witch(volumes 1-3)
By Ryo Mizuno & Yoshihuko Ochi
Released by CPM Manga
In the English speaking world, Lodoss is first name in
fantasy anime/manga. What is has going for it, is that
it is pure, unadulterated, and simple. A heroic young
knight, a beautiful elf love interest, his priest
friend, and a group of adventurers including an old
dwarf, cynical thief, and a wizard. What sets Lodoss
apart is some uncommonly interesting history,
cosmology, and character decisions. The absence of a
portion of the aspect make the manga series a must for
fans of the anime adaptation.
During the creation, the island of Lodoss was fractured
off the continent by the conflict between Kardis,
Goddess of Destruction, and Marfa, Goddess of creation.
Now, the island is on the verge of being controlled by
one of two forced lead by two former comrades and
heroes. It stands to be conquered by the dark forces
of Marmo, or united by the knights of Valis. However,
a number of other forces at work, chief among them is
Karla, a 500 year old witch with her own view of the
path to Lodoss' salvation.
Besides feeding the reader tantalizing pieces of the
epic story before the story, the strength of "The Grey
Witch" is its villains. They aren't nihilists
conquering, and destroying for the sake of the actions,
or driven by some plot necessitated ego, but people
whose skewed motivations are not dissimilar to the
motivations of the heroes; promises to loved ones,
depts, and concepts of a needed course of action to
preserve safety. Some of the less noble actions come
from heroes who at times look to be acting out of
impulse, or desire for glory, not to mention the
surprise decision that ends the story.
Its rare for the tone of a comic not to be influences
by the style of its illustration, but there are few
example as stark as Lodoss War. The art really sets
the time with the furnishings in the building
constructed by the story and diagalogue. There are
many tragic, and vicious aspects to Lodoss War, not to
mention epic political and social machinations, but the
character design is decidedly cute, not overly so, but
enough to strongly dominate the flavor of the series.
Rather than a dire struggle, it is high adventure.
Deaths of storied heroes, or familiar faces, and or a
knife to the throat have almost a quaint look to them.
Most of the characters look bright eyed and eager,
there are only a few exceptions notable exceptions were
the characters are troubled to the point of looking
wary. There is a great delight how in the depiction of
the elf woman Deedlit, who is irresistibly cute, as she
glides through the course of the story.
While the art works, it feels like a disconnected piece
that was plugged it, and begs the question what if
story and dialogue were kept, but the art style
changed. The art really works bests with its depiction
of Karla, who has a glib look, that is something
between knowing genius, and insanity at the verge of
breakdown that really works for the character. If
there is one decision that drove the artistic choice,
it may have been the skill in Karla's depiction (or
maybe the very marketable cute Deedlit).
There is enough depth for set Loddoss War: The Grey
Witch apart from the masses. Lodoss and its
descendants work because regardless of their overly
familiar origins or flaws, they provide some
interesting, or novel concept, and characters with a
bit of humanity to latch on to. You've seen these
characters, and situations before, but it rewards you
for giving them another visit. Fantasy fans will
doubtlessly enjoy that The Grey Witch has to offer.
Anime Spotlight: Real Bout High School: Samurai Girl
Volume 2: Netherworld Battle
Released by TOKYOPOP
Real Bout combines a number of anime's more energetic,
if not particularly thoughtful conventions: characters
who non-fatally duke it out with lethal weapons/fire
balls and the like, explosive school rivalries/battles,
and demonic invasion. Throw in anime fetishism (busty
girls in school uniforms, or cat suits ect), Japanese
pop-culture parodies, and computer animation effect,
and you probably know whether there is a chance of the
series appealing to you.
If you watch anime, you're familiar with the elements,
describes, and you're looking for something new, Real
About may be worth a look. Otherwise, there are
stronger choices out there.
Volume 2 picks up on the story of Ryoko, the spunky
samurai obsessed school girl who must battle other
students in the school's game show style K-Fight
system, her rich naginata (large spear) wielding rival,
super powered agents of an evil conspiracy, and demonic
beastie invaders.
The first two episodes of the series launch from a new
premise for the show. For the opening of the new mall
restaurant "Cat Like Fish" (whose wait-staff are in cat
suits), Ryoko is unwillingly enlisted for appears as
Magical Princess Oyster (or something along those
lines), which requires her to dress as a Sailor
Moon-type character, with ultra-mini shirts, and wand
in place of her trademark wooden sword. During the
performance she is forced to team up with her uncouth
flame throwing likely-love-interest against three of
super powered villainous opposite numbers, then team
with these opponents to fight of invading demon-crabs.
In the third episode Ryoko faces off against her school
rival in an Iron Chief parody, that degenerates into a
more typical off-beat anime school brawl.
The series looks like it is struggling to find its
place. It doesn't know whether it wants to be a
fighting game-esque action comedy, or an insane parody.
While this scattered approach to story telling has
worked in other anime series, Real Bout's drunken
swerving doesn't has the center of balanced needed.
The characters, visuals and plot aren't strong enough
to latch on, and ride of the unsuccessful moments.
Despite its unsure footing, Real Bout has its moments
of good action or good comedy.
If it were in fact based on a fighting game, rather
than a manga series (also being released by TOKYOPOP),
it would be probably be considered a top notch example
of the frequently, and usually deservedly maligned
genre. It is far from awful; it is just missing the
spark needed to make it noticeable. It has a great
deal of energy, if it can find a workable position, and
feels on that path, it could be a success.
This Week's Releases
Anime
Berserk - Immortal Soldier (Episodes 6-9) (a review of
the first volume can be seen here
Cosmo Warrior Zero Vol. #1
Dragon Ball Z - Perfect Cell - Temptation
eX-Driver Vol. #1
Gokudo - Witches Extraordinaire
Neon Genesis Evangelion - Death & Rebirth (a review
can be seen here)
Orphen - The Third Talisman (Vol. 6)
Ranma 1/2 - Hard Battle - The Complete Third Season
Boxed Set
Rurouni Kenshin - Soulless Knights (Episodes 83-86)
Soul Hunter - The One That Got Away (Vol. 6)
Manga
- Astro Boy Vol 5 Tp
- Bastard #8 Fighter (3 Of 3)
- Junko Mizunos Cinderalla Gn (a preview can be seen here
- Lone Wolf & Cub Vol 23 Tears Of Ice Tp
- Lone Wolf 2100 #3 (Of 4)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion Part 7 #3 (Of 7)
- Ranma 1/2 Vol 20 Tp
- Silent Mobius Part 11 Blood #1 (Of 5)
- Super Manga Blast #23
- Zoids #6
News Asamiya Projects From Marvel
Newsarama
reports starting in November Marvel will be running a
four issues series with two short stories per issue.
The first issues features a Thor story written by
newcomer Marlan Harris and illustrated by manga legend
Kia Asamiya (Silent Mobius, Steam Detectives) . that
tells the story of a young woman through the vehicle of
letters she sends to the God of Thunder over he course
of her life.
In the new issue of Wizard Magazine, (#132), it's
reported that manga giant Kia Asamiya will join writer
Chuck Austen as a regular series penciler as of
December's issue #416. Asamiya - who told Wizard he
hopes to show his work draws influence from American
comics and design as much as manga and anime and hopes
to prove manga is not just one style - provides the
magazine X-Men sketches, presumably of regular
character in the series, and they include Iceman,
Angel, Northstar, Nightcrawler, Husk, Wolverine and
Juggernaut (who according reportedly will be "hanging
around the mansion").
Rumored Shonen Jump Line-up
Comics rumors column Lying in the Gutters
suggests the line-up for
Viz's English Shonen Jump will feature
- Yuyu Hakusho (1991, Yoshihiro Togashi)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! (1996, Kazuki Takahashi)
- One Piece (1997, Eiichiro Oda)
- Dragon Ball (1984, Bird Studio)
- Naruto (2000, Masashi Kishimoto)
- Shaman King (1998, Hiroyuki Takei)
- Sandland (2000, Bird Studio)
Sand Land is a story series by Dragon Ball's Akira
Toriyama where the prince of devils helps to free the
last source of water.
Shaman King, a tournament fighting series with a
subversive edge about a boy with the shaman power of
communicating with spirits.
One Piece, an odd-ball pirate adventure starting the
stretchable would-be pirate king Monkey D. Luffy, with
the help of a band of similar misfits.
Naruto is the story of a boy who works up the ladder of
a ninja clans, hoping to one day be their greatest, but
secretly possessing a power that once almost destroyed
the clan.
Shonen Jump Deals
A limited time deal 12 issue subscription of Shonen
Jump are being offered for $19.95 on their web site at
www.shonenjump.com/subscribe_mag.html
Official announced titles include Dragon Ball Z, and
Yu-Gi-Oh.
The magazine will be promoted at the upcoming San Diego
Comicon. See here.
According to Viz's Director of Sales and Marketing,
Dallas Middaugh, all comic shops in the United States
will receive 10-20 copies of the free Shonen Jump #0 to
give away in their stores the first week of August,
while the first two monthly issues of the series will
be fully returnable to the publisher.
Gutsoon! Entertainment Offers Special Introductory
Subscription Rate Of Raijin Comics To Comic-Con
Attendees
Gutsoon! Entertainment, the U.S. sister company to
Japan-based Coamix, is offering Comic-Con attendees a
unique and special opportunity to subscribe to Raijin
Comics and its Fujin magazine insert, the company's
first publishing properties to be launched in November,
at substantially lower rates.
During this year's ComicCon, held in San Diego,
California from August 1st to August 4th, conference
attendees who stop by the Gutsoon Booth, # 2329, will
be able to subscribe to the first North American weekly
manga anthology at a very special introductory rate of
at $9.95 for one month (4 issues for one month at the
single price.) The current single-issue cover price is
listed at $6.95.
Comic book and manga fans the world over will have an
opportunity to subscribe to Raijin Comics, and the
magazines special supplement, Fujin at $9.95 for one
month (4 issues of both for one month at the single
price.) Fujin provides Raijin readers with up to the
minute details on anime, videogames and Japanese
culture trends.
Sakura Wars OAV 2 Release Information
According to Anime
on DVD ADV's release of the second Sakura Wars
OAV(direct to video release) will divide the six
episode series evenly across two DVD. Extras include
Extensive Production Sketches with Translated Notes,
Character Bios, Original Japanese Promos, Original
Japanese Cover & Insert Artwork and Clean Opening
Animation.
Sakura Wars is an steam-tech alternate history
adventure features teams of physic girls piloting steam
powered robots.
Nippon Animation has announced the production of a
Rascal movie based on the same story they animated in
1977 to a 52 episode TV series Araiguma Rascal. Rascal
originated as a 1963 novel: Rascal: A Memoir of a
Better Era by US author Sterling North.
Word out of Doraemon World indicates the 24th Doraemon
movie will be produced due in Japan the spring of 2003.
Doraemon and friends visit the Village of Wind.
According to a new Venture Soft Release production has
been commisioned on a the animation "Great Galaxy
Series: Great Yamato Arc: 7 vs 7 (provisional title).
Taking a departure in style and substance from the New
Space Battleship Yamato manga serialised in
Shogakukan's Comic Gotta magazine, it features original
story and designs by Matsumoto Keiji. The 52 episode
Great Galaxy Series will use a fusion of CG techniques
and animation techniques and one of its themes will be
the growth of the young crew of the Great Yamato,
including main character Oki. The year is 3199 and the
Milky Way galaxy is engaged in an unprecedented war
with the Metanoids. Against the onslaught of the
Metanoids, the Great Yamato is called into action.
The Pia Carrot Movie site has been posted at
www.pia-movie.com. The title of the movie has been
slightly altered to "Pia Carrot e Youkoso!! ~Sayaka no
Koi Monogatari~" (Sayaka's Love Story). Based on the
computer game series, this movie will feature a new
character and new story and is planned for release in
September 2002.
Macross Zero OVA Volume 1 Details:
To be released 25 October 2002 Catalogue number
BCBA-1332 Price 5,000 yen Approximately 30 minutes,
Dolby Digital sound (5.1 and stereo), single layer,
16:9 anamorphic aspect ratio Billed as a movie quality
OVA, eight years have passed since war broke out after
the famous alien spaceship crashed on Earth in 1999. In
those years, veteran pilots have fallen one by one and
now teenagers take to the battlefield. Young UN F-14
pilot Kudo Shin crash lands on a deserted island in the
South Pacific. However, an unusual energy reading is
detected on the island and soon UN and anti-UN forces
are fighting for control of the island, thought to hold
the legacy of technology (Protoculture) bought by the
aliens to Earth in ancient times. Kudo was not to know
that this was the start of important event that was to
be erased from the annals of history... This Bandai
page currently has a few pics in the second box from
the left.
Based on the original manga, Mouse by
Akahori Satoru (Saber Marionette J, Maze, Bakuretsu
Hunters) and Itaba Hiroshi (and serialised in the
fortnightly manga magazine Young Animal) is slated for
animation conversion. In the story, Muon Sorata seems
like a quiet, gentle, part-time teacher. But what the
world doesn't know is that he's in fact the mysterious
thief "Mouse", with three bishoujo accomplices Mei,
Yayoi and Haduki.
Production I.G. which indicates that Dwight "The Spy
Who Loved Kimchi" Hwang is working on a documentary for
GITS tv, which is supposed to supplement the anime.
Also, more images are available at this I.G. link.
A new Ma
href="http://b2o.nikkei.co.jp/contents/news10/weekend/20020720eimi054020.cfm">Nikkei Net
article has word
on the new story for Stand Alone Complex being scripted
by Shirow Masamune and confirmation the TV version will
be 26 episodes in length.
officialwebsite
for the Beyblade movie Bakuten Shoot Beyblade
2002 Takao vs Daichi is now up. The movie's
season commences on 17 August 2002. Source: TA Group BBS. A trailer will be available for
download in due course.
Pioneer's website for the upcoming TV anime from Serial
Experiment Lain's Yoshitoshi ABe Haibane
Renmei, is now up.
Convention News
The Anime USA
convention this October in Viginia has announced that
Hidenori Matsubara, character design of Ah! My Goddess,
and Sakura Taisen(Wars) will be appearing a guest.
Anime Expo New York
announced Noboru Ishiguro,Toshihiro Kawamoto, Shinshiro
Watanabe, and Yokho Kanno will be appearing a guests of
honor.
Ishiguro directed a number of well know anime titles
including Robotech, Macross: Ai Oboeteimasuka (AKA
Macross, SDF-1 Macross: Do You Remember Love?),
Astroboy, Megazone 23, Uchu senkan Yamato (AKA Space
Crusier Yamato), Legend of the Galactic Heroes:
Overture to a New War, Legend of the Galactic Heroes TV
Series, and Legend of the Galactic Heroes: My Conquest
Is the Sea of Stars.
Kanno is the popular composer who worked on the scores
of Knockin' On Heaven's Door, Chikyû shôjo, Escaflowne,
Brain Powered, Cowboy Bebop (TV Series), Memories
(segment 1), Tenkuu no Escaflowne" (TV Series), Please
Save My Earth, Natsu jikan no otonatachi and Macross
Plus.
Kawamoto is an animation director and character
designer who has worked on some of the most popular
anime titles to date. He is the character designer and
animation director for Cowboy Bebop, Mobile Suite
Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, Movile Suit Gundam: The
08th MS Team and Golden Boy.
Watanabe is the director of Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' On
Heaven's Door, Cowboy Bebop (TV Series) and Macross
Plus. He also served as the writer for Cowboy Bebop (TV
Series).
Kanno, Kawamoto, and Watanabe will be at Anime Expo New
York to promote Columbia Tristar's premiere of the
Cowboy Bebop: Knocking on Heaven's Door English dub.
Mr. Watanabe will be appearing in New York to assist
Columbia Tristar in promoting the dubbed premiere of
in New York. Mr. Watanabe is appearing as a guest of
Big Apple Anime Fest.
Angel Heart Anime Confirmed
Anime on DVD's
review of the Gutsoon! panel discussion at the recent
Anime Expo convention reveals that there are plans for
an Angel Heart anime TV series to premier in Japan this
April. Angel Heart is a tangent to Hojo Tsukasa's
popular City Hunter, about an assassin who receives a
heart transplant.
Legendary Gundam Mecha Designer Draws Honda Zoomer
Concept
Anime News
Service reports Gundam mechanical artist, Ogawara
Kunio has drafted his Interpretation of a 50 cc Honda
Zoomer motor scooter. It can be seen here
Go Gaining Popularity Thanks to Anime/Manga
MSNBC
reports the game go is gaining popularility in Japan
thanks in part to the anime/manga series "Hikaru no Go".
Thanks to the manga and anime series the ancient
Chinese game is once again gaining popularity in Japan,
according to this MSNBC article.
Bastard Press Release
Bastard!! Vol. 1 Graphic Novel Story & Art by Kazushi
Hagiwara Viz Graphic Novel FEEL THE THUNDER! Dark
Schneider, the chaotic, lecherous wizard, has returned
to lifeÉonly barely restrained by the magic that forces
him to obey his host body's teenage stepsister, Yoko!
His former allies, the four kings of the dark armies of
chaos, send their spy, Ninja Master Gara, to see if the
rumors of his resurrection are true. While hydras,
dragons and armies of monsters assault their kingdom,
the unpredictably violent wizard assaults their only
defenderÉand bloodstained Metallicana may never know
peace again!
The publishing schedule, courtesy of the official Viz
Bastard!! page at http://series.viz.com/bastard/ :
WIZARD!! (Issues 1-2) December 2001-January 2002
NINJA!! (Issues 3-5) February 2002-April 2002 (Note:
These issues include a transcript of an interview with
Kazushi Hagiwara!)
FIGHTER!! (Issues 6-8) May 2002-July 2002
VAMPIRE!! (Issues 9-10) August 2002-September 2002
EMPRESS!! (Issues 11-14 October 2002-January 2003
UNDEAD!! (Issues 15-19) February 2003-June 2003
Anime In ABC Family "Action-Adventure" Line-up
This falls ABC Familt lineupm includes the introduction
of Tokyo Pig," an anime comedy romp produced by Miramax
Television, and the return of Beyblade and Medabots.
"Beyblade," ABC Family's highest rated series this
season among Boys 6-11 on Saturdays, and the popular
"Medabots," will create an exciting anime hour, seven
days a week.
ABC FAMILY ACTION-ADVENTURE LINE-UP (all times are
ET/PT)
Saturdays
- 7:00 a.m. "Beyblade"
- 7:30 a.m. "Medabots"
- 8:00 a.m. "Best of Power Rangers"
- 8:30 a.m. "Power Rangers: Wild Force"
- 9:00 a.m. "Beyblade"
- 9:30 a.m. "Medabots"
- 10:00 a.m. "Tokyo Pig"
- 10:30 a.m. "Spider-Man" (1995)
- 11:00 a.m. "Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension"
- 11:30 a.m. "NASCAR Racers"
Sundays
- 7:00 a.m. "Beyblade"
- 7:30 a.m. "Medabots"
- 8:00 a.m. "Best of Power Rangers"
- 8:30 a.m. "Power Rangers: Wild Force"
- 9:00 a.m. "Beyblade"
- 9:30 a.m. "Medabots"
- 10:00 a.m. "Best of Power Rangers"
- 10:30 a.m. "Power Rangers: Wild Force"
- 11:00 a.m. "Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension"
- 11:30 a.m. "NASCAR Racers"
Weekdays
- 7:00 a.m. "Beyblade"
- 7:30 a.m. "Medabots"
- 8:00 a.m. "Power Rangers: Wild Force"
- 8:30 a.m. "Spider-Man" (1995)
"Beyblade" -- Every weekday (7:00 a.m., ET/PT) and
weekend (7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., ET/PT), this
cutting-edge anime adventure follows martial arts
student, Tyson, as he perfects his technique in the
extreme sport of Beyblade (based on a traditional
Japanese spinning-top game called Bei-goma, now
emerging as a kids' sports entertainment phenomenon
called Beyblade(,
"Medabots" -- Each weekday (7:30 a.m., ET/PT) and
weekend (7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., ET/PT), join the
adventures of Ikki and his super-robot Metabee as they
compete for the robot championship. In this futuristic
world, high-powered robots, known as Medabots, duke it
out in "robattles" in hopes of becoming the robattle
champion of the world.
"Tokyo Pig" -- Debuting SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 (10:00
a.m., ET/PT), this hyper-kinetic, ultra-hip original
anime comedy series reveals the fantastic adventures of
nine-year-old Spencer and his magical pet pig, Sunny.
Spencer's world changes after he draws a sky full of
pigs in his journal and his sidekick Sunny appears out
of the clear blue sky. When paired with Sunny, Spencer
discovers he has the ability to make whatever he
imagines come to life. Now -- with powers kids can only
dream about -- the duo embark on a new adventure each
week as Spencer tries to keep his stray thoughts and
careless scribbles in his journal from running wild and
turning his life upside-down. The series is produced by
Miramax Television, in association with SME Visual
Works, Inc. (TV-Y7)
ADV Otakon Announcements
The Otakon anime convention took place in Baltimore
last weekend.
ADV announced that they had acquired the rights to the
first two seasons of Sailor Moon in the uncut, Japanese
language format.
The second season of Orphen, entitled "The Revenge" has
also been acquired.
Saint Seiya is based on the Shonen Jump manga by Masami
Kurumada, and is one of Japanâ€Ts most successful anime
series ever. Follow the adventures of the heroic Bronze
Saints, warriors equipped with magical armor, as they
do battle with the evil Black Saints. Saint Seiya
features intricate plots rooted in classic mythology
and magical character designs to create a rewarding
anime experience.
ADV also spoke publicly for the first time about Makoto
Shinkaiâ€Ts The Voices of a Distant Star, which was
announced for the first time Thursday afternoon. For
more information about this tremendous anime, check out
our Press Release section. And donâ€Tt forget, next
Saturday, August 3rd, Voices makes its North American
debut at the San Diego Comic-con International during
our special panel (4:00 â€" 5:00 p.m., Room 16AB)
featuring Makoto Shinkai himself.
ADV will be releasing a Premium Paul Champagne Perfect
Collect Gasaraki box set in the vein of the Evangelion
set.
Super GALS will probably not see a release in the near
future. Instead, ADV is focusing on better-known titles
such as Full Metal Panic and RahXephon, both of which
are due out "sometime next year". Mospeada, Southern
Cross, and Aura Battler Dunbine are in various stages
of production. Release dates will be given out once the
product has been finalized.
Saiyuki TV is in production, but ADV can "neither
confirm nor deny" any plans about the Saiyuki Movie.
CLAMP's Angelic Layer may be dubbed by the same group
as Saiyuki. If so, they will be alternate production
work each volume. Thus, Angelic Layer should enter
production soon after Saiyuki volume 1 is completed.
October CPM Releases
From Anime on
DVD
Grave of the Fireflies Collectors Series 88 min. 1/1
29.98 10/08/2002
Yu Yu Hakusho: The Movie 90 min. 1/1 29.98 10/08/2002
Harmagedon Collectors Series 132 min. 1/1 29.99
10/22/2002
Ping Pong Club Vol. #2 120 min. 2/4 29.99 10/22/2002
October ADV Releases
From Anime on
DVD
Burn Up Excess Vol. #2, with three episodes of the
womean cop series will be released on Ocotober 22nd.
The DVD will feature three episodes, with English,
Japanese and Spanish audio, English subtitles. Extras
include clean open, clean close, production sketches
and more of the new and improved Jiggle Counter
Princess Nine volume 6, the final volume of the girl
basesball series will be released on October 8th.
Otakon Media Blasters News
Media Blaster has the rights to the samurai action
Rurouni Kenshin "Best of" clip shows TV specials, and
may be release them once the series has been complete.
Since Media Blasters holds the Rurouni Kenshin TV
series, we may see some "Best of" products, which may
include compilations, the TV specials, or other special
features, once the series is fully released on DVD.
The Kimba the White Lion Movie will see a theatrical
release. This will be the first Media Blasters anime
title to be given a film print.
Otakon Pioneer News
Although no new titles were announced, several
announcements containing release information were made.
The second volume of the action horror series Hellsing
will be released in September. The first volume of the
computer animated sci-fi Vandread: Second Stage will
also include a box set for the eight volume of the
first and second Vandread series.
The apocalyptic super powered drama X tv series, based
on the CLAMP manga will be released across eight DVDs
starting in September.
X TV series will be released starting in September on
eight DVD's.
"Master Keaton", a relatively unknown 39-episode anime
series about a half-Japanese, half-English Gulf War
veteran working as an insurance investigator, has been
confirmed. Pioneer has tentatively set the title for
release early next year, perhaps March 2003.
The first volume of Gainax's MAHOROMATIC will be
released in January, 2003.
It is not known whether Pioneer has the rights to the
second Mahoromatic series, due to air on Japanese TV in
the fall, or the Mahoromatic Special episode which
consisted of interviews with the production team.
Other release schedules:
Tenchi Muyo: Mihoshi Special (also three episodes of
Pretty Sammy on same
disc) - October
Armitage III OVA - October
Magical Project S (sub-only DVD) - November
Ai Yori Aoshi - Feb. '03
CHOBITS - March '03
Tiny Snow Fairy Sugar - Spring '03
Sakura Taisen movie - '03, also with a theatrical
release
Patlabor Movie WXIII - '03
The Gatekeepers 21 OVA series will be released on two
DVD's.
The Fushigi Yuugi: Eikoden OVA will be released in
November '02 with a limited-edition mini-pencilboard.
A box set of Hand Maid May, to be released at an
unspecified future date, will include a collectable
figurine and liner and background notes to the series
on CD.
Previously, we implied that the new Yoshitoshi ABe
project involving angels would be a Pioneer-licensed
title. This is not yet the case. The show, whose title
is "Hibane Renmei", is not yet licensed by Pioneer.
The music division of Pioneer Entertainment has
announced it is entering the North American anime
soundtrack market.
Four anime soundtracks are currently available or will
be made available shortly through all channels,
including store sales. They are Armitage: Dual Matrix;
2-CD set, MSRP US$20.98) Tenchi Muyo TV; Tenchi the
Movie (English-language songs sung by Christopher
Franke) (all three MSRP $26.98) and Ah! My Goddess
Movie (MSRP $20.98). Other CD's to be released include
"Lupin the Dance: Hyper Groove Energy" and Cowboy Bebop
box set containing three full CD's and a single at an
MSRP of around $130. However, Pioneer representatives
stated they would like to see it on sale at a price
point of approximately $100 through online
distributors. A long-term release schedule is also
under development.
In addition, Pioneer has licensed and will be releasing
all eight Ultra Anime Eurobeat Series - ParaPara Max
CD's of remixes of anime themes sung by Yoko Ishida.
The MSRP on all of them is set at $19.98.
Otakon TOKYOPOP News
Otakon's TOKYOPOP panels was dominated by Initial D
talk. Because of the names changes, the manga will not
carry to "100% Authentic Manga" logo. The Euro-beat
music used in the series may be changed for the English
dub audio tack, but the Japanese language track will
keep the original music. The music will also be
released on domestic soundtrack CDs.
Unfortunately, Initial D is not yet confirmed for
broadcast. While Tokyopop is in negotiations to put it
on TV, the contracts have not been finalized. They do,
however, hope to have an announcement about a TV
broadcast in the near future.
They hope to releasing all GTO material, but there are
no formal plans to acquire the GTO live action series.
Due to the cancelling of Smile, Card Captor Sakura:
Secret of the Clow (Card Captor Sakura, re-released
under the 100% Authentic Manga label) and Peach Girl
are going to be put out faster now. Some 100% Authentic
Manga releases will see either monthly or bi-monthly
releases once the first volume is out.
Look for Marmalade Boy DVD 1 in February/March 2003.
Otakon 2002: Central Park Media Panel
The biggest titles for August include Geobreeders and
Project A-Ko. The latter is restored to its original
theatrical full-screen presentation, and contains a
commentary track by the director. The show has also
been digitally remastered, and faded colors on the VHS
release now look very vibrant.
September will see the release of Himiko-Den and the
long-awaited MD Geist boxed set. Justin Sevakis spent 3
months of work, creating numerous extras, including an
alternate angle that matches the MD Geist manga to the
animated movie. One of the newly announced features is
the "Dancing Geist", dubiously called the "best feature
of the disc", although John said that you have to buy
the boxed set to find out what, exactly, it is.
Grave of the Fireflies is the biggest release in
October, with many excellent and rare extras that
American fans had never seen. One of the most important
is an exclusive interview with Takahata, the director
of Grave of the Fireflies. The famous movie critic,
Roger Ebert, also provided an exclusive look at just
how emotionally powerful Grave of the Fireflies is.
Other features include "then and now" photos, comparing
actual locations used in the movie to what they look
like today.
After more than 2 years of waiting, fans will finally
receive more Revolutionary Girl Utena. Starting in
November, however, CPM will begin releasing the last 26
episodes of Utena. The DVDs will be released in a
4/3/3/3/4/3/3/3 format, preserving the two unique
13-episode story arcs. The dub cast is the same as the
cast found in the original Utena dub.
While CPM had no new acquisitions to announce, they
said to look forward to the titles they announced at
Anime Expo: Yami no Matsuei, Alien 9 (the anime and
manga), DNA^2 and Nekojiru-so. All of these titles
should be released in 2003.
Otakon 2002: Bandai Panel
The Cowboy Bebop "Best Sessions" will be released in
November with six episodes remastered in 5.1 and DTS
sound.
An early winter Love Hina release will feature the 25th
episode of the TV series, and the Christmas Special.
Bandai is looking at the possibility of releasing the
remaining Love Hina special and the Love Hina OVAs, but
they depend on Production I.G. for the production work.
In the future, look for .hack//SIGN, Infinite Ryvius,
Argento Soma, the Kikaider OVAs, Banner of the Stars
(the sequel series to Crest of the Stars), Melty Lancer
and Ghost in the Shell TV.
Little was said about the new Ghost in the Shell TV
series. It's in production in Japan, but there is no
set airdate yet. Moreover, the episode count hasn't
even been firmly established. The production cost of
800 million yen, however, makes it one of the most
expensive series made. In fact, the budget is higher
than that of many anime movies.
This fall, the .hack PS2 game will be released, and the
game will include an OVA on the disc. It seems that
additional .hack games may be in the work, with stories
that will build on one another. The .hack//SIGN TV
series will be released in early 2003,
To clarify the TV rights of Escaflowne: Once the
contract expires, the broadcast rights will return to
Bandai -- they were sublicensed to Saban Entertainment,
but will be returning to Bandai. Once the contract
expires, then Bandai can shop the series elsewhere.
Bandai has not lost the rights to the TV broadcast, nor
are they obligated to use the edited version that aired
on Fox Kids. As we mentioned two years ago, Escaflowne
was not pulled from Fox Kids due to poor ratings. On
the contrary, Escaflowne's ratings were better than
many other Saturday morning shows on other networks.
Jerry suggested that the sale of Saban Entertainment to
Disney may have had a greater impact on why the series
never finished its run on Fox.
Speaking of Escaflowne, there is a glitch on a small
number of Escaflowne Movie DVDs. Check the inside rim
of the disc for the serial number: "C 02". If it's
present, try playing the DVD from the 12th chapter. If
the DVD freezes, go to Bandai's website for more
information about getting an exchanged DVD.
Approximately 6,000 DVDs were affected by this error.
Outlaw Star is receiving a boxed DVD release. Although
no date of release was mentioned, the box will be a
foil box. It's not guaranteed at this time if empty
boxes will also be released or not.
The original Mobile Suit Gundam still has not been
cleared for a subtitled release. The Japanese license
holder has refused to grant Bandai Entertainment the
Japanese audio rights thus far, and so Bandai cannot
put out the original series in its original Japanese
language with English subtitles.
Bandai repeated that G Gundam will be on Toonami,
starting in early August. A boxed set will be released
in November featuring the first 3 volumes of the
series. Individual discs will also be sold for $19.98.
The G Gundam dub on Cartoon Network will be the same
dub found on the DVDs. Fans of the series will be happy
to know that the DVDs will also feature an uncut
subtitled release with the original Japanese names.
Some of the Gundam names have been toned down for the
English dub, due to TV standards.
September Bandai Releases
Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran: A Tale of Two
Travelers (V.1)
From acclaimed director Akitaroh Daichi (Jubei-Chan the
Ninja Girl, Now Here and Again) and MADHOUSE Studios
(Ninja Scroll, Alexander) - Carried by the Wind is a
story of Ran, a young ronin samurai on a journey across
Japan. She's a master swordsman with a strong sense of
honor combined with the courage to fight injustices.
Along with Neko martial artist, Myao - the two will
seek good food, good drink, and great comedy revealing
a funnier side to Japan's feudal history.
The five episode volume will be releases on September
10th.
Outlaw Star: Perfect Collection DVD Box Set
One of the most popular anime series on Cartoon
Network's Adult Swim block - Takehito Ito's Outlaw Star
DVD Box Set has finally arrived! Gene Starwind is a man
with a past. Working as a part time mercenary, bounty
hunter, and bodyguard - He pilots an experimental ship
along with his sidekick Jim. Can Gene and his crew
uncover the secret behind the advance ship, the Outlaw
Star and their mysterious crew member, Melfina, before
the Pirates Guild and the mystic Tao priests do? Not
all outlaws are bad.are they?
The 26 episode collection will be released on September
10th for $89.98.
Fancy Lala : Sharing the Spotlight (V.2)
From Studio Pierrot (Kimagure Orange Road, Fushigi
Yuugi, and I Wanna Be an Angel) and character designs
by famed illustrator, Akemi Takada (Kimagure Orange
Road, Patlabor) - Fancy Lala is a fun filled adventure
for girls who just want to grow up and have fun! When
junior high school girl Miho is given the power to
transform herself into the pop star, Lala - the world
had better watch out! Life can be pretty scary as a
star, but Miho can handle it - boys, concerts, and
shopping! What more can a girl ask for?!
The five episode collection will be released on
September 10th.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Complete Operations DVD Box Set
The series that redefined anime on television in North
America! All 49 episodes ofMobile Suit Gundam Wing is
finally available for DVD collector's in sturdy
collector's box set! Originally created by Yoshiyuki
Tomino (Mobile Suit Gundam), directed by Masashi Ikeda,
and character designs by Shukou Murase.
The 49 episode collection will retail for $199.98
Brain Powered : DVD Collection 3 - Resolutions
Created by famed animator, Yoshiyuki Tomino (Mobile
Suit Gundam), Mutsumi Inomata, and Mamoru Nagano (Five
Star Stories) - Novis Noah and Orphan remained locked
in mortal combat with the planet hanging in the
balance!
It's the end of the world as we know it! Or is it? The
battle between Novis Noah and Orphan draws to a fever
pitch as brother fights sister, parentfights child, and
machine fights machine. All for the fate of the world
and everyone on it. The mystery of the Brain Powered is
finally at hand. The spectacular conclusion --with some
twists you won't believe!
The 8 episode 2 disc set will be released on September
24th for $44.98
Ronin Warriors : Arise, New Armor! (V.7)
The anime cult classic as seen originally on the Sci-Fi
Channel and Cartoon Network's Toonami - Ronin Warriors
tells the story of 4 young men gifted with the powers
of the elements within their armor suits and thrust
into battle against a seemingly invincible enemy, the
might Talpa.
The four episode dsic will be released on September
24th.
Interviews
Comic Book
Resources included an interview with TOKYOPOP as
part of their series on releasing comics as indivual
issues versus collections here.
Akadot interviewed
Raijin's Sam Humphries here and here
TOKYOPOP Manga Creator Competition
TOKYOPOP has announced their TOKYOPOP Rising Stars of
Manga Talent Competition. For more information see
their website.
Gungrave Anime Acknowledgement
Trigun Maximum reports the Trigun style game Gungrave
will be made into an anime series.
New Megumi Hayashibara Single
Anime News
Service reports popular anime voice actress ans
singer Megumi Hayashibar will be releasing on September
25th. "Maxi" features the theme song from the anime
show "Asagiri no Miko." Performed by Megumi
Hayashibara, the title track "Koibumi" has a Rap part
which is the first for the artist.
