Father Geek here, reporting in once again with our regular mid-work-week column on all things Anime and/or Manga. Yep, as is the usual in this report Scott Green has it all together in one easy to printout spot. No endless surfing the web to sites that may not even be in a language you can understand, just come here where Scott done that surf'n for you. Hit print annnnnd you'll have a convinent hard copy to read at your leisure, away from your work station. Never fear, its all right here, in our AICN Anime Report every week.

But first ol'Father Geek's got this bit for you...

Its Right Here!

THE SECOND RENAISSANCE PART 2 is up at the official site, and I was all like "SNAP!" I guess this means the countdown 'til 'Reloaded' has officially begun. Hope this helps everyone last the week.

~Otomaton

Father Geek back, now on to the regular...

AICN Anime Report

by Scott Green

Manga Spotlight: Let's Stay Together Forever: Tales of Love, Loss, and Hairspray by Tomoko Taniguchi

Released by CPM Manga's Original Manga Line

Let's Stay Together Forever is a collection of related school romance stories, set it the 80's hair band craze. They're perfect universal appeal, comfort food stories, sweet, and puffy without any real sharp edges : the shy girl who hooks up with the flamboyant, big haired "metal head"; said metal head facilitates a date between his sister and a studious boy that they've been friends with since childhood, ect.

Tomoko Taniguchi's illustration and design has great of visually appealing big-eyed energy. There's more focus of bodies than many face/emotion centric shoujo work, because fashion is a center piece of the work: Exotic 80's design and equally complex, and thought out mundane outfits. There are plenty of small touches, like a safety pin in the ear.

Despite being set in Japan, its a packed time capusole/VH1-nostalgia fest of typically American references (Alf, Gremlins, Farside, Willow, Coming to America). It's sure to include 80's tackiness flashbacks for older reader, and be a bit National Geographic for younger ones.

Let's Stay Together isn't one of the stronger shoujo comedies, or drama's that has been translated, but the simplicity works for it. It's breezy stories, with fun illustration.

Let's Stay Together Forever is another release in CPM Manga's new "Original Manga" line, which is proving to be one of the better manga release formats on the market. The pages in are in the original right to left order, which aside from a few action series that make more sense un-mirrored, and a minority who have expressed that there brain has become hard wired to left and right, has been met with general ambivalence. More significantly, the line has so far been very well translated, with a clear, natural sounding read, and best of all, the sound effects have been presented in their original Japanese, with translated English.

Anime Spotlight: Neo Ranga Volume 1: A God is Risen

Released by ADV Films

Three sisters who raised themselves discover that before their anthropologist brother died, he married into the royal family of the island kingdom of Barou, and subsequently they have inherited a giant reborn god, a cyclopean stone creature marked by red bands. The oldest of the Shimbara sisters is practical minded, the middle energetic and focused on right and justice, the youngest is quiet, manipulative, and bitter. Each has to figure out what to do with a creature that can crush cities at their whim. Their actions, and the presence of the creature immediately begins creating waves in the societies of Japan and Barou.

Neo Ranga is an odd series that plays around with a number of themes: the shaping of the sisters' personalities and in term how the creature has magnified the effect of their personalizes to shape the world, with implications to the topics of activism, community, politics, religion. It does this without ever settling or focusing on one. Its mix of comedy and menace, and fades through natural reaction, and television contrivance. The large cast features lots of cartoonish characters, but with interesting perspectives. While they may mug for the camera parody anime genres, there's familiar media to be dealt with or manipulated, the military analysis/attempted disposal of the situation, and organized crime to use it as an opportunity for a land value scam.

The presence of a giant, unstoppable creature that will only obey the hero(es) in some ways makes Neo Ranga a giant robot series. It plays on the familiar wish fulfillment, power fantasies appeal of the genre, but it twists them. For one thing, controlling female leads are rare for this particular variant on theme. For another, seeing the giant creature fight and destroy is being built as an undesirable outcome. It can crush the best an armed force has to offer, but being required to do some means that something went wrong.

Neo Ranga is one of the recent anime series to try a 15 minute-episode format. The pacing of the series is influence by the format. There are a lot of fits, and starts, without some of the common transitions, which are more noticeable, and jarring it the episodes are watched it rapid succession. Eight episodes are included on the disc, but it works best when viewed in blocks of one of two episodes at a time.

This Week's Releases

Anime

• Angel of Darkness, Vol. 4
• .hack//SIGN - Vol. 2: Outcast
• .hack//SIGN - Outcast (Vol. 2) - With CD Soundtrack #2
• Medabots - A Taste of Medabots (Vol 9)
• Please Teacher - Hot for Teacher (Vol. 1)
• RahXephon - Tonal Pattern (Vol 2)
• Ranma 1/2 - Martial Mayhem - The Complete Fifth Season Boxed Set
• Ranma 1/2 - Ranma Forever (Vol. 6)
• Sakura Wars OVA Collection
• Yu-Gi-Oh - Champion Vs. Creator
• Yu-Gi-Oh - Duel Identity
• You're Under Arrest Vol. #1: Mini-Specials
• Zone of the Enders (ZOE) - Dolores, i - The Enemy Within (Vol. 4)

Manga

• 3X3 Eyes Vol 1 House Of Demons 2Nd Ed Tp
• 3X3 Eyes Vol 2 Curse Of The Gesu 2Nd Ed Tp
• Astro Boy Vol 14 Tp
• CLAMP School Detectives Vol 1 Gn (Of 3)
• Kodocha Vol 7 Sanas Stage Gn (Of 10)
• Oh My Goddess #97 The Phantom Racer (Part 2 Of 4)
• Oh My Goddess Vol 16 Mystery Child Tp
• Peach Girl Change Of Heart Vol 2 Tp
• Raijin Comics #21
• Shonen Jump Vol 1 #6 June 2003
• Wolverine Snikt #1 (Of 6)

Katsuhiro Otomo' Streamboy Release Information

From Anime News Network and Eiga.com

Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo's Steamboy will be released theatrically Japan in October 2004 with a American release by Sony Pictures in November 2003.

Otomo directed the feature based on a screenplay by Sadayuki Murai.

The budget of the feature was 2.4 billion Yen (US$20.2m) compared to the 2.4 billion Yen for Spirited Away, the most expensive Anime feature ever,, Steam Boy comprises 180 000 cels, 1.5 times as many as Spirited Away.

Plot: Rei is a young inventor living in the U.K. in the middle of the 19th century. Shortly before the first ever World Expo, a marvelous invention called the "Steam Ball", behind which a menacing power is hidden, arrives at his door from his grandfather Roid in the U.S. Meanwhile the nefarious Ohara Foundation has sent men to acquire theSteam Ball so that they can use its power towards their own illicit ends.

A trailer can be seen at here

New Astro Boy Series at WB

Kids' WB has announced they they have acquired the rights to the new 26 episode Astro Boy TV series, which recently began on April 6, Astro Boy's fictional creation date.

The series is scheduled to run on the 2003-2004 series, starting in September.

"One of the most recognizable icons in animation history, ASTRO BOY has become a beloved hero for all ages," said Mr. Hardman. "We are thrilled to be working with the studio that brought us Jackie Chan Adventures on the latest portrayal of this timeless hero. ASTRO BOY is sure to continue his 'astro-nomical' ride to the top of the ratings charts when he joins our powerhouse hit schedule. His strong moral center and selfless bravery are the perfect compliment to the other heroes and champions on Kids' WB!"

"ASTRO BOY's universal appeal has made him a timeless character representing justice and reason in the world," commented Sorensen. "It's a thrill to introduce ASTRO BOY to a new generation of kids, and to be working with Kids' WB!, who has been a great partner to us on Jackie Chan Adventures. This project also represents a unique joining of forces with our sister company in Japan."

Shadow Star Anime

Narutaru, the manga released as Shadow Star by Dark Horse comics has been adapted into an anime series which is set to premiere on Japanese television on June 28th.

Ghibli News

Anime News Service points out that Yahoo is listing that...

Disney has "probably" acquired the rights to the upcoming Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli movie Howl's Moving Castle for release in 2005.

The next Ghibli movie to released on region 2 DVD will be Neko no Ongaeshi (The Cat Returns), along with the Ghiblies Episode 2 (sort films that look at life at the studio). The DVD will be released on July 4th.

Umi ga Kikoeru (I Can Hear the Ocean), the 1993 Studio Ghibli television movie directed by Tomomi Mochizuki, will see DVD release in Japan on August 8th.

New Yuu Watase Manga

After the last March's conclusion of her latest series, Alice 19th, Fushigi Yuugi/Ceres Celstial Legend creator Yuu Watase will begin a new series "Zettai Kareshi" (Absolute/Unconditional Boyfriend) in Shoujo Comic June 2003 #12.

Anime Network News

Anime Network(tm) has launched an on-line engine, located at the top of the home page at http://www.theanimenetwork.com, allowing anime fans in areas without Anime Network(tm) availability to identify and contact (by fax, email, snail mail or telephone) their local cable providers and request Anime Network(tm) availability.

Following a successful launch on Comcast's ON DEMAND service in the greater Philadelphia area, leadership at the Anime Network(tm) announced that the network, first in North America dedicated to Japanese animation (anime) and anime-related programming, is expanding its reach. The Anime Network will be available in Monmouth, Ocean and Union Counties as part of Comcast's recent rollout of ON DEMAND in those areas.

Leadership at the Anime Network(tm) is pleased with the expansion of network availability. "The Anime Network has been one of the most popular offerings on Comcast's ON DEMAND service in Philadelphia," said John Ledford, President and CEO of A.D. Vision, Inc., parent company of the Anime Network(tm) and ADV Films. "Obviously the convenience and control of Comcast ON DEMAND have made it a good fit for us, and we're excited to be part of its expansion."

Samurai Deeper Kyo Site

Media Blasters has opened a site for the anime version of Samurai Deeper Kyo at here

Viz Talks End of Monthly Comics

Viz has posted a statement about their distribution of manga in the monthly comic format here. Aside from their anthologies, manga will be released directly to graphic novel collections.

Anime Game News

Score will be releasing a collectable based on Yu Yu Hakusho this September FUNimation's marketing extravaganza continues with the upcoming release of a trading card game. The past success of such games with the Dragon Ball Z property has no doubt led FUNimation to believe lightning will strike twice. Score Entertainment will produce the game, due out this September.

Sega will be showing a game based on Osuma Tezuka's Dororo at Electronic Gaming Expo (E3).

From the press release: "Dororo (working title)" (PlayStation 2): "Dororo" is a modern day action epic adapted from the classic manga by Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy). Like the original manga the game follows the adventures of Hyakkimaru, a samurai haunted by a shocking secret, who is on a quest to uncover his past and regain his humanity. Players can choose to battle with various weapons such as blades embedded inside Hyakkimaru's arms, a bazooka hidden inside his leg, or weapons that are found during the course of the adventure. "Dororo" delivers the ultimate Samurai fighting experience with intense 3D action from one of Japan's most famous storytellers. (This title is not yet concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America)

From Magic Box

Screen shots of Bandai's Rahxephon Playstation 2 game cane be seen http://www.the-magicbox.com/game042403e.htm">Rahxephon.

Clasic Gundam strategy game href="http://www.the-magicbox.com/game041903i.htm">Giren's Ambition was recently released as in a Special Edition version of the WonderSwan Crystal. There is a new Caucus System, which allows you to prearrange political tactics in cooperation and confront with other Earth district military leaders. In the battles, up to 9 units can battle against 9 opposing enemies at the same time.

Bandai announced the release date of the PS2 action shooter Mobile Suit Gundam Seed, the game will be released on July 31, for 6800 yen.

Konami will release Prince of Tennis: Smash Hit for PlayStation 2 in Japan on July 24, for 6800 yen.

Mass Produced Eva Figures

Diamond has imported impressively brutal figures of the Evangelion movies' mass produced Evagelion units from Kaiyodo by Katsuhisa Yamaguchi. The figure can be seen here. (The figures constitute a significant spoiler for the End of Evangelion Movie. The figures will be released in July or August for $19.99.

TOKYOPOP Talks New Manga:

TOKYOPOP is pleased to announce the acquisition of five new manga series, all set to debut as part of the company's exciting July line-up.

The Vision of Escaflowne (Fantasy / Adventure, Volume 1: July 10, 2003)

Written by Aki Katsu, The Vision of Escaflowne manga is based on one of the most acclaimed anime series of the past decade. This enchanting shonen story follows the adventures of high school girl Hitomi Hoshino, whose dabbling with tarot cards suddenly lands her in a strange world called Gaea. With her new friend Van Fanel-the young prince of the devastated kingdom of Fanelia-Hitomi becomes involved in the battle against the Zaibach forces, an evil empire bent on conquering the planet.

Saber Marionette J (Action / Adventure / Comedy, Volume 1: July 8, 2003)

From the wildly successful anime comes Saber Marionette J, an exciting manga series written by Satoru Akahori. Enter a world with no women. The surviving men have reinvented females in the form of androids called "marionettes." Marionettes are built to serve men and are normally devoid of any emotion. However, there are a limited number that possess special circuits enabling them to feel. The life of a poor boy-Otaru Mamiya-will forever change when he encounters three of these special "Saber Marionettes" and unlocks the key to mankind's salvation.

Wild Act (Comedy, Volume 1: July 8, 2003)

This hilarious manga about celebrity worship is the creation of Rie Takada, who invites readers to step into the shoes of the ultimate groupie, Yuniko. A die-hard fan, she has only one goal. to snag memorabilia from her favorite celebrities. But things quickly get complicated as she realizes that this scavenger hunt is harder than she ever imagined, especially when it involves nabbing items from the late Akira Nanae-a famous actor who shared an exhilarating relationship with her mother.

Zodiac P.I. (Action / Adventure, Volume 1: July 8, 2003)

A clever shojo-ai series-written by Natsumi Ando-Zodiac P.I. originally appeared in the same Japanese anthology magazine as Sailor Moon and Cardcaptors. In this story, Riri is just like any other normal girl-except she can foretell the future! This "Zodiac P.I." transforms herself into the magic Detective Spica and looks to the stars to guide her way. Before long, she is joined by her childhood friend, Hiromi, who dreams of becoming a detective as skilled as Riri. Soon, no astral investigation is too arduous for this dynamic duo!

Confidential Confessions (Reality, Volume 1: July 8, 2003)

The first manga series to deal with REAL teen problems, Confidential Confessions features emotional storylines and multi-dimensional characters. Each groundbreaking volume of this shocking three-part series by Reiko Momochi tackles everyday real-life teen issues such as teen prostitution, rape, HIV, stalkers, suicide and sexual harassment. Enlightening without being preachy, this is a modern-day version of the After School Special.

Anime on Candian TV

Cinescape reports that AniMatrix "The Final Flight of the Osiris" will be airing on Canada's Teletoon Network.

Anime News Network has cleared up rumors about the Candian TechTV picking up the Anime Unleashed block. Hayden Mendel from TechTV Canada programming tells us that they "really, really, really want to show Anime." The problem is that Tech TV Canada's mandate does not permit them to show dramatic programing of any type.

Canadian TV stations are licensed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to show programming from 15 broad categories. The CRTC is akin to the FCC in the United States. When Tech TV Canada was first established their application was for categories that matched the programming of the original Tech TV, at that time Tech TV wasn't showing any "dramatic programming."

New Daft Punk/Matsumoto Collaboration Confirmed

Leiji Matsumoto has confirmed a new collaboration with Daft Punk that will be premiering at the Cannes Film Festival.

Daft Punk and Leiji Matsumoto previously worked together to create four animated music videos based on Daft Punk's "Discovery Album".

Online Anime Periodicales

The May Sequential Tarts looks at fairy tale influence anime and manga, with other reviews.

The new AnimeFringe looks at Snow Fairy Sugar.

Upcoming Bandit King King OAV

Bandit King Jing (whose anime will be available domestically through ADV, and manga through TOKYOPOP) is being adapted into a three episode OAV series, entitled "Jing in 7th Heaven".

Bandai Acquires Yukikaze?

A recent Bandai press release concerning their collection of Studio Gonzo's Blue Submarine No. 6 hints that they will be releasing Gonzo's more recent more work, Yukikaze .

The series, based a sci-fi novel, follows a fighter pilot, with an AI craft, and his squad who initial an counter attack against an alien invader through a portal in the south pole.

ADV Talks New Licenses

Azumanga Daioh:

Azumanga Daioh," was produced by Genco ("Serial Experiments Lain") and JC Staff ("Excel Saga"), and is based on the manga (serialized in the Japanese magazine Dengeki Daioh) by Kiyohiko Azuma. ADV plans an Anime Network(tm) debut, followed by a DVD-only release for this comedy title.

About "Azumanga Daioh"

"Azumanga Daioh" follows the day-to-day adventures of a comical group of high school girls and their equally eccentric friends and teachers. The manga by Kiyohiko Azuma was published as a series of four-panel strips, much like the traditional comic strips published in American newspapers. To reflect the concept of the manga, each episode of the "Azumanga Daioh," anime consists of several loosely related, character-driven segments, many of which adapt Azuma's original strips.

ADV Films leadership praised the title. "'Azumanga Daioh' is one of the most inventive and clever anime series to come out of Japan in the last few years," ADV Films President, CEO and Co-Founder John Ledford said. "The original manga was a master stroke of originality, and the anime is very much in keeping with it. I think fans are going to be thrilled."

Evangelion: Director's Cut

ADV announced formally that the firm will release the Director's Cut of the final six episodes of the enormously influential anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion." These Director's Cut episodes include additional footage, never before released in the U.S. ADV Films expects to release the Director's Cut in two three-episode DVD volumes; each volume will include both the extended Director's Cut versions and the original versions of the episodes.

Magical Shopping Street Abenobashi:

Magical, Hilarious 13-Episode Animated (Anime) Series Combines Japanese Spiritualism, Adventure, And Savvy Genre Parody. ADV plans an Anime Network(tm) broadcast debut of the 13 episode series. followed by a DVD-only release for the acclaimed title.

"Magical Shopping Street Abenobashi" was directed by Hiroyuki Yamaga ("Neon Genesis Evangelion," "Wings of Honneamise," "Automatic Maiden") from a script by Satoru Akahori ("Sorcerer Hunters," "K.O. Beast"). It was produced by the Japanese animation powerhouses GAINAX (producers of the seminal titles "Neon Genesis Evangelion," "FLCL," "His and Her Circumstances," "Otaku no Video" and many others) and Madhouse ("Vampire Hunter D," "Trigun," "Cardcaptor Sakura," "Doomed Megalopolis," "Ninja Scroll" etc.).

About "Magical Shopping Street Abenobashi"

While in pursuit of the truth about a bit of minor family intrigue, the two friends Sasshi and Ayumi discover that, courtesy of a cross-shaped layout and a quartet of animal deities (cleverly disguised as signs), their familiar neighborhood shopping district is actually a portal to a series of parallel existences. The two are mistakenly transported to an alternate Abenobashi shopping area, and the series details their efforts to return home, with each episode structured as a side-splitting parody of an specific anime or film genre.

Final Fantasy: Unlimited has been licenses for television broadcast and Home video.

ADV plans an Anime Network(tm) debut of the 25 episode series, followed by a DVD-only release for the fantasy/adventure title, companion to the acclaimed "Final Fantasy" series of role-playing video games.

Chief director for the anime "Final Fantasy: Unlimited" is Mahiro Maeda. "Final Fantasy: Unlimited" is produced by SQUARE, TV Tokyo ("NOIR") and Dentsu ("Princess Mononoke," "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex"), with animation produced by Gonzo Digimation, animators of "Hellsing," "Full Metal Panic!" and several more of anime's most popular recent titles.

About "Final Fantasy: Unlimited"

"Final Fantasy: Unlimited" is the story of the warrior Kaze, the enigmatic Lisa and a pair of twin children, Ai and Yuh, who meet them as they search bravely for their missing parents. Taking place in a mysterious world, accessed only by an enchanted subway, "Final Fantasy: Unlimited" is packed with monsters, mystery, intrigue, beautiful animation and a plot that twists and turns and doubles back on itself in the truest anime style.

Upcoming ADV Releases

The first volume of Bandit King King will be released by ADV Films on July 22nd.

Directed by Hiroshi Watanabe (Orphen, Kiki's Delivery Service) King of Bandit Jing is based upon a manga of the same title by Yuchi Kumakura, detailing the adventures of Jing, a youthful and charming Robin Hood-esque bandit who travels from town to town, stealing valuables and hearts in equal measure. Along for the ride is his randy wiseacre albatross companion, Kir, who's constantly getting the pair into difficulties.

The Story: Hide your coin pouches! No priceless bauble or exquisite jewel is safe from the leering eyes and stealthy hands of Jing, the King of Bandits. With a heart of gold and a wisecracking, girl-crazy bird sidekick, Jing steals his way through one exciting adventure after another!

Full Metal Panic! Mission 02 will be released on July 22nd.

Deftly combining mecha combat, martial arts, international criminal intrigue, high-school politics and a dash of teen romance, Full Metal Panic! was enthusiastically received by viewers in Japan. Stateside excitement is running particularly high, as the manga Full Metal Panic!, which was published in Japan before the release of the anime, has since November 2002 been appearing in serial form in Newtype USA magazine.

The series was directed by Kouichi Chigara (Gate Keepers, Phantom Quest Corps) and produced by GONZO Digimation (Hellsing, Blue Sub No. 6).

The Story: They say vacations never go according to plan, and school trips are no exception. Instead of enjoying sunny skies in Okinawa, Sousuke and Kaname's classmates are under cloud cover in Siberia, playing the part of hostages. A vicious and unbalanced terrorist has kidnapped Kaname to donate her brain to science-with or without her consent! Will Sousuke and MITHRIL be able to scramble an ad-hoc rescue? Will they be able to get everyone out alive? Get ready as Full Metal Panic! launches into its second stunning volume!

Adv Announces Release Date For Saiyuki: Confronting Their Demons, the first volume of the 50 episode anime series will be released July 22nd.

Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters, second of three breathtaking and delightfully strange 1960s Yokai Monsters theatrical features slated for release on ADV Films' Rubbersuit Pictures imprint.

Featuring a cast of scores of "Yokai"-benevolent spirits that permeate Japanese folklore, and which were hinted at in the Academy Award-nominated Hayao Miyazaki film Spirited Away-the Yokai Monsters titles were produced by studio Daiei, makers of such classic titles as Daimajin and the Gamera series. To be release July 29th:

Rahxephon: Dissonance (4th volume series)

RahXephon was created and directed by Yutaka Izubuchi (Gasaraki, the Gundam franchise), and produced by Bones (Angelic Layer), Victor Entertainment (Noir) and Fuji TV (Astro Boy, Battle of the Planets). The RahXephon series debuted on Japanese TV in 2002 and became an immediate sensation, with fierce action and the multilayered complexity of the plot and characters drawing in viewers by the tens of thousands.

City Hunter Tv: Season One Collections One And Two (More than 10 hours each)

Each subtitled, Japanese-only collection includes more than 20 complete episodes of the legendary, long-running Japanese animated television series. City Hunter is centered on the (mis)adventures of .357-packing professional bodyguard/clean-up man Ryo Saeba, known as City Hunter.

Rune Soldier: A True Champion? (3rd volume of the series)

The third volume of the anime adventure tale, combining fantasy, magic, comedy and epic quests in one irreverent package. Rune Soldier was created by Ryo Mizuno, the mind behind the acclaimed Record of Lodoss War anime.

You're Under Arrest: The Motion Picture

You're Under Arrest! The Motion Picture,, a DVD-only feature-length anime accompanying the You're Under Arrest! anime series and based on the manga by Kosuke Fujishima, creator of Oh My Goddess!

The story: The hard-working men and women of the Bokuto Traffic Corps are back on the scene, but this time they've got more to worry about than everyday traffic violations! During a routine arrest, they recover a secret document. Contained within it are step-by-step instructions to terrorists on how to wipe Tokyo off the map! Even the precinct station isn't safe from the bloodthirsty murderers that want this information, or from the rogue who wrote it. Can Miyuki and Natsume rally their fellow officers in time to save themselves and the city? Or is Tokyo doomed to destruction at the hands of a vengeful madman? The fastest and wildest policewomen in Japan are up against their greatest challenge ever in You're Under Arrest: The Motion Picture!

GeneShaft News

Bandai has opened a GeneShaft site at geneshaft.bandai-ent.com. GeneShaft-The Ring will be released May 20th.

From the acclaimed director of the Escaflowne television series and theatrical feature, fans of Japanese anime will witness a new era of science fiction animation. In a final attempt to save the human race, a genetic engineering program was initiated in hopes of creating a new breed of human beings with special skills and abilities to benefit all of society. Successful, the Earth begins to enjoy a new era of peace.until the appearance of a mysterious artifact of unknown origin enters between the Earth and the moon. A group of enhanced humans have been selected to investigate the orbiting visitor. Armed with a prototype ship known only as 'Shaft', this strike team may be the only between continued peace and the total destruction of the Earth!

Boogiepop News

Anime Network(tm) today announced that the hit anime thriller "Boogiepop Phantom," produced for U.S. distribution by The Right Stuf International, has been licensed for broadcast on Anime Network(tm) (currently available as a video-on-demand feature on digital cable in select markets).

"Anime Network(tm)'s position as the only 24/7 television outlet dedicated to anime makes us a leading broadcast venue for fine anime content," said John Ledford, President and CEO of A.D. Vision, Inc., parent company of the Anime Network(tm) and ADV Films. "The Right Stuf is only the first domestic production company to enter into a broadcast distribution deal with Anime Network(tm); we're currently in negotiations with the other major anime providers about adding their content to the Anime Network(tm) lineup."

The Right Stuf International has announced announce that on June 17, 2003, one of the most brilliant masterpieces of psycho-thrillers in anime, Boogiepop Phantom, will return in a special Limited Edition Collector's Edition Ultra Box.

Available Exclusively At Best Buy And Rightstuf.Com, this amazing new Limited Edition set will collect all four DVDs of the Boogiepop Phantom Anime Series, the Boogiepop Phantom Original 2-Disc Soundtrack, the Music Inspired by Boogiepop Phantom and Others Music Album, Limited Edition extras such as a Pencil Boards and a special Premium Edition Card Set in a special high quality Art Box.

Boogiepop Phantom Limited Edition Collector's Ultra Box Street Date: 6/17/2003

Approximately 485 minutes Dolby Digital Stereo / Dolby Digital 5.1, Color. Science Fiction/Thriller

DVD (English, Japanese, Japanese with English Subtitles) SRP: $79.99

About Boogiepop Phantom

From Studio Mad House (NINJA SCROLL / TRIGUN / VAMPIRE HUNTER D), Director Watanabe Takashi (SLAYERS) and writer Sadayuki Murai (PERFECT BLUE) comes a brilliant masterpiece of a psycho-thriller that delves into the darkest reaches of the human condition. Boogiepop Phantom is a mind-bending story combining the stylistic nature of SERIAL EXPERIMENTS LAIN with the episodic nature and dark twisting plotlines of Quentin Tarantino's PULP FICTION.

Five years ago, a string of grisly murders shook the city to its core and now the rumors have begun once more. Boogiepop ... Everyone knows about Boogiepop: meet her one dark night and you are taken. People tell each other the stories and laugh: no one believes that she can possibly exist in this day and age. Still, strange things appear to be going on just and the darkness is taking on many forms. Something is out there. Are you safe?

ADV To Distribute Omishi Magical Theater: Risky Safety

ADV Films announced that the firm will distribute AN Entertainment's premiere title, Omishi Magical Theater: Risky Safety. The first volume of the series will street July 8, 2003. Join young Moe, the devilish apprentice death spirit Risky, and the pure-hearted apprentice angel Safety in a funny and touching all-ages tale of fate, friendship, love, and the cosmic balance of the universe-plus a few giant monsters!

Comprised of twenty-four mini episodes, Omishi Magical Theater: Risky Safety is based on manga created by Ray Omishi (Sorcerer Hunters, MAZE) and animated by Studio A.P.P.P. (Jojo's Bizarre Adventures, Robot Carnival).

For more information about Omishi Magical Theater: Risky Safety please visit the official site at: www.riskysafety.com

>PLEX Co., Ltd. and Fanboy Entertainment Announcements

At a press conference held in Tokyo, Plex International Design, one of Japan's leading toy design and TV planning companies, announced they would publish a line of original manga in the United States.

PLEX President Masayuki Kondo commented, "We are pleased to present our newly-created characters to American fans first with the upcoming release of manga series like Angel's Wing and NOZOMI. We hope you will enjoy these new characters and titles just as you have our past accomplishments, like Power Rangers, Masked Rider, Ultraman, Machine Robo and Robo Wheels. We will keep presenting our unique design work to meet all the fans expectations in the United States."

Most Americans are already quite familiar with Plex's work, even if they don't know it. The design firm was responsible for the creation of the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers They have also done design for popular properties such as Gundam, Digimon, Masked Rider and Ultraman.

Last year, to test the U.S. market waters, Plex published Angel's Wing #1, an 80 page, full color graphic novel. Due to the overwhelming success of Angel's Wing, they have decided to continue the series as an ongoing monthly manga. Angel's Wing #2 will be an 88 page, full color graphic, scheduled for release in July, with subsequent issues being 32 pages each.

Angel's Wing #1, the story of an apprentice Angel who makes her first trip to Earth, was illustrated by Tetsuya Aoki. Mr. Aoki is a veteran of the Japanese design and illustration industry. He has been working at Plex for over 12 years and has been an integral part of the success of their properties. Before joining Plex, Mr. Aoki was employed at Takara where he worked on the designs of the original Transformers.

Angel's Wing #2, also by Tetsuya Aoki, will go on sale this July. This 88 page original manga, colored by James Brown, will cost $7.95. However, a special preview edition of Angel's Wing will be available at Anime Expo 2003 held July 3-6th in Los Angeles. Plex Design will also have a booth at the convention to exhibit and display their design work and properties. Artist Mr. Tetsuya Aoki will be there promoting Angel's Wing. Also, an exclusive Angel's Wing five minute anime short will make its world premiere at Anime Expo. Mr. Aoki will also be attending San Diego Comic Con from July 17-20th and Anime Reactor from October 24-26 in Chicago.

For more information on Anime Reactor visit www.animereactor.org/

New Original Shojo Manga NOZOMI

Tokyo, Japan - Following up last week's press conference held in Tokyo, Plex International Design, one of Japan's leading toy design and TV planning companies, announced a second title in their new line of original manga to be relelased in the United States.

Nao Yazawa, a popular shojo artist, best know for the manga Wedding Peach, will write and illustrate a new, original shojo manga, Nozomi. Nozomi will be a one-shot 56 page, full color graphic novel. This is her first time creating an original manga specifically for American fans.

Nao Yazawa took some time to explain her thoughts about Nozomi. "I am very excited to have this chance to show my original shojo manga to American fans. I had never done any comic wok specifically for manga fans in the U.S., so there were times it was a little confusing. For example, the process of drawing the pages from left to right (Japanese is usually the opposite, from right to left), and adding sound effects in a more horizontal style (vertical writing is possible in Japanese manga). Also, Nozomi marks the first time my pages will be completely colored, not just in black and white. However, I am working to tell the fantastic story of Nozomi with as much sweat and love as I would devote to any of my other Japanese manga. I hope you will all enjoy Nozomi, and I pray for its success so I will have another chance to write and draw more manga for you in the future."

Nozomi is not only the title of the manga, but the name of the main character of the story as well. Nozomi is a shy young girl whose life changes the day she wishes on a falling star. Her wish is unexpectedly granted but not in the way she expected. A playful demon comes to Earth to teach her about love. the hard way.

Nozomi will go on sale this July for $5.95. This 56 page, original shojo manga will be completely written, illustrated and colored by Nao Yazawa herself! Her other popular manga series Wedding Peach will be also released by Viz this same month, with the anime series due out in the U.S. soon as well. A special preview edition of Nozomi will be available at Anime Expo 2003 held July 3-6th in Los Angeles. Plex Co., Ltd. will also have a booth at the San Diego Comic Com from July 17-20th and Anime Reactor from October 24-26th in Chicago. Nao Yazawa will be at both later conventions for her first U.S. convention appearances.

For more information on Nao Yazawa visit www.geocities.co.jp/AnimeComic-Ink/3718/

For more information on Anime Reactor visit www.animereactor.org/