Del Rey gets into manga publishing
Thursday, July 17, 2003 07:49 a.m.
Del Rey Books, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, announced today that it will launch a line of manga titles in conjunction with Kodansha, Japan’s leading publisher of manga. This creative partnership is a direct result of the recent alliance between Random House, Inc. and Kodansha Ltd., Publishers, which was announced in January.
Del Rey will launch with the simultaneous release of four titles in Spring 2004. Each will be the first volume of an individual series—all top Kodansha properties; these will be followed up by eight additional volumes over the next twelve months. The titles will be released as trade paperbacks printed in the traditional Japanese format, reading right to left. The target audience for the program will be readers 13 and older.
“We’re terrifically excited about working with Kodansha, and about the potential for expanding the audience for manga,” said Betsy Mitchell, VP/Editor-in-Chief for Del Rey. “Our program will mark the first time a major U.S. trade publisher has entered the manga arena. Random House’s powerful sales, publicity, and promotional resources will bring manga to greater prominence in several markets that have not yet benefited from its current popularity.”
Dallas Middaugh, former sales and marketing director for Viz, has been named as Director of Manga for Del Rey, reporting to Betsy Mitchell. He will oversee acquisitions as well as sales, marketing, and promotional strategies for the program. Widely respected as an expert in selling and marketing manga, Middaugh saw net revenue from manga publishing more than triple during his tenure at Viz.
Cited as the fastest growing category in bookstores today, the graphic novel market has doubled each year for the past two years, leading to an estimated $100 million market today. The vast majority of the growth in the market has been due to the increased popularity of Japanese comics, known as manga.
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“We thank Kodansha for working with us to create this new program,” said Mitchell. “It’s exciting to be able to trade ideas and concepts.”
AnimeExpo licence announcements
Monday, July 7, 2003 08:13 a.m.
Stacks of stuff announced at this weekend's Anime Expo in the US...
Pioneer:
Texhnolyze
Gungrave
Read or Die TV
Samurai Champloo
Three of the four Pioneer titles are still in production in Japan.
Funimation:
Detective Conan
Detective Conan was previously licensed by Fox Kids but the licence was allowed to lapse (it was speculated that it was too difficult to edit the show to make it suitable for viewing by children). Funimation has licensed the first 104 episodes and the first two movies.
ADV Films:
Sister Princess
Slayers Premium
Gravion
Mahou Yuugi
Birth
Bast of Lemon (Korean)
Mani Mani (Neo-Tokyo)
Azumanga Daioh Movie
DNAngel
RahXephon movie
Nurse Witch Komugi-chan
Kino's Journey
ADV also announced that they would be entering the manga and toy production market with their new lines, ADV Manga and ADV Toys.
ADV manga titles will be released in graphic novel format, unflipped, for US$9.99 (matching the Tokyopop manga price). The list of manga licensed for release includes:
Demon Palace Babylon
Cat Girl Nuku Nuku
Cat Shit One
Dark Side Blues
Full Metal Panic
Ki*Me*Ra
Those Who Hunt Elves
Seven of Seven
Demon City Shinjuku
Steel Angel Kurumi
Azumanga Daioh
Demon City Hunter
Rahxephon Bible
Najica
Gunslinger Girl
To Heart
Figure 17
Happy Lesson
ADV Toys will release merchandise like posters, shitajiki (pencil boards), wallscrolls, and figures.
Bandai Entertainment:
.hack//DUSK
Dragon Drive
Galaxy Angel 1 & 2
Gundam F91
Magical Nyan Nyan Taruto
Stratos
Tenshi no Shippo
Zeta Gundam
Yukikaze
Wolf's Rain
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
They confirmed 2 additional episodes of .hack//SIGN will be on the last volume making the series 28 episodes. The last volume will probably be a 2 DVD set.
There will be a Cowboy Bebop PS2 game that is currently in development.
Media Blasters:
Gun Parade March
Boku no Sexual Harassment
Central Park Media:
Narue no Sekai TV
TokyoPop:
Rave Master (Groove Adventure Rave)
Tokyopop manga titles:
Mahoromatic
B'tX
Get Backers
Pita Ten
Psychic Academy
A. I. Love You
Fruits Basket
Source: Anime News Network and Anime on DVD
Hikaru no Go anime/manga licences confirmed
Tuesday, July 1, 2003 08:56 a.m.
According to the American Go Association's newsletter today, Viz LLC have acquired the manga and anime rights to Hikaru no Go. According to the piece, which talks about the potential for an increase in younger Americans getitng into Go via the anime, Viz expects to release the start of both the manga and anime towards the end of this year.
Odex Singapore to stop releasing DVDs
Saturday, June 28, 2003 10:14 p.m.
From a Singapore-based forum:
"Thank you for your kind support to ODEX.
ODEX will not be releasing new DVDs because the sales for DVD is very low compared to VCD. To add, most fans are either downloading or buying pirated DVDs.
We can match the price of pirated DVDs anytime if the quantity justifies the sales, but the Singapore market can't even absorb 300 DVDs per title. Lowering price doesn't even have a significant increase in sales volume.
I'm sorry to disappoint you guys, but at current stand, ODEX will release VCD until the sales of DVD justifies its release.
In the meantime, ODEX will focus on putting anime titles onto TV Mobile to promote anime awareness."
Hikaru no Go manga licensed
Thursday, June 26, 2003 11:40 a.m.
Toriyama's World, a manga fan-translation website, announced today that they have been contacted by a company holding the North American rights to the Hikaru no Go manga. The licensing company has yet to be named.
Pioneer confirms licence for second CCS movie
Thursday, June 19, 2003 08:40 a.m.
Pioneer has confirmed that the second Card Captor Sakura movie, Cardcaptor Sakura: The Sealed Card, has been licensed with an expected release date of November 18th. Unlike the previous movie, no separate Cardcaptors dub will be created. Rather, a new cast from Bang! Zoom! will be recording the English dub.
Yoshitaka Amano website online
Thursday, June 19, 2003 08:38 a.m.
Yoshitaka Amano's website, "Amanosworld" is open today. The website includes a small gallery, and if you have a spare couple of thousand dollars, you can also purchase some of his work.
Gainax Evangelion news and new manga
Wednesday, June 18, 2003 09:00 a.m.
Gainax has announced on their Evangelion webpage that, following the recent announcement of the live action Evangelion movie, Gainax will be making another big announcement in the later summer. They unfortunately are not giving any clues as to what sort of announcement.
Gainax also announced in their online diary today that a new Manga based on the second Koutetsu no Girlfriend (Iron Maiden) Evangelion game will be serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Monthly Asuka. The game was released last month, and the manga will begin serialization in the October issue of Monthly Asuka, due out on August 24th.
Gunparade March licensing rumours
Monday, June 16, 2003 07:41 a.m.
According to the PDF over at Anime Expo that covers their video programming for this year, the recent series Gunparade March is listed as showing the first episode in dub form. Now, this could easily be a typo since the title is not yet licensed, but there have been a number of whispered rumors about this one being an easy shoe-in for Pioneer to announce this year.
Manga bits and pieces
Thursday, June 12, 2003 08:59 a.m.
TOKYOPOP will be reprinting Cardcaptor Sakura manga volumes 1-3 in unflipped format and rereleasing it in a special box set this US Autumn. This is similar to what they did with Magic Knights Rayearth. The remaining three volumes will follow later.
Starting in October, Viz will be rereleasing vol. 1 of Fushigi Yuugi and Utena in the unflipped format for at US$9.95 (previously US$15.95), along with volumes 9 and 4 (the latest ones). Banana Fish will also be re-released unflipped, although the schedule for this rerelease has not yet been finalised.
Viz have also announced that Maison Ikkoku will be rereleased, unflipped, bimonthly, for US$9.95 AND including the missing chapters. It will now match the original Japanese release at 15 volumes.
Preliminary Weta designs for Live Action Eva
Monday, June 9, 2003 09:20 a.m.
The current issue of Newtype Japan includes an article on the live-action Evangelion movie, with preliminary designs by Weta Workshop. Weta is working with ADV and Gainax to produce a live action Evangelion. To view the article, click here.
Naoko Takeuchi confirms new Sailor Moon live action TV series
Sunday, June 8, 2003 09:27 a.m.
The July issue of Young You magazine has a statement from Naoko Takeuchi, the original creator of Sailor Moon, officially announcing the new Sailor Moon TV series that will air on Japanese TV this fall.
The TV series will be a live action show produced by Toei. Takeuchi says, "It was decided that Sailor Moon will be brought to TV again, this time as a live action series," and that she is looking forward to seing it.
More details should be available soon, Takeuchi suggests that fans watch for announcements in newspapers and magazines and on the Sailor Moon website.
Risky Safety episode for download
Saturday, June 7, 2003 08:14 a.m.
To promote their upcoming release of Risky Safety, AN Entertainment has made the first ten-minute episode of the series available for download.
Hunter x Hunter licensing rumour
Saturday, June 7, 2003 08:12 a.m.
Shueisha has filed for two trademark in relation to Hunter X Hunter with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The first for "comic books and comic magazines" and the second for a number of categories: "electronic publications in the nature of comic books, downloadable computer game software", "stationery, trading cards", "action toys, toy action figures, dolls, arcade games, board games, card games" , "entertainment services, namely, providing comics via the Internet, providing non-downloadable games via the Internet; providing information on-line relating to computer games and comics." The first trademark was filed in July 2002, and the second one in October.
While this certainly suggests that Shueisha has some immediate plans for Hunter X Hunter in North America, it doesn't guarantee anything. It's been over 7 months since the second application and we haven't seen or heard anything official yet.
Live action Evangelion in the works
Wednesday, May 21, 2003 08:21 a.m.
Variety says a live-action film based on hit Japanese animated TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion is in the works. The project will mark a collaboration between ADV Films, a producer-distributor of Japanese toons in North America, Nippon producer Gainax and Peter Jackson's New Zealand-based Weta Workshop, whose f/x wizardry was utilized in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
ADV Films prez-CEO John Ledford said, "The three main players here represent something of a dream team for a project like this. Between the quality and significance of Gainax, Weta's industry-leading skill in visual effects and our expertise in the marketing and promotion of anime and anime-related content, this project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
While Ledford said the film is in early development, he foreshadowed an "aggressive timetable."
Neon Genesis Evangelion joins a growing list of titles, including Kite, Dragonball Z, Battle Angel, and Lupin III, that are rumored or confirmed to have live-action remakes in the works.
More A-Cen licensing news
Sunday, May 18, 2003 09:29 a.m.
ADV Films announced today that they had licensed Happy Lesson (both the OVA series and the TV series) and Nuku Nuku TV, as well as the Japanese live action film Gun Crazy. They will apparently also be re-entering the manga market soon.
No new licenses for Manga but they did say that they have an option on the new Read or Dream series (follow-up to Read or Die) and will most likely exercise it.
Madman R4 Tenchi Muyo OVA dvd recall
Saturday, May 17, 2003 12:17 p.m.
News just out from Madman:
"Please be advised that disc two of Tenchi Muyo OVA Ultimate Collection (MMB005) is faulty and plays out of sync.
Madman are taking immediate steps to rectify the fault and replacement copies of disc two will be sent to all independent stores in line with initial May orders.
Customers can also be referred to the Madman mail-order department for direct receipt of replacement discs on (03) 9417 0977.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Pioneer licenses Someday Dreamers
Saturday, May 17, 2003 09:43 a.m.
News out of Day 1 of the Anime Central convention in the US is that Pioneer has licensed Someday Dreamers. Pioneer still denies having the licence to Macross Zero.
Shaman King licensed by 4Kids
Friday, May 16, 2003 08:08 a.m.
Out of the blue today, 4Kids Entertainment announced that Shaman King (TV) would be airing on Fox Box this fall, effectively announcing that they had licensed at least part of the TV series.
According to the press release, 4Kids will be producing (dubbing) 26 episodes for air on FoxBox. There is no mention of whether or not they have licensed the rest of the 64 episode TV series, nor if the 26 episodes to be broadcast are in fact the first 26 episodes.
New manga licenses from Fanboy Entertainment
Wednesday, May 7, 2003 01:00 p.m.
At a press conference held in Tokyo last week, 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.
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 success of the first volue, Plex has decided to continue the series as an ongoing monhly manga. The second volume, running at 88 pages, will be released in July, with subsequent 32 page issue following every month.
Following their first announcement regarding the continuation of the Angel Wing series, Fanboy Entertainment and Plex have announced that they will be bringing Nozomi, and original Shouo Manga by Nao Yazawa created specifically for American fans, to the United States.
Nao Yazawa, best known for her work on Wedding Peach(published in the US by Tokyopop), will write and illustrate the one shot 56 page full color graphic novel.
"There are a lot of people requesting for SBS to show more manga/anime. I too would love it if you could show more things like Ninja Scroll or Akira. Please could you bring back the manga!
SBS has always been my source of anime but recently it seems to have dried up.
Countless fans want SBS to air more anime. But no, we don't even warrant a slot on Hotline. SBS used to be cool but now it just seems that SBS has room for every demographic except those who like anime."
SBS's response:
"We like manga just as much as you do, but to bring you the cream of the crop of anime does take time. The next Neon Genesis Evangelion movie will be on SBS later this year though, and reaching our screens eventually will be well known and admired titles like Cowboy Bebop, and the film Spirited Away."
Tokyopop announces new manga acquisitions
Wednesday, April 30, 2003 08:30 a.m.
Tokyopop has announced the following five manga titles for release in July:
Rurouni Kenshin manga licensed for Shonen Jump USA
Tuesday, April 29, 2003 08:32 a.m.
The latest Shonen Jump USA newsletter dated April 25th mentions Rurouni Kenshin in the line-up of manga available in the magazine. There is no mention as yet of when Rurouni Kenshin will debut.
New Daft Punk and Matsumoto collaboration for Cannes
Tuesday, April 29, 2003 08:30 a.m.
ICv2.com has posted that a "mysterious" collaboration between Daft Punk and Leiji Matsumoto is rumored to be scheduled to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
In 2001 Daft Punk released four music videos with animation directed by Leiji Matsumoto. The videos, from the Album "Discovery," told a musical story about an outer-space band of musicians that were kidnapped in order to play music on earth. Despite rumours that Matsumoto was going to make videos for all 14 tracks on Discovery, official reports were that he was only scheduled to make four, and only four have been released, with the story incomplete at the end of the fourth video. It is possible to suppose that the "mysterious" collaboration could be a completion of the story begun in the four videos.
New Rumiko Takashi anime coming soon
Tuesday, April 22, 2003 06:12 p.m.
Shogakukan's Big Comic Original Magazine has announced a new TV anime based on the work of Rumiko Takahashi. The only details known are that it will run under the title Rumiko Takahashi Theatre this summer. Past shows based on Takahashi's works have been wild successes on both sides of the Pacific, so there should be no shortage of interest in this new title.
Anime licensing news
Monday, April 21, 2003 10:31 a.m.
News out of last weekend's Anime Boston convention:
Pioneer:
Mahoromatic Season 2
Haibane Renmei
? Macross Zero (accidently announced by Manga as being owned by Pioneer, not confirmed by Pioneer)
ADV:
Azumanga Daioh (R4 already announced by Madman)
Abenobashi Mahou Shoutengai (R4 already announced by Madman)
Final Fantasy Unlimited
Director's Cut for last six episodes of Evangelion
Synch-Point:
DigiCharat Movie
Leave it to Piyoko!
Bandai:
Witch Hunter Robin
Spirit of Wonder new OVA
.hack manga apparently licensed, but no official word as to by which company.
Live action Kite
Tuesday, April 8, 2003 11:18 a.m.
ScreenDaily reports that Rob Cohen (Director of XXX, The Fast and the Furious) has acquired the rights to remake Kite into a live-action film. Cohen has stated that he will not include "graphic adult situations", particularly of the rape found in the anime. Click here to read the full article.
Madman licensing news from Supanova
Monday, April 7, 2003 08:22 a.m.
Lots of new announcements from Madman at their panel at Supanova this weekend, including titles that have not yet been licensed in the US:
Abenobashi - Magical Shopping Street/District
Angelic Layer
Azumanga Daioh
Bandit King Jing
Cowboy Bebop Best Sessions
Big O Series 1 and 2
Blue Gender
Colorful
Cosplay Complex
Dragonball
Edens Bowy
Escaflowne - A Girl In Gaia, Movie
Fruits Basket
Haibane Renmai
Hello Kitty Paradise
Initial D
Love Hina Specials Spring and Christmas
Neo Ranga
Pretear
Read or Die
Rune Soldier
Saiyuki
Sakura Wars
Scryed
Revolutionary Girl Utena - Movie
Voices of a Distant Star (Hoshi no Koe)
Witch Hunter Robin
Yu Yu Hakusho
Zaion
Patlabor movie 1 and 2 (box set set for June)
Watanabe talks Bebop
Sunday, March 30, 2003 11:11 a.m.
The Los Angeles Times has an interesting interview with Shinichiro Watanabe that can be read here. In it Watanabe talks about about his influences, which include Dirty Harry and other American film noir and in what ways Spike is an extention of himself.
Towards the end is one item that will interest many fans. While in the past Watanabe has said that Cowboy Bebop is "over," more recently he has been quoted as saying that there will probably be more of Bebop. In the interview he once again affirms this by saying that, while he has no immediate plan, the story "will probably continue at some time in the future."
Raijin Comics featured in The Age
Saturday, March 29, 2003 12:48 p.m.
The Age has published an article today about the weekly manga anthology, Rajin Comics, and its push into the Western market. You can read the full article here.
Azumanga Daioh Advance
Friday, March 28, 2003 08:24 a.m.
The Azumanga Daioh Advance computer game will be released for the Gameboy Advance on 25 April 2003, price 5,800 yen. The game system takes the form of a "card battle". In the meantime, a trial version of the game for Windows PCs can be downloaded from this page (approximately 780Kb). Just click on the green button in the middle of the page to download, then unzip the file and double-click on the Azutaiken.exe file.
More manga licensing news - Flame of Recca
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 12:54 p.m.
In addition to the Hana Yori Dango manga, the Barnes and Noble solicitations also have Flame of Recca and Wedding Peach listed for release in July by Viz.
Hana Yori Dango licensing news
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 12:50 p.m.
Voice actress Daniella Evangelista has mentionned on her website that she is playing the part of Eriko in "Boys Over Flowers" and that the series will be released "be released on DVD in video stores across the USA soon." Unfortunately she does not mention who the licensor is. In the past all of Daniella's Anime dubbing work has been for The Ocean Group, which regularly does dubbing for Pioneer, Viz and Bandai but has also worked on ADV and CPM projects in the past.
According to Barnes and Noble, Viz Entertainment has the rights to the Hana Yori Dango Manga, with volume 1 coming in July. Last year the title was possibly linked with TRSI.
Miyazaki finds it hard to celebrate Oscar due to "Deeply sad events" in the world
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 08:13 a.m.
From Kyodo News:
TOKYO Hayao Miyazaki, the director of "Spirited Away," which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film, said Monday he finds it hard to celebrate the prize because of what is going on in the world, apparently referring to the war in Iraq.
Miyazaki, who did not attend the 75th Annual Academy Awards ceremony held in Los Angeles on Sunday, said in a handwritten statement, "It is regrettable that I cannot rejoice from my heart over the prize because of the deeply sad events taking place in the world."
"However, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all my friends who have lent their effort in releasing 'Spirited Away' in the United States and to all those who have shown their appreciation of the movie," the statement said.
At Tokyo's Studio Ghibli, which created the movie, staff applauded and shouted with joy on hearing about the Oscar prize.
However, Miyazaki did not appear at the studio to talk to reporters.
Producer Toshio Suzuki, who gave a press conference, said, "In the normal course of events, Miyazaki should be making a speech. But he has said that he cannot be truly joyful because of the times we are in now. He has said that he cannot bear to have media broadcasting his happy face."
Suzuki said that it was "most moving" to think that "Spirited Away" was initially rejected by a major U.S. movie distributor as unsuitable for the U.S. market, but that it has gone on to win such a prestigious prize.
Spirited Away wins Academy Award for Best Animated feature
Monday, March 24, 2003 01:50 p.m.
Sunday night at the 75th Annual Academy Awards, Spirited Away captured the “Best Animated Film” award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The film prevailed against the competition of four other nominees: Ice Age, Lilo and Stitch, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, and Treasure Planet.
The award was accepted by the academy with no speech. Both Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki were unable to attend the ceremony.
On Feburary 11th, Spirited Away became the first Japanese animated feature to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Film.” Despite grossing only $5.55 million since its limited release on Sept. 20th, the film received almost universal praise from critics.
Winning the Oscar marks the zenith of the film's long string of awards. Spirited Away’s previous awards include Best Film at the 2001 Japanese Academy Awards, Best Animated Feature (among other awards) at the 2002 Annie Awards, Best Animated Feature from Critics’ Awards in New York and Los Angeles, Best Asian Film at the 2002 Hong Kong Film Awards, and Best Film at the Cinekid 2002 International Children's Film Festival.
New Gutsoon! graphic novels in June
Thursday, March 20, 2003 08:14 a.m.
Beginning in June, Gutsoon! Entertainment is premiering a series of monthly graphic novels. In addition to its current Fist of the North Star offerings, Gutsoon! is adding Fist of The Blue Sky, City Hunter, Slam Dunk, and First President of Japan to their 2003 release list. Several additional title announcements from Gutsoon! are expected within the next few months.
Madman R4 Noir vol 1 dvd to be reissued
Wednesday, March 19, 2003 09:43 a.m.
The recent dvd issue of the first volume of Noir by Madman is apparently lacking in the 5.1 audio track, although it is advertised as 5.1 on the packaging. Madman will be reissuing this dvd ASAP.
From Tim Anderson at Madman via their forums:
I just checked it also. I am extremely upset about this also. This DVD was actually provided to us directly by ADV and I assumed it would use the same 5.1 track as theirs, but apparently not.
We will rectify this ourselves over the coming week and send replacement discs out to stores for direct exchange from fans. OR they may exchange directly with us as normal.
I send my apologies to all those who we have inconvenienced and assure you we will do everything possible to ensure such mistakes do not occur again.
Best,
Tim.
Ninja Scroll TV series
Sunday, March 9, 2003 09:42 a.m.
Ninja Scroll: The TV Series is on the way!
Spanning 13 episodes and written by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, the TV series continues where Kawajiri's award- winning masterpiece left off! Currently in production, the series will begin airing on WOWOW in Japan in April. The series will make its home video debut first in the US this fall, with the release in Japan following in winter.
Berserk manga licensed
Sunday, March 9, 2003 09:41 a.m.
Among the most fan anticipated and unlicensed manga properties in the American sphere for several years now has been Kentaro Miura's horror/fantasy epic Berserk. Published in Japan by Hakusensha and serialized in Young Animal Magazine since the early 1990's, Berserk was adapted to an animated TV series in 1998 by O.L.M.. With the subsequent swell of American fan interest in the series, Media Blasters announced a US anime acquisition in 2001.
ANS learned Friday that the wait for fans wishing to enjoy Miura's graphic masterpiece in English will soon be over. As part of a special partnership between Digital Manga Publishing and Dark Horse Comics, Berserk will soon be hitting the street nationwide.
Harry Potter goes Digi Charat
Monday, March 3, 2003 07:40 a.m.
Robotech R4 dvd box 4 to have replacement disc issued
Friday, February 28, 2003 04:45 p.m.
Dear Robo-fan,
Unfortunately due to an error in our encoding process a problem has occurred in Robotech DVD 8, part of DVD Box set 4. The problem was noted in quality checking, but incorrectly fixed. It involves a segment of the first episode and the last episode on the disc playing out of sequence and therefore results in confusing storyline.
In order to address this fault we are undertaking the following steps:
1. Stores are being notified of the error and a post will be made to the Madman web site.
2. Independent stores are being shipped replacement copies of disc 8 in a PVC envelope to exchange with customers over the counter.
3. Other major chains will be sending back stock for repacking and replacement. This stock is expected to be in store in around 2 weeks and will be recognisable by a small Madman sticker on the outside wrap.
4. Anyone who is unable to exchange directly in stores may exchange the DVD directly with Madman Mail Order department.
Our apologies for allowing this error to occur and for any inconvenience caused.
Best Regards,
Tim Anderson
Managing Director
Madman Entertainment
More anime-to-live action?
Friday, February 28, 2003 08:33 a.m.
Master thief Lupin the Third...is about to make his Hollywood debut--possibly stealing his way into becoming Japan's next cultural export a la Pokemon and Godzilla. Gerald R. Molen, producer of...Schindler's List, has acquired the film rights to the work and is determined to make the story of Lupin a box office success. "As far as whether or not we know it will be a success, no one ever knows," Molen said Tuesday while in Japan to meet the comic's artist, Monkey Punch, 65, whose real name is Kazuhiko Kato, and start preparatory work on the film. "We'll go home from here with a lot of wonderful ideas and a lot of enthusiasm and go to work," he told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Tokyo. Lupin the Third, which started out as a comic in 1967, is extremely popular in Japan, inspiring a TV cartoon show and five animation films. More than 3 million copies of the Lupin comic books have been sold. Lupin, a grinning young man who breaks the law but never anyone's heart, could easily translate into the latest silver-screen heartthrob action hero, much like Spider-Man. Kato, Lupin's creator, said he would leave artistic control to the film professionals and insist on little else than keeping the five main characters. "I'm so thrilled I could fly," he said. "I want the film to continue as long as the 007 series."
Tokyopop past, present and future
Wednesday, February 26, 2003 01:33 p.m.
As part of their ongoing Anime Frontiers feature, DVD Vision Japan has just posted an interview with John Parker: President and COO of TOKYOPOP, Mike Kiley: President of Information services, and Kristien Brada Thompson: Marcom Manager about the past, present, and future of TOKYOPOP. You can read the review here.
New Siren licences for Australian release
Monday, February 17, 2003 09:40 p.m.
Siren will be releasing the following titles for the R4 Australian market starting around May/June 2003:
Now and Then, Here and There
Record of Lodoss War
Vandread: Second Stage
All titles will apparently be bilingual.
Newtype USA delivery to Australia to be delayed
Monday, February 17, 2003 01:49 p.m.
As of the April issue, Madman Entertainment will be changing the freighting method of Newtype USA to Australia from the USA from airmail to seamail. This will mean that there will be a two-week delay between the March and April issues (i.e. 6 week gap between the two issues) and that future issues will be received in Australia two weeks later than has previously been the case.
Freight costs are said to be the reason for the switch, Madman sources tell us that due to the high cost of air freight, previous issues of Newtype have actually been sold in Australia at a loss.
Gundam bicycles and laptops
Monday, February 17, 2003 08:18 a.m.
ZDNet Japan reports that Bandai Networks is selling Gundam bicycles. There'll be two models: a Gundam design "Gundam Bicycle Type 20 RX-78-2 Gundam-7S" and a Zaku design "Gundam Bicycle Type 26 MS-06 Zaku II-21S". Release date is planned for the end of April 2003. Price 50,000 yen each. The bicycles were designed with the advice of Ogawara Kunio, mecha designer in the Gundam series. Pictured in the report is the Zaku model of the bicycle.
Or for the more hi-tech, there's the Gundam personal computer series. First up is the "Char Model". It's red, of course, for the Red Comet. CPU 1.33 GHz Celeron processor, 256MB memory, approximately 20GB hard drive, CD-R/RW and DVD-ROM drive, bundled with various software including Lotus Super Office, Win DVD 4.0, Norton Antivirus 2002, etc. Also included will be various Gundam icons, wallpapers, sounds etc. Price 198,000 yen. Preorder cutoff date is 28 February 2003. For more pics click here.
Cowboy Bebop the Movie at Kino Cinemas
Saturday, February 15, 2003 05:36 p.m.
Cowboy Bebop - Knockin' on Heaven's Door will be screening for a limited season at Kino Dendy Cinemas from March 6.
For more information, contact Kino Dendy Cinemas, 45 Collins Street Melbourne. Ph: 03 9650 2100, www.dendy.com.au
Bandai announces Scryed licence
Saturday, February 15, 2003 01:28 p.m.
From the press release:
In line with Bandai’s commitment to bringing top anime to the forefront of home entertainment, the company has just announced the acquisition of one of the hottest anime properties of the year, s.CRY.ed. Animated by animation powerhouse Sunrise studios (Cowboy Bebop, Argentosoma) -The story takes place in a desolate world devastated by a mysterious environmental catastrophe. While the city has been rebuilt, the catastrophe has caused some humans to undergo genetic mutations granting them unique powers. These enhanced humans are known as Alters. The star of the series is Kazuma, an Alter whose freedom is being threatened by a secret organization called ‘Holy’. His fight for freedom will consume humanity and Alter alike! The series will feature a plethora of DVD extra materials including textless opening/endings, special clips, footage, trailers, exclusive interviews and commentary from producers and creative staff from the show including Goro Taniguchi (Infinite Ryvius), director; Yousuke Kurodo, scriptwriter; and Hisashi Hirai (Infinite Ryvius), character designer.
Viz licenses Excel Saga manga
Saturday, February 15, 2003 09:18 a.m.
According to the AnimeonDVD forums, if you look at the most recently released single issue of the Big O from Viz (3-4), editor Carl Horn mentions that he will be handling the editing chores of the English adaptation of the Excel Saga manga. No word on likely release dates as yet.
Viz licenses Basara manga
Thursday, February 13, 2003 01:42 p.m.
In this month's issue of Animerica, Viz have announced that they will be releasing Yumi Taura's "Basara" manga series in graphic novel-only format. Releases will be bimonthly in unflipped format, for US$10 each, starting in the northern summer.
New Evangelion game for PC
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 08:31 a.m.
GAiNAX's PC game Shin Seiki Evangelion Koutetsu no Girlfriend 2nd is to be released at the end of April 2003. This game will be set in the alternate universe of episode 26 of the TV series, where Rei is a transfer student and Misato a teacher.
Digi Charat news
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 08:29 a.m.
The new Di Gi Charat TV series, Di Gi Charat Nyo will commence broadcast on 6 April 2003.
The manga version of Di Gi Charat Nyo will commence serialisation in Shogakukan's monthly shoujo magazine Ciao, starting with the April 2003 issue on sale 3 March 2003. The manga will be drawn by Minase Itsuru.
A new Di Gi Charat OVA will be released, titled "Di Gi Charat Gekijo Piyoko ni Omakase piyo!" Volume 1 will be released on 21 March 2003 and the concluding volume 2 on 3 May 2003.
Risky/Safety licenced by AnimeNation
Saturday, February 1, 2003 11:19 a.m.
Animenation, a long-established US-based online retail store, has created a subsidiary called AN Entertainment and will start releasing titles.
According to their press release, their first title is Risky Safety, a 24 mini-episode series from late 1999. Risky Safety will be released on three DVD volumes, each containing 8 episodes. Apparently the script is to be adapted from a fansub script, although there is no mention of this on the website of the original fansubbers, Sachi's Distribution.
New Media Blasters licences - Samurai Deeper Kyo
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 10:23 a.m.
In Anime on DVD's "Year in Review", MediaBlasters have announced the following titles for release in 2003:
Samurai Deeper Kyo
12 Countries
Madara
Weathering Continent
Dante's Inferno
MediaBlasters also mentioned that a Mezzo Forte TV series (presumably based on the OVA of the same name) is currently in production and will have a Western release.
In response to fan concerns regarding the manga market being flooded with too many releases, TOKYOPOP editor Jake Forbes discussed how many series that started last year will end this year, and that a number of this years new acquisitions are shorter, such as one to three volumes.
Tokyopop licence Kindaichi Case Files manga
Monday, January 20, 2003 05:27 p.m.
Tokyopop have snuck in another unannounced update to their website, with The Kindaichi Case Files manga being added to their stable of manga titles. The Kindaichi Case Files were previously released in English up to volume 3 as one of the bilingual Kodansha manga.
New Tokyopop manga licences
Friday, January 17, 2003 02:11 p.m.
Tokyopop have added a list of new manga titles to their website. New previously unannounced titles include:
Battle Royale
Demon Diary
Fake
Gravitation
Happy Mania
Under a Glass Moon
Tokyo Mew Mew
Most notable is the fact that Tokyopop are moving into previously uncharted territory, with three of the titles being from the shounen-ai genre (Fake, Gravitation and Demon Diary).
Viz distribution changes make local news
Thursday, January 16, 2003 10:05 a.m.
The previously reported cessation of international distribution of Viz manga titles is having an impact locally, according to this article in today's Brisbane Courier Mail.
(There is good news for Tamarket customers interested in Viz manga titles, as the distribution troubles should not be affecting our suppliers. Viz manga are still available through our preorder service!)
New Miyazaki movie details
Thursday, January 16, 2003 08:10 a.m.
The February 2003 issue of the Japanese Magazine Animage mentions Hayao Miyazaki's latest project, "Howl's Moving Castle" will be based on the works of popular British children's author Diana Wynne Jones. It is a love story about Sophie, an 18 year old girl who is magically transformed into a 90 year old woman, and Howl the Magician set in the background of the eve of a war. According to Miyazaki, it is a standard war melodrama with design for the world being based on late 19th Century European fantasy painters works mixed with science and magic. Miyazaki is currently working on designs and Studio Gibli is in the process of testing 3D computer graphics. Work on the actual production is scheduled to start on Feb. 1st and is aimed at being completed in Spring 2004.
Rahxephon game for PS2 and new Rahxephon OVA
Friday, January 10, 2003 05:52 p.m.
Bandai will release Rahxephon: Symphonic Fantasia for PlayStation 2 in Japan this summer, a 3D action game based on the anime series Rahxephon. In this game you control different robots and battle in a variegated environment. The game will bundle with a new Rahxephon OVA in DVD format.
New Tokyopop manga licences
Friday, January 10, 2003 05:47 p.m.
Tokyopop has announced the licences for three new manga series based on the series Cowboy Bebop, Juline and Harlem Beat. The exciting adventure, drama and action continue with the sequels Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star, Shaolin Sisters and Rebound, all set to hit store shelves in spring 2003.
Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star - One of TOKYOPOP'S best sellers and regularly ranked in the BookScan top 10 graphic novel bestseller list, Cowboy Bebop is based on the smash hit anime series. This is the phenomenal comic misadventure of interplanetary bounty hunters -- Spike, Jet, Faye and Ed --taking on the jobs even the most seasoned vets would run from. Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star is an alternate telling of the famous TV show that contains all the same intrigue, adventure, action and gritty noir ambiance of its onscreen counterpart. A fantastic yarn in its own right, this two-volume series is a perfect addendum to any Cowboy Bebop collection.
Shaolin Sisters From master storyteller Narumi Kakinouchi -- creator of Vampire Princess Miyu and Juline -- comes the newest escapades of Julin Kenga, an only-child and heiress to a martial arts clan. Julin's life is turned upside down when an old kung-fu master hands her a magic bell and tells her she must find her two sisters! Each sister possesses a magic bell, and all three bells are being hunted by the evil King Baiwon, who plans to use their power to conquer the world.
Rebound The dramatic sequel to Harlem Beat - which earned a coveted spot on the ALA "2002 Popular Paperback List" -- Rebound continues the adventures of Nate Torres, a teenager who always thought of himself as a quitter until he found the world of street basketball. Nate and the Jonan High School Varsity basketball team are poised to represent Tokyo in Japan's National Basketball Championships. But as soon as they enter the tournament, the team realizes that the competition in their neighborhood pales in comparison to the kind of game the thugs and pros at the championship will give them.
Can human love exist without a physical body? Mamoru Oshii depicts a man and a woman from a future world where the border between human and machine is ambiguous.
INNOCENCE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMING TO JAPAN SPRING OF 2004
Basic Elements :: Shirow Masamune
Screenplay/Director :: Mamoru Oshii
Producer :: Mitsuhisa Ishikawa
Production :: Production I.G
Co-Produced by :: Studio GHIBLI
Investor Group :: Ghost Team
Location :: Toho International Theatres
Evangelion Second Coming?
Friday, December 6, 2002 09:42 p.m.
With the heading of "Second Coming", one of the feature articles in the next issue of Japanese Newtype (to be published in Japan on 10 December 2002) will be on Evangelion, including an interview with director Anno. Further, on the GAiNAX website, it has been stated that there'll be an important announcement in the February 2003 issue of Monthly Shonen Ace-A magazine, on sale 26 December 2002.
Spirited Away to launch in cinemas Australia-wide
Saturday, November 30, 2002 10:19 a.m.
Madman has contacted its mailing list to request assistance in promoting the Australia-wide release of Spirited Away.
The film will launch on December 12th on 35 screens around Australia in the dubbed format, primarily in Hoyts & Village multiplexes. In addition to this, 2 cinemas will be running the subtitled version - the Nova Cinema, Melbourne &
Chauvel Cinema, Sydney. As the cinemas are confirmed they will be published on the
http://www.spiritedaway.com.au site. The whole season will run an expected 5 - 8 weeks.
Anyone running major fan sites or reviewing for publications who would like further information is requested to contact Madman at: press@spiritedaway.com.au.
Tokyopop announce new CLAMP manga licences
Thursday, November 28, 2002 09:43 a.m.
Tokyopop have announced licences for the following manga titles by CLAMP:
CLAMP School Detectives
The Man of Many Faces
Duklyon: CLAMP School Defenders
Miyuki Chan in Wonderland
Shirahime-syo: Snow Goddess Tales
TOKYOPOP plans to release Shirahime-syo: Snow Goddess Tales as a special edition hardback before the book debuts in paperback form.
Viz manga no longer to be distributed out side of North America
Monday, November 25, 2002 04:56 p.m.
Viz has eliminated two of its three manga distribution companies, retaining only Diamond Comic Distributors. Viz has also instructed its remaining distributors not to send product outside the United States and Canada.
In an e-mail sent to end-clients and retailers today Viz stated, "While Viz is an integral part in acquiring, translating, and distributing Japanese manga and anime titles to English-speaking audiences, our current agreements with Japanese publishers limit our distribution to North America only - legally this means that Viz and its distributors cannot sell its merchandise overseas. To honor and maintain our licensing contracts, we are unable to distribute our titles worldwide and must limit our distribution to North America, at this time."
Newsrama states that, by current estimates, as much as 20% of Viz's publication run is being distributed internationally. Problems previously arose in Spain where comic shops had been ordering the Dragon Ball series through Diamond, in violation of the restrictions on Viz's license. Distribution stoped when the exclusive holder of the series' Spanish rights complained about the issue. Diamond's solicitation for Dragon Ball product has since carried a caution, stating that the products are only available for order in North America. The warning did not appear on other Viz products.
It is not known at this time if the move will result in an increase in Viz's pricing in order to compensate for the lost revenue previously generated by sales of products destined for foreign markets.
Viz earlier ended its sales directly to retailers, which makes Diamond Comic Distributors the only means by which retailers can acquire Viz comics. Viz books, magazines, periodicals and videos will remain with their current distributors.
ICv2 interprets these moves as part of the reorganization of the company after Shueisha bought half its equity. Viz Director of Manga Sales and Marketing Dallas Middaugh said "there will be a lot of changes in what we're doing" over the next year.
Of interest is the intentional shrinking of Viz's market outlets in the face of a market explosion in manga. Dallas Middaugh called it "an opportunity to streamline things to be more efficient".
New Read or Die TV series
Wednesday, November 20, 2002 07:37 a.m.
The new R.O.D anime will be a TV series. You can see the silhouettes of three figures on the main page of the official R.O.D site. They seem to fit the three Paper Sisters from the new Read Or Dream manga in monthly manga magazine Ultrajump. The figure on the left looks like the eldest sister Michelle with her long wavy hair, Anita would be the youngest sister in the middle with her hair in buns, and Maggie is the tall, short-haired sister on the right. Based on the first chapter of the manga, that would mean no Yomiko...
it seems from the December 2002 issue of Ultrajump that the main staff from the original OVA series will return, including director Masunori Kouji, script by Kurata Hideyuki and character designs by Ishihama Masahi based on designs by Uon Taraku. Further, the manga is stated to be by Ayanaga Ran. This seems to confirm that the anime will be about the three Paper Sisters.
More information will be posted to the official site on 10 December 2002.
Madman licence annoucements from Comicfest
Sunday, November 17, 2002 10:30 p.m.
Madman Entertainment apparently announced at this weekend's Comicfest that they have the R4 licences for the following big list of titles:
.hack//sign
Arjuna
Chobits
Crest of the Stars
El Hazard
Escaflowne
Geneshaft
Jubei Chan
Mahoromatic
Niea_7
Onegai Teacher
Patlabor
RahXephon
Tenchi OVAs
Steel Angel Kurumi
Argento Soma
Outlaw Star
Irresponsible Captain Tylor
Kenshin Seisouhen OVA
Zone of Enders
No subtitles for R4 Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust after all...
Tuesday, November 12, 2002 06:38 p.m.
Madman Entertainment's R4 release of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust will unfortuantely not have a Japanese audio/English subtitle track as originally hoped.
Madman had previously stated that if fans were willing to do the work, a Japanese audio/English subtitle track could be included on the Australian release, making it the only release to date with this feature.
Unfortunately difficulties and unexpected costs were apparently experienced with obtaining the Japanese audio track and this combined with other production delays has led to the project being scrapped.
Astroboy up close and personal
Monday, November 4, 2002 11:26 p.m.
In recognition of the upcoming Birthday of Astroboy (Astroboy was activated on April 7th, 2003), Triumph Japan has designed a special Astroboy bra (no, it's not for sale). To view this unusual creation, click here.
Cultural significance of anime
Tuesday, November 12, 2002 08:10 a.m.
Slashdot has linked to an article by Sato Kenji on the cultural significance of several of the cliches and traditions of anime. The text of the article may be found here.
Spirited Away subitted for Oscar consideration
Tuesday, November 12, 2002 08:07 a.m.
Oscar Watch has posted a copy Disney's "For Your Consideration" ad for their submission of Spirited Away to the AMPAS for best animated feature film. To see the ad, click here.
Nominations for the Oscars will be announced on February 11th, 2003, while the award ceremony will be held on March 23rd.
More theatrical anime screenings in Melbourne
Sunday, November 10, 2002 09:19 a.m.
The Astor Theatre in St Kilda Melbourne, will be screening the following films:
AKIRA with SPRIGGAN SPECIAL DOUBLE FEATURE - Wed 8th January 2003 - 7.30pm - tickets $12/11 conc METROPOLIS - Sat 14th November - 4.15pm & Sat 4th January 2003 - 2.00pm - tickets $10
PRINCESS MONONOKE - Sat 28th December - 2.00pm - tickets $10 GHOST IN THE SHELL with VAMPIRE HUNTER D SPECIAL DOUBLE FEATURE - Mon 30th December - 7.30pm - tickets $12/11 conc
For more information contact The Astor Theatre :
ph 9510 1414
ph 0411 570 664 www.astor-theatre.com
ComicsOne licenses Onegai Teacher manga
Wednesday, October 30, 2002 03:45 p.m.
Taken from the press release:
ComicsOne, announced today that they will be publishing the comic book based off of the popular Japanese Anime hit Onegai Teacher (Please! Teacher). Volume One of Onegai Teacher is set to hit shelves in January 2003.
Onegai Teacher is the story about Kei Kusanagi an 18 year old high school student who dreams of meeting the girl of his dreams. One night he sees a dazzling light fall into a nearby forest. Upon investigation he discovers a strange woman, floating on a lake. Taken off guard he quickly runs back home. The next day he learns that the mysterious woman in the forest is his new homeroom teacher. Now can Kei hide the fact his teacher is an alien at the same time dodge rumors that he and this teacher are having an affair? Find out in the upcoming series Onegai Teacher!
"Onegai Teacher is precisely the strong manga title ComicsOne has been looking for. The hilarious story, fascinating relationships, and wonderful art is what we think manga is all about. With Bandai's simultaneous release of the anime, there is no doubt in any of the staff of ComicsOnes' minds that this title is ready to explode into instant American fandom." - ComicsOne Editor, Mark Fujita.
/ \ucifer Breaking Up -- January 10th Concert Their Last
Saturday, October 26, 2002 10:59 p.m.
J-rock group / \ucifer announced on radio on the 25th that the January 10th performance scheduled for 2003 will be their last performance as a group.
Originally launched as the real life version of the band from the anime Kaikan Phrase, their first single "Datenshi BLUE" which was released in September 1999, established the group as a visual band and soon their popularity grew. A best of album "BEST" is scheduled for release on December 5th. The Japanese tour of 9 public performances begins on December 16th and end on January 10th and will be the last activity of the group.
Thanks to rueblade on the Tamaboards for the news ^^
More "unofficial" Madman acquisitions
Thursday, October 24, 2002 11:35 p.m.
Mad man have "unofficially" announced the following titles for Australian release:
Arjuna
Yukikaze (no US announcement for this one yet, so it's no surprise this is unofficial)
.hack//sign
Onegai teacher
Geneshaft
Jubei chan the ninja girl
Tenchi OVAs
Chobits
Niea_7
El Hazard
Aile Grise
L/R
Texhnolyze
Tokyopop announces new manga licences
Thursday, October 24, 2002 07:41 a.m.
Tokyopop has issued a press release announcing 6 new manga acquistions:
G-Gundam
Gatekeepers
Scryed
RAVE (Groove Adventure RAVE)
Jing: King of Bandits
Samurai Deeper Kyo
Bandai announces Love Hina Spring Special for R1
Wednesday, October 23, 2002 02:59 p.m.
According to Anime on DVD, the retailer kit for the upcoming Love Hina "Movie" (Xmas Special and episode 25) by Bandai lists on the included bonus calendar a release date of March 25th, 2003, for the Love Hina Spring Special.
2002 Japanese Film Festival in Perth
Friday, October 18, 2002 08:00 a.m.
All films have English subtitles
Admission Free. Limited Seating
8 - 30 November
Time: 7:00pm - Doors open at 6:30pm
Venue: Alexander Library Theatre, Francis Street Entrance
The programme includes the following anime movies:
Friday 15 November
Princess Mononoke - Mononoke Hime
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Saturday 23 November
Tombstone for Fireflies - Hotaru no Haka
Directed by Isao Takahata
For further information contact:
Consulate-General of Japan (08) 9480 1800
State Film and Video Library (08) 9427 3159
View the full festival programme here
Thanks to MK13 from the forums for posting this information.
Mecha designers do mice
Thursday, October 17, 2002 07:50 a.m.
Fancy a mouse for your computer designed by Shirow Masamune or Katoki Hajime (mecha designer for Gundam W)? ZDNet Japan reports that Elecom yesterday anounced that it will be releasing these three-button mice on 22 November 2002, price 7,500 yen. The mice each come with a booklet with an interview about the design process, concept and production. Black, silver and white models of each mouse will be available. The interface is USB and PS/2 and they are compatible with Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.5-9.1 operating systems. In the first set of pics in the report, Shirow's design is depicted on the left, Katoki's on the right. In the second set of pics, Shirow's design is set out in the top row of mice, Katoki's in the bottom row.
"Unofficial" Madman acquisitions
Wednesday, October 16, 2002 08:17 p.m.
According to this post on the Madman Entertainment forums, Madman have acquired (although not officially announced) the following titles for Australian release:
Vision of Escaflowne
Outlaw Star
Argento Soma
Crest of the Stars
More anime-related game news
Sunday, October 13, 2002 05:14 p.m.
Marvelous Entertainment have announced a Samurai Deeper Kyo game for the GameBoy Advance. The story is based on the popular anime of the same name will be an overhead 2D action game. Each character will have an Energy Gauge, with special attacks consuming the energy in the gauge, and energy being restored by obtaining recovery items in the stage. Samurai Deeper Kyo is scheduled for release in Japan on December 27, for 4800 yen. Click here for game screenshots.
Bandai will release Inu Yasha: Kagome's Dream Diary for WonderSwan Color in Japan on November 16, for 4500 yen. This is the latest installment of the popular Inu Yasha adventure RPG. In this game you can change the personality of the main character Inu Yasha based on the options you select. Different personalities will lead to different stories, events and ending. There is also an original character in the game.
Source: The Magic Box
Anime game related news
Thursday, October 10, 2002 07:32 a.m.
New images of Infogrames / Bandai's PlayStation 2 fighting game Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors (Dragon Ball Z: Budokai in US / Europe) have been released, to see them, click here. There are 21 playable characters, during the battle, you can create combo attacks by chaining regular and special attacks together. When you knock the opponent to the ground, you can pursue with fireball attacks.
Rumiko Takahashi has provided the character designs to Enterbrain's PlayStation 2 RPG Kidou Shinsengumi Moeyoken (Moeken). The game features a large amount of anime cutscenes similar to Sakura Taisen. The story takes place in the 19th century Japan, your mission is to protect the city from the attacks of monsters and enemies. The story is divided into several chapters and in each chapter you can talk to people to collect information and plan your strategies in the battle conference. In the daytime you will battle with the monsters and enemies, at night you will be on duty to guard the city. After finishing each chapter, you will earn your money and rewards based on the performance in the battles. Click here for screenshots from the game.
Galaxy Express 999 confectionary
Thursday, October 10, 2002 07:29 a.m.
Nikkei Net reports that food company Lotte is releasing the Ginga Tetsudo (Galaxy Express) 999 Figure Collection - a sports-drink-flavoured ramune confectionary with a figure from the Galaxy Express 999 movie included. Each packet will include one 10cm size figure modelled by Kaiyodo. There are six figures to collect, including Hoshi Tetsuro and Maetel.
(We love these candy figures - the candy usually taste horrible, but the toys are a damn sight more interesting that a Kinder Suprise ^^;)
Rizelmine and Kurumi Pure 13 for download
Thursday, October 10, 2002 07:27 a.m.
Episodes 13 of Rizelmine and Koutetsu Tenshi Kurumi Pure (Steel Angel Kurumi Pure) are now available for streaming download at m.o.e's page here. For each show, there's a button to watch with a narrowband or broadband connection, either as .ram or .asx. Episodes 13 will be up until 15 October 2002, when episodes 14 of both shows become available. Previews for episodes 14 and 15 are also available for streaming download at the bottom of the page.
Ian Thorpe sure gets around in Japan
Monday, October 7, 2002 08:05 a.m.
Champion Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe (aka the "Thorpedo") will make his first appearance in a dorama in the upcoming You're Under Arrest live action series (to commence on 17 October 2002 on TV Asahi), according to Nikkansports.com. In a scene involving a wallet which has been found, Thorpe explains his situation in English to an uncomprehending Miyuki and Natsumi (Hara Sachie and Itou Misaki) leading to a humorous exchange. TV Asahi had exclusive broadcast rights for the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Yokohama in August 2002 and this guest role was arranged through that connection. Thorpe, who's a celebrity in Japan (as well as in Australia), also had a role in an episode of Daichi Akitaro's TV anime series Atashi'n chi in August.
Utena screening on Australian digital TV
Friday, September 27, 2002 09:13 p.m.
Here's something completely unexpected - ABC TV has started screening Revolutionary Girl Utena on its digital "youth" channel, Fly TV. The anime is screening under its alternate name, Ursula's Kisses (this was the name originally proposed for the Western release by Enoki Films, the Japanese licence sellers). Fly TV is available if you have a digital set top box, Optus (channel 21) or Austar (channel 14), Utena will be screening every Thursday night at 7:30pm (EST).
Kodansha biligual manga
Thursday, October 3, 2002 07:39 a.m.
Looks like Kodansha International are publishing bilingual manga again, with the first volumes of Shirow's Ghost in the Shell and Nagai Go's Devilman manga released in September. The remaining four volumes will be released one volume per month. Furthermore, the same company is also releasing volume 1 of the Chobits manga in bilingual format on 11 October 2002. Kodansha has previously released bilingual versions of popular mangas including Ah My Goddess, Love Hina, Card Captor Sakura and GTO, however it should be noted that they have a habit of not completing series (all of the previously listed titles were discontinued).
MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS NEWTYPE USA
Newtype USA is the official English-language version of Newtype, Japan's #1 source for information about anime and manga. Newtype USA includes all of the best Japanese content translated plus loads of original US material. Anime, manga, music, game, toy and model reviews, feature articles, director interviews, artist profiles, and regular columns by industry experts, tastemakers and deep-cover insiders. Every 300+ page issue of Newtype USA also includes free bonus gear: posters, a centerfold spread, postcards, a 16-page manga special and an exclusive DVD insert.
Newtype USA will be distributed in Australia by Madman Entertainment. The first issue is expected to be available mid to late October.
Go here to fill out the quick web survey (takes 30 seconds). This will help Madman decide what format would be best suited for the release of NewType USA.
Newtype USA goes to press
Wednesday, October 2, 2002 08:13 p.m.
From the Newtype press release:
The first issue (November 2002) of Newtype USA, the world's premiere English-language anime and manga magazine, has been completed and sent to print. The issue streets officially on October 15.
Newtype USA published a preview issue in July. Limited to fewer than 30,000 copies, the preview issue was distributed selectively at anime and comic conventions in the late summer, and received extensive positive feedback. That preview issue was, as promised, only a taste of what was to come; insiders are reporting that the first regular issue is a stunner.
"The magazine is beautiful; it's filled with incisive writing, and with incredible art from some of Japan's top illustrators," said Newtype USA Managing Editor Leigh Williams. "This is content that the English-language anime and manga fan community can't get anywhere else. We're thrilled finally to be able to bring this to them."
The November issue includes more than 200 large-format, full-color pages, along with postcards, a DVD insert and much more.
As previously reported, Madman Entertainment will possibly be involved in the distribution of the magazine in Australia. More details regarding Australian release/subscriptions are expected soon.
Street Legal, 385 Horsepower Speed Racer Mach 5 replicas on sale
Wednesday, October 2, 2002 08:11 p.m.
Back in June 2000 a charity auction was held on E-Bay, selling a prototype replica of the Mach 5 from Speed Racer. Soon after it was announced that 100 Speed Racer Replicas would be manufactured for sale.
Unlike the "Real Mach 5" prototype auctioned off in 2000, the replicas are in fact street legal (the prototype included retractable saw blades). Each replica is based on a corvette platform and costs between US$72,500 and $125,000. A portion of the auction profits (20%) are donated to the Child Safety Network.
Speed Racer Autoworks, LLC has details about the 385 horsepower Mach 5 on their website at www.speedracer.la, or if you just want to get right to ordering one, the order form is at http://www.speedracer.la/buy_a_mach_5.htm. The website also has some pictures of the prototype for their next car, the Racer X.
We have scoured newsgroups checking on reported issues with the USA End
of Evangelion release and have implemented the following changes in our
final Australian release, which may be delayed to stores by a day or two
as a result:
1. reduced the number of audio tracks to allow improved video quality
and reduce instances of possible error caused by bitrate overloading -
audio tracks included on the DVD are: eng 5.1 DD, Jap 2.0, Jap 5.1 DD,
Jap 6.1 DTS-ES, commentary
2. put a 5 second spacer after the feature and before credits to allow
sufficient "what the.." time
3. moved the live trailer to extras
4. put a basic sub translation on the live trailer
5. moved subtitles to be completely inside the image
6. deleted some episode name subtitles which appeared for 2/25 sec each,
as they caused some players to glitch in testing.
Audio setup should all be fully functional - hope you all enjoy it!!!
Best Regards,
Tim Anderson
Managing Director
Madman Entertainment
Bad news for R1 End of Evangelion release
Thursday, September 26, 2002 02:30 p.m.
The Region 1 version of End of Evangelion hit the stores in the USA today, and already a flood of complaints about the disc have started rolling in to the Anime on DVD forums. The disc appears to have major compatibility issues, with a wide variety of DVD players being unable to play the movie properly, or at all. As yet Manga Entertainment has not issued any statements regarding the reported errors or plans for disc recalls. More to come on this subject, no doubt.
ADV looking into Bubblegum Crisis 2041
Saturday, September 21, 2002 08:48 a.m.
MIPCOM 2002, the annual international licensing fair to be held in Cannes, France October 7th through 11th, 2002, is an event aimed primarily at the international television market, MIPCOM features representatives of the TV broadcasting, TV production & distribution industries, DVD and video producers and distributors, Internet and new media companies, advertising firms, licensing and merchandising firms and myriad collateral service providers.
ADV's MIPCOM press release has a few interesting tidbits. Included among the titles that they are pushing in regards to TV, home video, merchandising and game rights for are:
"Rahxephon" Anime 26 episodes x approx. 25 minutes
"Noir" Anime 26 episodes x 25 minutes
"Neon Genesis Evangelion" Anime 26 episodes x 30 minutes
"Bubblegum Crisis-Tokyo 2040" Anime 26 episodes x 30 minutes
Of even more interest are the "active production" titles which they're looking for co-production, investment and pre-sale opportunities, which include:
"Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2041" Anime 26 episodes x approx. 25 minutes
The BCG 2040 series was originally a joint ADV-Japanese production and it looks as if there is enough interest, a second series may be produced.
New Australian licensing announcements
Tuesday, September 17, 2002 12:39 a.m.
According to this post on the Madman Entertainment forums, Madman have licensed the following titles for Australian release:
Trigun
Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO)
Real Bout Highschool
Trigun will possibly see a February 2003 release, with GTO and Real Bout Highschool following in March. For more details, refer to the original forum thread here.
Mariah Carey Music for You're Under Arrest
Monday, September 16, 2002 07:58 a.m.
Mariah Carey (O_O) will be providing the song "Through the Rain" as the theme song for the upcoming You're Under Arrest Drama. Previously Mariah provided music for the live action drama Nijukyu-sai no Christmas (My Christmas at 29 years old) in 1994.
Miyazaki interview transcript
Sunday, September 15, 2002 11:47 p.m.
Anime Tourist has posted a transcript of the Q&A session with Hayao Miyazaki at the September 10th screening of Spirited Away at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles.
Kyle Hebert and Madman Entertainment at Comicfest 2002
Saturday, September 14, 2002 09:20 a.m.
Madman Entertainment will be hosting Kyle Hebert, the voice of Teen Gohan from DragonBall Z (amongst others) for Comicfest 2002 at the Bankstown Town Hall in Sydney, November 16 & 17.
Madman Entertainment will also be sponsoring the Madman Anime Theatre, the cosplay competition, and hosting an industry panel with upcoming releases announcements expected.
Comicfest 2002 will also feature the Kamehameha Blast-Off comp hosted by Kyle (Teen Gohan) Hebert, an Anime Karaoke Session, SUGOI - An Introduction to the World of Anime panel, as well as a How To Draw DragonBall Z session.
soundtracks, and much, much more!
For more information, visit www.comicfest.com.
Katsura's I"s to be animated
Friday, September 13, 2002 06:01 p.m.
Katsura Masakazu's manga I"s is to be animated, but it seems it'll be a 30 minute anime. Further, the company DigiCube has announced that it will have the exclusive sale rights. And the anime is to be put out in collaboration with HMP, which makes adult and idol videos ^^; The anime will also include three gravure idols Nakane Kasumi, Yoshioka Miho (soon to be seen in the live-action dorama version of You're Under Arrest) and Isoyama Sayaka as seiyuu.
Ultimate cosplay accessories
Friday, September 13, 2002 01:05 p.m.
More cool things you can only own if you live in Japan...
For those after the ultimate in cosplay accessories (which would be banned at any anime convention ^^;), why not have a look at the incredible replica guns at this website? Hellsing, Trigun and Devil may Cry fans, prepare to drool...
P.S. No, we can't import these for customers (we've tried ^^;)
RahXephon movie in 2003
Thursday, September 12, 2002 04:25 p.m.
The RahXephon website has announced that a movie of the anime will be released in the (northern) spring of 2003 by Shochiku. A short 15 second clip with the announcement was shown after the recently broadcast final TV episode, and can be viewed on the Tokyo Jitterbug Boys page (warning: site contains spoilers in Japanese and screenshots).
Blue Gender Movie
Tuesday, September 10, 2002 10:20 a.m.
According to AIC's English webpage, the Blue Gender movie, which is a summation of the entire TV series, with added footage to complete the movie, will be out in Japan on November 21st and in North America around January, 2003.
Even more Anime Expo NY reports
Monday, September 9, 2002 08:02 a.m.
Anime on DVD have posted their reports from Anime Expo NY, read what they have to say here.
Anime convention planned for Sydney, and about time too ^^
Sunday, September 8, 2002 09:22 p.m.
The Sydney University Anime Society have announced plans for one-day anime convention to be held in Sydney on October 12th. The convention will be called ANIMANIA and will be held at the Wentworth and Merewether buildings on the main University of Sydney campus from 10 am to 8 pm. Plans are for the convention to run along similar lines to Melbourne's successful Manifest, with events so far including:
Art Exhibition
Cosplay Competition
Great Debate
Sausage sizzle
Dragon Ball Z Collectible Card Tournament
Pre-registrations are now open and cost $10. For more details, visit the ANIMANIA website.
Anime Expo panel reports
Sunday, September 8, 2002 09:22 p.m.
Anime News Network has posted its coverage of the recent Anime Expo New York, read the reports here.
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