Father Geek here once again along with Scott to bring you the latest edition of AICN's regular weekly column on all things Anime & Manga. Its a biggie, just like always, soooo sit back, grab a drink and dig into...
AnimAICN...
by Scott Green
Anime Spotlight: Midori Days Volume 1: A Helping Hand
Released by Media Blasters' Anime Works Line
Midori days features one of the more bizarro concepts for a shonen relationship comedy, "Mad Dog" Seiji, a tough guy who has trouble with girls, think a 17 year old, less hard scrabble version of GTO's Onizuka, wakes up and finds that his famed "demon fist" right hand has been replaced by the waist up of a miniature green haired girl. The girl turns out to be Midori, a shy, upper class girl who has had a crush of Seiji.
Even with all the odd arrangements that have popped up in anime, the Midori Days' novelty sticks out. Spin the gimmick into some good gags, layer on some appealing characters, and regardless of how one might suspect the idea was dreamed up (and some obligatory accidental nudity), and the series offers up plenty of memorable charm. Large featured, expressively stylized character design, with colorful animation Studio Pierrot (Fushigi Yuugi, Saiyuki, Naruto) boosts the series quirky charm.
The physical humor of a hand-person, and the slap stick that utilizes the situation such as forcing Seiji into doing one armed push-ups and pull ups in gym class or when Midori flairs around after taking control of Seiji's full arm, along with the cases where Seiji and Midori actively deal with third parties carry the series. It is a bit surprising how often the set up of tough guy with a sensitive girl attached to his hand falls in familiar patterns. Especially when it just Seiji and Midori or Seiji and another character, the routines are from the standard comedy play book of misunderstandings, role reversals and like. The humors needs to play off the unique aspects of the situations, which, frustratingly it doesn't always do.
Seiji's chivalrous lead is a welcome change from the spineless losers and perverts that tend to be at the center of these relationship comedies. His failure with girls is a conceit that isn't completely credible, especially since he begins receiving some favorable notice without changing his manner during the early episodes of the anime. Despite quick deviation from the stated status quo, there is a believable feedback look where, not a trouble maker, but always in the middle of the trouble, Seiji is compelling to be out going, which drives away others. With an appealing lead, especially in comparison to his genre cohorts, some of the outrageousness becomes easier to swallow.
The humor is helped by the fact that the series is nicely innocent and non-creepy. There is some nudity, but it is emotions that aren't clouded by sexual or power implications. Even when it addresses the fetish aspects of the premise, via a doll obsessed geek who melts down on mini-Midori, it's kept more goofy than uncomfortable.
As a drama, Midori Days does not give itself much elbow room. Midori already has a crush on Seiji, he's already showing fondness for him. The obstacle of the relationship is its physical predicament, which is also the crux of the series. You can't solve that fact that she is attached to his wrist, and maintain central gag of the series. Especially with many of the manga's characters cut out, the series doesn't have far to go in it's drama.
Anime Spotlight: Shadow Star: Narutaru Volume 1
Released by Central Park Media
Shadow Star is a jack in the box story, that goes from pleasant to hide the sharp objects in it's opening episodes. At first glance it's lithe young teens and their companion creatures with slightly dopy and soft with flatworm eyes. It builds on the impression with a bright, catchy opening theme set to marker-sketch style animation, and a first episode about friendly, open and positive pre-teen/early teen girl spending a school break on sunny island with her grandparents. She dives below a temple arch in the bay and finds a star shaped creature. The being, later called a dragon-child snuggles up to her, changes its form to a back pack, into a board that she can fly on, and is generally endearing to its new guardian and the viewer.
After the series begins looking like a breezy, mildly mellow younger audience work, it opens up and beings stabbing out with harsh realities and porcupine characters. Similar to Alien 9, it's a brutally hard take on Pokemon style bindings to fighting creatures. Though more focused of personalities than the largely visual and conceptual exercise of Alien 9. By the second episode we get a character whose link to her creatures had made her painfully sensitive and suicidally depressed to the point where she's holding a straight razor to her wrist. By the third, we get a sadistic boy who's spouting Khmer Rouge style rhetoric and playing lethal games with his razor edged creature.
When the Shadow Star goes dark, it's hard to find anime that's more chilling. It taps into fears from primal, such as falling, to social, such as bullying, with vivid resonance. However, it isn't a work of horror. Rather than fear, it is invoking acute discomfort by forcing empathy with the characters. The balance and transitions of moods in the characters, along look of fear, disappear or sadism results in painfully effective schemes.
The 13 episode anime is an abridged version of the manga, released as Shadow Star by Dark Horse in their Super Manga Blast anthology. Dark Horse release excised some of the hardest material, and continued to push it as a try to keep it "super-cute" adventure appeal. And that's the trouble of the series. It can be very cute, soft, such pet-ish movement and cutting of creatures. It can be very exciting, such flying on the creature-board. And it can also be extremely dark.
Shadow Star does feed into a distributing pattern in anime of drawing shocks by putting the weight of a large amount of physical and emotional pain on young girls. It's generally very effective but from with it occurring with what's now regular frequency, it's starting to look like cheap heat, exploitive, and often too sexualized. Discounting the harder to defend sexual edge to the abuse, in some ways it's defensible in that the direction makes sense for the given the audience (though the manga was in the older audience Afternoon anthology, and in this case the characters are probably a bit younger than the audience). Shadow Star is easier to forgive than other notable examples in that in this case it comes across as riveting story telling rather than exploitive.
Anime Spotlight: Ulta Maniac Volume 1: Magic Girl
Released by Geneon
It's odd when the most familiar example of a genre is an almost parody outlier. Many of the standard anime series about young magic girls from a magic kingdom sent to mundane world to train haven't been available in North America, or received limited exposure. Card Captor Sakura is probably the most familiar example to a variant on the story-type, but as with many CLAMP works, it's a knowing take off on the conventions of the genre
Ultra Maniac takes these magic girl/witch exploring the mundane world standards and grafts them onto shoujo early teen school relationship comedy courtesy of Wataru Yoshimizu, the creator of Marmalade Boy, a nicely tangled relationship drama about a girls whose parents divorce and exchange spouses with another couple.
"Ultra Maniac" is a drastic name for anime that has a sufficient enthusiasm for its premise but doesn't exactly burst with energy. It goes easy with assessable characters, light romance, and spirally satiation thanks to a less than capable witch.
Shoujo manga fans will delight in an uncommon chance to see a domestic release their preferred genre in anime form, while the non-shoujo inclined will not find much to latch on to. drama isn't compelling enough to draw in non-shoujo fans, and the humor works with the shoujo inclusive teen girl in-joke appeal with a laid back certainty that the viewer will get the jokes.
The pairing of the enthusiastic, bubbly innocent but low of the skill curve witch, and her new, love-lorn, literally more worldly human buddy quickly begins manufacturing humorous scenarios in which the witch attempts to help her friends with her romantic aspirations, only to find that the assistance makes the situation progressively more difficult.
Along the way, the series introduces cute takes on the standards, such as PDA helper computer used help will spells, a flying scooter, because brooms are from grandma's day or helper mascot animal that as opportunity presents itself, turns into an adorable kid. It occationally works against expectations, but it does so quietly, such the human bystanders making a rescue while the witch transforms into her magic girl outfit (which also happening to be school uniform from her magic kingdom).
One issue with he series that might sour some to aspects of is the ambivalence to feminism it sometimes shows. It isn't a frequent concern, but the opening half of one of the episodes debatably leaves itself open for criticism. The setup works well with the humor of the concept, but over the course of the situations, it flirts with a statement that might turn off some viewers. Even when it seems to have balanced out problem, it reignites the issue with it's parting shots.
Anticipated Viz Manga Releases Delayed
According to the May comic solicitations from distributor Diamond Comics, Viz's releases of the first volumes of manga titles 20TH Century Boys and Midoris Days have been cancelled, to be re-scheduled at a later date.
English Howl's Site Opens
Disney has opened the official site for Howl's Movie Castle at here.
FUNimation Domains New Gonzo Trinity
Anime on DVD reports FUNimation has acquired the domains for Studio GONZO's three latest titles, Speedgrapher.com, Trinityblood.tv, and Basilisk.tv. Registering a domain before a title has been officially announced as licensed is an indication of interest, but historically hasn't always meant that the company will ultimately license the title.
Speed Grapher is a strange, baroquely designed story about an investigative photographer in a corrupt near future society.
Trinityblood.tv is a gothic horror action.
Basilisk is the Tokugawa era story of a war between ninja clans.
Merchandise News
Yamatos award winning 1/12 scale ATM-09-ST SCOPEDOG action figure is now shipping to stores throughout the United States.
Measuring over 12.5" and constructed of over 300 individual parts, Yamatos ATM-09-ST SCOPEDOG is a faithful reproduction of the centerpiece mecha from the classic anime Armored Troopers Votoms. Fully articulated, the ATM-09-ST SCOPEDOG is loaded with features, including removable armor plating, rotating lens turret, special internal spring mechanisms for simulation of arm punch and down form, as well as wheels in the base of the feet for simulation of the Scopedogs roller dash gliding action. The functioning cockpit even opens with accommodating seating for the Chirico Cuvie action figure, sold separately. Window boxed, ATM-09-ST SCOPEDOG comes with its GAT-22 heavy machine gun with removable magazine, decals, and an extra set of hands.
Yamato USA's imported Berserk statue by Art of War can be seen at figure.com here
Raving Toy Maniac has pictures of Max Factory's Mazinkaiser and Stellvia statues here and Bome's Tenjho Tenge statues here
ADV To Release Evangelion Memoir
Diamond Comics list that ADV will be releasing The Notenki Memoirs: Studio Gainex And The Men Who Created Evangelion in July. From the description
A tell-all account of Studio GAINAX, the creators of the classic anime NEON GENESIS EVANGELION. Yasuhiro Takeda, a member of the GAINAX company since its inception, talks about everything from the untold stories of Eva to the GAINAX tax evasion scandal that plagued its production. Including a series of stunning revelations, this history of GAINAX is a must-read for any serious anime fan!
The 200 page collection retails for $9.99.
Disney To Release Nightmare Before Christmas Manga?
Disney Press will be releasing a comic entitled Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas Manga in July. The creators are not indicated, but Nightmare Before Christmas is popular in Japan, and the release may be a translation of Japanese manga.
The 176 page volume will retail for $8.99.
>Geneon Announces First PSP Releases
Geneon will be releasing the Appleseed movie, and the first two episodes in the Sony PSP handheld's UMD format in July. Both feature English and Japanese language tracks, with English subtitles.
APPLESEED Regular Version UMD
Earth's last city, Olympus, rose from the ashes of a global war on the backs of Bioroids, artificial clones who make up half the city's population. Under the strict guidance of a supercomputer, humanity's last survivors enjoy an idyllic peace, but only on the surface! Human terrorists within the military seek a return to power and clash with the government's ESWAT forces led by the legendary soldier, Deunan Knute, and her boyfriend who is 75% machine. Retrieving the Appleseed will end the conflict, and Deunan alone holds its secret.
Based on the manga by SHIROW Masamune (The Ghost In the Shell), directed by Shinji ARAMAKI (Bubblegum Crisis), and produced by SORI (Ping Pong) To be released July 5th
SAMURAI CHAMPLOO UMD Eps.1&2
Mugen is a buck wild warrior - violent, thoughtless and womanizing. Jin is a vagrant ronin - mysterious, traditional, well-mannered and very strong as well. These two fiercely independent warriors can? be any more different from one another, yet their paths cross when Fuu, a ditzy waitress, saves them from being executed when they are arrested after a violent swordfight. Fuu convinces the two vagrant young men to help her find a mysterious samurai "who smells of sunflowers." And their journey begins. This is a story about love, friendship and courage . . . . NOT! To be released 07/26/2005
Directed by SHINICHIRO WATANABE (Cowboy Bebop, Animatrix), designed by KAZUTO NAKAZAWA (Kill Bill Vol.1) and MAHIRO MAEDA (Last Exile, Blue Submarine No.6)
Other July Geneon releases include:
7/26
Samurai Champloo Volume 4
DAPHNE IN THE BRILLIANT BLUE V3 "Getaway", Volume 3
RUMIKO TAKAHASHI ANTHOLOGY Weird Stuff, Volume 4
NEW GETTER ROBO The Hell on Earth, Volume 3
KOI KAZE The Decision, Volume 3
Moe Market Worth 88 Billion Yen
Anime NEws Network reports that a Hamagin Research Institute, Ltd survey has placed the value of the moe anime, manga, and related merchandise, was worth 88.8 billion yen (US$840.5 million) in sales in 2003. Moe describes an aesthetic of innocent girls, generally appealing to older audiences.
Hamagin divides the "moe" market into printed media, images and games. Games, primarily love simulations, are estimated to be worth 46 billion yen (52% of 88.8 billion yen) , printed media (primarily manga) worth 27.3 billion yen (31%), visual media (primarily anime, but also including other art) is worth 15.5 billion yen (17%).
With the Japanese "otaku industry" worth an estimated 290 billion yen (US$2.74 billion) in 2003, Moe related products accounted for almost a third of the otaku market.
TOKYOPOP Award Nominees
TOKYOPOP has announced that its release of Santa Inoue's Tokyo Tribe has been nomined for The Eisner Award for "Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material, and Sanami Matoh's Fake has been nominated for the YALSA Pick for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Recommended Reading List (GLBTQ).
Central Park Media Manga On Hold
Diamond Comics Distributor's May listing record that Central Park Media's forthcoming manga titles have been cancelled for distribution, with codes including that the production line has been canceled. Despite this several re-release or rescheduled released were solicites for a July release.
Central Park Media stressed that they consider the titles on hold rather than canceled. They stated that that will all the new releases flooding the market they've removed the titles for the upcoming months to them give more attention at a delayed date. Anime releases will go ahead as scheduedl.
Canceled by Diamond titles include:
A Rockstars Tale
Angel Shop
Ouple Book
Duck Prince
Embracing Love
Finder Series (Yaoi)
Full House
Geobreeders
Golden Cain
Hard Boiled Angel Angel Detective
Kizuna Bonds Of Love Book
Kung Fu Jungle Boy
Masca
Mythology Of The Heavens Book
Nambul War Stories 5
Oath To Love And Passion
Pale Pink (Mr) 3
Platina
Princess
Samurai Legend
Slayers
Snow
Sword Of Shibito
The Sword Of Shibito
The World Of Narue Book
Warriors Song
World Of Narue Book
Yongbi The Invincible
Zzim
July Manga Premieres And Noteworthy Releases
Dark Horse (Including August Graphic Novels)
Japan Buronson (W) And Kentaro Miura (A) On sale August 10, SC, 216pg, b&w, 5" x 7", $12.95 Yuka Katsuragi, a beautiful TV news reporter, has attracted the affections of a Yakuza thug, Katsuji Yashima, who travels with his brother all the way to Spain to find her, only to have his affections rebuffed by Yuka. A terrible earthquake hits, and Katsuji, his brother, and Yuka, along with four high-schoolers in Spain on a field trip, all fall deep underground. While trapped below the surface, they encounter a mysterious old woman who reveals to them prophecies that the wealthy nation of Japan will meet the same demise as the once-prosperous city of Carthage. Katsuji and the others insult the old woman, who then sends them to see the world of the future with their own eyes, a future of desolation and death...
Samurai Executioner Volume 7 Tpb Kazuo Koike (W) And Goseki Kojima (A) On sale August 10
Trigun Maximum Volume 6: The Gunslinger Tpb Yasuhiro Nightow (W/A) On sale August 3, SC
Vampire Hunter D: Raiser Of Gales Volume 2 Novel Hideyuki Kikuchi (W) And Yoshitaka Amano painted cover and eight black-and-white interior illustrations On sale August 17
ADV Films
Full Metal Panic Manga Vol. 8 along with a re-release of Full Metal Panic volumes 1-7
Gamerz Heaven Vols. 1 & 2 (re-releases)
More Starlight To Your Heart Vols. 1 & 2
Mythical Detective Loki: Ragnarok Vols. 1 & 2
Pretear Vols. 1-4
Ray Vols. 1 & 2
Tactics Vols. 1 & 2
ALC Publishing
Rica'tte Kanji Gn by Rica Takashima The adventures of college student Rica, as she attends university in Tokyo and visits the gay and lesbian district looking for friendship and love. Rica's story is sweet and funny, realistic and a little wacky - with a refreshing lack of self-hatred and doubt, but with no lack of real emotions. SC, 6x9, 96pgs, B&W SRP: $15.00
Yuri Monogatari Gn by Various Seven stories from artists and writers around the world that deal with all aspects of lesbian relationships. From science fiction to realistic looks at long-term relationships, to humorous fantasies and poetic angst, Yuri Monogatari has something for everyone who has ever been in love. SC, 6x9, 144pgs, B&W SRP: $15.00
Anime Works Publications
Eiken Volume 1 Gn Densuke's eager to participate in extracurricular activities, but he never expected to join the mysterious Eiken Club, where every other member is a busty co-ed, and many of the club activities involve bikinis. But Densuke isn't interested in anyone but the shy and beautiful Chiharu. SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W SRP: $9.99
Samurai Man Volume 1 Gn Ryoumas always ready to defend the weak and fight for honor, but it doesnt help him with that really cute girl, Katsumi. She only has eyes for Shizuka. Caught in the middle of a fight between gods, Ryouma was found worthy and became one with the Warrior King of the Southern Skies. SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W SRP: $9.99
Broccoli International Usa Inc
Kamui #1 Gn by Ringo Nanami Infused with a spirit of an ancient sword, Atsuma must leave his village to reclaim Okikurumi. He encounters NOA, an organization of youths who wield the power of the kamui, and who may hold the key to Okikurumi. SC, 6x8, 208pgs, B&W SRP: $9.99
CPM Manga Re-releases
Aquarium Volume 1 Tp
Call Me Princess Tp
Jerry Robinson's Astra
Let's Stay Together Forever Gn
Popcorn Romance Gn
Princess Prince Book 1 Gn
Digital Manga Publishing
Robot Vol. 1 Manga Produced by Range Murata Robot Vol. 1 is a one-of-a-kind compilation that is produced and edited by one of Japans most well-known and renowned manga artists, Ranger Murata, character designer for Studio Gonzos Last Exile and Blue Submarine No. 6. Muratas hand-picked contributors like Yoshitoshi Abe (Essence) and Ugetsu Hakua (Burst Angel) come together in a mind-blowing experiment of what happens when top manga artists work in the unusual format of short stories and brilliant color. From Range Muratas picturesque portrayal of two teens on a motorcycle ride into the unknown, to Yoshitoshi Abes tale of dark fantasy, and Mami Itous butcher gone awry, diversity of narrative competes with a high level of artistic experimentation in this monumental work. Softcover with dustjacket. SC, 8x11, 164pgs, FC $24.95
Dr Masters Publications Inc Junk Force Volume 2 Novel by Hideki Kakinuma 95
Hanidori Girl Volume 1 Tp by Mari Matsuzawa Support Robot: Sally 001 has just been completed by boy technophile Yoshiki. Yet her fledgling personality programming makes her ill-suited for maid-dom and leaves her very smitten with one Yoshiki. Evil teachers, a jealous sister and Yoshikis mad scientist dad round this quirky cast of slapstick characters. SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W SRP: $9.95
King Of Fighters: Maximum Impact By Chi Wen Shum #336pgs, FC (3 of 4) #436pgs, FC (4 of 4)
Stellvia Volume 1 Tp by XEBEC & Ryo Akizuki The Stellvia Space Academy is one of several Space Foundations dedicated to saving Earth from a second wave of supernova explosions that is scheduled to hit the planet in 70 days. Shima Katose is a newly-enrolled student at Stellvia with exceptional skill as a programmer. Her dream to be chosen as one the elite pilots needed to help save the earth. SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W SRP: $9.95
Snk Vs Capcom: Svc Chaos Volume 2 Tp
COMICSONE.COM
Tori Koro Volume 2 Tp
TOKYOPOP
.HACK//AI BUSTER GN Author: Tatsuya Hamazaki AI Buster, the prequel to .hack follows the avatar Albireo, and his love interest, Lycoris, through The World the most advanced game ever created. SC, 5x7, 192pgs (Novel) $7.99
Blame! Volume 1 Gn By Tsutomu Nihei In a future world rife with decay and destruction, meet Killy, a man of few words who packs one very powerful gunand hes not afraid to use it. Killy wanders an endless labyrinth of cyberdungeons filled with concrete and steel, fighting off cyborgs and other bizarre silicate creatures. Everyone is searching for the "Net Terminal Genes," but no one is quite certain of the limits of the genes awesome power. The answer may lie hidden among the scattered human settlements of this vast and desolate future world. Can Killy unlock the mystery of this nightmarish future and save the last remnants of humanity? SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 10) $9.99
Bizenghast Volume 1 Gn by M. Alice LeGrow When a young girl moves to the forgotten town of Bizenghast, she uncovers a terrifying collection of lost souls that lead her to the brink of insanity. One thing becomes painfully clear: The residents of Bizenghast are just dying to come home. SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 3) $9.99
Clamp No Kiseki Volume 3 Gn by CLAMP CLAMP: the world-famous manga collective known for such fantastical works as Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits and CLAMP School Paranormal Investigators. To honor CLAMPs 15th anniversary, CLAMP no Kiseki: The Ultimate Collection features full-color pages, exclusive material, 6 pages of new, never-before-seen manga, and limited-edition collectible figures! This volume features an in-depth look at Tokyo Babylon. Bonus Chess Pieces: [Bishop] Subaru Sumeragi (Tokyo Babylon), Mokona-Modoki X 2 SC, 9x12, 32pgs, FC (3 of 12) $29.99
Duan Surk Volume 1: The Witches Forest Gn by Mishio Fukazawa & Takao Otokita Based on the famous Fortune Quest world, here is Duan Surk, an ambitious but struggling 16-year-old level-2 fighter who travels with an old short sword and a curious little flying lizard named Check. When he gets lost in the witches forest, he meets Agnis, a beautiful 16-year-old witch, and Olba, a level-13 fighter with a long sword. The trio begins the quest of a lifetime battling mythical creatures in an attempt to rescue Agnis mother. SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 11) $9.99
Honey Mustard Volume 1 Gn by Ho-Kyung Yeo Its love at second sight! When Ara works up the nerve to ask out the boy of her dreams, she gets all glammed up and boozed up...and ends up kissing Young-Woo, the wrong guy! The juicy smooch is witnessed by the schools puritanical chaperone, who tells their strict families. Now everyone is in an uproar, and the only way these angry families will be appeased is if the two get married...and have kids! SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 3) $9.99
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed (Novel) Volume 1 Written by Gotoh Ryu Cosmic Era 70. Eleven months have passed since ZAFT and the Earth Alliance opened hostilities. Kira Yamamoto, a young civilian of the neutral Orb colony, Heliopolis, is caught in the middle of ZAFTs violent attempt to steal five new Mobile Suits developed by the Earth Force. The novelization of the much-loved TV series starts right here! SC, 5x7, 192pgs (Novel/1 of 5) $9.99
Rizelmine Gn by Yukiru Sugisaki Tomonori Iwaki is a hapless fifteen year-old student who just had his heart broken when the teacher he had a crush on got engaged. He goes home to find that hes got a wife of his own though, even if she may look like a grade-schooler. Rizel, a very cute girl who is apparently made of nanomachines, does her best to win her new husbands heart, and hilarity and romance ensue. SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 1) $9.99
Saiyuki Reload Volume 1 Gn by Kazuya Minekura The fearsome foursome continue their journey west towards Shangri-La, encountering new challenges and new adventures along the way. Their legend precedes them, but not always in the way one might expect. The Minus Wave that apparently drove all the youkai in the land mad looks like it might have missed one, as Sanzo, Gojyo, Hakkai and Goku meet a lone guardian and the band of children he cares for. Fear and misunderstanding run throughout this particular leg of the journey, including between the members of the Sanzo group! SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (1 of 4) $9.99
Scrapped Princess Volume 1 Gn by Ichiro Sakaki & Yukinobu Azumi, & Go Yabuki Fifteen years ago, a set of twins a girl and a boy was born to the king of Linevan. Shortly after their birth, a prophecy foretold that when the girl turned 16, she would bring about the end of humanity. To avoid this terrible fate, the king ordered the princess disposed ofscrapped! She miraculously survived and was raised away from the kingdom that would kill her. But now she has turned 15, the kings guards have caught wind that shes still alive...and they set out to finish the job! SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (19 of 29) $9.99
Tokyo Tribes Volume 3 Gn by Santa Inoue As the rivalry between Mera and Kai rages on, Kai runs into trouble on the home front and on the homeboy front. While Kai argues with his father about his future, the rival tribe begins attacking his friends. When Kai gets the call he rushes out to the aid of his friends, leaving his father upset and angry. Kais loyalty and pride towards his friends will lead him into trouble...and may lead to the end of his life! SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W (3 of 11) $9.99
VIZ LLC
Midoris Days Vol 1 Gn by Kazurou Inoue Seiji Sawamura is the toughest seventeen-year-old in town, feared by all for his fighting prowess and his deadly devils right hand. But at heart, Seiji is a softy and all he wants is an end to his 17-year history of being a lonely single guy. Unfortunately, his tough guy reputation only serves to decrease his popularity with the ladies. Then one day, Seiji wakes up to discover his devils right hand has turned into...a miniature gal named Midori! Strangely enough, Midori is a real girl who is just as surprised as Seiji to find out she has now become, literally Seijis right hand! It turns out Midori has always had a crush on Seiji, and her desperate wish to be connected to him has somehow come true...maybe all too true!
Baron The Cat Returns Gn by Aoi Hiiragi When awkward schoolgirl Haru rescues a cat on her way home from school one day, the last thing she expects in return is to be honored by a feline royal family! Before she knows what's happening to her, Haru is drawn into a world inhabited entirely by talking cats--and recruited to be the next Cat Princess! SC, 5x7, 224pgs, B&W SRP: $9.99
HowlS Moving Castle Film Comics Volume 1 Tp by Hayao Miyazaki Sophie expects to spend the rest of her life quietly making hats in the back room of her family's shop, but as her country prepares for war, Sophie is forced to set out on an extraordinary adventure! After a escaping the unwanted attentions of some bored soldiers with the help of a handsome stranger, Sophie returns home only to be accosted by the infamous Witch of the Waste! SC, 5x7, 176pgs, FC SRP: $9.99
Art Of Angel Sanctuary Angel Cage by Kaori Yuki Experience the sensual art of Angel Sanctuary, Kaori Yukis epic saga of forbidden love. This stunning illustration collection includes art from volumes 1-8 of this bestselling manga series, along with information about characters and an exclusive interview with creator Kaori Yuki. (CAUT: 3 & 4) NOTE: Available only in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, & the Virgin Islands SC, 8x11, FC SRP: $19.99
AN Entertainment and Bang Zoom Partner for Guu
AN Entertainment has announced a full partnership with English dubbing studio Bang Zoom! Entertainment (Rurouni Kenshin, Samurai Champloo, Last Exile, Witch Hunter Robin, and Please Teacher) for Har+Guu. The series will be AN Entertainment's third release.
About Har + Guu
The surreal and outlandish comedy Har+Guu begins when a young boy's peaceful life is interrupted by his mother's adoption of an orphaned girl- a girl that's not exactly human, who has an alternate dimension of weird people and bizarre creatures living in her stomach, and whose sole purpose for existence seems to be making the young boy's life a living hell. And that's just the first episode! The Har+Guu television series, produced by Square Enix and animated by the world famous Shin'ei Doga production studio, has been a smash hit internationally. In its native Japan, the series has spawned a pair of award winning sequel series.
TOKYOPOP Editors at Cons
TOKYOPOP announced on Anime on DVD's forum that their editors will be holding portfolio reviews at several major conventions this summer. For details on what they are looking for see here
First up is Anime Boston, of course, from April 29th-May 1st, where they will be holding a panel entitled "Making Manga with TOKYOPOP" at 5 PM on Friday, featuring artists, Svetlana Chmakova, M. Alice LeGrow and Justin Boring, as well as a post-panel portfolio review.
Future events include Anime Expo, Comicon, Otakon, Wizard World Chicago and Anime Weekend Atlanta.
CLAMP Anime Site
The site for the upcoming Production IG anime adapation of XXXHolic and Tsubasa Chronicle can be seen here
New Gundam Universe
Game Spot reports that Bandai will be introducing a distinct Gundam universe through the Playstation 2 RPG True Odyssey. The game will be set in an alternature where giant robots are part of every day life.
The official site is online here
Seven Seas Releases Manga on PSP
Seven Seas Entertainment announced that there have been 12,000 downloads from their web site, Gomanga.com, since last week, when they first made manga previews available in Sony PSP format. Seven Seas has become the first manga publisher to release free downloadable manga content for the Sony PSP and plans to continue the trend by releasing further chapters in coming months.
Currently, the entire first chapters of the four flagship Seven Seas titles have been made available for all manga fans to download and read via the Sony PSPs built-in photo viewer. In all, 155 pages of downloadable manga have been specifically converted for optimal viewing on the Sony PSP with each special preview consisting of thirty to forty pages of story.
Inu Yasha Movie 3
Icv2 reports that Viz will be releasing InuYasha the Movie 3: Swords of an Honorable Ruler on September 6th.
In other news, Score Entertainment will be randomly inserting two cards signed by creator Rumiko Takashi in future releases of the collectable card game based on Inu Yasha,
Anime Games at E3
Jagged Team reports that Bandai will be showcasing the following anime based games at E3:
One Piece: Grand Battle The characters from the hit TV show make their US debut in this fighting game, coming summer 2005 to the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo GameCube. Play as one of 16 weird and wonderful pirates from the show and pick up objects around you to use as weapons as you battle to become the King of the Pirates! The game features 6 game play modes including 2 player versus mode and tournament mode. With tons of moves for each character and lots of unlockable features, One Piece: Grand Battle is a fun fighting game that will definitely be one for the treasure chest!
One Piece Ahoy there mi hearties! Launching at the same time as the PlayStation2 and Nintendo GameCube versions, One Piece will also debut on the Game Boy Advance this summer. Play as Monkey D. Luffy in this side-scrolling action game as you battle pesky pirates in your quest to become the Pirate King! Use all your stretchy skills to defeat all 12 enemies from the hit TV show, collect items and unlock new areas and special moves each time you play!
Zatch Bell Experience the world of Zatch Bell as seen in the hit TV show! The Mamodo of Zatch Bell make their US debut in this fighting game for the Nintendo GameCube (and other platform to be announced) this summer. Every 1000 years, 100 Mamodo descend upon earth to conduct the ultimate battle with the winner becoming the mighty king of the Mamodo world. Choose from your favorite characters as you battle across 18 different stages with your human partner; collect trading cards and input codes to unlock secret spells and mamodo in the video game.
Inuyasha: Feudal Combat Unleash your dog-demon! Featuring all your favorite characters from the hit TV show, the first Inuyasha fighting game for the PlayStation2 launches Summer 2005 and features a mission mode, a battle mode for versus gameplay, practice mode and a story mode. Featuring an original battle system, the game allows you to partner with another character, select the best formation system and develop and strengthen your fighting partnership, and destroy objects around you as you battle to take out the opposition.
DICE DNA Integrated Cybernetic Enterprises DICE to the rescue! Featuring all your favorite characters from the hit TV show plus original Dinobreakers never seen before, DICE makes its videogame debut this summer in this action game for the PlayStation2. The DICE team makes a formidable force; transform your Dinobreaker from vehicle to dinosaur mode or even fight on foot, unlock and upgrade weapons and use your satellite bots to destroy the enemy! Always on call, always on alert - DICE is ready for action!
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Never Ending Tomorrow Play as one of the 2 heroes from the Gundam SEED storyline in this action game coming to the PlayStation2 this summer. Featuring more than 50 playable mobile suits from the TV series, the game features 4 game play modes including Story Mode, Mission Mode and 2 player Versus Mode, with story arcs from the Gundam SEED TV show and others. Featuring more than 40 minutes of movie-quality CGI and cut-scenes, as well as the combat system, unique weapons and attacks from the TV series - pick your favorite mobile suit and battle it out!
Digimon World4 The hit Digimon World series makes its return this May with this multi-player action RPG for the PlayStation2, Nintendo GameCube and Xbox. Access to the real world has been terminated and a sinister new world has been discovered. Play as your favorite Digimon, Digivolve and battle your way across the servers of the Digimon World. Collect weapons, armor and items to customize your Digimons skills and attributes.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Section 9 returns to take out the latest terrorist cell in this futuristic first-person shooter coming to the PSP handheld entertainment system this summer. Use Motokos agility, Batous strength, Togusas stealth or Saitos sniper skills to take out the terrorists. Train and customize Tachikoma to assist you in your missions and hack into enemies to obtain information crucial to your missions. Features wireless battles and communication up to 4-players!
TOKYOPOP Talks Mew Mew Manga
TOKYOPOP will be releasing Tokyo Mew Mew sequel Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode starting in June.
Tokyo Mew Mew tells the story of five girls whose DNA has merged with animals, as part of a secret project called the "Mew Project." Their mission: To protect the planet from aliens who are using animals to attack humans. In Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode, a sixth Mew named Berry is about to emerge--the first Mew Mew with two sets of animal genes coursing through her veins. Half cat, half rabbit, she's joining the Mew Mew team just in time: A new set of villains has appeared and its leader just happens to love his wild game well done! New love interests merge with the intoxicating action sequences that were the mainstay of the original series.
Mia Ikumi won the 24th Nakayoshi New Manga Artist contest for her debut, "Usagi no Furasu Hoshi" ("Bunnies Scattering Stars"). Her other titles include Superdoll Rika-chan and Ichigo no Mori no Nemurihime (Sleeping Beauty of Strawberry Forest).
Upcoming ADV Releases
May 25
Peacemaker: The Spider’S Web (5 of 7)
Shinobi: A Way Out (live action 4 of 4)
May 31
Cyberteam In Akihabara: Cyber Friends (5 of 6)
Saint Seiya: Ultimate Sacrifice (12 of 12)
