CONGERS, N.Y.-July 15, 2003--Pop-culture expo leader Wizard Conventions Inc. announced today that it would broaden its industry leading multi-media experience, Wizard World, to the west coast, with the addition of Wizard World Los Angeles. The inaugural event will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center, March 19-21, 2004. Wizard World Los Angeles joins the previously announced slate of Wizard World shows, including Wizard World East, Wizard World Chicago and Wizard World Texas, further strengthening Wizard Conventions' position as the pre-eminent venue for fans of pop-culture and those looking to reach that audience. "When we started expanding our events, we always knew that we wanted to be in Los Angeles since its the heart of the comics-to-films movement, and with more films in production than ever before, now is the right time for a Wizard World show in L.A. This new event enables us and our marketing partners to truly reach a national audience through our network of events," says Gareb Shamus, Chairman and CEO, Wizard Conventions, Inc.
Wizard World events in 2003 will draw over 75,000 people, an increase of over 40% versus 2002. Wizard World Chicago, August 8-10, is expected to draw over 40,000 people. It will be followed by Wizard World Texas, which will premier November 21-23, 2003. In 2004, following Wizard World Los Angeles, will be Wizard World East, now entering its third year. Dates for the 2004 edition of this growing event will be announced soon. All the shows will feature the incredible Wizard World highlights, with the hottest names and companies in comic book, toys, anime, manga and video games, as well as the biggest stars in film and television.
Wizard World Los Angeles, Wizard World East, Wizard World Chicago and Wizard World Texas are produced by Wizard Conventions Inc. Wizard Conventions is a sister company of Wizard Entertainment Group, the industry leader in the collectibles market that publishes four magazines, Wizard: The Comics Magazine, InQuest Gamer: The Gaming Magazine, ToyFare: The Toy Magazine and Anime Insider: The Japanese Animation Magazine, as well as co-publisher of Toy Wishes: The Holiday Gift Guide. Wizard's publications have a monthly national readership of more than 2 million and are currently sold in 25 countries and five languages.
Urban Vision Entertainment will be having booths (booth numbers 4506 and 4508) at San Diego Comic-Con (www.comic-con.org), coming up this week! Join us for some free goodies, and get a chance to meet Takahiro Yoshimatsu, the Animation Director/Character Designer of Ninja Scroll: The Series!
The SPJA Awards, given annually at the SPJA's Anime Expo convention, recognize excellence in the Japanese animation and comics industry in both the United States and Japan.
"We're exceptionally pleased at SPJA's recognition," said John Ledford, President, Co-Founder and CEO of Newtype USA parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. "Newtype USA is a labor of love for us, and we're proud that our work is being recognized by buyers, subscribers and critics alike."
Bandai America’s new toy properties Jagun Fighters and Superior Defender will be previewed, as well as perennial fan favorite Gundam, now in its fifth year in the U.S. Bandai Entertainment will give convention attendees the opportunity to take a glimpse into the past, present and future of Japanese animation, including its new and highly anticipated titles The Big O II, s-CRY-ed, and Witch Hunter Robin.
Superior Defender
Bandai America and Bandai Entertainment presents “the next BIG thing in robots.” Superior Defender (or “SD”) is an intergalactic adventure of incredible proportions, featuring a variety of vertically challenged robots from three different worlds. The Mobile, Knight and Musha Defenders join forces to fight an enemy with a Napoleon complex of its own, the dreaded Dark Axis. Combining action and humor with a spunky look, the toy line from Bandai America consists of snap-together action figures, 5-inch action figures, 1.5-inch figures, deluxe vehicles and playsets. A brand new 3-D animation TV show inspired by the toys is set to debut in September 2003 on Cartoon Network (see the panel schedule following for a screening of the premiere episode), with an anticipated release on DVD home video 1st Quarter 2004.
Witch Hunter Robin A runaway hit in Japan, Witch Hunter Robin is a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets
X-Files” and promises to be one of the biggest DVD releases of 2003. In the world of Witch Hunter Robin, where witches abuse their supernatural powers, a special team is tasked with hunting this new threat to society. This organization known as the “STN” is comprised of several highly skilled craft users and experts in covert operations; however, their most powerful craft-user is a young woman named Robin. Her mysterious gift to summon deadly flames will determine the fates of her colleagues and lead her into the dark world of mystique and witchcraft
Fans are encouraged to stop by the highly interactive and entertaining Bandai Stage and Theater (Booth #3314) to check out the product displays, preview the new titles sing anime karaoke, and receive free giveaways. (Please visit the exhibit for an updated schedule of screenings and events.)
Bandai America Features New Toy and Anime Properties at Comic-Con International
2-2-2-2
Thursday-Sunday, July 17-20
(Thursday-Saturday 10:00AM-7:00PM; Sunday 10:00AM-5:00PM)
Beware the Power of the Eye! Bandai America will showcase its latest hot toy property Jagun Fighters, a unique action figure brand combined with game play activity. Jagun Fighters sets opponents against one another as they battle with intricately crafted game pieces called Power Eye Stones. In addition to learning how to play the game, fans will receive exclusive Jagun Fighters giveaways, as well as have the opportunity to sign up as a beta tester for the brand. Beta testers (ages 8-14) will receive advance product samples to take home and battle with their friends, and their feedback may be used to create new items in the collection.
Bandai America presents “the next BIG thing in robots.” Check out the newest pint-size action figures and toys in the Superior Defender product line. Superior Defender (or “SD”) is an intergalactic adventure of incredible proportions, featuring a variety of vertically challenged robots called the Mobile, Knight and Musha Defenders. A brand new 3-D animation TV show inspired by the toys is set to debut in September 2003 on Cartoon Network (see the panel schedule following for a screening of the premiere episode).
Bandai America will host Gundam trivia contests at the Bandai Stage, and a display of unique action figure models straight from Japan. A massive six-foot Gundam statue, and replica uniforms of Mobile Suit Gundam characters Amuro Ray and Sayla Mass will also be on exhibit.
Panel Session: Thursday, July 17
“Bandai Entertainment Sneak Peek”
3:30-4:30PM, Room 9
Panel Session: Friday, July 18
“What’s Next for Gundam”
2:30-3:30PM, Room 9
Panel Session: Sunday, July 20
“Bandai Presents Superior Defender”
11:00AM-Noon, Room 9
Friday-Saturday, July 18-20
Bandai America is calling on the vast legion of fans for the Gundam Model Building Contest. Participants will be given a random action figure model kit, and will have approximately one hour to complete their models. The goal of the contest is to see how the kit builders apply their creativity when customizing their own Gundam models at home, including battle-damage, scarring, special paint jobs, dioramas, etc. Participants must bring their own customizing tools (excluding razors, knives, or any sharp or combustible objects). All the finished models will be on display, and a panel of judges will select the winner who will receive an exclusive Gundam Perfect Grade or Level 8 action figure model kit. Contest times are at 11:00AM and 3:00PM on both Friday and Saturday, and fans must register onsite at the Bandai Stage for a preferred timeslot beginning on the first day of the convention.
Manga Entertainment Inc.
215 West Superior Street, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
Electronic and postal adresses remain the same as befre as do phones.
To find out more about Wizard World Chicago, go to http://www.wizarduniverse.com/conventions/chic
Summary of Highlights:
Initial D Card Game Demos Ongoing throughout show Booth 3331
Initial D PS2 Arcade Game Ongoing throughout show Booth 3331
TOKYOPOP Industry Insider Panel (new title announcements!) July 18 at 1:30pm Room 2
Rising Stars Autographs July 18 @ 3:00pm Booth 3331
Ahmed Hoke Autographs July 18 at 4:00pm Booth 3331
Terrence Walker Autographs July 18 at 5:00pm Booth 3331
Min-Woo Hyung Autographs July 19 at 12:00pm Booth 3331
Keith Giffen/Kim Kang Won Panel/Q&A July 19 at 2:30pm Room 2
Kim Kang Won Autographs July 19 at 4:00pm Booth 3331
Keith Giffen Autographs July 19 at 5:00pm Booth 3331
Studio Tavicat Autographs July 20 at 1:00pm Booth 3331
Comic-Con International takes place at the San Diego Convention Center (111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101) from July 17 through July 20.
Some of the Guests of Honor are
Marc Matney ------ His maney voice overs include... Ken Nakajima from all 52 files of Your Under Arrest, Inspector Zenigata from "Rupan III-The Fuma Conspiracy, Kowalski in "Crusher Joe" and Tamiya in "Oh! My Goddess. (This will be his first ever convention)
Pamela Weidner------ You all know her as Yoriko from You're Under Arrest. Her other voice acting credits include.......
Miss China: Spirit of Wonder Skuld: Oh! My Goddess Miyu: Vampire Princess Miyu Incidentals: Crusher Joe Aya: Earthian Sheena: Shinesman Mari: Elf Princess Rane Mami / Annie: Sailor Victory Midi: Voogie's Angel Kino: Blue Submarine No.6
Glenn Shadix-------- He was in Beetlejuice, Planet of the Apes, Hercules the series, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more.
This is one of the first conventions in the US where you can meet some of the voice actors from YUA. Please see our page for all the exciting developments. For more guests please check out the official site at: http://www.connecticon.org
Artist Brian Stelfreeze included a drawn toy resembling the character Totoro in the final page of Domino #3. The scene is a child's room with various toys and such scatted around it. The artist works at Gaijin Studio in Atlanta, GA and is reportedly a fan of the legendary animator. Periphreally, Artist Adam Hughes once drew the Gen 13 character Caitlin carrying a beach towel bearing the imprint of Totoro-like character.
...Godzilla fans have hoped that a US company would purchase the most recent movies in the long-running series. Recent news that GODZILLA·MOTHRA·KING GHIDORAH (aka GMK) and GODZILLA VS. MEGAGUIRUS (GxM) will be shown at festivals and on television have made it clear that this has finally happened. Now Sony Pictures Entertainment makes it official; the company has indeed picked up the two films for distribution in the United States and Canada.
...After lengthy discussions, an agreement was reached several weeks ago that gives Sony North American rights to the films. Early details from the studio are very promising; Sony has moved quickly with plans for theatrical, television, and video releases in both English and Japanese.
First up are screenings of the two movies at the American Cinematheque's Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, CA this August. While the films have played at industry events (such as the American Film Marketplace)and conventions, Sony considers this the US theatrical premiere for both GxM and GMK as the general public and the media will be allowed to attend. In the coming weeks further details will be available on the Egyptian Theatre website and the 24 hour information line at (323) 466-FILM, but the American Cinematheque has graciously provided H!O some advance information:
Sunday, August 10 - 5:00 PM U.S. Premiere: GODZILLA VS. MEGAGUIRUS 2000, Sony Pictures, 105 min. Dir. Masaaki Tezuka. Jam-packed with bug-crushing, city-stomping, radioactive monster action, GODZILLA VS. MEGAGUIRAS is set in an alternate universe where the capitol of Japan has been moved to Osaka and the country has converted to clean energy because the Big G keeps devouring nuclear power plants. When Godzilla rears his ugly head again, a team of scientists invent a device that shoots Black Holes (!) to destroy him - but not before an enormous mutant insect named "Megaguiras" shows up to do battle with our favorite monster.
Friday, August 22 - 7:00 PM U.S. Premiere: GODZILLA, MOTHRA & KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK 2001, Sony Pictures, 105 min. Already acclaimed by fans as the most exciting Godzilla film since the heyday of the 1960's, GMK features a terrific, redesigned Big G (hint: he's leaner, meaner and packs a nasty bite), bent on destroying Japan as vengeance for the restless souls of WWII victims. Standing in his way are the Guardian Deities - i.e. Mothra, King Ghidorah and Baragon. Director Shusuke Kaneko helmed the astounding trio of GAMERA films for Daiei in the mid-1990's - here, he's practically reinvented the Godzilla series for the 21st century.
Both movies will be the original Japanese language versions with English subtitles. In conjunction with the screenings, the Egyptian is planning either a Q&A session or an overview of the recent Godzilla films. Tickets are $9.00 general, $8.00 students/seniors, and $6.00 for members of the American Cinematheque.
Other theatrical screenings are coming, including the Canadian festival FanTasia which runs from July 17 to August 10. GODZILLA VS. MEGAGUIRUS is planned for July 22 and 23 with GODZILLA·MOTHRA·KING GHIDORAH on July 26 and 27. This will be the first time either movie is shown on the big screen in Canada. As an added bonus, GMK director Shusuke Kaneko will be in attendance.
After the theatrical showings, GODZILLA VS. MEGAGUIRUS and GODZILLA·MOTHRA·KING GHIDORAH will air on US television for the first time on Sunday, August 31. The SciFi Channel will show GxM at 3pm, followed by GMK at 5pm. Sony has given SciFi the English language versions dubbed by Toho for international markets. More information will be available soon on the SciFi website.
Sony has further plans for both movies, including a possible limited theatrical release for GMK....Tentative plans for the DVDs call for widescreen releases with both English and Japanese audio tracks. No release dates have been announced, as the schedule depends on Sony's theatrical decision on GMK. Henshin!Online will report further details as they become available.
In an effort to change gears and broaden the kung fu fan base, ComicsOne has chosen a very different type of comic from the creative genius of Wing Shing Ma (Storm Riders and Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre). You’ll find no sword and fantasy themes here. Readers are in for a more down to earth, yet no less kinetic adventure. More akin to a modern day kung fu movie, Black Leopard is energy charged. It blends powerful martial arts action similar to that found in films like the Matrix and Jet Li’s The One, with action movie themes including special task forces and espionage complete with intense bullet-riddled gun battles and white-knuckle car chases.
Black Leopard follows the adventures of an elite task force dealing in intense covert special ops missions. The group is lead by Yee Tie a.k.a. - Black Leopard. Yee is a battle-hardened assassin trained under the most torturous conditions. His will is unbreakable, yet he has just learned that he and his most deadly enemies share a past which cannot be denied. A relationship with two of the world’s most dangerous men and Yee’s commitment to serve his country are on an explosive collision course with Black Leopard caught in the middle.
Black Leopard has been referred to as the modern day Storm Riders. The cutting edged artistic style and riveting storyline have made Black Leopard one of Hong Kong’s best selling comic book titles. U.S. fans of gun-toting kung fu masters such as Ryoichi Ikegami’s Crying Freeman won’t want to miss out on all the action from ComicsOne and Wing Shing Ma this fall season!
Availability Volume One of Black Leopard is available in September 2003. The full color 160 page graphic novels will be priced at $14.95. Visit www.comicsone.com for more detailed series information.
Cover image
http://comicsone.com/blackLeopard/ad.jpg
Summer Beach is a humorous world that the resin kits of Nixie and May were based on. It is a world of transforming water sprite, Chinese medicine, and light-hearted comedy. To further explore the backgrounds of Nixie and May go to the website http://www.mindxpo.com
Nixie Schmetterling Arakawa 1/8 scale resin kit is schedule for release in September 2003. The kit will contain some clear and opaque resin pieces to allow the hobbyist more flexibility in creating effects in the final product. Some of the pieces are optional. The base is also included in the kit. Instruction sheet and full color box art is also included with the kit. MSRP for the product will be $44.98.
May (aka Jade) Lee 1/8 scale resin kit is schedule for release in October 2003. The kit will contain some clear and opaque resin pieces to allow the hobbyist more flexibility in creating effects in the final product. Some of the pieces are optional. The base is also included in the kit. Instruction sheet and full color box art is also included with the kit. MSRP for the product will be $44.98.
The completed kits can be displayed separately. Or the bases can be place together that will create a humorous diorama for all to enjoy.
In 1997, MindXpo Inc. was founded in order to retail anime products. MindXpo help launch, manage, and spin off Anime Castle (http://www.animecastle.com) to become one of the most successful anime online retailers with an international customer base. MindXpo has currently focused their creative energies on producing resin kits that will bring hours of entertainment to the hobbyist.
The Website The new site is loaded with information, including release news, summary information, character details, artwork, downloadable desktop artwork and, of course, exclusive hidden "omake" content (good luck!)
King of Bandit Jing (SRP $29.98 DVD only; $39.98 Collectors' Edition) is a DVD-only release, including four complete episodes. Includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, and English subtitles. Extras include: a printed insert; production sketches; clean opening and closing animation; and ADV previews.
To apply for the casting call on Saturday, eMail to: cosplay@G4TV.com
Anime Evolution Celebration of Japanese animation features eight video rooms, art room and art auction, Asian-styled fairway, Japanese animation dealers and panel discussions. Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus, July 25-27, $25/20, www.animeevolution.com
Is Hand-Drawn Animation Dead?
Analysts are once again predicting the demise of traditional animation
following the failure of DreamWorks' Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas.Harvey
Deneroff, president of Animation Consultants International, told today's
(Wednesday) USA Today, "I suspect [traditional animation] is dead as far as
most studios are concerned in terms of large-scale, big budget films." The
newspaper observed that Sinbad marked the third major "2-D"-animated film to
flop in recent years, following The Road to El Dorado and Treasure
Planet.However, other analysts point out that few animated films that
weren't comedies and/or musicals have ever been successful. And pointing to
the success of last year's hand-drawn Lilo & Stitch, Disney chairman Dick
Cook told USA Today: "Good storytelling is a lot more important to an
animated movie than the way it's drawn."
THURSDAY, JULY 17: ( via http://www.comic-con.org/Pages/CCI03-ThursdayProg.html )
1)2:30-3:30 Dark Horse Comics Manga Mania!- Have you been hearing whispers about some of the most revered manga titles possibly coming to the U.S. from Dark Horse? Well it's fact, not fiction! With partner Digital Manga, Dark Horse recently announced plans to publish such long-awaited titles as Trigun, Berserk, Hellsing, and The Ring. This is your chance to ask Dark Horse manga editors everything you wanted to know about the line, past, present, and future! And who knows, they may just have some breaking news for attendees as well! Featuring Dark Horse's Tim Ervin-Gore and Chris Warner. Room 9
2) 4:30-5:30 Pioneer Entertainment Presents- If you buy anime DVDs, chances are likely that you may own a Pioneer Entertainment title. As one of the most prominent producers and distributors of anime in the marketplace, Pioneer has released fan-favorite smash hits such as Tenchi Muyo!, Trigun, lain, Chobits and Hellsing, just to name a few. Company representatives will be on hand to give you the lowdown on the next wave of Pioneer's upcoming video and CD releases, including can't-miss titles like Heat Guy J, Haibane Renmei, Last Exile, and much more! Room 3
FRIDAY, JULY 18 ( via http://www.comic-con.org/Pages/CCI03-ThursdayProg.html )
1)10:30-11:30 Robotech- Harmony Gold staff members Tommy Yune (Speed Racer, Danger Girl Kamikaze), Steve Yun (Robotech.com), and Tom Bateman (Robotech: Battlecry) shares news about past, current, and future Robotech projects. Room 6A
2)1:30-2:30 Tokyopop Industy Insiders Panel-Be the first to get the buzz on Tokyopop's newly licensed 2004 titles! Plus, meet some of the Rising Stars of Manga winners and get an insider's look at the American manga/anime industry through the eyes of special guest creators: Studio Tavicat, Terrence Walker and Ahmed Hoke. Room 2
3)2:30-3:30 What's Next for Gundam- Calling all Gundam fans! Check out what's in store for the Gundam property here in North America. Representatives from Bandai America's toy, anime, and videogame divisions will all be on hand. Here's your chance to take a look at the future of Gundam and what you can expect to see hitting TV soon. There will be DVD and toy giveaways throughout the panel. Room 9
4)3:30-4:30 What's New at ADV- Be the first to find out about the newest titles from North America's number one distributor of anime, and learn all the secrets about ADV's new line of manga and graphic novels! Room 9
5) 4:30-5:30 Miramax: Kill Bill- Cast members from Quentin Tarrentino's Kill Bill movie discuss the making of the film. Daryl Hannah, David Carradine, Michael Jai White, and Michael Madsen are scheduled to be on hand to preview and discuss this eagerly awaited film. Room 20
SATURDAY, JULY 19(via http://www.comic-con.org/Pages/CCI03-SatProg.html ):
1)10:30-11:30 ...Warner Bros. will present footage of Matrix Revolutions...and collector posters of The Last Samurai. Room 20
2)10:30-11:30 The Snake Plissken Chronicles- The creative talents behind the upcoming comic, anime, and DVD...will speak on the contribution each has made in bringing the character back into the eyes of pop culture. A brief video message by...John Carpenter, will open the program, along with Kurt Russell and Debra Hill giving their own thoughts on bringing the character back to life. The first 50 people to arrive will receive an issue of the Snake Plissken Chronicles comic with a cover exclusive to Comic-Con. Panelists include moderator Jan Utstein-O'Neil, editor-in-chief; William O'Neill; writer, Tone Rodriguez, artist; Corey Mitchel and William Wilson, co-screenwriters of the Snake Plissken anime; Maki Terashima-Furuta, international operations manager with Production I.G.; and Amy Zwagerman, manager, MGM Home Entertainment. Room 1AB
3)12:00-1:00 Central Park Media- CPM managing director John O'Donnell will speak about what the future has in store for the company. Get the inside scoop on CPM's new releases of anime DVDs and manga graphic novels throughout the rest of the year. Included will be never-before-seen trailers, an extensive presentation on the new releases, and a Q&A session. Room 2
4)1:30-2:30 Del Rey Manga Line- Del Rey has been famous for quality science fiction and fantasy for two and a half decades. Be a part of history as the publisher confirms the existence of its new manga line published in conjunction with Kodansha, publisher of some of the most popular manga in the U.S. and Japan. Join editor-in-chief Betsy Mitchell and director of manga Dallas Middaugh as they detail their plans for the upcoming launch. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to see where it all begins! Room 9
5)2:30-3:30 Tokyopop Presents Keith Giffen and Kim Kang Won- This panel features Q&A sessions with Keith Giffen (best known for his critically acclaimed work on Legion of Super-Heroes, Justice League of America, and Lobo), writer of Battle Royale's shocking and gruesome U.S. adaptation, and Kim Kang Won, creator of I.N.V.U., one of Tokyopop's most popular shojo manga series. Stick around for prize giveaways! Room 2
6)6:00-7:00 Death: A Manga Makeover with Jill Thompson- Jill Thompson went from drawing the adventures of Wonder Woman to illustrating The Sandman tale "Brief Lives." Now, after receiving accolades for her own groundbreaking creation Scary Godmother, she's returned to the Dreaming with this month's manga masterpiece Death: At Death's Door. Join Vertigo group editor Shelly Bond in this spotlight on one of comics most talented and intriguing cartoonists. Room 1AB
SUNDAY, JULY 20 (via http://www.comic-con.org/Pages/CCI03-SunProg.html ):
1)K 11:30-12:30 Bandai: Superior Defender- The Gundam franchise took the world by storm in 1999 with the broadcast of Gundam Wing on Cartoon Network. Now, a new series is set to launch that will entertain young and old Gundam fans alike: Superior Defender! Get the scoop on the television series, planned merchandise, action figures, and model kits. Room 9
2)11:30-12:30 Megatokyo- Megatokyo is a web comic about a hardcore gamer and an anime/manga fan who find themselves stranded in Tokyo, unable to afford the trip home. Characters Piro, Seraphim, Dom, and Ukyo will be on hand to answer any and all questions about Megatokyo and web comics in general. This will be the only California appearance by Piro and Seraphim this year. Panelists include Fred Gallagher (Piro), artist/author; Sarah Wooden (Seraphim) , conscience operative; Dominic Nguyen (Dom), stick figure operative; and Jon Montroll (Ukyo), server admin. Room 18
By and large, Japan is internationally recognized as the pioneer in Robotic technology. It is home to a robot culture that portrays an ideal society in which people and robotics coexist in harmony, as evidenced by the creation of Pet Robots to Entertainment Robots, Caretaker Robots, and Labor Robots, and even many popular Anime such as Astro Boy. NEWYORK-TOKYO presents TOKYO ROBOTICS on the last day of ROBOT which is EYEBEAM's second summer event, held on July 12-15th. Let's meet Japanese 'Personal Robots', our partners from the future, through live demonstrations and visual projections. http://robot.newyork-tokyo.com
SCHEDULE OF JULY 15
12-6pm TOKYO ROBOTICS 6-10pm Presentations + Party with Robotic DJ
VENUE EYEBEAM : 540 W. 21 ST, NYC
PARTICIPATING & SUPPORTING COMPANIES/ORGANIZATIONS AIST, BANDAI, BUSINESS DESIGN LABS, CUBE, DR.ROBOT, EPSON, FLOWER ROBOTICS, FUJITSU AUTOMATION, GIFU, HONDA, KAWADA, MITSUBISHI, NEDO, PFU, ROBODEX, SONY, TAKARA, TMSUK, ZMP, and others
All of the tournaments – two technical and one freestyle – will be played on an authentic “DDR Extreme – 8th Mix arcade” arcade machine. The entry fee for competitors is $5 per day, and all competitors must also hold METROCON tickets for the days on which they participate in tournaments. Admission to view the competition is included in both weekend and respective daytime admission passes to METROCON.
In its arcade and domestic home console variations, DDR is a long-time favorite of anime and gaming aficionados due to its unique game play – competitors score points by correctly performing intricate dance moves on a specially designed floor pad – and it extensive soundtrack of J-pop and other world/dance music mixes.
The technical tournaments, starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 18 and at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, will each field 32-gamers in a double elimination-style competition that utilizes the “Perfect Attack” scoring system. Sign-up for both technical competitions will be on-site, at the convention, and on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sunday’s “freestyle” tournament will start at 1 p.m. and is limited to a field of 20 participants who will be judged on both original dance moves and showmanship, in addition to their abilities to score points in the video game. Sign-up will be on-site, at the convention, and on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For full DDR tournament rules and information, visit the METROCON site, www.metroconventions.com.
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