Manga Maniacs: Graphic Novel Discussion: Come discuss your favorite graphic novel (Manga or otherwise!). Grades seven to 12. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sign up.
Andy has come all the way from Hong Kong to meet his loyal fans, brand
their Seto comic du jour and talk about his future projects with
ComicsOne, namely the comic book adaptation of the Miramax film -
Shaolin Soccer! This one is sure to be a hit sensation. Flyers and
concept sketches will be available at the booth!
Be one of the first to meet the legend.
Andy Seto has worked in comics for nearly 20 years. In 1983, he started
his career with Jade Dynasty Publishing. Later, in 1989, he joined
Freeman Publications LTD, and created Sword Kill followed by the famous
Gambling Saint. During 1993, a comic book named Cyber Weapons Z was
born, drawn by Seto. Upon its creation, he became the star of the comics
world in Hong Kong. Fast forward a few years, in 1997, he served as
illustrator for Story of the Tao, which was originally a novel. Then he
went to establish his own company - Neo Company Limited. Over the next
couple of years Seto and the NCL acquired the copyrights to illustrate
The King of Fighters Z, and Saint Legend, both of which were well
received with rave reviews. In 2002 Seto took on the challenge of
producing the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon series and in 2003 he is
going to outdo himself by recreating the Shaolin Soccer movie in comic
form.
Purchase or bring your copies of your favorite Andy Seto titles to the ComicsOne booth #3550. Seto will have a scheduled autograph session on Friday and Saturday. Check the ComicsOne booth for times. Hope to see you there!
The “Cosplay” Contest, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, showcases the Japanese hobby of “costume play” as costume-clad individuals and groups perform skits featuring their favorite anime and video game characters. Awards for this “Gong Show-style” contest will include “Best Presentation,” “Fan Favorite,” “Best Comedy,” “Best Drama” and a “Judges’ Award.” Entries for the Cosplay Contest will be processed at the convention registration desk. The deadline for entry is 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19.
Participants will be judged primarily on the construction and execution of their anime-related costumes at METROCON’s more traditional, runway-style Costume Contest, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 20. Awards will include “Best of Show,” “Best Technical,” “Best Costume – Junior, Under 12 Division,” “Best Costume,” and “Judges’ Honorable Mentions.” Mandatory pre-judging will start at 12 noon, and sign-up for the Costume Contest will take place outside the main ballroom. The deadline for entry is 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 20.
Full rules for both competitions may be found at the METROCON site, www.metroconventions.com.
Visit www.metroconventions.com for more information.
Jonah Morgan
Anime News Service
(NEW YORK, July 1, 2003) iN DEMAND, the nation’s leading provider of VOD and PPV programming, and The Anime Network, the first cable channel in North America dedicated to anime (Japanese animation), have announced an agreement for the Anime Network to provide content in High-Definition on iN DEMAND’s suite of 24-hour linear High-Definition channels, INHD and INHD2. The announcement was made today by Rob Jacobson, Chief Operating Officer, iN DEMAND and Kevin Corcoran, President of Anime Network.
The Anime Network will provide a weekly program that will be exhibited in HD on both INHD and INHD2. The first two titles to debut under the terms of the agreement are “Spriggan” and “You’re Under Arrest: The Movie.”
The agreement marks a major commitment to High-Definition by iN DEMAND and comes on the heels of iN DEMAND’s recent High-Definition agreement with Crown Media and College Sports Television.
“In general, owners of High-Definition television sets and those considering such purchases are very passionate about TV and that passion is about to reach new heights,” said Jacobson. “We’re pleased to announce this agreement with the Anime Network, recognized globally for its innovative programming. This agreement reinforces our commitment to High-Definition and illustrates the continued momentum of major content providers and distributors to supply High-Definition content.”
“High-Definition technology provides a truly incredible viewing experience,” said John Ledford, President, CEO and Co-Founder of Anime Network parent company A.D. Vision. “The strong visual textures of Japanese animation are extraordinarily well-served by High-Definition broadcast.”
Corcoran of the Anime Network is confident that anime in High-Definition will be eagerly received by anime fans. “We’re thrilled to be working with iN DEMAND and INHD,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to exploit High-Definition technology for the optimal viewing experience it affords our rapidly growing base of passionate viewers.”
"INHD has been designed to serve as a destination for a vast array of sports and entertainment content whose visual appeal will be magnified by the High-Definition medium," said Jason Patton, Senior Director, Business Development, iN DEMAND. "Our partnership with the Anime Network helps us achieve this goal."
The INHD suite will feature several hundred hours of movies, professional sports and general interest entertainment programming that maximizes the High-Definition experience. At launch, there will be approximately 12 hours of unique programming daily that will be repeated throughout the day and later in the week.
The content will be available in wide screen, high-resolution format and will also feature Dolby Digital 5.1 audio when available. While the audio is equivalent to most DVD’s, the picture quality is superior. iN DEMAND is working with major digital file-server vendors and set-top manufacturers to deliver its High-Definition content in the 1080i format.
According to a recent CTAM survey, digital cable subscribers have the highest unaided awareness of HDTV among multi-channel TV consumers at 79%. Ninety-two percent of adults who have seen HDTV or are broadband users have unaided awareness of the technology. HDTV’s picture quality, which is profusely sharper than standard definition TV, is cited by 66% of consumers as the most appealing attribute of HDTV.
iN DEMAND delivers television premieres of the best movies, championship boxing, mega-event wrestling, professional and college sports, plus original entertainment. iN DEMAND’s 60-channel digital lineup also offers MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice, ESPN Full Court and NASCAR IN CAR on iN DEMAND. The company’s shareholders are Comcast iN DEMAND Holdings, Inc., Cox Communications, Inc. and Time Warner Entertainment – Advance/Newhouse Partnership. Further information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.indemand.com.
ADV Films ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR ORIGINAL DIRTY PAIR: PROJECT EDEN THE ORIGINAL GIRLS WITH GUNS ARE BACK IN THEIR FIRST FULL-LENGTH MOTION PICTURE; TO BE AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 9, 2003
HOUSTON, June 30, 2003-ADV Films today announced a September 9, 2003 street date for the feature film Original Dirty Pair: Project Eden, packed with zany, action-filled police adventure.
Boasting a stellar pedigree-the Dirty Pair brand includes numerous anime series, as well as successful manga and comic adaptations on both sides of the Pacific-and a proven and rewarding combination of excitement, mayhem and sexy heroines, Project Eden was an instant classic upon its late-1980s Japanese release.
The Story: Agerna is a planet rich in Vizorium, the one mineral necessary to space travel. So when a series of mysterious attacks on mining operations has the governments of the world pointing fingers and blaming each other, the World Welfare & Works Association naturally sends in their top agents to investigate. But are the lovely angels up to the task of stopping a mad scientist bent on taking a long dormant alien race to its final evolutionary form? Throw in a thief who's hunting a bottle of World War II-vintage wine and it's a safe bet that nobody on the planet is safe. It's more chaos, more mayhem and even more destruction than ever before as the Dirty Pair take on their wildest case yet!
Original Dirty Pair: Project Eden (SRP $24.98) is a DVD-only release of the full-length motion picture, including both English- and Japanese-language versions of the title, and English subtitles. Includes ADV Previews.
ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE, FOR RAHXEPHON 5-SYNAESTHESIA, FIFTH VOLUME OF THE SERIES
A SEPTEMBER 9, 2003 RELEASE FOR THE FIFTH VOLUME OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ANIME SERIES
HOUSTON, June 30, 2003-ADV Films today officially announced a September 9, 2003 release for RahXephon 5-Synaesthesia, fifth volume of the extraordinarily beautiful and complex anime series that captivated millions in Japan, and has been released in the U.S. to a veritable storm of fan excitement. Please note that this title is a compression of the volume's full title, which is longer than most retailers' inventory software will permit. The complete title, which is used on packaging, is RahXephon-Orchestration 5: Synaesthesia.
RahXephon was created and directed by Yutaka Izubuchi (Gasaraki, the Gundam franchise), and produced by Bones (Angelic Layer), Victor Entertainment (Noir) and Fuji TV (Astro Boy, Battle of the Planets). The RahXephon series debuted on Japanese TV in 2002 and became an immediate sensation, with fierce action and the multilayered complexity of the plot and characters drawing in viewers by the tens of thousands. On U.S. shores, RahXephon in enjoying strong sales and extraordinary critical response.
The Story: As the Mu's grip on the city of Tokyo tightens, Ayato now finds himself pursued between two worlds, with close friends on both sides seeking to destroy him. Even after all he has experienced thus far, the newest shocks he receives are the most terrifying of all. The secret power source of the Dolems is about to be unveiled, and that secret will haunt him to the grave. In order to live, he must be prepared to sacrifice anything... even the life of a friend. The blood of the innocents will flow in the fifth horrifying volume of RahXephon.
RahXephon 5-Synaesthesia (SRP $29.98 DVD) includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Synaesthesia includes three complete episodes of the title, and extras: original Japanese cover art, the "Fate of Katun" music video, an interview with Hiroki Kanno, production sketches; clean closing and opening animation; and ADV previews.
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR YOKAI MONSTERS: ALONG WITH GHOSTS
LAST IN SERIES OF THREE NOT-TO-BE-MISSED LIVE-ACTION FILMS, PACKED WITH TRADITIONAL JAPANESE SPIRITS FIGHTING THE DEMONS THAT THREATEN HUMANITY; AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 9, 2003
HOUSTON, June 30, 2003-ADV Films today announced a September 9, 2003 release for Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts, the last of three breathtaking and delightfully strange 1960s Yokai Monsters theatrical features slated for release on ADV Films' Rubbersuit Pictures imprint.
Featuring a cast of scores of "Yokai"-benevolent spirits that permeate Japanese folklore, and which were hinted at in the Academy Award-nominated Hayao Miyazaki film Spirited Away-the Yokai Monsters titles were produced by studio Daiei, makers of such classic titles as Daimajin and the Gamera series.
The Story: When a little girl named Miyo finds incriminating evidence against Kanzo, a corrupt clan leader, she is forced to keep one step ahead of the henchmen who are trying to get the document back. In a not-so-smart move, these criminals murder Miyo's grandfather on sacred ground and unleash the curse of the Yokai (Spirit Monsters). Miyo sets off to find her long-lost father, who should recognize her when she presents a special pair of dice. But Kanzo takes Miyo and her father hostage and forces the girl to wager the father's life in a game of chance. It all comes down to a roll of the dice, and only the Yokai Monsters know the outcome!
Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts ($19.98 SRP) is a DVD-only release. In Japanese with English subtitles. Extras include: U.S. trailer; original Japanese trailer; and ADV Previews.
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR FULL METAL PANIC! MISSION 03
THIRD VOLUME IN HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SERIES TO BE AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2, 2003
HOUSTON, June 30, 2003-ADV Films today announced a September 2, 2003 release date for the third volume of the acclaimed anime series Full Metal Panic! Deftly combining mecha combat, martial arts, international criminal intrigue, high-school politics and a dash of teen romance, Full Metal Panic! was enthusiastically received by viewers in Japan. Stateside excitement is running high as well, with the manga Full Metal Panic!, which was published in Japan before the release of the anime, appearing in serial form in Newtype USA magazine. Reviews of the first volume of Full Metal Panic!-released June 10-have only fanned enthusiasm. "Full Metal Panic! definitely has something for everyone.... Now I understand all the fan hype behind FMP," raved Phantasmagoriaonline.com.
The creative staff behind Full Metal Panic! is extraordinarily strong. The series was directed by Kouichi Chigara (Gate Keepers, Phantom Quest Corps) and produced by GONZO Digimation (Hellsing, Blue Sub No. 6).
The Story: A young boy flies into a psychotic rage passing through customs, and Mithril flies into action. Is he some sort of brainwashed terrorist? Or is he something even more dangerous and sinister? Hidden away in Mithril's secret research facility, Captain Testarossa and Lieutenant Commander Kalinin attempt to find out. Has someone done experiments to fit the boy for the mysterious Lambda Driver?
Suddenly, their research grinds to a halt when an armed group attacks, reducing the facility to a burnt-out shell. With Kalinin injured and missing in action, Captain Testarossa turns to the only person who can help her: Sergeant Sousuke Sagara. Little do they know that waiting in the shadows is their biggest enemy yet - and we're talking really, really big! All-new enemies, all-new mecha, and all your favorite heroes are all here in full force!
Full Metal Panic! Mission 03 (SRP $29.98 disc only) is a DVD-only release, including four complete episodes in both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include clean opening and closing animations; Japanese piracy warnings; and ADV Previews.
ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR KING OF BANDIT JING: VOLUME TWO
SECOND VOLUME OF THRILLING ANIME ADVENTURE TALE TO BE AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2, 2003
HOUSTON, June 30, 2003-ADV Films today announced a September 2, 2003 release date for the second volume of the King of Bandit Jing series. Directed by Hiroshi Watanabe (Orphen, Kiki's Delivery Service) King of Bandit Jing is based upon a manga of the same title by Yuchi Kumakura, detailing the adventures of Jing, a youthful and charming Robin Hood-esque bandit who travels from town to town, stealing valuables and hearts in equal measure. Along for the ride is his randy wiseacre bird companion, Kir, who's constantly getting the pair into difficulties.
The Story: The Bandit King along with his sidekick, Kir, stealthily weave their way through one adventure after another! Trouble seems to find them at every turn, but will they be clever enough to evade the danger that awaits them?
"The Little Girl from Technicolor Town" Jing and Kir find themselves on a whirlwind rescue mission in the Technicolor Town of Pompier to save a young girl placed on the auction block after being transformed into a sculpture masterpiece. The evil Drambuie wants to make her a part of his art collection, but not if Jing and Kir have anything to say about it!
"The Eternal City of Revaiva (Part 1)" Jing and Kir embark on yet another adventure as they meet Vermouth, a young girl who needs their help on her mission to discover eternal life. Unbeknownst to them, the hunter Pernod and his partner China Lilet are close at their heels, hoping to get their hands on the treasure first.
"The Eternal City of Revaiva (Part 2)" Jing, Kir and Vermouth arrive at the city of Revaiva, unknowingly leading the meddling duo Pernod and China Lilet there as well. They meet King Cointreau, who believes Jing's fate is to be their next king. But Jing foresees lurking danger and takes matters into his own hands.
King of Bandit Jing: Volume 2 (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release, including three complete episodes. Includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, and English subtitles. Extras include: production sketches, clean opening and closing animation, DVD credits, and ADV Previews.
Collector's Edition Available! A Collector's Edition is also available, including the King of Bandit Jing: Volume 1 DVD and a custom series art box, sized to fit the entire series (SRP $39.98).
ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR SAIYUKI: STORMS
FOURTH THRILLING VOLUME OF ACCLAIMED ANIME SERIES TO BE AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2, 2003
HOUSTON, June 30, 2003-ADV Films today announced a September 2, 2003 release for Saiyuki: Storms, fourth volume of the thrilling, humorous, wildly entertaining, 50-episode anime saga.
The first iterations of the Saiyuki tale, which was inspired by the 16th-century Chinese novel Xiyouji (Journey to the West) by Wu Cheng-En, were animated in the late 1960s; ADV Films' release of Saiyuki is based on the manga by Kazuya Minekura, and directed by Hayato Date.
The Story: When the members of the Sanzo Party are forced to camp out during a storm, the closed atmosphere brings out the horror of long-buried memories. The tangled pasts of Hakkai, Gojyo, Sanzo and Goku are fraught with murder, lies and a bloodthirsty quest for vengeance.
As a demonic evil encroaches, we begin to discover the questionable aspects of our heroes' pasts-and why the past is a continuous dark cloud hanging over their future. With demon exterminators, Crowmen and a city where men are immortalized in stone-before they die-this is one exciting volume in the Saiyuki saga.
Saiyuki: Storms (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only bilingual (English/Japanese with English subtitles) release, containing four complete episodes. Extras include a Saiyuki trailer; production sketches; cultural background notes; clean opening and closing animation; and ADV previews.
Cypress, CA (June 30, 2003) -- Bandai Entertainment, the premiere distributor of Japanese animation DVD’s in North America, announced exciting new September DVD releases that include Love Hina Again, Spirit of Wonder, s-CRY-ed -- The Alter Hunt, Please Teacher --The Honeymoon’s Over, .hack//SIGN --Omnipotence / Omnipotence Limited Edition, The Big O – Complete Collection, and Geneshaft –Orbit..
Love Hina Again
The final chapter of Ken Akamatsu’s best selling anime and manga series, Love Hina has arrived! Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the Hot Spring! Keitaro and Naru have finally begun college life at Tokyo University! After a long period of studying, bizarre happenings, random trips, and misunderstanding upon misunderstanding, their dream has finally come true! However, their feelings for each other are still a little…muddled. And with a newer, stricter, manager to run the Hinata Apartments - Will anyone survive Hinata Boot Camp? Love is in the air…Again. Welcome back.
The Love Hina Again DVD offers the following features:
Interactive Animated Menus Limited Edition Statues Available from Tokyo Mint English/Japanese language English subtitles option
CATALOG #: 669198190896 RUNNING TIME: 93 min. RATING: 16UP GENRE: Romantic Comedy SRP PRICE: $29.98 STREET DATE: 9.2.2003 PRE-BOOK DATE: 7.22.2003
Spirit of Wonder Brand new adventures awaits those who seek a new 'Spirit of Wonder.' As young boys, Cooper, Gordon, and Shepherd were enchanted by the theories of life on Mars published by Percival Lowell.
By forming a group club called the “Scientific Boys Club,” trio pursues their long-time dream of traveling to Mars. And while the town of Bristol may be small, its always exciting! What'll happen when the town's own Miss China is shrunken to the size of a pea and travels to Mars in two very special short stories “Shrinking of Miss China” and “Planet of Miss China.”
The Spirit of Wonder DVD offers the following features:
Interactive Animated Menus Dolby Digital Surround Sound English/Japanese language English subtitles option DVD Extras: Miss China Mini Poster Art Gallery Interviews
CATALOG #: 669198226090 RUNNING TIME: 97 min. RATING: 16UP GENRE: Advenuture SRP PRICE: $29.98 STREET DATE: 9.2.2003 PRE-BOOK DATE: 7.22.2003
s-CRY-ed -- The Alter Hunt Directed by Goro Taniguchi – Infinite Ryvius. ‘X-Men’ type action meets anime stylings. After repeated attacks against HOLD and HOLY, Commander Zigmarl is forced to initiate an operation to capture all the Native Alters in the Lost Ground. Spread across the city, the forces of HOLD and HOLY begin arresting everyone in their path. Determined to protect what they have, Kimishima and Kazuma rally as many Native Alters they can find to fight back! An uneasy alliance and the beginning of an unparalled rivalry between Kazuma and Ryuho - The secret to victory rests with the mystery behind Alter powers.
The s-CRY-ed -- The Alter Hunt (V.2) DVD offers the following features:
Interactive Animated Menus Dolby Digital Surround Sound English/Japanese language English subtitles option DVD Extras: Design Gallery Promo Clip Character Videos Sound Comic Ep.1 Preview
CATALOG #: 669198236198 RUNNING TIME: 125 Min. RATING: 13UP GENRE: Action SRP PRICE: $29.98 STREET DATE: 9.2.2003 PRE-BOOK DATE: 7.22.2003
Please Teacher --The Honeymoon’s Over Our favorite newlyweds are finally able to settle into a daily routine, but they still have their trials. One night, Kei’s love for Mizuho is tested when Koishi asks him to meet her in an attempt to profess her love, but at the same time, Kei must fight feelings of jealousy when Matagu asks Ms. Kazami for help with his homework! Attempts by Ichigo to set-up Kei and Koishi have been futile, but what happens if Kei does go out with Koishi - Can he really make everyone happy?
The Please Teacher --The Honeymoon’s Over (V.3) DVD offers the following features:
Interactive Animated Menus Dolby Digital Surround Sound English/Japanese language English subtitles option DVD Extras Music Clip #2 Textless Opening (non-effect ver.) Textless Ending (ver.2) Design Gallery
CATALOG #: 669198227295 RUNNING TIME: 100 Min. RATING: 16UP GENRE: Romantic Comedy SRP PRICE: $29.98 STREET DATE: 9.2.2003 PRE-BOOK DATE: 7.22.2003
.hack//SIGN --Omnipotence / Omnipotence Limited Edition After the battle at the upside-down castle, everyone but Tsukasa is returned to a regular field in 'The World'. Did Tsukasa die? What happened to him? Captured by a previously friendly unseen force, Tsukasa reappears with parts of his memories, thoughts, and feelings "missing". Is this really Tsukasa or just a copy of the character’s data?
The other players have their own problems as well - Subaru discovers that the Silver Knight have been hiding messages from her with the latest request by the System Administrator threatening to end with disastrous results!
Interactive Animated Menus Dolby Digital Surround Sound English/Japanese language .hack is the best selling multi platform franchise for 2003! .hack//INFECTION and .hack//MUTATION are one of the best selling RPG’s of the year Tokyo Pop announces the release of the .hack Manga in 2003! English subtitles option DVD Extras: Isolated Dolby Digital 5.1 Score Audio Track Character Gallery
CATALOG #: 669198221392 **Limited Edition: 669198224492 RUNNING TIME: 100 Min. RATING: 13UP GENRE: Fantasy SRP PRICE: $29.98 STREET DATE: 9.16.2003 ** Limited Edition: 9.2.2003 PRE-BOOK DATE: 7.22.2003
The Big O – Complete Collection From the original creators of Cowboy Bebop and Gundam Wing comes one of the most action packed anime series to hit North American airwaves! Originally broadcast in 2001 – The Big O helped to establish an on-going presence of action anime on Cartoon Network. Now almost two years later, The Big O will now be available as a collector’s edition collecting all 13 episodes of its first season on DVD. Cartoon Network will also begin rebroadcast of the first season of The Big O this Summer as anticipation builds for the network broadcast of the second season this Fall.
Paradigm City. A City of Amnesia. Forty years ago everyone lost their memory...but humanity continues to survive. They've learned to operate machinery, produce electricity, and go on living each day at a time. Still, there's something missing in a town with no past, no history of what has come before. Roger Smith is a Negotiator, hired to negotiate disputes between parties. With the power of a wondrous piece of technology known as the Big O, Roger Smith keeps Paradigm City from the nightmare of memories.
The The Big O – Complete Collection DVD offers the following features:
Interactive Animated Menus Dolby Digital Surround Sound English/Japanese language English subtitles option DVD Extras: - Staff Interviews - Voice Actor interviews - Production Art Galleries - Textless Opening - Textless Ending
CATALOG #: 669198183997 RUNNING TIME: 325 min. RATING: 13UP GENRE: Action SRP PRICE: $44.98 STREET DATE: 9.16.2003 PRE-BOOK DATE: 8.5.2003
Geneshaft --Orbit Things aren’t going well aboard the Bilkis. The Shaft is still buggy, and despite the best efforts of Dolce, it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. And they’ve all been declared traitors by the I.E.O. since they left seemingly without orders! With the Captain falling into a coma, the arrival of the fleet, and the revelation that a terrorist is hidden within their midst - a life or death struggle will ensue with everyone's lives on the edge.
The Geneshaft --Orbit (V.3) DVD offers the following features:
Interactive Animated Menus Dolby Digital Surround Sound English/Japanese language English subtitles option DVD Extras: Character Gallery Mecha Gallery Geneshaft Glossary (more) Page 6
CATALOG #: 669198210297 RUNNING TIME: 100 Min. RATING: 13UP GENRE: Sci-Fi SRP PRICE: $29.98 STREET DATE: 9.16.2003 PRE-BOOK DATE: 8.5.2003
The Big O II
The Big O, a stylized, futuristic anime series will be aired as part of Cartoon Network's popular “Adult Swim” late-night block during the month of August. As the first action series created specifically for the three-hour, Sunday through Thursday block, The Big O II will pick up where it left off last season with all-new adventures. Set four decades after a mysterious occurrence known only as "The Event," which nearly destroyed Paradigm City and erased the memories of its citizens, the series is set in a partially rebuilt Paradigm City -- now a grim police state -- whose citizens still question what happened to them 40 years ago.
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.
Title: Witch Hunter Robin
Running Time: 125 min.
Format: DVD with Limited Edition Collector’s Box and Original CD Soundtrack
UPC: 669198300691
SRP: $49.98
Prebook: August 28, 2003
Street Date: October 7, 2003
Title: Witch Hunter Robin
Running Time: 125 min.
Format: DVD
UPC: 669198300097
SRP: $29.98
Prebook: August 28, 2003
Street Date: October 7, 2003
Thursday-Sunday, July 3-6 Bandai America will host fun Gundam trivia contests, provide exclusive giveaways, and display 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 display.
Beware of the Power of the Eye! Bandai America will showcase one of their latest hot toy properties, 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 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.
In addition, Bandai Entertainment will be premiering its ‘Bandai Theater’ for the first time at
this year’s Anime Expo convention. The Theater will give Anime Expo attendees an opportunity to take a glimpse into the past, present, and future of Japanese animation from Bandai Entertainment. The Bandai exhibit will also be featuring numerous daily events including: an Anime Karaoke contest, t-shirt giveaway, stunts, a Grunty reunion, autograph signings, and more. Please visit the Bandai Entertainment exhibit at Anime Expo for the most updated schedule.
Friday-Saturday, July 4-5
Bandai America is calling on the vast legion of creative customizers for the Gundam Model Building Contest taking place on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5. Participants will be given a Gundam action figure model kit at the Bandai booth, and will have one hour to complete their models. The goal of the contest is to see how fans use their creativity when customizing their own Gundam model kits at home, including battle-damage, scarring, special paint jobs, dioramas, etc. Participants must bring their own customizing tools (excluding razors, knives or sharp objects). All of the finished models will be on display, and a panel of judges will select the winner who will receive a Gundam Perfect Grade or Level 8 action figure model kit. Fans who are interested in participating must pre-register by e-mailing their name, address and phone number to bandaiinfo@rogersassoc.com. Only a limited number of spaces are available.
After checking out the panel/screening for Bandai America’s newest collection of pint-sized heroes, come by the booth to see the action figures and other toys in the Superior Defender product line. Superior Defender is the next BIG thing in robots. An intergalactic adventure of incredible proportions, a new 3-D animation TV show is set to debut in Fall 2003 on Cartoon Network and will feature a variety of vertically challenged robots called the Mobile, Knight and Musha Defenders.
Summary of Highlights:
Wendee Lee Panel Q&A July 5 at 11am Room 303
Wendee Lee Autographs July 5 at 12:30pm Booth 509
Initial D Card Game Demos July 3 at 1pm & 3pm Booth 509 July 4 at 10am, 2pm & 4pm July 5 at 10am, 2pm & 4pm July 6 at 10am, 1pm & 3pm
TOKYOPOP Industry Insider Panel (new title announcements!) July 4 at 11am Room 303
Ahmed Hoke Appearance July 4 at 3pm Booth 509
Studio Tavicat Appearance July 5 at 3pm Booth 509
Terrence Walker Appearance July 6 at 12pm Booth 509
Rising Stars Appearance July 4 at 12:30pm Booth 509
Anime Expo 2003 takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center (800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802).
TOKYOPOP initiated arbitration in late 2001 after Ground Zero Entertainment failed to remit revenues collected in conjunction with its distribution of TOKYOPOP's FMW video series.
"This has been a long-awaited ruling for us, and we are pleased to see that justice has prevailed," said Stuart Levy, TOKYOPOP's Chairman, Founder & CEO.
Slayers Special: Spellbound> Story by Hajime Kanzaka, the creator of The Slayers and Lost Universe video series, and featuring the stunning artwork of Tommy Ohtsuka and Yoshihiro Komada, with character design by Rui Araizumi. They'll put a spell on you! The charming duo are back, and wherever they go, hilarity is sure to follow. Naga is missing and Lina could care less! Find out the mystery behind Naga's disappearance!
* Format 5 5/8" X 8 1/8" * Black & white * Japanese style right to left
TITLE: Slayers Special: Spellbound RATING: Age 13 and Up SRP PRICE: $15.95 PAGES: 184 CATALOG #: CMX 64504G STREET DATE: October 22, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: September 8, 2003
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