Anime News Service - August 1-13 Anime News

8-13-02---- Inside The Showakan

Read about one fan's final visit to one of Japan's longest-running theaters before it closed down at http://www.henshinonline.com/. Thanks to Daniel for the link.

8-13-02---- GTO Author Interview

Akadot interviews GTO author Tohru Fujisawa at the link above. Thanks to Daniel for posting the link to our ML.

8-13-02---- Soccer Manga WILD STRIKER Goes Anime

Courtesy Yukio-san (The Dead Shot Club):

The popular soccer comics under series "the hungry heart" are animation-ized by the "weekly boy champion"(Syukan shonen champion) in the title of "hungry heart-WILD STRIKER", and are broadcast by the Fuji Television system from October 9. AC Milan of Italy Serie A cooperates in this animation. It is due for use of the uniform of the AC Milan team to be attained and to be broadcast also on the commercial broadcasting "a media set" of Italy in autumn next year. At the interview held in the city of Tokyo on August 8, the original author's Yoichi Takahashi and a voice actor's Natsuki Kato were present. Kids Alive which sings the theme song "2nd STAGE" (Avex) of this work also announced the song. Prior to a ground wave broadcast, it is broadcast also by the animation channel "Animax" of SKYPerfecTV! ! from September 11.

Source: Goo News

8-13-02---- Author Arrested Per Anti-Prostitution Law

This info comes courtesy of Yukio-san (The Dead Shot Club) in Yokohama:

The cartoonist of a "Weekly boy jump" (Syukan Shonen jump) was arrested by the Anti-Prostitution Law. The Kanagawa Prefectural-Police juvenile division and an Isezaki office are doubt of juvenile the Anti-Prostitution Law violation noting that an indecent act is done to a woman quantity student on August 7, and they arrested 1-8-5, Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo and suspect cartoonist Mitsutoshi Simabukuro (27). Suspect Simabukuro came out in 1996. "The end-of-the-century leader tradition Takeshi" will be under series from 97 years to the comic magazine "a weekly boy jump" (Shonen jump) of Shueisha. The Shogakukan comics prize (section for children) is won with this work last year. According to investigation, suspect Shimabukuro is doubt of having passed the cash of 80,000 yen to (16) = at the time in the city of woman quantity student = which became acquainted to the encounter system site of a cellular phone in the hotel in Yokohama usually [ 12 ] in November, last year, and having done the indecent act. Suspect Shimabukuro says that he accepts suspicion.

Source: Goo News

8-13-02---- Sailor Venus Seiyuu Birthday

Courtesy to Geoff Wynn for this info:

A very happy birthday on the 9th to voice actress Fukami Rica. She is 39 years old. Fukami-san was the voice of Aino Minako/Sailor Venus. You can check out her info at http://www.tcp.com/doi/seiyuu/fukami-rica/

8-13-02---- Yuricon Latest Event In New York

Yuricon, a celebration of shoujoai and yuri in anime and manga, is pleased to be bringing you the finest in hot chicks on a warm August evening, this Sunday, August 18. :-)
Join us from 4 - 8 PM for classic tough chicks anime cocktails with a yuri twist. We'll be watching classic BGC, Devilman Lady and Kekko Kamen at New York's warmest and fuzziest lesbian bar.
Cover charge is $5, $4 with a Yuricon sticker and there will be giveaways to the first 20 people! Bring like-minded friends - men and women welcome, over 21 only, please.
For more information about Yuricon, please visit our site at http://www.yuricon.org or email us at yuricon@hotmail.com
For more information about Yuricon 2003, June 13-15 in Newark, NJ, please visit http://www.yuricon.org/03/Home.htm

Meow Mix is located at 269 Houston, in New York City. Check out their website at http://www.meowmixchix.com for more information or directions.

8-13-02---- Digimon Voice Iinterview

Dave Wittenberg, perhaps best known as the voice of Digimon's Henry Wong has participated in an interview conducted via a text chat. You can read it here.

8-12-02---- New Anime Inspired Property: Starstrikers

TEEN FICTION HEROES RAISE HELL IN THE CITY OF ANGELS! STARSTRIKERS SENDS SHOCKWAVES THROUGH THE BOOK INDUSTRY WITH CONTROVERSIAL ONLINE SERIES
StarStrikers.net Heads Into Summer/Fall 2002 With New Adventures, New Features And New Merchandise, As Traditional Book Series Gather Dust
AVIEMORE, SCOTLAND, 12 August 2002 - Bron-Bron Studios today announced future plans for StarStrikers, the groundbreaking anime-inspired teenage fiction property, and its accompanying website. Since its relaunch on April 1, 2002, the official online home of the StarStrikers - located at http://www.starstrikers.net/ - has been offering a new short story featuring California's most unlikely heroes each month. And with the online strand of the franchise [dubbed StarStrikers Rising] reaching its halfway point, things are really about to start heating up!
StarStrikers follows the adventures of an oddball group of youngsters battling to save Earth from a race of demonic aliens, the DaakuYuurei (pronounced dah-koo-you-ray). Disguised as humans, they intend to make Earth the latest in a long-line of planetary conquests. but Corinne, Darryl, Sylvia and a small robot called Lowenstein - collectively known as the StarStrikers - have other plans! Rising sees the team jostling with DaakuYuurei agents the Victory 5 for control of the Tome of Revolution, a mysterious artifact that promises unlimited power to whoever possesses it. Each monthly story is a self-contained tale in its own right, but regular readers are rewarded with continuing storylines throughout the year-long series.
The sixth StarStrikers Rising story, "Sun, Sea & StarStrikers," due to appear in mid-August, will see the team hitting the beach for more anarchic hi-jinks. However, from September onwards, more dramatic storylines will start to take precedence. As team leader Corinne Morrigan faces a number of life-altering decisions, her opposite number - the rampaging redhead Kitty Belle - has problems of her own. An old face from the past returns to make her life a nightmare, but her greatest battle will be with herself. a battle that threatens to decimate the city of Los Angeles!
If the first half of StarStrikers Rising exemplified the light-hearted, wisecracking side of the property in the tradition of popular anime series such as Digimon and Sailor Moon, the second half owes more to darker, cult fare such as Neon Genesis Evangelion. It will be violent and unforgiving, defining the StarStrikers property and propelling the characters to infamy before the first StarStrikers novel, First Strike!, even makes it into print.
Defying genres and the conventions of the book trade, the series - which began life as a teleplay in early 2000 - is turning the world of publishing upside-down. Unlike Harry Potter readers, who continue to wait for the release of The Order Of The Phoenix after two years, StarStrikers fans can look forward to a free new story every month between now and February. A second online StarStrikers series is also tentatively planned to begin in Spring 2003.
To celebrate the continued success of StarStrikers, Bron-Bron Studios has commissioned a series of limited edition 'Raising Hell in the City of Angels' T-shirts ($13.99) featuring the principal characters in the series, exclusive to the StarStrikers online store at http://www.cafeshops.com/starstrikers/. Each shirt has a member of the team on the front alongside the StarStrikers logo, and a quote from that character on the back. The super-intelligent but shy heiress Corinne Morrigan is spotlighted for the month of August, and will be followed by her cohorts Sylvia, Darryl, and Lowenstein in subsequent months. Each of the four shirts will only available for a 30-day period, and fans are encouraged to collect the set over the next four months, or simply pick the tee featuring their favorite character.
Also new to the StarStrikers Online Store, and just in time for the Back to School season, are a range of stylish bags and backpacks featuring the four heroes. A rugged 'Darryl' backpack ($29.99) is available alongside a 'Sylvia' Unistrap Bag and a 'Corinne' metro bag (both $28.99). Rounding out the range is a 'Lowenstein' emblem briefcase ($23.99).

The official StarStrikers website launched in May 2001, and was reintroduced in April 2002 with a new look and a host of extra features. It can be found at http://www.starstrikers.net/.

8-12-02---- Spirited Away Rated PG

Daniel H sends the following:

From http://www.mpaa.org, if you search for Spirited Away:

Spirited Away (2002)
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
PG Rated PG for some scary moments.

8-12-02---- Yao Kazuki Tries Taiko

Yao Kazuki has informed fans in a column in the September 2002 issue of NewType that he will be performing in the Taiko session in this summer's Sakura Taisen Super Kayou Show. This is the first time he try taiko, and he has a few muscle arching after the practice and rehearsal.

8-12-02---- Shonen Jump #0 Via Mail

Sam has informed our ML that:

Its [Shonen Jump #0] included with the current issue of "Replay" from Suncoast. Got mine in the mail yesterday.

8-12-02---- Cloverway Sailormoon Sailor Stars Dubbing Rumors Response

Regarding recent placements of info on Cloverway, English Dubbing and the final season of Sailor Moon, the studio has responded to our inquiry with the following:

We have been receiving calls from fans and fan clubs inquiring about the status of Sailor Moon Stars. To this date, the situation remains the same. Until the author, publisher, and producer company reach an agreement, we cannot proceed with the dubbing of the series. We are hoping that the negotiations are favorable so that we can launch Sailor Moon Stars in the United States.

This is a very long and complicated process and has been going on for almost two years now; please bear with us. We assure you that the company that we represent (Toei Animation) is doing everything possible to reach a favorable decision and be able to license Sailor Moon Stars in all pending territories all over the world.

We thank you and all the fans for your patience and understanding. Sincerly, Cloverway, Inc.

8-9-02---- Junko Mizuno Article

Fans can learn about Cinderalla manga author Junko Mizuno at New Times L.A.. Thanks to Daniel for the link.

8-9-02---- More On Spirited Premiere In L.A.

Excerpted from a post to the Hayao Miyazaki Discussion List by Paul:

Disney has asked that the SEP 10 screening be moved down the street to the El Capitan since it is a slightly larger venue than the Egyptian (1000 seats versus 616). The screening will still be a benefit event for the Egyptian and is still set for Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7:30pm. The only thing that has changed is the venue. The El Capitan will now handle ticketing. These changes should be up on the American Cinematheque's website shortly.

http://www.americancinematheque.com

8-9-02---- CN Expansion In Europe

LONDON -- Cartoon Network Europe said Thursday it has signed a "significant" three-year deal with sister company Warner Bros. International Television Distribution to acquire 600 half-hours of programming to air on Cartoon Network U.K. The package includes animated series, movies and specials such as the new "Scooby-Doo" television series and the series "Ozzie and Drix" and "Baby Looney Tunes."

Source: Hollywood Reporter. Thanks to Daniel for the info.

8-9-02---- New Godzilla Female Lead Info

Courtesy Yukio (The Dead Shot Club):

Yumiko Shaku works out by severe photography! "It seems to be a gourd". Photography of the performance scene of Shaku of the movie "Godzilla x MechaGodzilla" (it opens to the public by Director Masaaki Tezuka and the Toho distribution on December 14) which played an actress and the heroine whom Yumiko Shaku (24) fights was completed the other day. She considered separation of a tear as old enemy (?) Godzilla. Shaku is the role of the member of the special living thing Self-Defense Forces who operates MechaGodzilla by remote control and fights with Godzilla. For photography, she received training of the true Self-Defense Forces, and, within a play, has announced wire action etc. Although "it is said brawny that the body became" by severe photography, because the tight bodysuit was dressed warmly every day, it worked out saying, "The waist became like a gourd rapidly", and the polish was applied to sexiness. When the last scene hung was finished and the bouquet was passed by Godzilla, the tear came into the eye slightly. "-- since it thinks that it became a Godzilla in history and the strongest heroine -- you -- please see at a theater by all means -- confidence was shown as " [photograph: Yumiko Shaku in whom ? waist was narrow by the favor which fought with Godzilla. ] which floated the tear on finish of shooting involuntarily.

Source: Goo News

8-8-02---- America Online Anime-esque Marketing?

Courtesy to Fubar for this info regarding one of AOL's latest disc offerings:

I was surprised to see an anime-esque character on it. Looks like a mix between Linna from the old BGC and the guy from Orphen. Strange since I've never seen anything except text on their discs before. I thought it was a promo from RightStuf or something before I saw the Aol logo.

8-8-02---- Inu Yasha On Cartoon Network

According to Matt Wilson of Toon Zone (http://adultswim.toonzone.net):

Inu Yasha's the newest acquisition for ASA and the first to jump out of the starting gate, being set for August 31st.

CN's bought 52 episodes so far, and they'll probably buy the remaining 45 or so in a year.

As for the edits, you're probably going to see it uncut. But don't celebrate. Viz really screwed up bigtime on the uncut dub. Whoever wrote for it really sucks. They reportedly removed a lot of the profanity from the dub(even "damn" and "crap", the latter of which is allowed on CN at any hour).

The rating will still likely be TV-14-V-S, as there's some pretty gruesome scenes at some points.

As a reminder of what else ASA has acquired, there's Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, which may air simultaneously in Japan and America come October; we'll have to see on that. Also, Char's Counterattack will air in a movie presentation, a first for ASA. The Big O will begin its new US season sometime at the start of 2003, and the second arc of Yu Yu Hakusho should begin at the end of the fall.

The tentative schedule is: 11:00 - Inu Yasha 11:30 - Yu Yu Hakusho 12:00 - Cowboy Bebop 12:30 - Gundam 0083 1:00 - Mobile Suit Gundam 1:30 - Outlaw Star

8-8-02---- End Of Evangelion Manga DVD Press

From the release:Chicago, IL- Manga Entertainment is proud to present the final Evangelion movie, The End of Evangelion on home video September 24, 2002. From the animators of GAINAX Studios (The Wings of Honneamise) and Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell, Blood: The Last Vampire), The End of Evangelion DVD will deliver the ultimate surround and stereo audio technology available in both the Japanese and English audio tracks.
SEELE, the secret international organization seeking to bring about a new state of human existence by means of their Human Complementation project, has assembled their forces. The invasion of Central Dogma has commenced. In order to protect the Eva pilots from assassination, Asuka is launched in Unit-02. Major Misato, NERV's Operations Chief, desperately tries to persuade Shinji to join the fray, but his reluctance to do so leaves Asuka facing Seele's nine production model Evas alone. Ikari Gendo, NERV's Commander, rushes to begin his program for Human Complementation before Seele gains the upper hand. Old rivalries are resolved, and startling revelations are made as humanity's Final Judgment approaches, but the ultimate fate of mankind rests neither with Seele, nor Gendo, but within the delicate mind of Shinji Ikari
Comprised of two alternate episodes, which were intended by the animators at GAINAX Studios to take the place of episodes 25 & 26 of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion series, the mind-blowing conclusion to the Evangelion saga is a visual tour-de-force that resolves many questions, and generates some interesting new ones. All key roles in the English language version of The End of Evangelion are reprised by the original voice-actors from the Neon Genesis Evangelion series!
DVD Features Include: Letterbox; English and Japanese 6.1 DTS-ES; English and Japanese 5.1 DD-EX; English & Japanese Stereo; Subtitle options for Dialogue & On-screen Text; Audio Commentary by Amanda Winn Lee (English Language Director, and voice of Rei Ayanami) other voice commentary by Taliesin Jaffe & Jason C. Lee; Original Japanese Trailers; Japanese Production Credits; Manga Previews; Web Links; Manga Fan Club.
Below is a brief description of the audio choices on this disc. For more information please go to: www.chace.com
6.1 DTS-ES: Extended Surround in true discrete 6.1 channels with full fidelity. Here the center back channel adds surround imaging that yields smooth pans across the back just like you hear in the front. DTS tracks are fully compatible with 5.1 monitoring systems as well as matrix decoding. (In some set-ups the 5.1 is decoded in the sound system or the "matrix" is decoded by the player and outputted into the speakers.)
5.1 DD-EX: Dolby has come up with an ingenious way to extract 6.1 audio channels out of a 5.1 Dolby surround track all while allowing complete compatibility with 5.1 Dolby monitoring systems. This soundtrack is truly created with discrete information in the left front, center, right front, left surround, center-back surround, right surround as well as the low frequency effects channels. The listener gets the realistic imaging of three channels behind him with a Dolby EX decoder but doesn't miss out if a Dolby 5.1 decoder is used.
Stereo tracks included on this disc were mixed from the enhanced surround tracks described above for additional enhancement on Stereo playback.

THE END OF EVANGELION Studio: Manga Entertainment Sales & Distribution: WEA
Street Date: September 24, 2002 Pre-book Date: August 27, 2002
Genre: Sci-fi Action/Drama Running Time: 90 minutes
Not Rated: Contains violence, language, brief nudity and adult situations
DVD: SRP $29.95 Barcode: 6-60200-4109-2 (6) Catalog/Selection #: MANGA4109-2
VHS (dub): SRP $19.95 Barcode: 6-60200-4109-3 (3) Catalog/Selection #: MANGA4109-3
VHS (sub): SPR $24.95 Barcode: 6-60200-4110-3 (9) Catalog/Selection #: MANGA4110-3

8-8-02---- Sen To Chihiro Down Under

Tim Anderson of Madman Entertainment wrote in to say that "Spirited Away" will be theatrically released in Australia in December.
More details as they become available.

Source: Nausicaa.net Thanks to Daniel for the link

8-8-02---- Fox Box - 4Kids Venture Block Schedule

A maasive announcement has been circulated today regarding 4kids Entertainment's foray into organizing an entire block of kids programming entitled Fox Box. Check it out here.

8-8-02---- Anime Next Press

From the Anime Next release:

ANIMENEXT 2002: OCTOBER 11-13 @ SECAUCUS, NJ - UPDATE New York, NY -- August 2, 2002

[LATEST UPDATES]

Special Guests Added:
* Myriam Sirois: Voice Actress (Akane, Ranma 1/2)
* Richard Cox: Voice Actor (Boy-type Ranma, Ranma 1/2)
* Jamie McGonnigal: Voice Actor (Omi, Knight Hunters)
* Mike Sinterniklaas: Producer, NYAV dubbing studio

Program Guests Added:
* Robert Bricken: Editor, Anime Invasion
* Robert DeJesus: Artist
* Frank Pannone: Editor, CPM Comics
* Bill Rogers: Voice Actor

Other News:
* Kia Asamiya to pencil Marvel Comics X-men #416 and up!
* Ranma & Akane together for the first time @ AnimeNEXT!
* AnimeNEXT hotel rates revised! (Now only $99 Fri & Sat)

8-7-02---- Macross Zero Delay

According to an announcement by Bandai Visual, Macross Zero OVA 1 has been pushed back 2 months from a late October release to a scheduled December 21st rollout.

Source: Info Anime

8-7-02---- Miyazaki At Spirited Away Los Angeles Premiere Event

According to Juan's rec.arts.anime post, www.animated-movies.com has mentioned "Spirited Away" will have a special premiere at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles on September 10.

http://www.egyptiantheatre.com/archive1999/2002/specialeventssept.htm

Hayao Miyazaki himself will attend the premiere and hold a question and answer session.

8-7-02---- Avalon Touring Europe?

Daniel has mentioned on our ML, a poster at The Production I.G. Forums has suggested that Mamoru Oshii's Avalon will be shown in Holland and other parts of Europe starting in September.

8-7-02---- BAAF To Host Millenium Actress - Producer Taro Maki In-House

From the Big Apple Anime Fest Release
Exclusive Sneak Preview To Be Introduced By Producer Taro Maki At Special Saturday Night Screening
New York, NY -- Big Apple Anime Fest 2002 (BAAF 2002) will present the Exclusive Sneak Preview of DreamWorks Pictures' award-winning film, Millennium Actress, Saturday August 31st at 7:30pm. The screening will be introduced by Taro Maki, the film's producer, at the Loews State Theater in the Times Square Virgin Megastore. Mr. Maki will also be hosting a question and answer session directly following the feature.
Millennium Actress, which recently became the first Anime picture acquired by DreamWorks Pictures, has received wide critical acclaim since the moment it debuted at the 2001 Fantasia Film Festival, where it was named Best Animated Film. The film also received the Fantasia Ground-Breaker Award for Artistic Innovation, and was recently named the Media Arts Festival Grand Prize by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs. Millennium Actress was the first recipient of the Sitges Orient Express Award spotlighting Asian genre films.
Directed by renowned Anime director Satoshi Kon, Millennium Actress is a compelling romance/adventure where fantasy and reality fuse together. The story is set in Japan, where Genya, a director, is hired to film a documentary about the legendary Chiyoko Fujiwara, a superstar actress who 30 years earlier abruptly ended her career and vanished from the limelight. Genya becomes obsessed with this fallen star, determined to unravel the truth behind her mysterious disappearance. The result is a passionate, timeless homage to history and cinema.
Taro Maki is President of GENCO, Inc., one of Japan's leading Anime production companies. He has been involved with Anime for 13 years and is responsible for some of the genre's best-selling titles including "Tenchi Muyo in Love" (1996), "Super Doll: Rika-chan" (1999) and "Tree of Palme" (2002).

Taking place this year over Labor Day weekend, the Big Apple Anime Fest is known as the "Cannes Film Festival of the Anime Manga Culture." Japanese animation (anime) is one of the hottest media trends among today's global youth. Having established itself in 2001 as the largest anime film festival in America, the BAAF 2002 Film Festival will feature premieres, retrospectives, symposiums and autograph sessions. BAAF is also the biggest sponsor of Anime Expo New York (AXNY), that includes events such as an exhibitors' hall, video screening rooms, creative panels, and a costume party. The events will be held at locations around Times Square, including the Marriott Marquis Hotel and the Virgin Megastore.

8-7-02---- Kitano Appearing On Small Screen In Japan

This news comes courtesy Yukio-san(The Dead Shot Club): Takeshi Kitano (55) -- Nippon Television Network "-- Tuesday suspense theater: -- it stars to Seityou Matsumoto special Kichiku" (after [ 9-03 to 11-24 ] October 15) The teleplay is the first although a screen version was made by Director Yoshitaro Nomura in 1977. Takeshi which plays the role of the untidy father who shakes between a wife and a lover -- "-- being interesting -- " -- a large -- it is said that it is interested What Takeshi plays is a master of a printer place who will take over three children who made the lover bear. A baby dies from a wife's cold treatment and the cornered fainthearted husband is the talk of deserting a daughter and thrusting down the eldest son who remains from a cliff. With the movie version, Ken Ogata, Shima Iwashita, Mayumi Ogawa, etc. performed, and subject was called. The Sinichiro Maeda producer of Nippon Television Network has wonderful performance of "silence about Takeshi. Even if it does not speak words, it is proud of overwhelming presence. It is said that only Mr.Takeshi is in the ability of the leading role of Kichiku to do." Takeshi was also readily consented to the performance request, saying "If it is Kichiku, it will do." the performance to the drama of a Nihon-TV office -- "in June, 83 -- THE suspense : [ ] -- indecent goddesses -- it has been the first time in about 19 years since", and the "Tuesday suspense theater" turns into a first appearance In a drama, a time is set as the present age and Hitomi Kuroki (41) and Shigeru Muroi (41) play the role in a wife and a lover. A Maeda producer says, "I want to draw mainly man and woman's love-and-hate play." Inclusion has already progressed and Kuroki and Muroi are enjoying costarring, saying "Co-starring with Mr.takeshi is interesting as an actress."

Source: Goo News

8-7-02---- BAAF Contest

Akadot Retail is hosting a BAAF related contest at the link where fans have the chance to win the following:

The grand prize winner will win a free pair of Big Apple Anime Fest all-access tickets
Five lucky runner-up winners will get to add one of the five DVDs below to their anime collection. Utena: The Movie - Collector's Series
Record of Lodoss War - DVD Collection
Total Crash - Bubblegum Crash Complete Collection
Steel Angel Kurumi - Angel on my Shoulder
Excel Saga - Vol I

8-6-02---- Akira Takes Eisner - Tezuka Inducted To Hall Of Fame

According to Movie Poop Shoot, Akira won Best Archival Collection/Project and Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material, and Osamu Tezuka made the Hall of Fame, which is chosen by the Eisner judges. Daniel sends us the scoop.

8-5-02---- Monkey Punch Updates

www.monkeypunch.com now has a new look, a new flash series, and an update mentioning a Lupin the Third Exhibition. This info comes in from Daniel.

8-5-02---- Colossal Con Mini Report And Info On Part 2

Colossal Con 1 ended Sunday at 4 with the sight of 30 Otaku jumping each other for free prizes. And already Cleveland's Colossal Convention is planning an its return! Billed as Bigger! Stronger! and Faster! Colossal Con 2 is scheduled take place on March 14th and last thru the 16 of 2003 at the Holiday Inn in Independence. Please note that this hotel was the same used by Ohayocon '02 and since they are moving south to Columbus, Colossal con is now the closest con for Cleveland and Akron residents.
Official Website

8-5-02---- Asian Cinema Rondup Part 2

This time info is courtesy Nick-san:

Togenkyo no hitobito
The new Miike movie is scheduled to hit Japanese theater on September 7th. It is called Togenkyo no hitobito (PEOPLE OF UTOPIA is a literal translation, but the international title is SHANGRI-LA) and stars Show Aikawa (Dead or Alive), Houka Kinoshita (Spellbound, Isola), Akaji Maro (Gemini, The City of Lost Souls, KT), Shir� Sano (Shirayuki Hime, Godzilla 2K). The movie is a dramatic comedy about a gang of homeless guys, led by Show, who defend their encampment against encroaching evil real estate dudes. The movie is of course directed by Miike and is an adaptation of a roman written by Yuuji Aoki.

Plus, a complete view of all the films from Revenge Of The Japanese Outlaw Master Series at the Egyptian Theatre last month. It includes Black Rose Mansion and If You Were Young both by Kinji Fukasaku, two samurai films Dora Heita and Vengeance For Sale (by Kihachi Okamoto, a good old fashioned action comedy), and the documentary Japanese Devils.

Reviews can be read here.

8-5-02---- Cameron On Live Action Evangelion?

Daniel mentions AICN has posted a bit that says along with GunM, James Cameron is working on a live-action Evangelion.

Also there are details of Mamoru Oshii's purported next film:

Also are you interested in Mamoru Oshii's new film? It's "Killers /.50 Woman".

"Killers" is an omnibus film, having five short films. The other directors are Kazuhiro Kiuchi, Toshimiti Ohkawa, Shuji Kawada, and Takanori Tsujimoto.

8-5-02---- Asian Cinema Roundup 1

This comes courtesy of Daniel-san:

1)There's a new japanese movie has just opened last week... The movie's called aoi haru (lit. 'blue spring', but probably more accurately 'youth's spring') and stars ryuhei matsuda (of gohatto and lovesick dead). It appears to be adapted from a strip in "big comics spirits" and is directed by toshiaki toyoda. it looks like a fairly straightforward coming-of-age movie...

Official Web Page: http://www.aoiharu.com

2)Good news for everyone out there sobbing over your insanely chopped up HK copy of Ichi the Killer, Media Blaster has officially secured the right of the UNCUT version of Ichi.

3)Versus may receive a 2-disc special edition treatment with 5.1 or DTS Sound - no confirmations yet, but we've heard rumors that KSS Films may update their DVD since the 1 disc release is..selling out everywhere...

4)Following their recent release of AUDITION, Chimera Entertainment and Ventura Distribution are bringing two more Takashi Miike films, the horror/ comedy/musical THE HAPPINESS OF THE KATAKURIS and the actioner CITY OF LOST SOULS, to U.S. VHS and DVD. The discs for both will include 16x9- enhanced widescreen transfers with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround audio, plus making-of featurettes and possibly Miike commentary tracks. CITY streets November 12, while KATAKURIS will arrive January 14, 2003.

Source: Kung Fu Cult Cinema

8-5-02---- Kia Asamiya X-Men Chara Sketches

Marvel Comics reports:

Angel by the end of 2002, the mighty mutants will once again welcome into their ranks an international sensation, but this time it's not a character that will be joining them, but a creator. Continuing our campaign to reach out to the industry's most talented and innovative talents, Marvel has drafted Japanese superstar Kia Asamiya to become the co-penciler (switching off storyarcs with Ron Garney) of UNCANNY X-MEN. You'll have to wait until December to see his debut issue, but thanks to the efforts of the editorial team of Mike Marts and Mike Raicht, you can feast your eyes on Kia's full-color character designs right now!

Also checkout Iceman and Nightcrawler.

8-5-02---- Animatrix Media Additions

The anime section of www.whatisthematrix.com has been updated with stills for each artist!

8-5-02---- Inherit Differences In Evangelion Movie Releases Japan And USA

On recent spatterings of the content of American released Evangelion film, Michael has forwarded the following to our ML:There are three different versions of Evangelion: Death, the original Death, Death (True) and Death (True)�, and the Manga disc contained Death (True)�. Rebirth on the other hand was in effect just a "first draft" of the beginning of Air, Gainax ran out of time and money in the first movie to do it fully, so they just stuck the first bit in as a sort of "Teaser". When it came around to producing Air properly though for EoE they ended up redoing about 15 mins of the 30 minute Rebirth so there _are_ differences.
It doesn't really matter aside from the fact that most Eva fans will be buying the EoE disc when it is released, and it will now contain almost exactly what is shown in Rebirth. That sort of redundancy was interesting when there were differences to note between Rebirth and the first part of Air, but now they are effectively the same. You are not really buying Death & _Rebirth_ anymore you are buying Death & the first part of Air.

Of course as I mentioned it seems that Manga don't even know the difference between Rebirth and the first part of Air, and they just ran with what Gainax gave them, so it was Gainax who made the changes/edits. If that is the case then they are well within their rights to do so, I just think that people should be aware of the differences between what is shown on the Manga disc and what you would see on one of the Japanese releases.

8-5-02---- Spirited Away At The El Capitan?

Nausicaa.net mentions a "coming soon" banner for Miyazaki's Spirited Away at the El Capitan theater's official website. The El Capitan is one of the more prestigious Hollywood theaters for Disney films.

8-5-02---- Kitano's Dolls Trailer And Web

The trailer for Takeshi Kitano's Dolls is linked to AICN. Thanks to Daniel for the scoop.

8-5-02---- Ring Remake Longer Trailer Uploaded

Thanks to Daniel for this:

Corona just mentioned that the trailer should be in theaters this weekend, and that the official site is now more interactiveAICN has a longer trailer for the Ring re-make which is supposed to be for U.S. audiences.
(I recommend right-clicking the links and choosing "save target as" to view the clips.)

8-5-02---- Virus Release

According to the "Coming Soon" section at www.manga.com Virus Buster Serge has been given an October 29 dvd release date. It looks like it's being re-titled "Virus" for short. Thanks to Daniel for the info.

8-5-02---- Marmalade Boy Manga Review

Ans regular contributor, Daniel, has reviewed Tokyopop's Marmalde Boy here at Jagged Team.

8-5-02---- Anime Tourist Info Nabs

Aug. 5th will see the premier of Mobile Fighter G Gundam series on Cartoon Network.
A Japanese Producer working with Raijin Comics claims that there will be a new anime shown simultaniously both here and in Japan after September. The series will be shown here on Cartoon Network. Details about this new show will be revealed at Nan Desu Kan where he is a guest.
This series was later revealed to be the new Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex by a high level Cartoon Network executive. As he puts it, "I've seen this show and it is awesome." We know from comments made in the Bandai panel that this series will be broadcast in October.
The exec also confirmed the existance of the 2nd season of Big O. According to him, they (CN) were un-happy with how the Big O series ended and they managed to persuade the studio into doing a second season. This same approach is being taken with Cowboy Bebop as they try and convince the studio to produce a second season of as well.
New episodes of Yu Yu Hakusho will be shown sometime this fall (4th Qtr).
Dragon Ball GT will air at the end of September. Its being localized (aka dubbed) right now.
In support of the Shonen Jump release, Cartoon Network plans to roll out a new web site called: Adult Swim Reactor. From this website you can read the manga, see videos and other related stuff. Look for it on the web in November.

Source: Anime Tourist

8-5-02---- UK Anime Broadcast News

The first 5 episodes of Evangelion and Nadesico will be repeating on the UK Sci-Fi channel throughout the next week(5th-9th) at 11am-12pm and 3pm-4pm.

Thanks to Rory in the UK and Neon Digital (http://www.neondigital.co.uk) for this news.

8-3-02---- New Tokyo Images

Uploaded today are 9 new images from our trip to Tokyo at the begining of 2001. Here fans can see some of our file imagery from a visit to Production I.G. and Comike 59 near the Daiba waterfront area of Tokyo.

8-2-02---- Vampire Princess Review

Daniel has reviewed Vampire Princess: Initiation at Jagged Team.

8-2-02---- TV Series News In Japan

A round of the latest Anime TV News Courtesy Natsume Maya:

Gainax's new TV series Puchipuri Yushii will get an early start in Japan and now air Sept. 30 as opposed to the previously scheduled Oct. 30.
Source: Moon Phase

According to Web Newtype and Info Anime, the TV anime series Maou Dante (Dante the Devil), based on the manga by Nagai Go, begins it's run on AT-X in Japan from August 31st (originally scheduled for July).

The Manga Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna, which runs in Monthly Shonen Gangan, with story by Shirodaira Kyou and art by Mizuno Eita, is to be animated as a TV series. More details will be released in the September 2002 issue of Gangan.
Source: TA Group BBS

8-2-02---- Japanese Media Report On Shonen Jump

According to Kyodo News:

Shueisha Inc, a Tokyo-based publishing company, said it will beginning publishing a monthly, English-language version of its popular Japanese comic magazine Shukan Shonen Jump.

The U.S. version will be called Shonen Jump, and will be distributed by Viz Communications Inc, a San Francisco-based publisher. Distribution will begin in November. The magazine is expected to be about 250 pages long and sell for $5. Shueisha is targeting readers age 13 and above and aims to sell 200,000 copies initially with an eventual sales goal of 1 million.

8-2-02---- Halo Robot News In Japan

Courtesy Yukio (Dead Shot Club) in Yokohama:

The campaign at ease of Gundam "Haro-color" feels the heart by "Haro-color." Five campaign girls of digital mascot robot " "Haro-color" of BANDAI came to our office to the Sankei Sports Shimbun editorial department of Osaka Kita-ku on August 1. " "Haro-color" is the character which appears in television animation "Gundam", and it is a robot with a built-in computer which talks personally, or will react if it addresses. Although put on the market in February, this year, a new color is added this time, contents are also upgraded, and it will be new-put on the market on the 6th. 5girls(es) -- "-- a palm -- it is the dear mascot of size -- it was being said " and "at ease felt the heart now"

Sourrce: Goo News

8-2-02---- Gen-X Cops Sequel

DVD File states Jackie Chan Presents: Gen-Y Cops will be out on dvd on 10/15 from what appears to be Universal. Thanks to Daniel for the info.

8-2-02---- New At Midnight Eye

The latest round of articles at Midnight Eye include the TV based Sunday's Dream, Review of Fishes In August and Love Letter.

8-2-02---- Columbia Tri-Start Acquires Takashi Yamazaki's Returner

Courtesy Yukio-san (Dead Shot Club): The movie and the "returner" in whom Takeshi Kanashiro stars are shown all over the world. The major U.S. company acquired the right. The movie of Takeshi Kanashiro is exhibited in Hollywood. It was announced by the hotel in Tokyo where the action film "Returner (returner)" (Director Takashi Yamazaki, 31-day public presentation) in which Takeshi Kanashiro starred for the first time in two years will be supplied to the whole world, and August 1 and the completion announcement film preview were held. The "Colombia Tri-Star" of the major studio in Hollywood who looked at the promotion image acquired the right. Takeshi Kanashiro which distribution to the U.S. and Europe was determined and heard this good news "it is Wow! Really!? It was the touch to say. The overseas man saw and it was answered joyfully that it was gladder if it thinks that it is interesting." It was pleased also with Anne Suzuki of costarring which appeared on the Hollywood work by "Snow Falling on Cedars" (Director Scott Hicks) in 2000 in "Since I like this work truly, I want many men to see."

Source: Goo News

8-2-02---- Utility Walker Unveiled By John Deere Subsidary

Plustech has images an video of a 6 legged walking utility machine they plan to market to the public.

Tuxedo Kamen Seiyuu Birthday

Yesterday market the birthday of voice actor Furuya Tohru, Furuya-san was the voice of Chiba Mamoru/Tuxedo Kamen. He is also well-known for the voice of Amuro Rei (or Ray) in the Gundam series. Other roles included Yamucha (Dragonball), Shingo (Urusei Yatsura) and Kasuga Kyosuke (KOR). His shoe size is 24.5 cm and he is 49 years old today. Courtesy to Geoff for the info.

8-2-02---- Possible New Anime Con In Maryland

Organizer Jonathan Pollock has released a some info put together by a local group of devoted anime fans in Southern Maryland who have decided to try their skill at hosting an anime convention. According to preliminary info the group has decent funding (quite a bit more than Otakcon's first year budget), a few possible locations within budget and a lot of hope.

They have put out an open request to see fans and convention goers, want to see in a potential con.

If interested, please fill out the bottom portion and email it to: anime@darkaxis.com

Begin Questions

1.) How much are you willing to pay to pre-register for a first year convention?

_ $25 _ $30 _ $50 _ $100

2.) How much are you willing to pay at the door for a first year convention?

_ $35 _ $50 _ $75 _ $100

3.) How many people do you know who would be interested in attending a new convention this year or early next year?

_ 1 _ 5 _ 10 _ 15+

4.) Which of the following activities do you enjoy at other conventions (check all that apply)?

_ Live Action Role Playing (LARP)
_ Dealers Room selling anime/japanese related products
_ A cosplay competition
_ A dance/rave
_ Karaoke
_ Guest speakers from US/Japan
_ Room parties
_ Video game competitions (Capcom vs. SNK / Guilty Gear X / etc / etc)
_ Food provided by the convention itself

5.) Which of the following names do you like best for the new convention?

_ chiyocon (Forever Con)
_ gettoocon (Ghetto Con)
_ umidasucon (Birth (of a) Con)

8-2-02---- Hiroshi Aro Announced For Anime USA

Anime USA is proud to announce the confirmation of Hiroshi Aro as our guest. Mr. Aro is the creator of the gender-bending, slapstick comedy manga "Futaba-Kun Change" and the paranormal comedy "You and Me!". Mr. Aro became a manga artist at 20 when he decided that he couldn't imagine himself doing anything other than drawing manga. After working as an assistant to Osamu Akimoto (creator of Japan's longest running manga), he made his own professional debut in 1980 with "Space Command E-1".

Pre-registration has been extended to 14 September at the current rate of $30 for a three-day membership.

Anime USA 2002
www.animeusa.org
October 11-13, 2002
Sheraton Premiere in Tysons Corner
8661 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, Virginia 22180

8-2-02---- Shinen Jump Contest

From the announcement:

Secret Codes! Magical Treasures! A Journey to a Faraway Land! It's like Shonen Jump Manga come to life!

It's the Shonen Jump launch sweepstakes, and YOU too can WIN:

http://www.shonenjump.com/contest * Grand Prize: 1 weeklong trip to Japan for two, with tour of Shueisha offices and complimentary jet lag

* 1st Prize #1: Signed art by Naruto artist Masahi Kishimoto 1st Prize #2: Signed Dragon Ball Z art by Akira Toriyama 1st Prize #3: Signed SandLand art by Akira Toriyama

* 2nd Prize: One complete set of Yu-Gi-Oh! 'Magic Ruler' collectible cards

* 3rd Prizes (3): One box of Yu-Gi-Oh! 'Magic Ruler' cards

* 4th Prizes (20): One Free 12-issue Shonen Jump subscription

* 5th Prizes (50): One Yu-Gi-Oh! video game for Game Boy Color.

* 6th Prizes (50): One Shonen Jump T-Shirt

* 7th Prizes (50): One Shonen Jump Cap

8-2-02---- FLCL Delayed

From the release

We apologize for the slight delay (again), but the DVDs will definitely be in stores by that date. Distributors & Retailers who have ordered before pre-book will have them in hand well before the date.

8-1-02---- Kia Asamiya On X-Men

Wizard Magazine 132 features a section on character sketches this month drawn by Silent Mobius creator Kia Asamiya and his sketches of X-Men characters, according to the article, he's becoming the regular penciler for the title starting with issue #416 in December.

WizardWorld.com:

C.B. Cebulski, founder of manga publisher Fanboy Entertainment (Sidekicks, Kia Asamiya's Dark Angel), recently joined the gang at Marvel Comics as an associate editor to assist in their fledgling Mangaverse line, for which he also wrote the X-Men story. Cebulski, fluent in Japanese, brings with him his extensive contacts within the Japanese creative community, some of whom he hopes to sign on to projects at the House of Ideas. Wizard caught up with the busy editor to get the 411.

Wizard: Any plans for Kia Asamiya (Dark Angel) to get involved at Marvel? And whom else have you set your sights on?

C.B. Cebulski: Kia has done covers for Iron Man 400 and X-Men: Evolution 6. Everyone was impressed as hell, and Kia has more cover work lined up already. He has committed himself to two other projects through Marvel later this year. As for other artists, some who we've approached include Katsuya Terada, character designer for Blood: The Last Vampire; Shin Nagasawa, one of the designers of Final Fantasy VII and IX; Tsutomu Nihei, artist of the acclaimed manga series Blame!; and newcomer Makoto Nakatsuka, one of the winners of Kodansha's Best New Artists Award in 2000. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Kodansha is a popular manga anthology magazine in Japan.] Nothing is concrete, but almost everyone I've mentioned it to has said they would like to participate.

8-1-02---- Inoue Kikuko Concert Tour Planned For Japan

Well known singer and seiyuu Inoue Kikuko has planned an autumn tour in Japan, tickets will go on sale to the public on September 15th.

Dates:

10-27 Nagoya
11-4 Osaka
11-10 Asakusa Koukaidou

8-1-02---- New Deals At Akadot Retail

Akadot Retail is offering special Young King Ed mini calender cards featuring characters from Excel Saga, Trigun and Hellsing with any purchase. Purchases of $40 dollars of more get the whole set of 16. Akadot also has just stocked Studio Ghibli's Sen To Chihiro on DVD.

8-1-02---- Shonen Jump Details

Courtesy a new announcement by Viz via RyuHayabusaDOA2:

Viz Communications, Inc., the leading U.S. producer of manga and anime, and Shueisha Inc. of Japan, the largest manga publisher in the world, will unveil a special preview issue of the U.S. SHONEN JUMP (Issue 0) at Comic-Con International in San Diego.

The 56-page preview edition is an abridged version of U.S. SHONEN JUMP that will launch this fall with 250 pages.

Patterned after Shueisha's WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP, which has a circulation in Japan of some 3.4 million,

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