Source: Special Thanks as always to Daniel-kun
http://www.kungfucinema.com/news/2003-08-18-02.htm
“We are delighted to bring to North America one of the most compelling anime feature films produced in Japan,” said Jerry Chu, Marketing Manager, Bandai Entertainment. “Junkers Come Here is a story of life, hardship and growth told through the eyes of a young girl. With the recent success of Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, Junkers Come Here is a film that we believe American audiences can appreciate and relate to.”
Based on Naoto Kine’s two-volume novel published in 1989, Junkers Come Here boasts an impressive assembly of anime creators, including director Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon) and animator director Kazuo Komatsubara (Miyazaki’s Nausicaa: The Valley of the Wind). Junkers Come Here is a touching tale that illustrates the subtle and confused teenage emotions experienced by 11-year-old Hiromi, and her unique friendship with Junkers, a talking dog. As their relationship develops, Hiromi struggles with a longing for adulthood as she is faced with the challenges of her parents’ unexpected divorce. Will Hiromi be able to restore happiness in her life?
Junkers Come Here originally debuted during a limited theatrical release in Japan in 1995 where it received critical acclaim. To this day, independent screenings continue to be held annually throughout Japan at the request of the local communities, schools, and universities. Junkers Come Here has received the distinct honor of being officially approved by the Japanese Ministry of Education. As an advance preview to the DVD release, Bandai Entertainment will present Junkers Come Here on Friday, August 22nd in its original Japanese-language format (English subtitles) as part of the Canadian National Anime Expo in Toronto. The film will be shown at the Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor St. W / at Bathurst Subway Station). For pricing and showtime, please visit www.hobbystar.com.
HOUSTON, August 15, 2003-ADV Films today announced a release date of October 28, 2003 for Hello Kitty's Paradise: The Holiday Box Set, collecting all 16 episodes from the four volumes of the acclaimed animated children's series Hello Kitty's Paradise. The series has been enormously popular, with the title's warm-hearted combination of learning and fun making it a favorite with parents and little ones alike. The Hello Kitty's Paradise: The Holiday Box Set is a DVD-only release, including a custom seasonal art box!
Hello Kitty's Paradise is another successful element of the Sanrio Company's wildly popular Hello Kitty(r) franchise, built around the adorable, instantly recognizable kitten character. The title centers around the adventures of Hello Kitty(r), her best friend Mimmy(tm) and their friends from school. Hello Kitty's Paradise is a joyful take on childhood adventures, with a healthy smattering of educational content about such important skills as sharing, having good table manners, writing letters and being polite.
Hello Kitty's Paradise: The Holiday Box Set ($39.98 SRP) is a DVD-only release, including 16 complete episodes (32 segments) on four discs. Includes loads of "Fun & Games" special features, such as "Animals! Animals!," "Guess the Shape," "Kitty's Caterpillar Quiz," "Guess the Shape" and much more.
For the six months ended June 30, 2003, net revenues rose 193% to $44.3 million from $15.1 million in the same period last year. Net income for the six-month period was $6.6 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, compared to net income of $2.8 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, in the same period a year earlier, an increase of 136%.
Al Kahn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Second quarter results reflect continuing momentum in our licensing segment as retail sales of Yu-Gi-Oh!T products remain strong. Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesT toys are also performing well at retail, adding significantly to our licensing revenues."
Commenting on the FoxBox, 4Kids' four hours of programming on Saturday mornings on the Fox Network, Al Kahn said, "While FoxBox ratings have been below expectations, the FoxBox has created additional revenue opportunities for 4Kids in merchandise licensing, home video and music publishing. These additional revenue sources, such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy line, were one of the primary reasons for the lease of the FoxBox programming block. We will be launching a new FoxBox season on September 6 with exciting new shows, including Shaman King, Sonic XT and Funky Cops as well as new episodes of returning shows Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesT, Kirby: Right Back At Ya!T and Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman LegacyT," said Kahn.
"We had a strong second quarter and are very pleased with the performance of our properties. Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon® continue to be among the most highly rated kids shows on network television. While Yu-Gi-Oh! products continue to drive our licensing revenues, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles products have gained substantial momentum at retail since their introduction earlier this year. We also expect Pokémon licensed products to sell increased volumes at retail on the strength of the new Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire video games, which introduced 130 new Pokémon characters during the first quarter," concluded Kahn.
Directed by anime veteran Shukou Murase (Character Designer for Gundam Wing, Argentosoma) – This new gothic series is best described as a cross between ‘La Femme Nikita’ and ‘X-Files’ with its story setting in present-day Japan. In a world where witches abuse their supernatural powers, a special team is tasked with hunting this new threat to society. The STN is a shadowy international organization combating the Witches with a blend of technology, forensic science, and other supernaturally powered team members of their own. Their most powerful craft user is a young lady named Robin. Her mysterious gift to summon deadly flames will determine the fates of her colleagues and lead her into a dark world of mystique and witchcraft!
With its North American premiere at this year’s Anime Expo 2003 and speaking on the upcoming DVD release, Chris Beveridge of AnimeonDVD.com states, “[Witch Hunter Robin] reminds us why we love anime so much. Style and substance all wrapped up in an attractive package. This is a winner in my eyes.” Anime Insider Editor, Rob Bricken proclaims, “Incredible action, engrossing mysteries, and a gothic tone to die for – Witch Hunter Robin will keep you riveted to the edge of your seat!” The Witch Hunter Robin DVD release is scheduled to hit the streets beginning October 2003 making this Halloween season one of the most thrilling ones ever for fans of anime across the country.
Witch Hunter Robin - Arrival Street Date: 10.7.2003 Rated 13UP TRT: 125 min. SRP: $29.98
Witch Hunter Robin – Arrival (Limited Edition) Street Date: 10.7.2003 Rated 13UP TRT: 125 min. SRP: $59.98
Witch Hunter Robin - Arrival
DVD Features and Extras include: Interactive Animated Menus, Dolby Digital Audio, English/Japanese Language, English Subtitles Option, Textless Opening, Textless Ending, STNJ Personnel Files, Liner Notes (‘Maelifica Compendium’), Reversible Cover, and trailers.
Witch Hunter Robin – Arrival (Limited Edition)
The Limited Edition will also include a Witch Hunter Robin collector’s art box, exclusive WHR t-shirt, the original Witch Hunter Robin CD soundtrack, a collector’s beverage glass, and two collectable animation cels.
Courtesy Yukio-san's referal:
It turns out by investigation of The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) that the market scale of the Japanese-made animation in 2002 in the U.S. amounted to estimated 4,360,110,000 dollars (523,200 million yen). The U.S. hits the scale which corresponds by about 3.2 times the steel product frame imported from Japan in the same year. It seems that it is in a background that evaluation in the U.S. of Japanese-made animation -- Director Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" will win the U.S. Academy Award in March, this year -- is increasing every year. For soft incomes, such as 3,937 million dollars and video sale, the movie box office revenue of 415 million dollars and theater public presentation is [ the items / license incomes, such as character rental fees, such as "Dragon ball Z", and television broadcasting rights, ] 8,110,000 dollars.
Source: The Daily Yomiuri
In addition to its tie-in to the spectacularly successful video game franchise, Final Fantasy: Unlimited's production team speaks to the quality of the title. Final Fantasy: Unlimited is directed by Mahiro Maeda, one of the most acclaimed anime directors in Japan. Maeda was recently hand-picked to direct two of the animated shorts included in The Animatrix, the anime side project based on the hit feature film The Matrix.
Producers for the series are SQUARE, TV Tokyo (NOIR) and Dentsu (Princess Mononoke, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex), with animation produced by Gonzo Digimation, animators of Hellsing, Full Metal Panic!, Zaion and several more of anime's most popular recent titles.
Collector's Edition Available! ADV's release of Final Fantasy: Unlimited-Phase 1 will be available in two versions: as a DVD in its standard case, or as a collector's edition, which includes the DVD, a custom series art box, sized to hold the entire series, and a FREE t-shirt offer-pick your size!
The Story: Welcome to Wonderland! The gateway to another world appears suddenly one day and with its coming awaken two mysterious beasts of astonishing power. The monsters appear to destroy each other and then vanish-leaving behind only the inexplicable pillar of darkness and the unanswered questions of the natural world.
Twelve years later, the twin children of two scientists who disappeared on this so-called Day of Conjunction go on a hazardous quest in search of their lost parents. Boarding a phantom subway, Ai and Yu travel to Wonderland, a chaotic world of amazing beauty and thrilling danger. Accompanied by Lisa, an enigmatic woman they meet on the train, and Kaze, a brooding stranger with a demon-summoning gun, the twins begin an incredible journey that will lead to the mysterious heart of Wonderland.
Set in the fantastical world popularized in the Final Fantasy games, FF:U is an epic adventure of stunning visuals and fast-paced action.
Final Fantasy: Unlimited-Phase 1 (SRP $24.98 DVD; $39.98 Collector's Edition) is a DVD-only release, containing four complete episodes. Includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: voice actor/actress commentary; production sketches; key animation backgrounds; preliminary FF:U illustrations; reversible cover, printed character booklet; clean opening and closing animation; and ADV previews.
http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazines/anime/AN20030611-contest.cfm
Hong Kong born Wu Shu extraordinaire Jackie Chan has entertained film and TV audiences for more than 25 years. The agile, 5'8 martial artist is both an actor and director, and his movies draw big-time audiences ($328,883,178 box office for Rush Hour 2). His long-running animated Jackie Chan Adventures TV series is no different-consistently ranking in the Top 5 among boys 2-11 and 6-11. The adventures begin as Jackie Chan teams up with his 11-year-old niece, Jade. Together they travel the globe in hopes of locating a dozen magical talismans before the sinister Dark Hand finds them first. The story's mixture of humor, heart and martial arts action will take kids on a joyride with Jackie and Jade in every volume!
"We are delighted to team with Sony Pictures Consumer Products in publishing the Jackie Chan Adventures Cine-Manga," said John Parker, TOKYOPOP's President & COO. "This is clearly one of Kids' WB!'s most popular animated series, and we look forward to taking its fun and action to a whole new level."
"Jackie Chan Adventures, with all of its great characters and exciting story lines, has all the components for awesome Cine-Manga," stated Al Ovadia, Executive Vice President, Sony Pictures Consumer Products. "And we're sure that TOKYOPOP, with their extensive manga background, will develop Cine-Manga that is as action-packed and exciting as the animated TV series."
TOKYOPOP's Cine-Manga is currently sold throughout major bookstore chains and mass-market retailers nationwide. The publisher has planned a multi-volume Cine-Manga series for Jackie Chan Adventures, with the first three books releasing in November, January and April.
Thanks to Daniel for the link and info
Nihon Unisys information system incorporated company (UIS) started the "Comic Animation Festival" to the site "DORIMAGU.com." It provides by period limitation till October 31. "DORIMAGU" will be established in December, 2002. The portal-role which unifies various sites of digital contents, such as "FRANKEN" of a digital comic, "Flashour" for Web creators, and an indies music site "Mumix", is offered. This time, the specially set-up site of the period limitation consisting mainly of comics and animation is established in "DORIMAGU.com" by making into an event partner "Inter Comms Corporation, Inc." which is performing digital contents work. On the theme of "MANGA is ART", the contents advertized to the both sides of a creator and a fan are offered. It is at the establishment time on July 31, and what can be perused is a "theme hall" which takes the lead in a "comic animation festival." Also in the corner where Mr. Nagai performs a talk with famous creators, the "devil man art" with which a newcomer creator vies the masterpiece "a devil man" of Mr. cartoonist and Go Nagai in a motif appears from August 11 at the center. Moreover, "BuppanKan" etc. which sells the "writer hall" which performs a domestic famous cartoonist's work exhibition etc., the "animation hall" which distributes the preliminary announcement animation of the present public presentation and an animation work on sale, and an original comic and original goods is due to be added one by one. In UIS, it counts upon access of 400,000 affairs during the "comic animation festival" holding.
Source: Watch Impress
Since the release of last year's list, A.D. Vision has grown to include Newtype USA, the leading anime and manga monthly in North America; Anime Network(tm), the first cable channel in North America dedicated to anime (Japanese animation); ADV Manga, the comic publishing division of ADV specializing in Japanese and other East Asian comics, illustration books, graphic novels and more; ADV Music, a line of CD soundtracks from popular anime titles; and ADV Toys, a division dedicated to creating toys and collectible merchandise based upon the firm's extensive film, manga (graphic novel) and original content holdings.
These new additions to A.D. Vision, along with the growing success of ADV Films, the company's home video and theatrical release division, no doubt contributed to Ledford's meteoric rise on this year's Cinescape list.
"Once again, I'm honored and humbled to be included in such illustrious company," said Ledford. "I consider this recognition to be a reflection of the strength of the industry, the strength of the company and the quality of the people who make it what it is."
This figure features 13 points of articulation located in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles... and mystically TRANSFORMS from dragon armor suit to full fledged dragon! In Guymelfe mode, the figures stands at approx; 8". In White Dragon mode, it measures 14" from nose to tail.
Packaged in a handsome window box, the figure comes with a suggested retail price of $59.99 and is scheduled to ship in November just in time for the holidays. This will be a limited production run, so pre-order now before its sold out! ITEM NO. 28002-1 UPC:# 6-93904-28002-1 Case Pack Qty: 6 per case MSRP:$59.99
The Escaflowne television series and movie are both currently available on DVD. Please visit www.escamovie.com for more information.
***PLEASE PLACE THIS ON YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDARS*** “The Cannes Film Festival of Anime Manga Culture” Begins August 29th.
Big Apple Anime Fest 2003 Expected to Draw over 15,000 to Midtown Manhattan!
What: Known as “The Cannes Film Festival of Anime Manga Culture,” The Big Apple Anime Fest 2003 (BAAF 2003), will combine core elements from the world of sci-fi, urban/hip-hop, rave/club and cutting edge animation to draw 15,000 fans from around the world to a weekend long celebration of Anime Manga culture. This year’s event is expected to be the largest celebration of anime in the United States. The event includes film screenings, video screening rooms, autograph sessions with renowned anime directors and voiceover artists, masquerade events, and more.
When: Friday August 29th, 2003 through Sunday, August 31st, 2003
Where: Various locations including, The Marriott Marquis Hotel, the Loews State Theater and the Virgin Megastore, all in New York City’s Times Square.
Info: Anime Manga is one of the fastest growing pop-culture trends in the United States.
This year a large number of anime stars will turn out to meet their fans. Guests of Honor including Anime/Manga artists Tsukasa Hojo and Tomoko Taniguchi, Anime Directors Satoshi Kan and Takashi Nakamura and New York’s own Eric Stuart, the voice of Pokeman and Yu-Gi-Oh!
popular TV animation "Kochira Katsushikaku Kamearikouenmae Hasyutsujo" [ This is a police box front of Kameari park ] By in Katsushika Ward. (Fuji-TV series Sunday afternoon 7 o'clock), Ryouko Tamura (27) of the golden medalist of judo first challenged the voice actor. It is a setup which Yawara-chan visits police box, meets a hero's Ryouzu and a Reiko policeman, and finally advertises, saying "I want world judo to aid." Tamura also designed the character which has a judo uniform on and appears. for the first time -- ?? -- a conversation scene with Yumi Morio of the role of Reiko is also perfect at wonderful performance which cannot be considered Inclusion went smoothly and O.K. came out of it in the 4th acting before the audience. "It was very pleasant although utterance was difficult. It became the recollections of the summer vacation. I want checkin [ various things ]." It spoke about Tamura which finished the turn for 36 seconds satisfactorily. The scene on which Tamura appears is broadcast on September 7.
Aquarium Story and Art by Tomoko Taniguchi. Naoka's life isn't going so well. She was turned down by the prestigious high school that she wanted to attend and she feels like nothing is going right for her. To try and cheer herself up, she starts going to the aquarium where she finds beauty, serenity...and romance.
"Intriguing, powerful, and thought-provoking." - SequentialTart.com
* Format 5" X 7 3/8" * Black & white
TITLE: Aquarium RATING: Age 3 and Up SRP PRICE: $9.99 PAGES: 200 CATALOG #: CMX 62801MM STREET DATE: November 5, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: October 13, 2003
Dark Angel Book One Story and art by Kia Asamiya, the artist of Uncanny X-Men and Batman: Child of Dreams. Dark is a young man destined for great things. He's next in line to be the magical guardian of his country, but before he can assume that responsibility, he'll have to confront demons, angels, friends and his own insecurities.
"Asamiya has truly done an amazing job with Dark Angel." - SequentialTart.com
* Format 5" X 7 3/8" * Black & white
TITLE: Dark Angel Book One RATING: Age 13 and Up SRP PRICE: $9.99 PAGES: 200 CATALOG #: CMX 62301MM STREET DATE: November 5, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: October 13, 2003
Record of Lodoss War - The Lady of Pharis Collector's Edition: Book One Story by Ryo Mizuno. Art by Akihiro Yamada, the character designer of RahXephon. The Birth of evil! There was a time when Lodoss Island was pure and the forces of light and darkness were in balance. It only took the greed of one man to change the face of Lodoss forever. Now it's up to the warriors of legend to restore the tenuous balance.
"Outstanding." - Shotgun Reviews
* Format 5" X 7 3/8" * Black & white * Presented in its original western style left to right format just like its Japanese release
TITLE: Record of Lodoss War - The Lady of Pharis Collector's Edition: Book One RATING: Age 16 and Up SRP PRICE: $15.95 PAGES: 304 CATALOG #: CMX 64401G STREET DATE: November 19, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: October 13, 2003
We want to send a dream to the children who bear the future.- The show "Toy-future-exposition" (OMOCHA-MIRAI-HAKU) of a toy started in "Pacifico Yokohama" in the Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi Minato-mirai area on the 31st. This is the first time that this exhibition is held by TOKYO till last year, and it is opened in Yokohama. The Japan Toy Association sponsors this show and Yokohama-shi cosponsors it. The toy maker of 42 sends to a "toy exposition" for display. the animal using a toy nostalgic to an adult in the hall to the latest technology -- similar sewing -basis etc. is exhibited and it is the appearance of "a huge toy box" completely In the opening ceremony before general public presentation, Mayor Hiroshi Nakata Yokohama opened "Yokohama toy Festival", such as a stamp rally, in various parts of in the city from "June, and he has heaped up the event. It talked with my wanting a visitor to greatly enjoy myself." At the hall, it became crazy in each maker's experience booth, and it played, and the children who visited made the animation character and the pause and were doing commemoration photography. To the boy, booths, such as a radio control car, were popular, and the sequence was made by the girl in the corner which makes accessories from a bead, and the booth which can try the cosmetics for children. On the stage, many show of animation characters, such as DORAEMON and ANPAN-MAN, was also opened, and children's cheer was sounding. The toy market of 700 billion yen is decreasing with a video game market but in the 2002 fiscal year. 150,000 people's mobilization is expected during the period of a "toy exposition", and it was advertising in the Japan Toy Association, saying "More people but not only a child want to make it an opportunity to be familiar with a toy."
Source: http://www.kanagawa-np.co.jp/news/nw03080133.html
Thanks to Dnaiel for the links
1) Twenty six episodes of Shaman King will be broadcast starting in September on Saturday mornings.
2) CPM talks about their new price reductions on classic titles.
3)The following individuals are included in Cinescape's "Super Power 100 2003": Shigeru Miyamoto, Shinichiro Watanabe(whose next series is supposed to be a samurai period piece) , Sony's Ken Kutaragi, Samurai Jack's Genndy Tartyakovsky(who will be working on the Star Wars: Clone Wars cartoon), ADV CEO John Leford, Katsuhiro Otomo, Monkey Punch, Peter Chung, and Sonic Creator Yuji Naka.
4)In an interview with Tarantino on Kill Bill, it's revealed that the movie will be changed for the Japanese market. He also reveals that the anime sequence in the film will be ten minutes, and gave credit to Production I.G.
5)The Animatrix makes their "hot stuff" list.
6)In their article on Teen Titans, Puffy Ami Yumi get a mention.
7)Spokesmen from Crossgen comics on the Snake Plissken anime seem to indicate that it might be a sequel. ("In many respects that will be the third film.")
Yaoi anime and manga highlights romantic relationships and strong platonic bonds between male characters, created primarily by female authors and artists for the benefit of a traditionally female audience. While this may seem strange to Westerners, the genre is widely accepted in Japan and many popular manga artists, have had their start creating yaoi comics before moving on to more generalized themes.
This year's Guest of Honor will be professional Japanese manga artist Shushushu Sakurai, a frequent contributor to popular manga magazines such as BexBoy and Boys Pierce, as well as other publications. Additional guests will be announced as they are confirmed.
Yaoi-Con 2003 is dedicated to the promotion and celebration of this genre, featuring activities and events such as a 24-hour anime screening room, yaoi-themed panels and workshops, a Dealers' Room with hard-to-find merchandise, a Fan Corridor where fans may sell their own art and crafts, a fundraising Bishounen (beautiful boy) Auction, Cosplay and Anime Music Video contests; and much, much more.
This is Yaoi-Con's third year in the City by the Bay and will undoubtedly be its most successful. With an attendance growth rate of over 30%, and the influx of new yaoi-themed anime and manga being released in the US, the yaoi fan base has been increasing exponentially day by day.
Please be aware that press must sign up for passes in advance. For additional information on Yaoi-Con and press pass forms, please visit our Web site at http://www.yaoicon.com.
The U.S. market for manga was recently estimated by www.ICv2.com at approximately $100 million annually, with growth rate predictions as high as 30% for the current year. Correspondingly, traditional comic-store outlets and now mainstream bookstores have dramatically increased the amount of shelf space dedicated to these titles, helping in turn to drive even more growth.
"With ADV Manga we are seeking to capitalize on the current explosive growth in the U.S. market for manga and related graphic forms," said A.D. Vision, Inc. President and CEO John Ledford. "We feel that combining our strong overseas relationships with our knowledge of the domestic market for Japanese cultural commodities and our proven marketing and distribution capability is a strong recipe for success.
Initial title acquisitions include numerous titles which tie into anime titles already licensed to A.D. Vision, Inc.'s ADV Films division. Full Metal Panic!, Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, Steel Angel Kurumi, Azumanga Daioh, Najica and the RahXephon BIBLE illustration book are all examples.
"Our cross-promotional capability is key to the traction we've already developed in the licensing market," said Ledford. "We're able to reach consumers and potential consumers through our anime division, the monthly magazine Newtype USA, and via the Anime Network as well; the synergy is extraordinary."
About ADV Manga Specializing in Japanese and other East Asian comics, illustration books, graphic novels and more, ADV Manga is the publishing division of A.D. Vision, Inc., parent company of ADV Films, Newtype USA, Anime Network and more. Founded in 2003, with nationwide mass-market distribution, ADV Manga is poised to dominate the explosively growing U.S. market for imported graphic novels and related published materials. More information is available at http://www.adv-manga.com.
112 large-format glossy pages contain over 160 full-color reproductions of posters, programs and flyers that helped launch a revolution in animated film. For the lover of anime, Anime Poster Art offers a unique opportunity to discover the world's most-loved anime characters in their original Japanese designs. These include the well-known, such as Akira, Dragon Ball Z, Lupin III, Urusei Yatsura, Space Battleship Yamato, Mobile Suit Gundam and Studio Ghibli. And the not so well-known, such as Tomorrow's Joe, Jin-Roh, Golgo 13, Project A-ko and Hoshi of the Giants.
Anime Poster Art also includes:
? Storylines and background for every film ? Catch copy in Japanese with English translations ? Insider commentaries on anime creators, ranking, collectibles and much more ? 3 indexes, 9 chapters and 112 pages ? $19.95 + Quality Paper + Full Color + 10 1/4" x 8"
"A visual feast of Japanese poster art! - Julie Davis, Editor in Chief of ANIMERICA
For Booksellers: Anime Poster Art can be ordered from SCB Distributors http://www.scbdistributors.com/contact.html/ or Diamond Comic Distributors http://retailer.diamondcomics.com/ For online use, a jpeg of the cover is available upon request. ISBN: 0-9723124-4-7
For a fuller description of Anime Poster Art: Japan's Movie House Masterpieces please visit DH Publishing's website at http://dhp-online.com/
DH Publishing is a new and dynamic Tokyo-based publisher specializing in visually powerful books on Japanese pop and underground culture for the American market. DHP's three current titles under the cocoro books imprint are: Japanese Movie Posters: Yakazu, Monster, Pink and Horror; Secrets of the Ninja: Their Training, Tools and Techniques; and Cosplay Girls: Japan's Live Animation Heroines, which has met with acclaim in pop culture and anime/manga circles both in the US and Japan.
NOW is a tale, which draws heavily from the period in Korean history between 57 BC and 668 AD known as the Three Kingdoms. 20 years after the fall of the Goguryeo Kingdom in 668 AD the two remaining kingdoms of Silla and Baekje go to war to unify the whole peninsula under a single ruler.
The legendary "Killing Art" of Sashinmu resurfaces and a mysterious cadre is hell-bent on claiming it from the few warriors charged with destroying the art before it can fall into the wrong hands. Our protagonists, Rin Yhun and Bi-Ryu find themselves at the heart of an age-old conflict. Rin is the daughter of a Sashinmu practitioner and Bi-Ryu is the grandson of the infamous North Star. After being driven to a state of madness by completing the art of Sashinmu, North Star slew over 100 fighters and then was mysteriously murdered.
United by fate, Rin and Bi-Ryu must decide, should the secrets of the Sashinmu be destroyed, or should they be mastered once again? Joined by Bi-Ryu's tiger-girl companion, they plunge into the blood-soaked legacy their ancestors have left for them.
NOW is an exciting martial arts rollercoaster ride. It cleverly incorporates elements of Korean mythology, action and heart-warming themes, which appeal to the growing legions of manga fans. The action in NOW is beautifully rendered, and the relationships, which develop between the characters, are equally fascinating. NOW will take your breath away and leave you on the edge of each page. Sung-woo Park melds magic, martial arts and mystery for a stunning epic drama in NOW!
Availability Volume One of NOW is available in September 2003 exclusively at Waldenbooks and Borders. To find a store near you visit www.preferredreader.com. In December volume 1 will be available everywhere. The black & white 200 page graphic novels will be priced at $9.95. More detailed series information can be found at http://www.comicsone.com/manga/now/.
Cover art: http://www.comicsone.com/manga/now/now_v1.jpg
Source: DVD File via Daniel
I just received the First Alert Charts for Overall Video Sales and I had to pass this information along. Dragon Ball GT owns the Top 20! For the week of 7/20/03, the First Alert Charts list the following:
#1 DBGT: Preparation (edited)
#2 DBGT: Ramifications (edited)
#9 DBGT: Preparation (uncut)
#10 DBGT: Ramifications (uncut)
#13 DBGT: Proliferation (uncut)
#20 DBGT: Creation (edited)
Six out of the Top 20 First Alert titles are releases from FUNimation's hit Dragon Ball GT! Needless to say, we are pretty excited.
"Those who took charge of work, a supervisor, production, photography, fine arts, etc., and contributed to overall formation creatively" is provided the author of a movie by Article 16 of the Copyright Act. Tokyo District Court judged "it participated in all the work process from plan creation to movie completion, and detailed directions were issued" in March, 2002, and accepted Mr. Nishizaki to be an author. Mr. Matsumoto "It was a partial role" was presupposed had filed an appeal considering judgment as dissatisfied.
In reconciliation provision, if the copyright person of pictures, such as a person who appears in "YAMATO", and a machine design, is Mr. Reiji Matsumoto, he will check. Mr. Reiji Matsumoto is talking with "You having believed that it was what paves the way for many problem solutions, and having made it settled from the contents of reconciliation from which the honor as a cartoonist is protected." By violation of Firearms and Swords Control Law, a prison sentence is decided and Mr. Nishizaki is under penal servitude now.
Source: Asahi News special thanks to Yukio san for translation and translitteration
AnimeNEXT is pleased to announce that Takehito Ito, creator and artist of Outlaw Star and Angel Links, will be joining us this year. This will be Mr. Ito's first appearance at an anime convention in the United States! Mr. Ito will be participating in panels and autograph sessions.
More information about Takehito Ito and our other guests can be found at http://www.animenext.org
Arriving in the mail today were the first promotional materials we've seen from the just started American Sony imprint J-Pop label Tofu Records. Not a bad start eh? These included glossy dance party style promotion card for the coming T.M. Revolution CD and DVD release for Coordinate and mention of the unit's LIVE performance at Otakon 2003. On the Reverse side was an advert for the labels JPOP CD release. Also in the kit were super cool CD opener/keychain, 2 chrome and black Tofu Records stickers and the CD itself. Hopefully fans will have a chance to get ahold of some of their stuff from Otakon and beyond.A strategy which will include SONY’s RED Distribution and enable The Crash Media Group to “pump up the volume” in its market presence via an exclusive distribution agreement for Crash Media Group DVD labels. The men who were the first to bring an upscale mainstream retail face to Japanese anime and Asian pop-culture are now partnered with the SONY RED Distribution machine. Distributors of such diverse titles as Marilyn Manson, The Man Show, and Tony Hawk. RED Distribution will now also help rocket to the forefront, the Asian pop culture that only the Crash Media Group can bring to the table. From post-apocalyptic worlds where the biological and mechanical merge into one, to deadly fatal flying fists, to wood sprites with furry side-kicks and everything in between!
The Crash Media Group will scale new heights particularly with the launch of their exclusively trademarked Anime Crash DVD line which will be a launch-pad and showcase for animation from Japan and beyond. Company President Chris Parente when asked about this new step in the evolution of Crash Media said “we are very excited to be distributed by RED, and look forward to greater presence and deeper reach into the DVD market.” Scott C. Mauriello, Managing Director of Crash Entertainment and the Crash Media Group Inc, sees this as a “balancing of the scales.” “Many of the companies who represent A-pop in the U.S. have only relied on the traditional fan-based model... in the next 24 months we will alter that situation using new and patented technologies that will bring Asian pop-culture to the bleeding-edge potential that has not even been slightly realized in the U.S.”
Source: UKAnime Net (http://www.uk-anime.net/)
The Middle Tennessee Anime Convention, known as MTAC for short, is proud to announce our 2004 convention dates. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, the convention, being called MTAC 4.01beta, will be taking place April 2nd - 4th. This will be the fourth MTAC to date and to celebrate it we have also launched a brand new website (located at www.mtac.net) with loads of information about the upcoming convention. We on the MTAC board of directors are looking forward to 2004 bringing with it our strongest, largest, and greatest convention ever!
HOUSTON, July 25, 2003-ADV Films today announced an October 14, 2003 release date for the first volume of the startling anime series Angelic Layer. With its offbeat combination of mind-controlled robots and junior high school tragicomedy, Angelic Layer was an instant success on its 2001 Japanese release and U.S. fans are expectantly awaiting its stateside appearance.
Much of Angelic Layer's hit status can be attributed to its production team. Based on a manga from the all-female studio CLAMP (Chobits, Rayearth, Tokyo Babylon), Angelic Layer was animated by BONES, the animators of the highly acclaimed RahXephon and Wolf's Rain.
Collector's Edition Available: Angelic Layer: Divine Inspiration will be available in two versions: as a DVD only and as a collector's edition, which includes the DVD, a free t-shirt offer (multiple sizes available!) and a custom series art box, sized to fit the entire series.
The Story: The moment small town girl Misaki Suzuhara arrives in Tokyo, she is thrust into the excitement of Angelic Layer-a high-tech, fast-paced game where dolls called Angels are controlled by the thoughts of their operators, also called Deus.
Twelve-year-old Misaki, a middle school freshman now living with her aunt, quickly makes friends with others who are as interested in Angelic Layer as she is. Misaki builds her own Angel, Hikaru, and begins competing in battles where will and determination count for far more than size and strength.
Will Misaki get the hang of Angelic Layer quickly enough to avoid defeat? Who is that mysterious man who keeps popping up, anyway? And what is really the deal with Misaki's mom? Watch the first four fun-filled episodes to see how Misaki fares in battle and deals with life in the big city.
Angelic Layer: Divine Inspiration (SRP $29.98 DVD; SRP $39.98 Collector's Edition) is a DVD-only release, including four complete episodes in both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: original Japanese art; voice actor commentary, production sketches; clean opening and closing animation; and ADV Previews.
HOUSTON, July 25, 2003-ADV Films today announced an October 14, 2003 release date for the fourth volume of the acclaimed anime series Full Metal Panic! The title deftly combines mecha combat, martial arts, international criminal intrigue, high-school politics and a dash of teen romance, with buyers and critics alike responding strongly.
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 buzz around the title has been fanned by the appearance of the Full Metal Panic! manga, the first volume of which appeared in serial form in Newtype USA magazine, and which has recently been announced as forthcoming in its entirety from ADV Manga.
The Story: Suit up! There's plenty of AS ("Arm Slave" - human-controlled armored suit) action in this newest installment of Full Metal Panic! When tempers flare between Sergeant Major Mao and Captain Testarossa, there's only one way to settle the score: an AS duel. The stakes are high, the price of failure a fate worse than death-a naked lap around the track on the Mithril base. Later, even high-schoolers Shinji and Kaname get a turn behind the controls of an AS!
But the summer fun grinds to a halt when Sousuke is called away for a top-secret mission at his old stomping grounds, where painful memories threaten to bury him alongside his fallen comrades. Will he make it out alive? Don't miss a minute of the non-stop action that charges forward with both barrels blazing!
Full Metal Panic! Mission 04 (SRP $29.98 disc only) is a DVD-only release, including three complete episodes in both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include production sketches; clean opening and closing animations; Japanese piracy warnings; and ADV Previews.
HOUSTON, July 25, 2003-ADV Films today announced an October 14, 2003 release date for the third 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 albatross companion, Kir, who's constantly getting the pair into difficulties.
The Story: The Bandit King and Kir stumble upon more adventures and intrigue than they can imagine! Follow them as they trek the globe in search of exotic treasures and fend off enemies along the way!
"Don't Drop the Por Vora" Our heroes are on a quest to find the Systema Solari, but first they must deliver a dangerous cargo of two Por Vora. Trouble is waiting for them at every turn, but that won't stop Jing from coming out on top!
"The Musical Island of Coco-Oco" Tag along with Jing and Kir as they hop aboard a train to a strange island that holds a treasure claiming to "tremble lovers' hearts." After a disagreement, Jing and Kir go their separate ways to explore, but are reunited once they rescue a new friend. Will they leave with the treasure they came for or something even more valuable?
"The Lullaby of the Por Vora" Jing and Kir find themselves in Bluwari, home of the Por Vora and their guardian Elixir, whose life is dedicated to protecting her charges. Seems idyllic, but when the sanctuary is violated by evil-doers, can the King of Bandits save this poor girl by literally stealing her doomed fate?
King of Bandit Jing: Volume 3 (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release, including three complete episodes. Includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, and English subtitles. Extras include: original art, clean opening and closing animation, and ADV Previews.
Collector's Edition Still Available! Volume 1 of King of Bandit Jing is available in a collector's edition which includes the DVD and a custom series art box, sized to fit the entire series (SRP $39.98).
HOUSTON, July 25, 2003-ADV Films today set a street date of October 14, 2003 for the release of Neo Ranga: Ghosts of Days Gone By, the fifth volume of the critically acclaimed anime series.
Directed by Jun Kamiya (Blue Seed), Neo Ranga was widely celebrated on its original Japanese broadcast for the quality of its design and backgrounds, for the title's use of music, and for an intriguing and original plot. Neo Ranga: Ghosts of Days Gone By continues the second season of Neo Ranga, which was produced in Japan due to overwhelming public demand.
The Story: They say justice never sleeps, and in this gripping chapter of the Neo Ranga saga, the Shimabara sisters certainly have enough keeping them up at night. Caught between cruel conspirators and obtuse officials, hammered by the violent tides of public opinion, the girls give in to more personal ghosts that tear at the conscience's core.
The rift in Yuuhi's heart threatens to spread to her family during Christmas, a holiday for which she bears a deep hatred. Ushio triggers bitter memories from Haseoka's troubled past, which he must confront to save her future. But nothing thus far has prepared the sisters for the biggest shock of all-the mystifying return of their long-lost brother, Masaru. Is it really him...or something taking advantage of their greatest weakness?
Neo Ranga: Ghosts of Days Gone By (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release, containing eight 15-minute episodes. Both English- and Japanese-language versions are included, along with English subtitles. Extras include art gallery, translator notes, clean opening and closing animation, a Neo Ranga trailer, and ADV previews.
Anime, Fans, Friends and Fun; That's what AWA is all about.
Join us this year for AWA's 9th year as the South's largest and most exciting anime experience.
From our non-stop Video Programming and massive Gaming track ( Over 30 Classic Arcade titles, and the South's most exciting DDR Tournaments ) to the well stocked Dealers Room, your bound to find anything and every thing an anime fan could want.
Come visit us at HTTP://WWW.AWA-CON.COM for more details
Here are just some of the guest that you will meet this year at AWA
Toshio Okada: An animation legend; In 1985, he founded and was the president of Gainax.
Fred Ladd: Considered the father of anime in America, Mr. Ladd produced the Astro Boy TV show 40 years ago. Following the success of Astro Boy, he has produced other shows such as Gigantor, Kimba, 8th Man, The New Adventures of Gigantor, and Sailor Moon. A true anime pioneer, AWA is proud to have Mr. Ladd as our guest
Jo Chen: She has done art covers for various American Manga style comics such as Racer X and the Dark Minds series. www.jo-chen.com
Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons: Comic artist whose credits include Super Information Hijinks: Reality Check! published by Sirius Entertainment and Sushi Girl for Mixx Entertainment. She is currently working on her new romance shoujo manga. www.tavicat.com
Steve Bennett - www.ic-ent.com
Robert DeJesus - www.robertdejesus.com
Bruce Lewis - www.cheapdisposable.com
Jason Martin - www.artplaymix.com
Kira Vincent Davis: voices of Ryunosuke Natsume from All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, Ruri Hoshino from Martian Successor Nadesico, Yuuhi Shimabara from Neo Ranga, Koharu Hotta from Princess Nine, Meru and Taru from Sorcerer on the Rocks, Nakahito Kagura from Steel Angel Kurumi, Najica from Najica, Shampoo from Slayers: The Motion Picture.
Rosearik Rikki Simons: Rosearik is proabably best known as the voice of GIR on Nickleodeon's "Invader Zim". However, that's far from all . Rosearik also designed the color layout for Zim and before that he and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons worked together on several excellent comic books.
Allison Keith: Her credits include;Neon Genesis Evangelion series as well as Death & Rebirth and The End of Evangelion, Super Atragon, Sakura,Blue Seed, Nanvel,Burn Up eXcess,Burn Up W, Golden Boy,Gunsmith Cats, Excel Saga, Dirty Pair Flash, Princess Nine and Rune Soldier and her latest role as Nuku from Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku.
Kelli Cousins: voices of Seira Morimura from Princess Nine, Kurumi from Steel Angel Kurumi, and Akari Mizushima from Chance POP Session.
Peter Fernandez - voice of Speed Racer & Racer X, producer for the Star Blazers series.
Monica Rial
Corinne Orr - voice of Trixie, Marine Boy and the original voice of Snuggles the Bear.
Doug Smith
Amy Howard Wilson - home.earthlink.net/~amysvoice
Brett Weaver - www.siteofdestiny.com
Tim Eldred -Spider-Man, Jackie Chan Adventures, and Tutenstein, creative-content on the Star Blazers and Space Battleship Yamato DVD's for Voyager Entertainment.
Jan Scott Frazier - Veteran animator, former head of a Thailand animation studio, former producer for Production IG, consultant & guru to the masses, Scott has more interesting stories about what it's really like to work in anime production than anyone in the English speaking world. www.sockfairy.com
Nickey Froberg
Carl Horn - www.viz.com
David Williams - www.advfilms.com
Neil Nadelman
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