Anime News Service - December 11-17 Anime News

12-17-00---- Central Park Media Press

CPM has updated their website with March 2001 product releases.

12-17-00---- Anime On Vox

There has been a flurry of anime broadcasting on German satellite channel VOX (Astra 19 deg.E) throughout December including the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series.

12-17-00---- Yamato Typing Game Commemoration Event

To commemorate the sale of typing software "Toku-Uchi Heros - Space Battleship Yamato -- Typing Wave Cannon", Sasaki Isao held a mini-live event in LAOX Hobby-kan in Akihabara, Japan recently.

12-16-00---- Controversial Japanese Movie Screens Against The Backdrop Of Protests

Despite recent public official appeals to curb the theatrical screening of violent films, a new controversial Japanese movie featuring a series of fatal fights by junior high school students opened Saturday to the public at cinemas nationwide. Kyodo has a writeup on the events here.

12-16-00---- Mixx Adds DVD Listing

Mixx has updated their website with a mention of the companies first DVD release, Kenji's Spring and Chaos. Due on 2/14, there is no price listed currently with no listed price. Japanese and English language options and Spanish, French, German, Korean, Chinese subtitles are expected.

12-16-00---- Landmark Ruling From Canadian Supreme Court On Erotica

From the Globe and Mail comes an article on an important court ruling which certainly impacts on some types of anime and manga flowing in and out of Canada - Canadian customs agents have done a shoddy job of intercepting potentially obscene material coming into Canada, but they may continue to police obscenity if they brush up their act, the Supreme Court ruled Friday.

12-16-00---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Submisions regular, Daniel, sends in this Videogames.com article link where an updated hands on preview of the U.S. localized Lodoss War title for Dreamcast. Details on story and battle system are provided.

The GIA has been updated with a report that Konami has announced the full slate of items included slated for inclusion in the limited edition of its forthcoming PlayStation 2 title Zone of Enders. The Z.O.E Premium Package will include an 150-page coffee table artbook, a CD single of the game's opening theme, and a special DVD edition of the Zone of Enders anime. The Premiuim Package will retail for 13,800 Yen. The Suncoast-created video, titled Z.O.E 2167 Idolo, will be released as a separate item at the same time as the game. The stand-alone editions of the anime will lack some of the features of the DVD included the the Premium Package. Z.O.E is due on March 1st in Japan.

12-15-00---- Manga Site Upgrades Status Of Evangelion Movie Release

Manga Entertainment has added the following listing:

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION (movie) - Comming Summer, 2001!

12-15-00---- Trigun Vash Variant Coming From Diamond

Figures.com is reporting Diamond Previews will offer a limited edition variant figure of Trigun's Vash the Stampede which is made up ofan entirely new paint scheme from the originally offered "standard" figure. Vash’s hair is white, his coat and clothing black, and the detailed display base is now spattered with "blood". Part of Kaiyodo’s Toy Tribe series, this figure was designed by Trigun creator, Yasuhiro Nightow, and features 22 points of articulation, interchangeable hands, detailed base — complete with Vash’s wanted poster, and packed on original Japanese blister card packaging. Scheduled to be in stores by 3/14/2001 for $15.

12-15-00---- Pioneer Delay - Right Stuf Updates

The Right Stuf reports that Pioneer has announced that they will be delaying the release of Saber Marionette J DVD Collection 1 until 1/23/01.

Following is their other noteworthy listing updates from today:

Crest of the Stars 1: To the Stars DVD (Hyb)
Date Available - Mar 6 2001
Format - Hybrid
100 Minutes
Publisher - ANIME VILLAGE
Rating - 13+
Normal Price: $29.98
Sale Price: $26.99

Orphen: Scion of Sorcery 1 (D)
Date Available - Mar 27 2001
Format - Dubbed in English
75 Minutes
Publisher - AD VISION
Rating - 12+
Normal Price: $19.98
Sale Price: $17.99

Orphen: Scion of Sorcery 1 DVD (Hyb)
Date Available - Mar 27 2001
Format - Hybrid
75 Minutes
Publisher - AD VISION
Rating - 12+
Normal Price: $29.98
Sale Price: $26.99

Outlaw Star DVD 3 (Hyb)
Date Available - Mar 6 2001
Format - Hybrid
200 Minutes
Publisher - ANIME VILLAGE
Rating - 13+
Normal Price: $44.98
Sale Price: $40.49

Saber Marionette J DVD Collection 2 (Hyb)
Date Available - Mar 6 2001
Format - Hybrid
200 Minutes
Publisher - ANIME VILLAGE
Rating - 13+
Normal Price: $44.98
Sale Price: $40.49

12-15-00---- YF-21 Images

Macross World has posted images of the just released Yamato YF-21 Mechanical Transformer.

12-15-00---- Hentai Comic At Center Of Legal Battle

An interesting article here on a legal battle which recently ended in Dallas, Texas. At the center of the controversy is now dropped obscenity charge against a Dallas comic shop clerk. The clerk allegedly sold a copy of the hentai Demon Beast Invasion: The Fallen #2, and Legend of the Overfiend.

12-15-00---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Sega has released new details on their latest arcade entry, Virtual On Force (tentative title), an upgrade to Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram which features a new 2 VS 2 battle system. 4 characters can combat in the battle field simultaneously. A new Leader System is adapted in the battle, during the game, your team is defeated when the leader's life gauges reaches 0 (even if the second character have a full life gauge). If time limit reaches 0, the side with higher combined life guage becomes the winner. However, during the battle, you can recharge your partner's life gauge by contacting your partner, and use Resuce Dash move (pushing the Start Button). What's more interesting is that when the second character is defeated, the leader character can revive his partner by giving half of its life to the partner. During the battle, you can switch your attacking target by pusing both left and right turbo button.

Sega Sonicteam has posted a TV Commercial movie and a font set for the Dreamcast online RPG Phantasy Star Online.

Atlus is planning to port its classic Super Famicom RPG series Shin Megami Tensei (Digital Devil Story) to PlayStation, including Shin Megami Tensei (spring 2001), Shin Megami Tensei II (summer 2001), and Shin Megami Tensei if... (fall 2001). The PS remake will have enhanced graphics, music, user interface and revised storyline. Atlus also mentioned that the all new Shin Megami Tensei III for PlayStation 2 will be coming out by the end of 2001.

Konami announced a new arcade party game called Animated Cartoon Champ, the latest installment of the popular "Champ" (Bishibashi) series. This time the theme is anime cartoon, you will see characters from several anime in the mini games, including Sorcerer Surrey and Gegege no Kitaro.

Banpresto announced Super Robot Taisen Alpha Gaiden for PlayStation, a side story of the highly popular robot battle simulation series. The game is scheduled to release in Japan in March 2001, for 6980 yen. Full details will be revealed at the Jump Festival 2001 in Japan on December 23.

ASK Kotensha announced a special edition of Bandai's Mobile Suit Gundam for PlayStation 2, the game will be given out in a lucky draw. This special edition will allow you to use all the characters in the Tactic Battle Mode, including hidden ones. Only 1800 copies will be given out, and you can enter the lucky draw by mailing back the application form attached in Mobile Suit Gundam.

Source: The Magic Box

12-15-00---- New Shoji Kawamori Anime Planned

Macross creator Shoji Kawamori will be co-developing the upcoming anime Tv series Earth Defense Family and the series Earth Girl Ajuna. Ajuna tells the story of a young girl who sees the future in a dream and then goes about trying to change the world in the present to avoid the future she foresaw. Yoko Kanno will create original music for the series.

Source: Fanboy Entertainment

12-14-00---- Lodoss Wars Creator Involved In New Project

Record of Lodoss War creator Ryo Mizuno is currently overseeing a new anime series described as "a space opera with lots of cute girls". The anime's working title is Project GA.

Source: Fanboy Entertainment

12-14-00---- Powerpuff Girls To Air In Japan

From January 10th, the American anime-inspired series, The Powerpuff Girls will begin airing in Japanese on TV Tokyo on Wednesdays at 6:30. Narration will be provided by Japanese comedian Kazuki Kosakai.

Source: Fanboy Entertainment

12-14-00---- Infogrames DBZ Game Interview

planetnamek.com has began a weekly Q & A feature with Infogrames regarding the upcoming DBZ games. The first such session has been posted, and can be found here.

12-14-00---- Tenchi CD Soundtrack Details

According to Pioneer's Chad Kime, recent retailer listings of an upcoming domestic U.S. 'Tenchi Muyo Soundtrack CD', to be released Feb. 27th at the MSRP of $16.98 do indeed refer the soundtrack that will mark the first Anime CD release from Pioneer Music Publishing. The 13 track soundtrack will be distributed by Koch International (who also distribute the Pokemon 2BA Master CD). At present Pioneer has no other Anime CD's on the schedule, although Boa (Lain Opening Theme) will have a CD released by the company in March.

12-14-00---- Holiday Greetings Graphic From Manga Entertainment

Manga Entertainment has released a lighthearted Holiday Greetings graphic which can be viewed here.

12-14-00---- YF-21 Toy Released In Japan

In Japan, Yamato has released it's latest YF-21 offering from a famed (although rather infamed in the U.S. at present with some fans) series of new mechanical transformers. Several e-tail sites within Japan and online auction houses are already listing the item.

12-14-00---- Bandai Drops VHS Releases

The Right Stuf is reporting that Bandai Entertainment has announced that, as of 12/31/00, they will behalting the VHS release versions of the following series: AWOL Don't Leave Me Alone Daisy Eatman Eatman 98 Ehrgeiz Haunted Junction
Also, Bandai will cease DVD and VHS versions of the Monkey Magic Series.

12-14-00---- Pet Shop Of Horrors Special Edition DVD Release

Excerpted from the official Urban Vision press announcement:

Pet Shop of Horrors Special Edition DVD
prebook: 2/2/01 street date: 2/27/01

“This is one of those shows that, after watching, you just sit there thinking, "‘Wow that was cool.’” Shidoshi, GameFan Magazine

From Anime Legends Hisashi Abe (Vampire Hunter D), Rintaro (Final Fantasy) and Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Bio Hunter, Wicked City)…

Welcome to Chinatown’s most unique pet shop. There is a variety of exotic creatures to choose from, each with an intriguing tale to share with the lucky owner. But be careful, what you see is not necessarily what you get.

Here is a collection of four stories of lost love, second chances, and redemption. Whether or not the client can handle the responsibility, however, is a matter of life and death. The first episode, entitled “Daughter”, chronicles a couple’s attempt at having the perfect family. The second episode, “Delicious”, is a tale of betrayal and risky opportunity. The third episode, “Despair”, tells the story of a has-been actor and a love so blindly devoted, it surpasses even death. The final episode, “Dual”, brings the legendary holy beast known as the Kirin into the hands of two men, and only one will survive.

All four episodes in one complete collection!

Special Features Include:
· Remastered in 5.1!

· Audio Commentary by English Director and Cast!
· Never-before-seen deleted material!
· Language Options for English and Japanese!
· UV Trailers!
· UV Website!

Approximate Run time: 92 minutes
Warning: contains scenes of violence and brief nudity. Recommended for mature audiences.
Director: Toshio Hirata
Executive Producer: Masao Maruyama
Animation Producer: Masao Morosawa
Produced by: TBS
©MARI AKINO/POLYGRAM/TBS/MADHOUSE
Suggested Retail Price: $29.95 Catalog Number: UV1067
ISBN: 1-890603-67-8 UPC: 638652-10670-4

12-14-00---- Japanese Government Officials Move Against Film Violence And Pornography On TV

In a concerted effort to curb nudity and violence in Japan's entertainment industry, both Education Minister Nobutaka Machimura and Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori have made moves against the controversial topics which have in turn made headlines in Japan in recent days. Kyodo News reports ministry officials have said that Eduction Minister Machimura decided Tuesday to meet with a government film commission and a group of cinema owners to ask them to urge cinemas to voluntarily refrain from showing a controversial Japanese movie featuring a series of fatal fights by junior high school students. The Prime Minister on Wednesday called on the Japanese public to pressure television stations to stop broadcasting violent or pornographic TV scenes, saying there is a limit to what politicians can do to put an end to them. It is currently unknown what imapct if any these actions will have on the actual state of the various standards the officials seek to change or a possible impact on Anime which is produced for both television broadcast and theatrical screening.

12-13-00---- G-Saviour Broadcast Details

The jointly North America / Japan produced live action / CGI Gundam Movie, G-Saviour will be broadcast on a number of television networks across Japan on January 29th, 16:00-17:25. In addition, a special making of documentary "Special Document G-Saviour Of The 20th Gundam Birth Anniversary" will also be shown on a smaller number of select stations about 1 week prior to the movie's broadcast. Victor Entertainment has set Feb. 7th as the release date for the soundtrack to the movie. The CD will retail at 3045 Yen and include the ED theme, "Orb" and BGM.

12-13-00---- FF IX Plush

Palisades Marekting has added details and an image of it's FF IX plush mage which can be viewed here.

12-13-00---- ADV Press

Excerpted from the official press release from ADV Films:

Official Press Release
For Immediate Release
December 13, 2000
ADV Films Announces Home Video Release Of
LOST UNIVERSE: VOLUME 7

ADV Films is proud to announce the latest addition to the stellar Lost Universe home video collection, Lost Universe: Volume 7.

The Nightmare Syndicate has done some pretty rotten things in their day. They’ve created an intricate web of mafias and crime organizations that rob the galaxy blind. They’ve unleashed their pirates on an unsuspecting population. And they’ve infiltrated the very highest levels of the galaxy’s last hope: The Universal Guardians. But all of these crimes pale in comparison to what they did to Kain’s Grandma. As far as he’s concerned it’s payback time and he won’t rest until he’s cleaned out the whole operation. With Millie and Canal distracted by Rail’s problems, he’ll have to go it alone. But a real Trouble Shooter wouldn’t have it any other way!

Don’t miss out in April 2001, when ADV Films releases the latest Lost Universe adventure. Lost Universe: Volume 7 will be available on VHS in an English dubbed ($19.98) version and also in the original Japanese edition with English subtitles ($29.95). ADV Films, the premiere label of A.D.Vision, Inc. formed in 1992, is North America’s #1 distributor of top-of-the-line Japanese animation (“anime”), with titles such as Sailor Moon, Samurai X and Neon Genesis Evangelion. ADV Films, along with distributing top-quality, computer-animated titles such as ReBoot® and Shadowraiders™, and Weird-Ohs™ and the live-action sci-fi hit Farscape, also produces American and Japanese live-action programming for theatrical and broadcast release. Check out ADV Films on the web at www.advfilms.com.
Lost Universe: Volume 7
Running Time: 75 minutes Age Rating: 12yrs+
Pre-Book Date: 3/13/01
Street Date: 4/10/01
Product Invoice Name Format SRP UPC# CAT#
LOST UNIV 7 DUB VHS (English-dubbed) $19.98 702727055836 VHSLU/007D
LOST UNIV 7 SUB VHS (English-subtitled) $29.95 702727059933 VHSLU/007S

12-13-00---- Eva DVD 3 Changes

According to The Right Stuf ADV has decided to alter the episode line up on the upcoming Evangelion DVDs. Instead of the originally scheduled 4 episodes on Evangelion DVD 3, there will only be 3. The following update was also made to the Right Stuf's listing:

Evangelion, Neon Genesis DVD 3 (episodes 9-12- from 0:5-0:6) (Hyb)
Date Available - Jan 23 2001
Format - Hybrid
Genre - Science Fiction
100 Minutes
Publisher - AD VISION
Rating - 13+
Year Created - 1995
Normal Price: $29.98
Sale Price: $26.99

12-13-00---- Anime / Manga Gaming

The GBC Dragon Quest III is headed to the U.S. ZD net has a full report here. The link mentions artist Akira Toriyama and the composer Koichi Sugiyama's contributions to anime.

Gamer's Republic has news that Sega and Namco have merged here.

Bandai's new portable Wonderswan Color has sold over 300,000 units in two days. Gamer's Republic has more at this link.

12-12-00---- New Poo-chi Toys On The Way

Sega Toys Ltd. announced that it will expand it's "Kokorobo" toy line, releasing new electronic dinosaur-like products for 3,480 Yen from April 2001, and a flower-like product for 2,480 Yen in June. Sega Toys is developing a TV animation with Tiger Electronics Ltd. early next year for broadcast in the fall.

12-12-00---- Rurouni Kenshin Creator's New Project

Yet another big news item from Fanboy Entertainment's website today:

After having finished the epic manga series RURUONI KENSHIN last year, creator Nobuhiro Watsuki has been taking "a break" from manga. That break has lasted almost a year now. But have no fear, Watsuki is back in the game. However, Kenshin fans may be surprised by his newest manga as it takes us far from the samurai roots he is known best for. Watsuki's newest manga, which began in JUMP this week, is a new Western gunslinger series that centers around the adventures of a 9 year old boy. More details to come...

12-12-00---- Bandai Visual News In Japan

Bandai Visual (Emotion) has announced that in the spring of 2001 the Gundam Movies "Char's Counter Attack" and "F91" are headed for a special DVD release in Japan.

12-12-00---- Viz Comics Press

Viz Communications has released 2 press announcments today, you can view them here.

12-12-00---- New Touch TV Special Coming To Japanese Television In The Spring

Mitsuru Adachi's Touch series is being revived in Japan this spring for a new Nippon Television animation project. The new anime focuses on a poor minor league baseball team which must face many strong rivals. Seiyuu on the project include Noriko Hidaka and Yuuji Mitsuya. Production is by Nipoon Television, Toho, Shogakukan, and VAP.

12-12-00---- New OVA 'Puni Puni - Panmi'

Coming from the production staff of Excel Saga is a new OVA series titled Puni Puni - Panmi that is said to combine mecha and magical girl elements. In the anime a young and cheerful fourth grade girl that dreams of becoming a voice actor and lives a normal family life. Suddenly one day, an alien raids her house and kills her parents. Voice Talent Inlcudes Yuka Imai. Character designs are by Akira Ishino, story is by Yosuke Kuroda. Animation is by J.C. Staff. The 30 minute volume 1 of Puni Puni - Panmi is currently slated to be released in Japan on DVD on March 7th, retailing at 5,800 Yen.

12-12-00---- Reiji Matsumoto To Direct New Daft Punk Video

According to Fanboy Entertainment's Tokyo office, Reiji Matsumoto, famed creator of Galaxy Express 999 and Space Battleship Yamato, has signed on to direct a video for the music group DAFT PUNK. Reports indicate Mr. Matsumoto will not only direct the new music video but also provide the designs and story boards as well as oversee other aspects of the video's production. The video will be for the DAFT PUNK song One More Time.

12-12-00---- Anime Music News

The Opening theme single to the upcoming TV series Earth Defense Family "Samurai", performed by ROLLY goes on sale Jan. 24th, retailing at 1,000 Yen. "Mirror Mirror" also performed by Rolly is also on the CD.

The Ending theme single to Earth Defense Family, "Shape Of Flower", goes on sale February 21, 2001. Both OP and ED singles are being released by Victor Entertainment.

12-12-00---- LA Times Tenchi Article

The LA Times Newspaper has posted this article on the Tenchi Muyo series.

12-12-00---- Argento Soma Event

A special screening even for Sunrise's latest running drama Sci-Fi TV series, Argento Soma will take place in Osaka on December 16. Staff such as Noriko Kuwajima and Soichiro Hoshi will be on hand. A screening of episodes 1-3 will take place.

12-12-00---- Anime / Manga Gaming

The Shenmue Movie, featuring English voice and Japanese subtitles will begin screening in Japan from January 20th.

IGN has posted this article with images on the new Dreamcast Macross M3 game.

Here are two TV CM movies for Bandai's upcoming PS2 robot action game Mobile Suite Gundam, the game will be released in Japan on December 21, for 6800 yen.

Real Media: CM1, CM2

- Bandai announced tha tthey are working on a new Mobile Suite Gundam title for Dreamcast in its website. Full details of the game will be revealed on December 22.

Source: The Magic Box

The GIA repports that according to Working Designs' Victor Ireland the long-awaited release of Lunar 2 will be pushed back by a few days due to the "freak blizzard" that has hit a distribution center in Chicago. While no definite shipping date was given, Ireland expects the title to ship sometime later in the week.

12-12-00---- Fanboy Updates

Via an update on the Fanboy Entertainment News mailing list, the company announced they have updated their website in order to give fans and retailers up-to-date information on their comics and products currently in production.

In the Fanboy Forums section, a new message board titled Production and Shipping Updates has been added. Here they will post any news on the different stages of development and production all their projects are currently in. C.B. writes he will personally be updating the site on a regular basis.

If I have any information about any of the comics, then so will you. It is our every intention to keep everyone who is interested as current as possible as to where the books and products you are looking for are and when you will be seeing them in the shops and on the shelves.

Current project news that has recently been updated:

Dark Angel: Phoenix Resurrection #2
Sidekicks #3
Spellbound
Mobius Klein #1
Genesis Factor

We want to keep you in the know. That is our goal. If you have any questions that you feel are not being properly addressed, please feel free to ask. You can e-mail me directly at cbcebulski@fanboyinc.com and I will have your answer posted as soon as I can. Also, feel free to discuss any of the news or updates in the appropriate title specific message boards or on the general News Discussion message board. Please participate.

Fanboy is a company that is here for you, the fan, and we want to keep you as up-to-date and involved as possible. Please e-mail me any ideas or suggestions you may have as we are continually looking for ways to further improve ourselves.

12-11-00---- Shoujocon Release

Excerpted from the official release:

SHOUJOCON SPOTLIGHTS JAPANESE COMICS AND ANIMATION FOR FEMALE FANS

Fan-Organized Convention Features Manga and Anime Made By Women For Women

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J., December 1, 2000 – In North America, comics and animation are dominated by male artists creating for a male audience. In Japan, however, a significant portion of manga ('comics' in Japan) cater to a demographic largely ignored in the U.S. comics scene: young girls and women. With the recent popularity of imported Japanese "magical girl" cartoons such as Sailor Moon and Cardcaptors, the subgenre of shoujo ('girls') manga and anime (Japanese animation) is developing its own strong female following here in the West. In response to this steadily-growing fandom, an organization of fans has created an event dedicated to celebrating and promoting awareness of this burgeoning offshoot of Japanese pop culture: Shoujocon, the first and only Western fan convention devoted to girls' and women's manga and anime.

"[Anime and manga] Conventions are, for the most part, focused on the largest contingent of fans -- young men," says Katchan, chairperson of Shoujocon. "Rather than try to change some of the largest annual conventions in North America, we decided to create one of our own -- one that not only would address the issues we wanted to see addressed, but which would in fact cater to the fandom we love."

Shoujocon's premiere in July of 2000 drew over 450 fans from as far as the UK and Japan. The 2001 exposition promises to be even bigger and better, featuring discussion panels and workshops on manga- and anime-related topics, as well as aspects of Japanese culture, and entertaining games and events for all. Shoujocon will also house an extensive Dealers' Room, where vendors from all over will sell popular and hard-to-find manga, anime, and related merchandise. Three Video Rooms will run twenty-four hours featuring both well-known and rarely-seen titles, with themes ranging from fantasy, to science fiction, to high school romance, to adult-themed animation for women.

Shoujocon takes place July 14-15, 2001, at the East Brunswick Hilton and Towers, conveniently located near the New Jersey Turnpike and within easy access of Newark Airport. For more information about Shoujocon and the 2001 convention, please visit Shoujocon on the World Wide Web, at http://www.shoujocon.com/

12-11-00---- Media Blasters Press

Media Blasters has released this press announcement today highlighting new titles.

12-11-00---- Right Stuf Updates

The Right Stuf has issued it's latest round of updates:

Digimon: The Movie DVD (D)
Date Available - Feb 6 2001
Format - Dubbed in English
Genre - Adventure
Publisher - FOX
Rating - ALL
Normal Price: $24.98
Sale Price: $22.49

Street Fighter II TV Series Volume 3 DVD (Hyb) (eps 15-20)
Date Available - Mar 27 2001
Format - Hybrid
150 Minutes
Publisher - MANGA

Normal Price: $29.95
Sale Price: $26.96

Street Fighter II TV Series Volume 4 DVD (Hyb) (eps 21-26)
Date Available - Mar 27 2001
Format - Hybrid
150 Minutes
Publisher - MANGA
Normal Price: $29.95
Sale Price: $26.96

12-11-00---- JoJo's Figures Release

Figures.com is reporting that Koto's first 5 boxed sets of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure figures are now in stores across the US. This set features a static action figure of the character Jotaro Kujo and his powerful avatar Star Platinum who has seven points of articulation. The action figure set is currently on sale through specialty shops for a suggested retail price of $29.95. Watch for four more action figure sets based on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure coming to the US in 2001.

12-11-00---- Escaflowne Tarot Card Proof Woes

Bandai Entertainment has released the following statement regarding tarot card proof problems with Escaflowne DVD and VHS release:

Dear Valued Customer, As you may already know we have been having some minor difficulties arise in the packaging process associated with our videos and DVD’s. These problems have been corrected and will not affect the remainder of the promotion. However, the purpose of this announcement is to let you know that if you received a vol. 5 proofs of purchase card in the place of vol. 2’s, do not panic! We will accept two vol. 5 cards with the vol. 2 card missing when it comes time to redeem the promotional items. Also, if you happened to receive a particular volume that did not have any proofs of purchase cards included please include a receipt or something showing that you purchased the video or DVD. We would like to convey our deepest apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused and let you know that we are doing everything possible to make sure the promotion is still fair to everyone participating! Best Regards, Christopher Marsh www.AnimeVillage.com Bandai Entertainment, Inc.

12-11-00---- Pokemon Banned In Turkey

The Japan Times online is carrying an article here about a ban on Pokemon TV episode broadcasts TV becuase of safety concerns. Apparently two children are believed to injured themselves by leaping from the balcony of their homes allegedly in imitation of a Pokemon character.

12-11-00---- Anime Alberta Updates

Excerpted from the release:

ATTN: Albertan Anime Fans!

Anime Alberta Set for 2001

http://www.anime-alberta.org

Hi everyone! I'd like to let you know about the latest happenings at Anime Alberta. Projects are starting up, new features are online and our merchandise section is getting going too. Among them:

-2001 Anime Alberta Fanfic Collection

http://www.anime-alberta.org/03_features/fanfic/fanfic2001rules.html

We're going to print a fanfic collection! While we're looking mostly for Albertan writers, the collection will be open to submissions from anywhere in Canada. Want to see your work in print in the summer of 2001? Here's your chance! Deadline's April 1.

-Impromanga

http://www.anime-alberta.org/impromanga/

Our online improvisational manga is updated and rolling again! We're looking for artists to continue our first impromanga, "Legal Age". It's about a university student in Neo Red Deer, with the unfortunate habit of turning into a kid half his age. Check it out at the above link, and sign up if you want!

-Anime Alberta 2001 T-shirts

http://www.anime-alberta.org/03_features/tshirt/winner.html

Every year, Anime Alberta holds a T-shirt contest for the benefit of the clubs in the province. Here's the winner of the third annual contest! We're taking pre-orders now - follow the link.

-Ask Mo-chan and Guest Picks

http://www.anime-alberta.org/03_features/features.html

Anime Alberta's own mascot has his own regular column now! Got a stupid question? He's your beaver. Also, we're giving Albertan fans a chance to tell you what their favorite anime links are. It's all in the Features section!

-Anime Alberta Forums

http://pub22.ezboard.com/banimealberta

Geared for anime fans in our own province, the Forums are posted to every day by over 60 users. Discuss anime and manga with your peers from around Alberta! See artwork from local artists! The Forums are there for you.

Of course, this is all in addition to our usual guides, articles, mangas, and other features that are all regularly updated on Anime Alberta. Albertan or not, it's worth taking a peek. We'll see you there!

Mark Nguyen
Co-founder, Anime Alberta
http://www.anime-alberta.org/

12-11-00---- Comprehensive Tezuka Database Coming To DVD-ROM

Perhaps the most thorough collection of data released to date, a new 8 disc DVD-ROM format database covering a majority of animation legend Osamu's Tezuka's works will be released in Japan from on March 30th, retailing at 120,000 Yen. The set collects the data of over 400 books and includes a heavily researched Tezuka chronolgy. The software will be compatible with Japanese Windows 95-98-Me PC's and Macs running OS 9 with Kanji Talk.

12-11-00---- Anime / J-Pop Music News

The first CD soundtrack to the Brigadoon TV series will be released in Japan on January 21 st at 3045 Yen.

The release date of Hikaru Utada's new single has been set as February 16, 2001. Featured will the theme of a drama, HERO that is being broadcast at 9p.m. on CX in Japan.

12-11-00---- Raccoon Rascal Mobile Phone Animation

EZweb and "Mobile World Masterpiece Theater" are offering a new mobile phone animation of Raccoon Rascal for download at a 210 Yen / month fee. Future animations are planned for 'Dog Of Flanders'and 'Adventures Of Tom Sawyer'. Service starts in December.

12-11-00---- Dragonball Z Mini Statues

Palisades has announced the lineup for their Dragonball Z line of mini-statues! The planned lineup includes Goku, Krillin, Androids 17 & 18, Perfect Cell, Trunks, and Piccolo.

Source: Figures.com

12-11-00---- Role Playing Revival?

From the the Spokesman review comes this article listing some evidence of traditional Role Playing games currently being in the state of a large revival.

12-10-00---- McFarlane Toys Toyfare Awards

According to Spawn.com, the February issue of ToyFare magazine, on newsstands now, contains its annual Best of the Best story. McFarlane Toys is proud to have once again won the Best Toy Company of the Year award. "You can look at just about any McFarlane line, from Movie Maniacs to Slap Shot to anime, and the toys are simply too cool not to own," the magazine wrote. The company won the Best Paint Application: Tetsuo from McFarlane's 3D Animation from Japan.

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