Konami will release the PlayStation action RPG Rave Groove Adventure: Eternity Bonds in Japan on January 31, for 5800 yen. The game is based on the popular manga, with traditional overhead 2D gameplay, two companion character will follow the main character during the adventure, similar to Square's Seiken Densetsu (Secret of Mana). The two companion characters will attack the enemies automatically, their action are affected by the degree of trust toward the main character, you can keep track of the level of trust by the facial expression of the other two character displayed in the status bar.
Bandai will release a new fighting game for PSone called From TV Animation: One Piece Ground Battle 2 in Japan in March, this is the sequel to their popular anime based fighting game, which have sold over 500,000 units last year.
The next Sentai TV series can be aproximately translated to STEALTH WIND TASK FORCE HURRICANGER. One of the first itmes released for this series will be a set of the Rangers' hand weapons. The three guns will be able to fit together to form a larger gun.
If the fans want it enough and my friends pressure me enough I may decide to bring it back again in the future email me your thoughts.
Thanks To Daniel K for the news
Yuricon, a celebration of shoujoai and yuri in anime and manga, presents "Sword and Roses Night" at Meow Mix in New York City, on Feb 13th, from 7-11PM
Join us for shoujoai-style Valentine's romance with Swords and Roses night. Courtly love, duels for beautiful women, dashing women in uniform dancing with princesses - this night will have it all. Dress to the nines for this soujourn into shoujoai anime's most romantic moments. We'll be holding contests and giving away prizes, so bring your brain as well as your heart.
The first dozen women to arrive will each receive a chocolate rose.
Meow Mix is located at 269 E. Houston in New York City. Men and women over 21 are welcome. Cover charge is $5, $4 with ALC sticker.
For more Yuricon events, visit our website at http://www.yuricon.org
Funimation Productions, Ltd. has just acquired another hit anime series called Fruits Basket. We are honored and excited to bring this series to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. This is a fresh series in Japan with 26 episodes produced so far. Fruits Basket has recently become the number 1 selling manga in Japan for females and number 3 overall. Recent issues of anime magazines in Japan are rating this show in the top 3 favorites among the "anime" community. Some would classify this show as a "girl's title," but the TV ratings are high among males as well. Fruits Basket is produced by Studio Deen, which is known for great anime including Hunter X Hunter, You're Under Arrest, Moncore Nights, Doraemon, Eat Man and Rurouni Kenshin.
In this review at New Times L.A. , you can read who are the seiyuu for the Metropolis movie. Interestingly enough, they mention that Go Nagai has a cameo in the film, and that there are many cameos that only the "Hardcore Otaku" would recognize. What's also surprising is that the English dub cast for Metropolis (based on information found at http://us.imdb.com/Title?0293416) would've included Toshio Furukawa, best known as Ataru from Urusei Yatsura, Piccolo from Dragonball, Lupin in the Fuma Conspiracy and Crying Freeman.
Kuwashima Houko is releasing a second character vocal song album collection on 4/3/02. Price is 3059 yen; KMCA-153.
Sakamoto Maaya is releasing her "Hemisphere" CD single on 2/21/02, which is the Rahxeophon TV series' anime image theme song. Price is 1050 yen; VICL-35358.
Tange Sakura, now wanting to be known as "ANGEL and has her single "LOVE," to be released 2/27/02; price is 1500 yen; POCE-2047.
Horie Yui will be releasing a new single "Kirari Takaramono" on 2/28/02. Price is 1050 yen; KICM-3025.
Kasahara Hiroko will be releasing a single containing the new OP/ED themes for her radio show, "Okawari no Jiyuu," on 3/13/02. Price is 1050 yen; AKCJ-81007.
Hayashibara Megumi will be releasing a new single, "Northern Lights," on 3/27/02; price is 1050 yen; KICM-3027. This is the new OP theme for the anime series "Shaman King."
Source: Daniel
1)""Sen" in German Film Festival The film (retaining its original Japanese title) will be shown at "Berlinale", the largest film festival in Germany. The festival runs from February 6 to February 17.Official website (schedule to appear on January 29)Listing of films to appear in the festivalThanks to Knut Brockmann and René Pfeifer for the news."
2)"Two editions of "Princesse Mononoke" are scheduled for release in France on March 20. A normal edition (identical to the R1 DVD) and a collector's edition that includes a single 35mm frame from the film. Another edition (super-hyper-deluxe?) with even more goodies is scheduled for a September 23 release. For more details (including box scans) please visit:
"The theatrical release date for "Le voyage de Chihiro" is now April 4 (according to the French edition of "Premiere" magazine) or April 10 from this site.Thanks to Xavier Paul and Martin Kaegi for the news."
Amazingly sculpted by Sam Greenwell and masterfully painted by Tsuyoshi of Kotobukiya Co., the Gunsmith Cats will be heating up shelves and online retailers on February 15th, 2002.
One of the most anticipated anime lines to be announced, Gunsmith Cats creator Kenichi Sonoda himself gave an enthusiastic thumbs up to the detailed figures. Each figure is packed with their weapon of choice. Rally packs Beretta, sniper rifle, and her trademark CZ-75. While Minnie May is outfitted with an array of grenades, a machine gun, and two small handguns.
An image can be viewed at the link
From Gamespot : "Konami has officially announced Dance Dance Revolution Konamix, a new rhythm game based on the DDR series that's currently in development for the PlayStation. The company hasn't released any specific information on the game, but it stated that this particular version of Dance Dance Revolution will include 50 songs, three new play modes, and a special workout mode. Dance Dance Revolution Konamix is scheduled for release on April 23."
And Gamespot states that Sega will release a Smash Pack for GBA that includes Sonic Spinball, Ecco the Dolphin, and Golden Axe.
1)This is from http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2842247,00.html :
"Sony has released details on the launch of the PlayStation 2 in Korea. According to a Reuters report, the system will be released on February 22 and will retail for 358,000 won (approximately $269). There will also be 14 games available at launch, including Tekken Tag Tournament, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, Maximo: Ghosts to Glory, Onimusha, and Devil May Cry. To help ensure a successful launch, Sony established a new branch of its computer entertainment division that will be responsible for marketing products in South Korea. The launch of the PlayStation 2 in Korea is a part of Sony's long-term strategy to extend its reach in Asia. The company recently announced a partnership with Korean game publisher NCsoft to bring the popular PC MMORPG EverQuest to Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Sony hopes to ship 20 million PlayStation 2 consoles worldwide for 2002 by March."
2)"GameSpot has learned that a new game named Dance Dance Konamix--a new game in the Dance Dance Revolution series of games--is currently in development for the PlayStation. When contacted for comment, a Konami representative confirmed the existence of the game and said that it should be coming to the US within the next few months. Unfortunately, no details were given on the soundtrack or the type of modes it will contain. We'll have more on Dance Dance Konamix as it develops."
Source: http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2842233,00.html
3)"On Thursday, Bandai announced plans to release its epic RPG series .hack (pronounced "dot hack") on the PlayStation 2. The company is also producing an animated feature based on the series that is scheduled to hit the Japanese TV beginning April 3. The animated series will later be released on DVD, and Bandai will include the DVD in a future special package of the game.
"A number of talents from the Japanese animation industry will collaborate on the project. Artist Yoshiyuki Sadamoto will serve as the character designer (Neon Genesis Evangelion and Nadia: In the Seas of Wonder), Ito Kazunori (Patlabor and Dirty Pair) as the scriptwriter, and Koichi Mashita (Dirty Pair) as the animation director. Japanese software company Cyberconnect2, whose previous work includes Silent Bomber on the PlayStation, is behind the development of the game. The series takes place in the near future, and it focuses on a virtual reality network game called The World.
"The game will be released in four separate chapters, with the first chapter scheduled for release this June in Japan. The company plans to release the succeeding chapters every three months. The regular package is priced at 3,800 yen (US$28) and the special package will be priced at 5,800 yen (US$43)."
Source: http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2842248,00.html
Bandai will release a new fighting game for PSone called From TV Animation: One Piece Ground Battle 2 in Japan in March, this is the sequel to their popular anime based fighting game, which have sold over 500,000 units last year.
Source: The Magic Box
"In Japan, Initial-D earns a 47% share for its time slot and has generated some $300 million in sales throughout Asia." It also generates a ton of pop music that will be re-recorded in the U.S. with top-name stars.
The music featured in Initial D is composed of tracks from the international best selling Super Eurobeat compilation albums from Avex Tracks.
This Link has illustrations of the Yukikaze made for the novel slipcovers. The trailer can be viewed here.
However, a midnight show has been added.
INFO:
Pacific Film Archive Theater 2575 Bancroft @ Bowditch in Berkeley, California
Box-office phone: (510) 642-1412 Program updates: (510) 642-1124
Charge-by-phone orders for the additional midnight screening of BATTLE ROYALE can be made Friday, January 25 up until 10 p.m. by calling (510) 642-5249.***
On Saturday, January 26 the box office will re-open at 5:30 p.m.
Info on this event at www.pulp-mag.com/books/tokyoscope/pfasigning.shtml
Thanks to Ken for the link
Our Web Page Was Just Updated!
Added:
New information on how to receive our host station(s) better. New playlist update for Jan 20th show.
Come visit us at:
www.adventuresinanimemusic.com
A new Magazine starting up in Japan called "Manga On-ga!" will be reprinting the entire run of Dragon Ball Z soon. The new Magazine is dedicated to the art of Manga and the history of some classics. Along with Dragonball they'll be reprinting other JUMP series such as Hokuto no Ken and Slam Dunk. Each of these issues (Bi-Weekly) will feature new covers by various artists for their respective works, along with some classics. This is news for a few reasons, including new Dragonball art, restored full color and 4-color pages, and new fan interest (Which has also led satelite channel "Animax" to rerun Dragonball/Z in Japan)
To make things even more interesting, Dragonball's liscensing rights are back out on the table. I'll get a scan of the Manga On-Ga ad if you want it (It's in this week's Shonen Jump) and the new Magazine should be available in import book shops like Kinokuniya by march. The rest of the information is in most Japanese trade papers and was on Tokyo FNC last week.
The main thing that excites me about this is the new Toriyama Dragon Ball art. We haven't seen our main man so much as doodle Goku in years, and it would be neat to have some fresh images straight from the dude himself.
For the past several months there has been a page on the Disney website about a DVD version of "Kiki's Delivery Service". It turned out that the page was posted in error. However, they have now *changed* the page saying this title is not available on DVD *BUT* then they have a link where you can vote it you would like to see them release it on DVD. The url is
http://psc.disney.go.com/disneyvideos/moviefinder/products/1509103.html
and the message and the link are on the left under the cover picture. If you click on that, you get a form to fill out with your name, email address, choice of whether you want it on DVD or VHS and a space for comments.
This is all from Asia AICN
"According to Heroic Bloodshed , rumor has it that they (Miramax)are not only changing the title to "Kung Fu Soccer"[previously known as Shaolin Soccer], but are also going to cut a whole half hour of it. Along with that, they are going to replace the soundtrack with rap music."
Japan: 1)"A modern horror masterpiece will be remade in Hollywood. Former Fox president,Bill Mechanic has bought the rights to remake "Honogurai Mizu No Soko Kara (Dark Water)" which opened nationally in Japan this past weekend. It will be produced by Disney (Dimension Films).
2)- "Suicide Circle" directed by Shion Sono "I missed "Suicide Circle" when it was showing at last year's Tokyo Fantastic Film Festival but I finally had a chance to view it last week. A weird horror thriller directed by Shion Sono, the plot flows the investigation of a group suicide in which 54 students lose their lives. We view the film through the eyes of two cops (Ryo Ishibase and Masatoshi Nagase) as they follow a string of clues leading to a conspiracy involving a demonic rock band and the Internet. It's weird, but still very fun in a cultish kind-of way. The acting is decent but the film is very suspenseful AND violent. Be sure to check it out when it makes it round the festival circuits later this year.
3)"The "WXIII Patlabor 3" anime has been completed. This time, instead of Mamoru Oshii, we get Fumihiko Takayama ("Gundam 0080") as the director for this successful series.
4)"Shociku films have announced their production plan for this year. They will produce 8 major films, with 5 being in the Period/Samurai genre I expect "7/7 Koga Ninpou Tyo" to be a really great Ninja film.
Anyway, here the list:
"Tasogare Seibei"
"Kishin Teikoku"
"Hakkiyoden"
"7/7Koga Ninpou Tyo"
"Renai Shashin"
"Hoshinojin"
"Turibaka Nisshi13"
"Ingiyogishiden
Source:Omocha Box
Merchandise related to Pita Ten can be seen at O-box here
Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will debut a 3-inch "pocket DVD," a first for the major studios, on its first anime release, Metropolis. The mini-DVD will carry an hour of special features and is packaged with a regular-sized DVD that offers the film. The pocket DVD is part of an effort to attract anime's tech-savvy audience to the film on video, which will have a limited theatrical run beginning Friday. The VHS and double-disc DVD arrive March 12 (prebook VHS Feb. 19, DVD Feb. 12).
Thanks to Brian Ruh of Anime Research for the link.
The L.A. Weekly gave Metropolis Film Pick of the Week, with this review: "This muscular anime melodrama is so visually splendid that on that level alone it qualifies as a breakthrough. Based on a 50-year-old Japanese comic book, and revolving around an underground rebellion against the technocrat urban overlords of the future (a plot that will ring a bell not just with fans of Fritz Lang's 1927 silent, but with anyone who's seen Brazil), the film uses its images expressively and in a way that's strikingly original. The settings are gorgeously detailed, multilayered retro-futurist cityscapes created with computers. At first, the conventionally animated characters seem weirdly out of place in these machine-made environments, not least because they are faithful copies of the wide-eyed, big-nosed originals created by Japan's "God of Comics," Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy), in his eponymous 1949 manga. But as it turns out, the anachronistic hand-drawn look of the plucky boy detective Kenichi, the evil genius Duke Red and the seductive female android Tima fits the man-against-machine theme like a three-fingered glove. Screenwriter Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira) and director Rintaro (Harmagedon) have created a ravishing new form of fusion animation that looks like the shape of things to come.
The Escaflowne review at http://www.laweekly.com/film/newfilmresults.php3 is positive as well:
"The title - just to get this right at the outset - rhymes with macaroni and describes a giant suit of armor that's been lying in the Earth's crust for countless ages, like a Transformers toy abandoned by the gods. The film itself is a smoothly structured, earth-toned and well-drawn Japanese anime centered on a lonely schoolgirl's odyssey into a fantasy realm, where forces of good and evil are fighting to reanimate this cosmic weapon. Director Kazuki Akane, freshly adapting a popular series created by Shoji Kawamori and Hajima Yatate, nicely balances the heroine's melancholy against the film's otherwise hyperintense battles, in which forest animals have been dragooned into bloody fighting on behalf of the warring humans. The story is elliptical, but this isnproblematic: One is often skipping past details and mythic references dwelt on at sometimes tiresome length by other anime features, such as Princess Mononoke. Here, in less than 90 minutes, one jumps through bits of back-story as if they were flaming hoops, increasing the Alice-in-Wonderland pace that strengthens the film's dreamy integrity."
According to Gamespot , Capcom has announced a summer U.S. release for the GBA port of Breath of Fire 2. Gamespot states that Capcom will also release the Street Fighter Alpha 2 GBA port to the U.S. this summer. It will include Yun, Maki, and Eagle from Capcom vs SNK 2. In weird news, Gamespot Reports Capcom is trying to introduce it's own rhythm game for the GBC, called Shantae. It features a "booty-shakin' genie" who has to fight pirates.
Now for the Resident Evil news:
1)"At its annual editors' event in Las Vegas yesterday, Capcom announced that it plans to release five Resident Evil games during 2002. The entire series will come to the GameCube this year, starting with the updated Resident Evil and continuing through RE2, RE3: Nemesis, and RE Code: Veronica. Rounding out the remakes and updates will be Resident Evil 0, the RE game originally scheduled to be released on the Nintendo 64. No specific North American release dates were disclosed for these games, but Capcom did mention that the 2002 time frame spans worldwide."
Source http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2841795,00.html
2)This is from http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2841790,00.html :
"Capcom has announced plans to bring a new Resident Evil game to the Game Boy Color this year. The game, already available in Europe, contains three playable characters--Barry, Leon, and a new character named Lucia. The game is viewed mostly from a top-down perspective, but it switches to a first-person view for combat. Combat has a timing-based feature that works almost like a golf meter. If players stop the meter in the right position, their shot hits. Resident Evil Gaiden takes place on various seagoing vessels, from a cruise liner to a submarine. The game is scheduled for release in March."
3)And finally the March 15 release date for Resident Evil has been confirmed. You can see more pictures of the movie at http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2841797,00.html
Spriggan DVD 90 min. $29.98
Dragon Ball Z Perfect Cell Series DVDs
Hunt for 18
Temptation
Perfection
Unstoppable
Sailor Moon on DVD DUBBED ONLY
Sailor moon volume 1: The Legend Begins $14.98
Sailor moon volume 2: Sailor Mars Joins the Battle $14.98
Here is a list of Tokyopop Graphic Novels shipping in April 2002
CHOBITS VOL 1 GN $9.99
DRAGON KNIGHTS VOL 1 GN $9.99
COWBOY BEBOP VOL 1 GN $9.99
GTO VOL 1 GN $9.99
MARMALADE BOY VOL 1 GN $9.99
MARS VOL 1 GN $9.99
SKULL MAN VOL 1 GN $9.99
PLANET LADDER VOL 1 GN $9.99
REAL BOUT HIGH SCHOOL VOL 1 GN $9.99
INITIAL D VOL 1 GN $9.99
LOVE HINA VOL 1 GN $9.99
PARADISE KISS VOL 1 GN $9.99
PARASYTE VOL 10 PKT GN $12.99
JULINE VOL 5 MANGA GN $12.99
Tokyopop is also releasing the following
anime-related books in April
COWBOY BEBOP COMPLETE ANIME GUIDE #3 (Of 5) $12.99
GUNDAM TECHNICAL MANUAL GUNDAM WING #2 $12.99
CARDCAPTORS ANIME BOOK VOL 2 TP $12.99
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