Anime News Service - March 15-22 Anime News

2-22-00---- Tenchi Broadcast Rumors

Tenchi Muyo, to air on the American cable channel, Cartoon Network will according to rumor, be shown during daytime hours and in the Midnight run. During the day, a great deal of the series will be edited (for nudity mainly), while a less edited version will show later at night.

3-22-00---- Review - Mixx Manga Sorcerer Hunters #1

The first volume of Satoru Akahori and Ray Omishi's swords & sorcery comedy manga is now available from Mixx in English:

It is a merciless world where sorcerers wielding magic are in complete control. In the Spoolner Continent, powerless commoners spend each day tyrannized by these sorcerers. To put an end to the never-ending series of malevolence, Big Mama sends out an elite group of warriors-the Sorcerer Hunters. Fighting for human survival are Carrot Glasé, Marron Glasé, Chocolate Misu, Tira Misu and Gateau Mocha. While Big Mama wants to defend the world without total destruction, she is opposed by Zaha Torte who wants to end the chaos by more radical means.

If you've seen the anime, get ready for a slight twist in this story, all your favorite characters are there in their distinct manga tone, this first volume introduces the Hunters, and inludes first adventures such as "The Magic Flower Road", and "Dark Water Part's 1+2".

The novel retails for $11.95 and is 192 pages long, available now!

3-22-00---- Review - Mixx Comics Card Captor Sakura Issue 2

Clamp's Card Captor Sakura continues, Sakura and friends are challenged in school by a flying Clow at school, apparently it's immune to Sakura's powers, will she be able to capture it!?

Includes B&W Fan Pinups In The Back

Available Now | Retailing at $2.95 | Length: 48 pages

3-22-00---- Review - Mixx Comics Sailor Moon 16

In #16 of Naoko Takeuchi's classic manga, Tuxedo Mask and Rini are lost in the far reaches of the fourth Dimension, Sailor Moon music rescue them. However, Rini is brainwashed by the Black Moon is turned into the Black Lady. Is she now a pawn of the Black Moon? Will she be turned against Bunny and the senshi? What has become of Tuxedo Mask?

Available Now | Retail: $2.95 | Length: 48 Pages

3-22-00---- Anime Central Announces New Guests

TheAnime Central 2000 anime convention to be held May 12-14, 2000 in Sheraton Arlington Park Arlington Heights, Illinois, has announced Kunihiko Ikuhara (Director of Sailor Moon & Revolutionary Girl Utena) and Chiho Saito (Revolutionary Girl Utena manga artist) as new Guests of Honor.

3-22-00---- Anime Music News

The upcoming Lovehina Anime TV series has had it's opening song designated as "Sakura Saku" and ending song designated as "Kimi Sae Ireba", both songs are performed by Megumi Hayashibara. Both tracks will be released to a single CD May 24th in Japan.

Trouble Chocolate's super vocal best album will be released May 17th, featuring 10 of the most popular songs from the TV series. Retail will be 3,059 Yen)

3-22-00---- Pioneer Announcements

In it's weekly update today, Pioneer has announced the date for the first volume of the Tenchi Universe Collection I - Tenchi Muyo on Earth I DVD as 6/20. The disc, will include 4 episodes, Japanese and English language soundtracks and English subtitles.

3-22-00---- ADV DVD Announcements

ADV Films has announced their Burn Up W DVD will contain 4 episodes, will be priced at $29.98, with a street date of 6/27. Languages included are are Japanese, English, Spanish and English subtitles.

3-21-00---- Warner Brother Releases New Pokemon Movie Trailer

Warner Brothers has uploaded it's trailer for the second Pokemon movie (Revolution Lugia), titled "Pokemon The Movie 2000" for the American Market. Theatrical release is slated for July 21st. You can view the trailer here.

3-21-00---- Cowboy Bebop Action Figiures

Japanese Toy-Manufacturers, Banpresto will release a line of Cowboy Bebop action figures in Japan this September. They will retail at about $10 U.S. apiece. Click here for an image of the figures.

3-21-00---- Escaflowne Maybe Not Coming To FOX

News of the North American Fox Television network's alleged acquisition and forthcoming broadcast of The Vision Of Escaflowne TV series from Bandai Entertainment is meeting some interference this week in the form of new information from Bandai, it seems as if information that came to light from the Fox press conference last week maybe premature:

- Contact with Bandai indicates there has been NO official announcement stating that Escaflowne will air on Fox Kids as of yet. Their position is one of stating No Comment at this time.

- Allegedly, at the FOX press conference stating the acquisition of Detective Conan for Fox Family Channel, the person heading those projects spoke of Escaflowne. There may have been a misunderstanding that got out in the form of an incorrect statement of acquisiton.

3-21-00---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Taito is reportedly producing a new PSX sci-fi / fantasy game, Cosmo Warrior Zero, designed by creator Leiji Matsumoto. The plot of the game will be original, but the story takes place in Matsumoto-sensei's 30th century universe, where you can play as 8 different characters from his many series set there.

Bandai's upcoming SD Gundam G Generation III for PSX, may include characters / mecha from Turn A Gundam and Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz.

3-21-00---- Review - Crimson Tears: "The Intrumentality Project"

Crimson Tears is a Georgia-based music group created by bassist, keyboarder, song-writer, D. Their latest album, a compilation, "The Instrumentality Project", showcases their music 1997-2000, the group's sound is hard to classify, taking influence from well-known rock groups such as Hole, The Misfits, The Cure, Mazzy Star, and Smashing Pumpkins, they combine score-influences from anime such as Project A-Ko, Vampire Hunter D, Sailor Moon and electronica, classical, and even pop styles to make for an original musical experience. What makes them truly unique, is their music and lyrics are strongly influenced by Anime plots, characters and settings of shows like Sailor Moon and Evangelion.

For more information on the band and music checkout their website here.

3-20-00---- Top Anime DVD Sales (Japan) (As Of 3-20)

1. Excel Saga S-1
2. Shojo Kakumei Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena) (Theatrical Feature)
3. Card Captor Sakura (Movie)
4. Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory Vol. 3
5. Steel Angel Kurumi 3
6. Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory Vol. 4
7. Colorful
8. Card Captor Sakura 15
9. Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory Vol. 1

3-20-00---- Top Manga Sales (Japan) (As Of 3-20)

1. Monster 13
2. Hana Yori Dango 25
3. Basara 27
4. Card Captor Sakura 11
5. Detective Conan 23
6. Futari H 10
7. On Myou Ji 9
8. Kochira Katsushi Kaku Kamearikouenmae Hashutsusho 118
9. Kaze Hikaru 6
10. Ginga Eiyu Densetsu 11

3-20-00---- Top Video Game Sales (Japan) (As Of 3-20)

1. Ridge Racer V - PS2
2. Kessen - PS2
3. Beatmania Append 5th Mix - Time To Get Down - PSX
4. Street Fighter EX3 - PS2
5. Mobile Suit Gundam Gihren's Greed Blood Of Zeon - PSX
6. Eternal Ring - PS2
7. Pokemon Silver - GB
8. Drum Mania - PS2
9. Pokemon Gold - GB
10. Aura Battler Dunbine - PSX

3-20-00---- Top J-Pop Album Sales (Japan) (As Of 3-20)

1. "Sakurano Kinoshita" - Aiko
2. "Ayu-Mi-X II Version US+EU" - Ayumi Hamasaki
3. "Ayu-Mi-X II Version Accoustic Orchestra" - Ayumi Hamasaki
4. "Dreams Come True Greatest Hits: The Soul" - Dreams Come True
5. "Romantist Egoist" - Porno Graffitti
6. "Ayu-Mi-X II Version JPN" - Ayumi Hamasaki
7. "Hide Best Psycho Community" - Hide
8. "Mediumslow" - Masayuki Suzuki
9. "B'z The Mixture" - B'z
10. "Super Eurobeat Presents Ayu-Ro Mix" - Ayumi Hamasaki

3-20-00---- Top J-Pop Single Sales (Japan) (As Of 3-20)

1. "Sukininatteku Aishiteku / Kinkino YaruKimanman Song" - Kinki Kids
2. "Akai Nikkicyou" - Akagumi 4
3. "Kiiroi Osarade Boom Boom Boom" - Kiiro 5 "Konya Tukino Mieru Okani" - B'z
4. "Aoi Sports Car No Otoko" - Aoiro 7
5. "Tsunami" - Southern All Stars
6. "Love Day After Tomorrow" - Mai Kuraki
7. "Seikirei" - Gackt
8. "Good Bye Yesterday" - Miki Imai
9. "Anatano Kisswo Kazomasyo You Were Mine" - Yuki Koyanagi
10. "Mago" - Ooizumi Ichirou

3-20-00---- Evangelion Toy Repaint

Japanese toy-makers, Kaiyodo / XYBEC will reportedly soon release a Metallic Repaint of the EVA Unit 02 action figure, a metallic repaint of EVA-01 is already available, the retail price for the figures is 2,980 Yen.

3-20-00---- Pioneer DVD Scedules

Info posted to the Anime On DVD Forum, indicates Pioneer's upcoming American Tenchi Universe DVDs will be released as individual discs, as opposed to a set due too Pioneer's having too many box sets scheduled already.

"Deluxe Digital Services, which recently bought out Pioneer Video Manufacturing, is requiring substantially more lead time from materials delivery to street date."

Once Nazca is completed, Pioneer will reportedly, immediately begin on Tenchi Universe to make the existing street release dates. Stressed conditions also mean the El Hazard BOX, with the street date is TBA, could be seen at the earliest, late this year.

3-20-00---- Animeigo New Releases

From the AnimEigo New Release Bulletin:

May 2000 Releases

Kimagure Orange Road TV Series Volume 10 (Episodes 37-40)

Contains Episodes 37-Heroic Orange Legend! Madoka's Duel in the Blizzard, 38-Kyosuke Timetrips! The Third Christmas, 39-Hypnotizing Madoka! Kyosuke's Risky New Year's, and 40-First Dream of the New Year! Jingoro the Giant Monster Strikes Back.

Kimagure Orange Road TV Volume 10 (Episodes 37-40) * VHS * 100 min *
$34.95 Subtitled in English
Street Release 05/23/00

MAY PRICE REDUCTION on Dagger of Kamui

Dagger of Kamui * VHS * 132 min *
Reduced to $24.95 Subtitled in English
Price reduction effective 05/23/00

3-20-00---- Pokemon: The First Movie Gold Ticket Contest

In a promotional effort for the forthcoming video release, Warner Brothers is randomly including golden tickets inside five VHS copies of their "Pokemon: The First Movie--Mewtwo Strikes Back!" Those who find the tickets will receive a trip for two to Japan to meet the creator of the Pokemon card game, a first edition Team Rocket starter set, and a chance to visit the Pokemon Center in Japan where they will get $1,000 shopping spree.

3-19-00---- Detective Conan + Hello Kitty Paradise On Fox Family Channel

Animation Blast News is reporting that the American cable Fox Family Channel will broadcast the Detective Conan and Hello Kitty Paradise Anime TV series' as part of it's fall 2000-'01 program lineup.

3-19-00---- Gundam Wing U.S. Program Guide

Pazsaz Entertainment has posted what appears to be complete U.S. broadcast schedule for Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.

You can view the schedule here.

3-19-00---- Ebert Reviews Grave Of The Fireflies

Well-known American movie critic, Roger Ebert, has written a review of Studio Ghibli's "Grave of the Fireflies" for his bi-weekly "Great Movies" feature at the Chicago Sun Times.

You can view it here.

3-19-00---- Review - Blue Submarine No. 6 DVD 1 - Blues-

Put simply, Bandai Entertainment's Blue Submarine No. 6 Vol. 1 -Blues-, is nothing short of a digital effects powerhouse of an OAV release.

Box Art is basically the same as the VHS release, disc design follows the marine theme, on the disc the viewer is treated to the 1st 30 minute OAV viewable starting from a preselected segment or by pressing play on the main menu. Also from the main menu you can turn English subtitles on or off, select language soundtrack, and view 4 trailer clips (Gundam 0080, Silent Mobius TV, Outlaw, Star and Cowboy Bebop).

This DVD excels in it's optimum habitat, namely, a well constructed Home Theater setup. Standing out at the startup is the encompasing soundtrack, present are the Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo English soundtrack and the Dolby Digital 5.1 surround Japanese tracks. If running a pro-logic 4 speaker or basic 2 speaker stereo setup you're not neccesarily left out, by any stretch, however, the 5.1 digital soundtrack drops the viewer in the middle of flooded Tokyo-sea battles, and makes excessive use of the 5.1 system (well executed directionality going on voices, equipment moving about, rushing water, air pockets etc.), Yota Tsuruka's mastrerful sound direction may make this one of the best sounding Anime DVD releases out there in the American market come April.

Video transfer is ultra crisp througout. On high zooms, image pixel-lines are sharp with minimum accountable artifacting, frames flow smoothly.

Closing, the disc is an effects / technology showcase, Toshiba / Studio GONZO's awesome CG / digital animation / cel animation mix, bring to life Satoru Ozawa's classic sci-fi tale, originally concieved several dacades ago. If the quality Bandai is putting into this first round of DVD releases is a sign of their permanent standard of production with the "shiny-format", there will most likely be some very happy fans, who may have not exactly been sure on the company's digital stance only months ago.

Street Release is set for April 4th with a retail price of $19.98

3-18-00---- Gaming Music News

Square has announced that FFVIII's "Eyes On Me" theme song, has won the Best Western Style Music Award in the 14th Japanese Gold Disk Grand Prix, which was hosted on March 15th. Performed by 29-year old Chinese singer, Faye Wong, produced by Nobuo Uematsu, Eyes On Me, the single, has sold over 400,000 copies in Japan.

3-18-00---- Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center 1st Japanese Animation Festival

From the Animevillage.com mailing list:

The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center 1st Annunal Japanese Animation Festival

Saturday, April 22
Daytime Lineup
2pm A Bandai Sampler
Gundam Wing Episode 1 - "Shooting Stars"
Blue Submarine No. 6 OVA 2- "PILOTS"
Cowboy Bebop Episode 5- "Ballad of Fallen Angels"
The Vision of Escaflowne Episode 1- "Fateful Confessions"

Tickets for each screening are $7 for the general public; $5 for students, seniors, CSULB.
Saturday child (12 and under) fest pass (Not valid for films screened after 8pm) are $10
Saturday only fest passes are $25 for the general public: $20 for students, seniors, CSULB.
Full fest passes are $30 for the general public; $25 for students, seniors, CSULB.
All programs subject to change.

Call (562) 985-7000 for tickets

The Carpenter Center is located at 6200 Atherton Street, on the Northeast corner of the California State University, Long Beach campus.

3-17-00---- Review - Cowboy Bebop DVD 1st Session

Cowboy Bebop 1st Session As previously mentioned, Bandai Entertainment's Cowboy Bebop 1st Session DVD seemed to drew a large amount of attention at this past weekend's Animazement where it ran at Bandai's table and in the dealer's room. Now with full copy to explore let's delve into the intricacies of this release. The packaging retains some of the artsy / jazzy feel of the series with a basic 4-tone color scheme (red,blue,black,white) present on either side and the case- spine, the front cover is adorned by an illustration by Toshihiro Kawamoto, on the back cover the reader is introduced to the story, setting, mood, and charcters. Upon opening the case, the disc is revealed on the right inside cover and follows the color-theme of the packaging (red,black,white). the liner paper gives a brief overview of each of the 5 episodes (31 chapters) on the disc. The real action begins upon starting the disc up, a custom variation on a video screen from the series unfolds with a very animated feel, the viewer has a selection of PLAY, SCENE SELECTION, LANGUAGES, SUBTITLES, and EXTRAS.

Extras on the disc are a full-version 3 1/2 music video of the opening song TANK!; Character Intro's, that are the first 1 minute, 15 seconds of the Session 0 episode that will gradually unfold on all 6 discs; Trailers of Blue Sub. No. 6, Outlaw Star, Silent Mobius TV, and BrainPowerd; and finally production credits.

The Audio transfer is crisp and pristine, Japanese and English audio tracks in 2 channel stereo. Video transfer is excellent, pixel-people who like to zoom and/or study animation sequences (and there some incredible ones by the detail-savy folks at Studio Sunrise in Cowboy Bebop), fights, and effects, smoke, dust, debris, explosions, etc.. will be very pleased with this disc.

Running time is 125 minutes, release date is slated for April 4th, with a retail-price at $29.99.

3-17-00---- Dark Angel Manga U.S. Release Information

Dark Angel (C) Kia Asamiya/Studio Tron Starting in May, Image Comics will begin publishing Kia Asamiya's DARK ANGEL: Phoenix Resurrection in America, the first Japanese manga to be published in color in the United States in over 10 years, it will also be the first manga ever drawn by a Japanese artist specifically for an American publisher.

"Asamiya-sensei was never happy with the way his original DARK ANGEL series turned out.", explains C.B. Cebulski, who is coordinating the project with Kia Asamiya and Image Comics. "He has always wanted to go back and make DARK ANGEL into the true fantasy epic it should have been. Image is not only giving him that opportunity, they are also letting him do it in color! He is thrilled to say the least. So forget everything you know about DARK ANGEL, this is going to be something completely new!"

Mr. Asamiya, known for Martian Successor Nadesico and Silent Mobius, will be penciling and inking this new series on U.S. comic size pages. He will be drawing American style, from left to right. He will not be adding any zipatone or screentone to the art so the coloring process will not be affected in any way. Most surprisingly, he will be publishing DARK ANGEL: Phoenix Resurrection with Image here in the U.S. first, before it is published anywhere else in the world, including even Japan.

"Asamiya-sensei has long been a huge fan of American comics. For years he has been drawing more artistic influence from them than from anywhere else. It seemed only natural for him to do an actual 'American comic' at this point in his career. However, the fact that he is illustrating it makes it manga!", Cebulski continues. "He is redesigning all the characters, making them older and giving them a harder edge; he will be introducing new heroes and villains that Japanese editorial constraints prevented him from doing; he will be expanding plot lines and including more action. The most exciting part, of course, is that the fans will be able to experience it all in color!"

In a time of myth and magic, where a man's worth is defined by his skill with a sword, there lies the mysterious central land of Oukoku. Surrounded by the Lands of Four Winds, Oukoku is a country in a state of constant turmoil and senseless battle. The rulers of the Lands of the Four Winds, known as Phantom Saints, have now been given the grueling task of keeping peace and order in their individual territories. It is believed that bringing peace to the individual territories will unite the whole of Oukoku.

Dark Yokuo is ruler of the Land of the South Wind, the Phantom Saint of the Red Phoenix. A master swordsman and skilled warrior, Dark still has a lot to learn about governing his land. At his side is his trusted fairy spirit, Kyo. Over the years, Kyo has long served as counsel and protector to each and every Phantom Saint of the Red Phoenix. However, she finds Dark the most hot-headed and stubborn Saint yet. When trouble arises in the West, Dark And Kyo must travel to the Land of the West Wind to confront its ruler Leen, Phantom Saint of the Blue Dragon. Will Dark be able to control his temper, and desire for the incredibly beautiful Leen, in order to bring a peaceful conclusion to the conflict with this neighboring land?

DARK ANGEL: Phoenix Resurrection #1 will go on sale in May for $2.95 from Image Comics. It will feature two covers, both by Kia Asamiya, shipped in a 50/50 ratio. It will be ongoing, released bi-monthly.

3-17-00---- Cardcaptor / Nelvana Update

Fan, Alex Taylor, reportedly got back the following response from Canadian-based Nelvana on potential character name alterations in their upcoming North American release of the Card Captor Sakura TV series:

From: P. James Dye, BAA, AGDM, MBA
Distribution Manager - Toronto
(Nelvana)

Subject: RE: Cardcaptor

Unfortunately, we cannot elbaorate on name changes at this point, All of your points are not new to the dicussions, weighed along with various marketing views. Changes cannot be confirmed, but we are not under the impression at this time that, specifically, 'Nikki' will be used by the WB!. To this day I'm not clear on the source of that unfounded rumour beyond there being a preliminary 'demo' of an English version created prior to the licensing to Nelvana of rights.

Best regards.

3-17-00---- Mari Iijima Interview

University of California Davis' college Radio Station, KDVS (90.3 FM) plans an interview with singer/seiyuu, Mari Iijima on March 20th, 2000. The show starts at 2:30 PM PST... Her interview is at 3:00 PM

Station URL where it will be possible to hear the interview live on the web: http://www.kdvs.org

3-16-00---- Bandai Entertainment DVD Dates

Bandai Entertainment has launched their new re-vamped website, and announced the following updated U.S. street dates for many of it's upcoming titles:

Street Date Title Format Episodes SRP

03/07/00 Brain Powered v. 1 VHS- DUB 1-2 $19.98
03/07/00 Brain Powered v. 1 VHS- Subtitled 1-2 $24.98
03/07/00 Silent Mobius v. 2 VHS- DUB 3-4 $19.98
03/07/00 Silent Mobius v. 2 VHS- Subtitled 3-4 $24.98
04/04/00 Cowboy Bebop DVD 1 DVD 1-5 $29.98
04/04/00 Blue Submarine No. 6 DVD 1 DVD 1 $19.98
04/04/00 Eat-Man 98 DVD Collection DVD 1-12 $39.98
04/04/00 Brain Powered v. 2 VHS- DUB 3-4 $19.98
04/04/00 Brain Powered v. 2 VHS- Subtitled 3-4 $24.98
04/04/00 Silent Mobius v. 3 VHS- DUB 5-6 $19.98
04/04/00 Silent Mobius v. 3 VHS- Subtitled 5-6 $24.98
05/02/00 Gundam Wing v. 1 VHS- DUB 1-4 $14.98
05/02/00 Gundam Wing DVD 1 DVD 1-5 $29.98
05/02/00 Brain Powered v. 3 VHS- DUB 5-6 $19.98
05/02/00 Brain Powered v. 3 VHS- Subtitled 5-6 $24.98
05/02/00 Cowboy Bebop v. 9 VHS- DUB 17-18 $19.98
05/02/00 Cowboy Bebop v. 9 VHS- Subtitled 17-18 $24.98
05/02/00 Cowboy Bebop DVD 2 DVD 6-10 $29.98
05/02/00 Haunted Junction DVD Collection DVD 1-12 $39.98
05/02/00 Outlaw Star v. 11 VHS- DUB 20-21 $19.98
05/02/00 Outlaw Star v. 11 VHS- Subtitled 20-21 $24.98
05/02/00 Silent Mobius v. 4 VHS- Subtitled 7-8 $24.98
06/06/00 Blue Submarine No. 6 DVD 2 DVD 2 $19.98
06/06/00 Blue Submarine No. 6 v. 4 VHS- DUB 4 $14.98
06/06/00 Blue Submarine No. 6 v. 4 VHS- Subtitled 4 $19.98
06/06/00 Silent Mobius v. 5 VHS- Subtitled 9-13 TBA
06/06/00 The Vision of Escaflowne DVD 1 DVD 1-5 $29.98
06/06/00 The Vision of Escaflowne v. 1 VHS- DUB 1-4 $19.98
06/06/00 Cowboy Bebop DVD 3 DVD 11-14 $29.98
07/04/00 Brain Powered v. 4 VHS- Subtitled 7-12 TBA
07/04/00 Cowboy Bebop DVD 4 DVD 15-18 $29.98
07/04/00 Cowboy Bebop v. 10 VHS- DUB 19-20 $19.98
07/04/00 Cowboy Bebop v. 10 VHS- Subtitled 19-20 $24.98
07/04/00 Gundam Wing DVD 2 DVD 6-10 $29.98
07/04/00 Gundam Wing v. 2 VHS- DUB 5-7 $14.98
07/04/00 Gundam Wing v. 3 VHS- DUB 8-10 $14.98
07/04/00 Outlaw Star DVD 1 DVD 1-5 $29.98
07/04/00 Outlaw Star v. 12 VHS- DUB 22-24 $19.98
07/04/00 Outlaw Star v. 12 VHS- Subtitled 22-24 $24.98

3-16-00---- Takara Planning Aquatic Robot Toys

Japanese toy manufacturer, Takara has announced that it is planning to release a swimming robot toy line, Aquaroid, to go on sale in Japan by the Fall. The current Aquaroid prototypes are about 15 centimeters long, and constructed of plastic, target price is to be 15,000 Yen per unit. The toy uses solar batteries, powered by sunlight or artificial lighting, they will be available in the shape of a fish, jellyfish, shrimp, or crab. Each has a unique motion, upon encountering a wall the toys will automatically change direction.

3-16-00---- Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Official Ratings Release

Bandai Entertainment has announced that it's Mobile Suit Gundam Wing TV Series has reached the top of the American cable channel, Cartoon Network's programming to become the highest rated program on CN's Toonami block by a substantial margin. Gundam Wing's average rating is consistently beating Dragonball Z and Sailor Moon in all age categories.

In teen ratings, Gundam Wing has maintained it's No. 1 position not just on the Toonami block, but against the entire Cartoon Network.

Broadcast Schedule:

Monday -- Friday 5:30-6 p.m.

Monday -- Friday 12 a.m.-12:30 a.m. (Midnight)

3-16-00---- Gundam Wing Breaks Lycos Top 50 Searches

The Lycos Top 50 most popular user searches for the week ending March 11th lists the search term "Gundam Wing" as breaking the top 25 search requests at #22 of 50. The Mobile Suit Gundam Wing TV series debuted on Cartoon Network last week.

3-16-00---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Bandai is reportedly currently producing a new PSX robot battle sim sequel, SD Gundam G Generation 3, it is to feature Mobile Suits's from 4 more anime, and many more new characters. Players will be able to import save data from SD Gundam G Generation Zero to this new title.

Bandai will be porting it's PSX SRPG, SD Gundam G Generation to WonderSwan, it will include WonderWave support, allowing data, character, parts exchange with the PSX version(s). Japanese release is set for July, with a retail of 3800 Yen.

3-16-00---- Anime Central 2000 Convention Announces More Guests

The upcoming Anime Central 2000 Convention, to be hosted, May 12-14th, 2000 at the Sheraton Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Illinois has updated it's Guests Of Honor list, new guests added since the last update are marked by "NEW":

Ryo Mizuno
Mr. Mizuno is the co-creator of Record of Lodoss War and Legend of Crystania, this will be Mr. Mizuno's first U.S. anime con appearance at Anime Central.

Tomoko Taniguchi
Artist and writer of the shoujo manga Call Me Princess, published by CPM Manga. Ms. Taniguchi's work has been previously seen in the U.S. in Colleen Doran's "A Distant Soil". Ms. Taniguchi is making her U.S. anime convention debut.

Shuzilow Ha NEW
Manga Artist & Game Designer, Mr. Ha has worked on various manga titles such as Deadly Weapon, Re-Set, Prim Rose, Dream Demon, and Twinbee M I X. He has worked as in an animator capacity with MIC on popular shows such as SPT Layzner, City Hunter, and Zillion. We are happy he is joining us for the first time as a guest at an anime convention in the United States.

Tsukasa Kotobuki & Daiken Yoko-o
The original illustrator for the Battle Arena Toshinden game as well as the character designer for the Saber Marionette J and Saber Marionette J to X series, Mr. Kotobuki and his wacky assistant join Anime Central yet again!

Crispin Freeman
Mr. Freeman is the American voice actor who has supplied the voices for such characters as Hallas and Zelgadis in The Slayers, Touga Kiryuu and Dios in Revolutionary Girl Utena and Captain Tylor in the Irresponsible Captain Tylor. His most recent work is Spark from the Record of the Lodoss Wars TV series. He also does script adaptations for the TV show Pokemon and has done some incidental voice acting for the movie, Grave of the Fireflies. Mr. Freeman is a return guest from ACen99 and we're happy to have him back in Chicago!

Megan Hollingshead NEW
Ms. Hollingshead joins us for her first anime con appearance. Most popular as the voice for Nurse Joy in Pokemon, Megan has done a number of other roles such as Cassidy (other Team Rocket duo), Duplica, Mr. Mime's trainer, and one of the "Fabulous Sisters" as well as several background characters in Pokemon. She has recently done the title character in a Sony Playstation video game called "Valkyrie Profile". We are glad to have Ms. Hollingshead as a guest!

Lisa Ortiz NEW
Ms. Ortiz has done quite a number of memorable roles such as Lina Inverse from Slayers and Slayers NEXT, Deedlit from Record of the Lodoss Wars, and more recently in Pokemon as Marina. Other roles include: Ellis from Battle Arena Toshinden, Saori in Battle Skipper, and Lara Laramie from Pokemon. We are glad to welcome her back to Anime Central once again!

Steve Bennett
The loveable, huggable front-man of Studio Ironcat makes his way to Anime Central to dispense his wisdom and share experiences of his many years working on anime in the 80s and forming a comic book company. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll paint cels.

Robert DeJesus
One of the premier american manga artists for Antarctic Press, Mr. DeJesus has done many titles such as Ninja High School and Not Ninja High School.

Bruce Lewis
Personable fellow and professional artist since 1992, drawing comics such as Star Blazers, Gall Force: Eternal Story, Votoms, & Robotech: Invid War Aftermath. Don't let his outward appearance fool you, this smooth operator knows how to teach you a thing or two about drawing manga-style.

C.B. Cebulski
Former editor in chief of CPM Manga and president for Fanboy Entertainment.

3-15-00---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Media Factory's upcoming Gameboy Color, Sakura Taisen GB: Hanagumi Enlistment title will reportedly feature the limited time reaction system from Sakura Taisen 2, where time spent answering questions or perform tasks directly affect story outcome and character relations.

Bandai's PSX war -sim sequel, Space Ship Yamato: Soldiers of Love, wiull playout over 3 CD's. The story is set 2 years after the ending of the original TV series. Japanese release is set for May 2nd with a retail price of 7800 Yen. A Limited Edition release of the game is out May 2nd at 12800 Yen, it includes a Yamato Pocket Book, Red Scarf, 68 page Collection Book and Collection Video.

3-15-00---- X Opening Weekend American Boxoffice Figures

The opening weekend figures are in for Manga Entertainment's X American theatrical debut, which showed at the Varsity Theater in Seattle, WA., this past Friday. X grossed a total of $6,672 on that screen, the next date for the film is March 24th at the Cinema Village in New York, NY.

3-15-00---- Anime Toy News

Japanese toymaker, Kaiyodo released a Vash The Stampede action figure on the 12th of March. The figure is sculpted by Asai Masaki, comes with many extra's and retails at 3,200 Yen.

Takara's Microman Command Series Complete Set was released in Japan this month in Toys R Us stores, it includes special-color varriant metalic versions of each of the 4 Command figures, retailing 5,800 Yen.

3-15-00---- Digimon In Europe

Fox Kids Europe has acquired exclusive French and United Kingdom rights from Toei Animation to the Digimon TV series. It will start airing in the U.K., April 1st and in France in September.

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