The possibility of giving one person their life long dreams and ambitions through a simple wish has an unforeseeable downside; a trade for your flesh and blood. The all-powerful Beherit stone is capable of such powers; all you have to do is ask yourself what is more important, flesh or fantasy? Toycom is proud to announce the upcoming release of an all-new collectible pendant based on this demonic pendant from Kentaro Miuras bloody manga epic, Berserk.
Item #: 24142-8, 24143-5
UPC #: 6-93904-24142-8, 6-93904-24143-5
MSPR: $11.99 ea.
Ship Date: December
RG Veda (Fantasy, Volume 1 Release: TBD) CLAMP's first professional work, RG Veda ran for 10 volumes, inspired an anime of the same name, and cemented the team's reputation as one of Japan's top manga talents. In this clever and beautifully illustrated story-which draws loosely from Hindu mythology-an evil emperor has controlled the once peaceful world of Tenkai for 300 years. The only hope of ending his tyrannical reign lies in a stargazer's prophecy, which foretells the union of six warriors known as the "Six Stars."
Suki (Romance/Drama, Volume 1 Release: 2/10/04) In this three-volume series, CLAMP explores what it means to be in love, a theme central to their biggest hits, Chobits and Cardcaptor Sakura. Suki is about a teenage girl's first crush... the story of Hinata Asahi, a quiet and painfully shy high school student whose teddy bears are her only form of companionship. Her life becomes much more exciting when the handsome Shirou moves in next door. Not only is he really cute-and much older-but he's also her new teacher!
Legal Drug (Action/Fantasy, Volume 1 Release: 10/12/04) One of CLAMP's newest series still running in Japan, Legal Drug is a perfect dose of mystery, psychic powers and those ornately drawn characters the femme-four creators are famous for. With cameos from the cast of Suki, the story revolves around the adventures of Kazahaya and Rikuou. By day, they're two ordinary pharmacists. By night, their boss has them filling prescriptions for the peculiar... for clients' "special" ailments that can't be cured using ordinary elixirs.
The Legend of Chun Hyang (Fantasy, Release: 8/10/04) A departure from CLAMP's usual fare, this stand-alone historical fantasy is set in Korea and features striking brushstrokes reminiscent of their work in Shirahime-syo. Its story follows a beautiful warrior princess who must protect a village from the tyrannical government.
The One I Love (Romance, Release: TBD) Combining CLAMP's legendary manga storytelling, color artwork and elegant prose, The One I Love is a wonderfully unique 12-story anthology. The volume opens with a special eight-page full-color feature before diving into the single subject CLAMP seems to know best... love.
Other bestselling CLAMP manga published by TOKYOPOP include Chobits, Cardcaptor Sakura, Magic Knight Rayearth, Angelic Layer and Clover.
One of Nintendo's leading video game character franchises, Kirby made his U.S. television debut on 4Kids Entertainment's Saturday morning broadcast network - the FOX BOX - in September 2002. Kirby's Egg-Cellent Adventure contains three episodes from the action-packed animated television series and a bonus feature of a 15-minute Video Strategy Guide for the Kirby(tm) Air Ride video game.
The Kirby Collection - a special three-volume gift pack - also will be released on November 4, 2003 at select retailers in both DVD and VHS formats.
Kirby, a Warpstar Knight-in-training, crash lands on the Planet Popstar and accidentally ends up as the pink protector of villagers. When King Dedede conjures up all his maniacal monsters, Kirby inhales their powers and gives them back a taste of their own medicine! Don't mess with Kirby. He'll send it "Right Back at Ya!"
VOLUME 3: Kirby's Egg-Cellent Adventure
Episode 7: Kirby's Egg-Cellent Adventure The ancient bird, Dyna Blade, has reappeared in Cappy Town after 100 years to lay and hatch her egg. When the eggshell turns up empty, is Kirby's unruly appetite to blame?
Episode 8: Curio's Curious Discovery The burial site of an ancient Cappy King is discovered, proving King Dedede's ancestor established the Cappy civilization. Unconvinced, Tiff does some digging and uncovers a big secret.
Episode 9: The Fofa Factor Ever notice how FoLolo and FaLala are always together? Why don't they ever split up, and just where do they come from, anyway? Perhaps King Dedede knows the secret to FoLolo and FaLala's attraction.
DVD extras:
Kirbyoke: Viewers get a chance to sing along with Kirby to his catchy opening theme song ...Kirby Kirby Kirby...Right Back At Ya!
Who's Who in Cappy Town: This DVD extra is chock full of information on Kirby and his cohorts, including character bios and video clips.
VOLUME 3 TITLE: Kirby's Egg-Cellent Adventure RUNNING TIME: Approximately 60 minutes RATING: Not-Rated SRP VHS: $9.95 SRP DVD: $12.95 PRE-BOOK: September 30, 2003 STREET DATE: November 4, 2003
THREE-PACK TITLE: The Kirby Collection Volume 1: Kirby Comes To Cappy Town Volume 2: A Dark & Stormy Knight Volume 3: Kirby's Egg-Cellent Adventure RUNNING TIME: Approximately 60 minutes per volume RATING: Not-Rated SRP VHS: $19.95 SRP DVD: $29.95 PRE-BOOK: September 30, 2003 STREET DATE: November 4, 2003
Steel Angel Kurumi: Volume 1 With a kiss, a young boy inadvertently awakens a lovely girl-but she's not quite a girl at all! She's the Steel Angel Kurumi, a top-secret robot warrior in a deceptively cute outfit, and she thinks the young kisser is her new master. Proper military procedure and discipline go straight out the window in Steel Angel Kurumi Volume 1!
Street: 12/16/03 Genre: Sci-Fi Age rating: 18+ 176 black & white pages (color intro pages) Author(s): Kaishaku SRP: $9.99
ADV MANGA SETS STREET DATE FOR THOSE WHO HUNT ELVES: VOLUME 1 FIRST VOLUME OF THIS RACY COMEDY TO BE AVAILABLE IN STORES DECEMBER 16, 2003
HOUSTON, November 3, 2003-ADV Manga today formally announced a street date of December 16, 2003 for the release Those Who Hunt Elves: Volume 1. The title, a tie-in to the sexy, elf-stripping comedy anime Those Who Hunt Elves (produced and distributed in North America by ADV Films), will be available at bookstores and comic/specialty stores nationwide.
Those Who Hunt Elves: Volume 1 An actress, a martial arts expert and a military specialist are magically transported to a strange land, filled with magic and mystery. Obviously, they have to get back to Japan, but how can they when the return spell has been cut to pieces and tattooed on the bodies of six female elves? Even with a battle tank for transportation, Airi, Junpei and Ritsuko clearly have their work cut out for them-there are lots of female elves out there, and they're going to have to start stripping!
Street: 12/16/03 Genre: Fantasy Age Rating: 15+ 216 black & white pages (color intro pages) Author: Yu Yagami SRP: $9.99
ADV MANGA SETS RELEASE DATE FOR DEMON CITY HUNTER: VOLUME 2 SECOND VOLUME OF THIS THRILLING HORROR MANGA DUE IN STORES DECEMBER 16, 2003
HOUSTON, November 3, 2003-ADV Manga today formally announced a December 16, 2003 release date for Demon City Hunter: Volume 2, which will be available at bookstores and comic/specialty stores nationwide.
Demon City Hunter: Volume 2 The Defense Agency is battling the Dark Order with the help of sword-wielding high-school nenpo expert Kyoya Izayoi. The Defense Agency's Super Soldiers have their hands full with the fearsome priests of the Dark Order and the monsters they control; when Major Uemura tries to infiltrate the Dark Order, things only get worse! It's a bruising fight, and even Kyoya's in danger this time!
Street: 12/16/03 Genre: Action/Horror Age Rating: 13+ 200 black & white pages Author: Hideyuki Kikuchi Illustrator: Shin-ichi Hosoma SRP: $9.99
San Francisco, CA. eigoMANGA, a comic book publishing company in San Francisco, is releasing in Diamond's December Previews it's new comic book series eigoMANGA RUMBLE PAK. eigoMANGA RUMBLE PAK #1 created by various American artists. The intended audience are teenagers to adults. The format of the comic series is (black and white) 6.63*10.22, 48 pages. The retail price is $4.95. The comic book's ship date is Febuary 2004. eigoMANGA RUMBLE PAK is an ongoing, monthly anthology comic book series of high quality original manga stories created by American and international artists.
Continuing to receive high praise, Millennium Actress was the first ever recipient of the 2001 International Film Festival of Catalonias Orient Express Award spotlighting Asian genre films, and has also been an official selection at some of Asias most renowned film festivals including the Pusan International Film Festival (Korea), the Bangkok International Film Festival and the Singapore International Film Festival.
MILLENNIUM ACTRESS SYNOPSIS Millennium Actress is a compelling epic adventure of fate and destiny. Past and present collide as a reporter discovers a mysterious key that unlocks the secrets to the life of a legendary actress who vanished at the height of her brilliant career.
MILLENNIUM ACTRESS (Widescreen Only) DVD Price: $19.95 (M.A.P.) Street Date: October 28, 2003 Running Time: 87 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Audio: Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 Subtitles: Japanese with English, French and Spanish subtitles
"We're delighted to bring the madcap hilarity of The Fairly OddParents to readers in the portable, full-color pages of Cine-Manga," said TOKYOPOP's Senior Editor, Cine-Manga, Elizabeth Hurchalla. "Not only will kids of all ages find a cool new way to enjoy the show, but they'll be able to take the action with them wherever they go."
The Fairly OddParents, which airs on Nickelodeon several times daily, is loaded with clever dialogue and slapstick comedy. According to Nielsen, more than 37 million monthly viewers tune in to catch the magical adventures of Timmy Turner, an average 10-year old kid who just happens to have fairy godparents! For most kids, having every wish granted would be a dream, but when the godparents are as wacky as these two, anything can happen... and it usually does. The result: Zany high jinks for Timmy and everyone around him.
The Fairly OddParents Cine-Manga is TOKYOPOP's latest addition to an exciting line that also includes Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron.
The Las Vegas Comic-Con's 3-day event will be the center stage for the debut of "Chinamation" featured in booth #804. Playhut Entertainment will host FREE screenings of DeCheng, Way of the Warriors, Little Monk, Mighty Bunch, and Bird Island daily in Lagoon A on the second floor. All visitors to the Playhut Entertainment booth will have a chance to win Limited Edition DVDs of the "Chinamation" screeners.
"Chinamation" ushers in an exciting new era of entertainment with distinctive artistic styles and epic adventures that are set in ancient and contemporary worlds. We are excited to share "Chinamation" with the 30,000 expected attendees of the Las Vegas Comic-Con, says Pamela Harris, Director of Licensing for Playhut Entertainment. This new era of entertainment is certain to entertain audiences for years to come.
SCREENING SCHEDULE: Friday, October 31, 2003 3:00PM-4:00PM DeCheng 3, Mighty Bunch 3 Saturday, November 1, 2003 1:00PM-2:00PM Way of the Warriors 1 & 2 Sunday, November 2, 2003 1:00PM-2:00PM Little Monk 4, Bird Island 1
Tools include, but are not limited to:
Drawing Ruler Six different types of Layers (Ink,White, Inverse, Rough, Rough Color, Text) Concentration Lines (Speed lines) Convenient Functions (Tools similar to Photoshop, but catered to creating manga.)
As the leading merchant in manga supplies, Comic Tones is proud to be the first to carry this outstanding product.
MSRP Price: $120.00 Our Price: $90.00
More than 1,600 Japanese animation fans turned out for 2003s inaugural event, establishing a new, first-year attendance record for Florida anime conventions.
METROCON is a weekend-long celebration of the numerous facets of Japanese popular entertainment from anime (Japanese animation), manga (Japanese comics), J-pop and J-Rock (Japanese pop and rock music, performed by idols) to cosplay (costume design and performance) and video games.
Tampa Bays first, dedicated anime convention included: - The first-ever Anime Idol J-Pop/J-Rock Competition; - An art show and Artists Alley; - A cosplay competition and a runway-style costume contest; - A dealers/exhibition room; - Three DDR Extreme Tournaments; - An Anime Music Video contest; - Official convention screenings of new North American releases; - Panels with North American anime industry guests; - Dances and karaoke; - The METROCADE video game room; and last but certainly not least 212 continuous hours of Japanese anime and related programming.
Visit www.metroconventions.com for more information.
Thanks to Daniel for the referal
http://www.karaterice.com/Japunks
I have seen the iGuide, and it is very impressive. The iGuide features many innovations that improve upon the existing print strategy-guide format. These include: - video-based instruction on controls and game-play - video-based character, enemy, weapons, items, and maps galleries - video-based walkthroughs - web-based updates and content - print and search functionality - exclusive animated/video Bonus Content
g-Net definitely knows their business and that is why they have chosen FUNimation as their exclusive distributor. We know our business. FUNimation has a very extensive home video distribution unit that we will utilize for g-Net's iGuide. I have included the text of g-Net's press release below. We will have more information coming soon!
Special Japanese Menu! Bubble Tea and Prizes from CoCo's!
MILLENNIUM ACTRESS [Sennen joyu]
Satoshi Kon, Japan 2001 Japanese with English subtitles Running time:87 minutes
Kon's ambitious epic is a timeless saga spanning a century of Japanese history in war and peacetime, touching on the tumult of history, the transformation of nations, the pursuit of love against all odds, the quest for meaning in human life, age, wisdom, beauty and truth - and yet is completely unique, and entirely Japanese, and universally appealing. The beautiful Chiyoko Fujiwara was once Japan's most lauded actress, adored by millions and featured in all the great films of her age. For the last 30 years, she has lived as a hermit in a mansion, refusing contact with the outside world. When a documentarian comes to capture Chiyoko's life story on film, the actress opens her heart and her memories to the camera, launching into a picturesque autobiography dating back to when she was a young schoolgirl who fell in passionate love with a fugitive artist headed to Manchuria. Chiyoko's story stitches together scenes from her most famous films (which are mini-homages to the different idioms of Japanese cinema over the course of the 20th century) while taking the documentarian, his cameraman and the audience through a wild race of memory and history. Chiyoko's memories may be as deceptive as they are captivating, as history through her eyes may be more poetic than real. Perhaps the most striking aspect of Millennium Actress is Kon's way of playing with time. In his hands, time folds back on itself, restructures, changes shape, and floats in the current of the story ... The film lives in its own frame of meaning and minutes, and by doing so reveals the true nature of time and of history that it only exists experientially, through the eyes of those who, by seeing it, make it real. (Sonny Lee, University of Chicago)
Also, the Pop Japan Travel Fall 2003 tour has just returned from Japan. Besides experiencing traditional Japanese culture, particpants also had the opportunity to visit the Tokyo 2003 Game Show, an exclusive tour or Studio Pierrot, and shop at some of the hottest anime and pop Japan shopping areas. We invite you to visit our Pop Japan Travel Fall 2003 Memory Album.
In addtion, you are invited to participate in our Pop Japan Travel Forums where you can talk to participants, find out more about Pop Japan Travel, and discuss about Japan.
Finally, don't forget, it's not too late to hop on one of our tours this winter. Reservations are still open for our Comiket Tour and our Winter 2004 Anime tour. But don't delay, spots are filling up fast, so send in your reservation today! It's a great way to celebrate the new year and your winter vacation! Visit the official Pop Japan Travel Website for more details!
We are truly excited about the unique engaging interactive component ValuSoft will add to the Initial D experience, said Stuart Levy, TOKYOPOP Founder and CEO. By creating this PC-based game, were bringing fans even closer to Initial Ds intense drifting action by letting them take their own virtual drive through Mount Akinas hairpin curves.
With a slew of gripping racing games already under its beltincluding the top-selling Midnight Outlaw Illegal Street Racing seriesValuSoft has established itself as one of America's the preeminent software publishers. The company has already begun work on the highly-anticipated action-packed Initial D PC game.
ValuSoft is very pleased to be working with TOKYOPOP on the new premier Initial D PC game, said ValuSoft President Doug Clemmer. As one of the leaders in the racing genre, we cant wait to bring Initial Ds street racing scenes to a whole new level for fans and gamers.
The limited edition dust jacket will be available only through Anime Gamers, a sister company of Broccoli International.
Anime Gamers is an anime specialty store in the United States, based on the Gamers retail store chain in Japan. Currently, there is one Anime Gamers store in Los Angeles, CA. Anime Gamers can also be accessed online at http://www.animegamers.com. Anime Gamers will also be attending various conventions and trade shows throughout the year, where the dust jackets will be available with a purchase of Dejikos Summer Vacation manga.
Di Gi Charat Theater - Dejikos Summer Vacation is a collection of short stories illustrated by various artists, including Koge-Donbo, the original character designer of Di Gi Charat. It will be the first in a series of manga featuring Dejiko, the hybrid cat-eared girl, which will be published in English by Broccoli Books.
Satsuki Yamashita, editor of Broccoli Books stated, I am very excited about the partnership with Anime Gamers. US fans have been asking for dust jackets similar to the ones they have in Japan, and we wanted to provide it to them. We plan on making more dust jackets in the future if this proves to be successful.
The dust jacket will feature a different illustration from the cover.
Di Gi Charat Theater - Dejikos Summer Vacation will be available November 2003 in bookstores and specialty stores throughout North America. Suggested retail price is $9.99.
The Di Gi Charat Theater series of English translated manga focuses on the adventures of Di Gi Charat (aka Dejiko), and alien hybrid-cat-eared girl with the ambition of becoming a super star on planet Earth! Originally the mascot for an anime retail store chain, Dejiko and her friends have been featured in anime, manga, and on countless merchandise.
Di Gi Charat Theater - Dejikos Summer Vacation follows Dejiko and her friends as they turn common everyday occurrences into something a little more FUN! Join them as they hit the beach, switch bodies, blow up the Black Gema Gema Gang, and discover the secret of Hokke Mirin, a two dimensional cat that walks sideways.
Di Gi Charat Theater Dejikos Summer Vacation 176 pages with color insert Age Rating: E (Everyone) Street Date: 11/18/03 Suggest Retail Price: $9.99
Thanks to Daniel for the links and info
We have been having a lot of great developments with our Yu Yu Hakusho licensees. As a result, we have added new sections to the Yu Yu Hakusho Web site for SCORE and Atari. - The SCORE Yu Yu Hakusho Trading Card Game hit the streets on September 15. Fans can stop by www.yuyuhakusho.com and learn how to play, watch the demo trailer, download a free starter deck and find out more information about their favorite teams. SCORE has been having great success with the TCG and Yu Yu Hakusho TCG tournaments are already underway. - On December 9, Atari will launch their Yu Yu Hakusho: Spirit Detective video game for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance. Fans can stop by the video game section at www.yuyuhakusho.com to find out more information about the game, view screenshots and watch the game trailer. *** Fans looking for Yu Yu Hakusho apparel will be able to find it at select locations including Kids R Us, JC Penney and Mervyn's. Availability is on a limited basis, so fans are encouraged to stop out and check their local retailers.
Yu Yu Hakusho video releases: October 7: Yu Yu Hakusho - The Dark Tournament - Sword & Dragon November 4: Yu Yu Hakusho - The Dark Tournament - Deadly Toguro December 9: Yu Yu Hakusho - The Dark Tournament - Tournament's End Coming in January: The next saga in the Yu Yu Hakusho series - Chapter Black!
We are also trying something new with the Yu Yu Hakusho Web site. We have added a Reviews section for our fans. Yu Yu Hakusho fans can now provide their own reviews for their favorite Yu Yu Hakusho releases.
Thanks to Daniel for the link.
Arriving in the mail today, an unusually large and colorful promotional package for Pioneer Entertainment's release of the Studio Gonzo work Last Exile. Included in the package are the expected promotional faire: flyers, DVD, press releases etc.. Unique to this kit are all the materials we would need to embark on our own aerial adventure save the wings. A gorgeously decorated custom full color box revealed Gold German made compass, Computer / Book Bag and Nickel/Silver framed Aviator Style Sunglasses. Stay tuned for our review of Last Exile.Based on a popular Japanese comic book series, YU-GI-OH! follows the adventures of Yugi and his buddies - Joey, Tristan and Tea, who spend most of their free time playing the coolest new game ever ... Duel Monsters. The game allows them to challenge their minds using logic and strategy while players pair up different mystical creatures against one another in wild, magical duels. When Yugi's grandfather gave Yugi an old Egyptian artifact called the "Millennium Puzzle," Yugi pieced the puzzle together and was infused with incredible mystical powers. With the help of his friends, his belief in the heart of the cards and the mysterious power of his Millennium Puzzle, Yugi sets out on the adventure of a lifetime!
VOLUME 5: Evil Spirit of the Ring
Episode 13: Evil Spirit of the Ring Yugi's classmate Bakura, possessed by his Millennium Ring's dark powers, traps Yugi and his friends in a Shadow Game where they become the cards themselves! Not only must Yugi battle to avoid becoming a permanent part of the card game, he must also free Bakura's soul from the Millennium Ring's control!
Episode 14: Panik Attack Pegasus' hired duelist Panik cheats Mai out of all her star chips, and Yugi vows to defeat him to win them back. But when Panik's Castle of Dark Illusions enshrouds his monsters in a black mist, how can Yugi defeat an enemy he cannot see?
Episode 15: Winning Through Intimidation Despite his astonishing disadvantage, Yugi boldly provokes Panik, boasting: "I'll finish you in three turns." Is Yugi bluffing -- or does he have the advantage in this battle of wits?
VOLUME 6: The Scars of Defeat
Episode 16: The Scars of Defeat Kaiba descends to the kingdom to face Pegasus. Has Kaiba changed since his battle with Yugi, or is he still the same merciless duelist? A battle between Kaiba's Blue-Eyes White Dragon and Joey's Red-Eyes B. Dragon holds the answers!
Episode 17: Arena of Lost Souls Part I Bandit Keith's gang kidnaps Joey to a secret cave with a Graveyard playing field. As Yugi and friends search for him, Joey faces Bandit Keith's zombie monsters, which become stronger as they return from the grave! Joey is all alone in the battle this time!
Episode 18: Arena of Lost Souls Part II Joey's last ditch effort, his lucky Time Wizard card, fails against Bandit Keith's zombie monsters. But as his lucky streak comes to an end, will his improving skills as a duelist and his love for his sister inspire him to victory?
VOLUME 7: Double Trouble Duel
Episode 19: Double Trouble Duel Part I Trapped in the labyrinth cave, Yugi and friends find an alternate exit, but the door is guarded by Pegasus' Paradox Brothers. Yugi and Joey will no longer be battling solo. They must band together in a team battle against the Paradox Brothers. The battle for all the star chips and entrance to Pegasus' castle is on the line!
Episode 20: Double Trouble Duel Part II Yugi and Joey pool their strengths and manage to fend off their opponents' monsters, but things are about to change as the Paradox Brothers summon the almighty Gate Guardian, a monster that reflects all attacks. Is Joey helping Yugi in this duel? Or is his lack of experience sealing their fate for defeat?
Episode 21: Double Trouble Duel Part III Yugi and Joey each unleash their strongest monster, the Summoned Skull and the Red-Eyes B. Dragon, but their strength pales in comparison to the tremendous power of the Gate Guardian. Individually, our heroes have no chance, but they will unleash the greatest power of all-teamwork!
VOLUME 8: Face Off: Yugi vs. Kaiba
Episode 22: Face Off Part I Using the magic of the Millennium Eye, Pegasus traps Mokumba's soul inside a card right before Kaiba's eyes! In order to earn the right to challenge Pegasus, Kaiba must first beat Yugi and take his star chips. The rematch between Yugi and Kaiba is about to begin!
Episode 23: Face Off Part II Kaiba summons the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, the strongest monster in the game fused from three Blue-Eyes White Dragons! Yugi has lost all his powerful Duel Monsters, but a true duelist never gives up!
Episode: 24: Face Off Part III Yugi begins spinning a strategy to put the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon to rest, but he must decide whether to claim victory or spare Kaiba his life. Yugi's heart is split in two!
TITLES: Volume 5: Evil Spirit of The Ring Volume 6: The Scars of Defeat Volume 7: Double Trouble Duel Volume 8: Face Off: Yugi vs. Kaiba RUNNING TIME: Approximately 60 minutes RATING: Not-rated SRP VHS: $12.95 PRE-BOOK: September 16, 2003 STREET DATE: October 21, 2003 ,/i>
Chicago, IL - Based on the hit 35 episode Japanese television series Orguss, acclaimed anime director Fumihiko Takayama (Patlabor 3 / Mobile Suit Gundam) brings the story into the future 200 years after the original. Created as a direct to video release, Orguss 02 features six pulse pounding thirty minute episodes featuring dramatic mecha combat, giant robots and political intrigue intertwined with explosive sci-fi action. Manga Entertainment will release the DVD on October 28, 2003 to retail outlets nationwide.
"SUPERB!" - PROTOCULTURE ADDICTS
Two opposing armies race to unearth devastating weapons - as the world moves closer to an all-out-war!
For 200 years they lay deep beneath the earth, silent on the ocean floor. Now, the rival nations of Zafran and Revillia race to gain possession of the Decimators, destructive robots of war. Even though the technology is from the past, the Decimators are important weapons in the fast approaching political conflict - but the Earth is in danger of extinction if these ultimate weapons are unleashed!
DVD features: * DIGITALLY REMASTERED 4X3 FULLSCREEN * ENGLISH AND JAPANESE LANGUAGES * DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 SURROUND SOUND * ENGLISH SUBTITLES * ORGUSS 02 POSTER * MANGA PREVIEWS, DVD CATALOG, FAN CLUB INFO AND WEBLINKS
ORGUSS 02
Distributor: Manga Entertainment Sales & Distribution: WEA
Street Date: October 28, 2003 Pre-Book Date: September 30, 2003
Running Time: 160 Minutes SRP: $24.95
Not rated. Contains violence. Parental discretion advised.
Not rated. For ages 13 & up. Brief nudity and violence
Barcode: 6-60200-4129-2 (0) Selection: MANGA4129-2
With so many anime-based card games coming out at the same time, we planned somewhat conservatively to make what we thought would be feasible in the market, Jonathan Quesenberry, Score Entertainments Director of Marketing said. We then found, much to our surprise, that the game has taken flight far beyond even our expectations. As a result, we are taking steps to supply those venues who have already sold out with more product, as soon as possible.
Distribution for the card game includes such retail heavy-hitters as Toys R Us, Target, 7-11 and GameStop stores, in addition to the already rich hobby environment. Product is already moving very quickly through these locales as stores try to keep up with the ever-growing fan demand. Because of this early outpouring for more Yu Yu Hakusho cards, more product is scheduled to disseminate into the market by mid-October.
At the same time as the release of the product, the accompanying Yu Yu Hakusho TCG website witnessed a dramatic spike in traffic and membership. The message boards alone now have thousdands of members which has seen a growth rate of nearly 1000 per week and rising. With 27,000 posts and growing, eager fans discuss cards, strategies and deck archetypes daily on the message boards.
This clearly shows the new brands strength. Quesenberry said. While the demand for the game was much higher than anticipated, we will be ready when our next expansion, The Dark Tournament, rolls out in December. You can count on it.
For the latest details, visit www.YuYuHakushoTCG.com.
eigoMANGA, formerly a dot-com company(eigoMANGA.com) in 2000 had earned the comic book industry acclaim for being amongst the first, innovative, and leading companies to produce dot-comics on the internet during the internet boom. eigoMANGA(then eigoMANGA.com) strived through the dot-com days and persevered during the dot-com bust. With high-quality and compelling original comic book work, eigoMANGA as a core company has proven to become a valuable brand to the eyes of the comic book industry and fans worldwide. This along with genuine company loyalty among employees enabled eigoMANGA to survive the declining Internet business industry and successfully evolve into a promising enterprise level publishing and media company.
When other dot-com companies, especially dot-comic companies where going out of business on a daily basis, we never had a thought of giving up because we (our colleagues, core audience, business partners, and friends/families) all knew that we had something special. Many of us are in this company are in it for the long haul because eigoMANGA is not a 9-to-5 for us; its become an accepted way of life, especially for me claims Austin Osueke, founder, publisher and CEO of eigoMANGA. Now the company is primarily engaged in traditional publishing comic books and distribution through brick-and-mortar retail outlets, much to the approval to their audience.
Our core audience love our brand regardless if its a dot-com or not. We have solid and compelling content. We are simply fortunate to be able to translate it into other mediums like printed publications.
eigoMANGA has long since moved out of being a web-based business and because of that the company now has an opportunity to earn addition recognition as being amongst the first and leading US-based comic book company to create a new genre within the manga industry: American manga. The company will officially ship its first issue of its flagship comic book series eigoMANGA RUMBLE in stores worldwide February 2004. eigoMANGA RUMBLE PAK is a monthly anthology comic book series portraying original manga stories created by American artists and creators.
We feel that the comics in RUMBLE PAK represent the advent of a new breed of talented American manga artists. The visually striking artwork and compelling storylines in these comic books will put to rest any to rest any stigma that Americans can't compete with Japanese manga states Osueke.
Diamond's Sales Team will begin working with bookstores, book wholesalers, warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers, and libraries to place eigoMANGAs titles across the country.
Were extremely excited to have evolved beyond the internet realm and have something of real worth to comic book readers everywhere.
For information about eigoMANGA.com, visit the site at http://www.eigoMANGA.com.
Junkers Come Here is an anime family classic released in 1995, the films story has developed a diverse following from audiences who cannot seem to get enough of Junkers, a dog that speaks the human language and the companionship he provides his young owner during troubled times. Based on Naoto Kines 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 (Miyazakis 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? This Film is Recommended for All Ages.
From the creator of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, director Yoshiyuki Tominos Chars Counterattack concludes the epic Gundam space saga established over 20 years ago. The year is Universal Century 0093 - 13 years have passed since the events of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. But the foundations of peace are once again threatened by a new Neo Zeon army led by the infamous Char Aznable! His ultimate goal is to initiate a nuclear winter upon Earth ushering in a new age of mankind into space. Armed with the state of the art Nu Gundam mobile suit, Amuro Ray and the Federation forces are all that stand against Neo Zeon. Torn between vengeance, duty, and love - the final battle between rivals Char Aznable and Amuro Ray is finally at hand! This Film is Recommended for those 13UP.
Junkers Come Here and Chars Counterattack are both presented in its original Japanese-language format (with English subtitles). For pricing, showtime, and locations, please visit www.clintonsttheater.com and www.brattlefilm.org.
Griffin will report to FUNimation's recently announced Director of Sales for the Home Video Division, Tony Vandeveerdonk, who is another new addition in FUNimation's enhanced sales department. Griffin started his duties as FUNimation's Senior National Sales Manager on September 29.
Di Gi Charat Theater Dejikos Summer Vacation
Street date: November 18, 2003
Please pre-book by October 13, 2003.
Shipping: 1st week of November
Di Gi Charat Theater - Dejiko's Summer Vacation
What happens when an alien hybrid cat-eared girl with aspirations of becoming the next idol super star lands on earth?
Well first of all, she discovers that she needs money. And in order to pay for their high living expenses Di Gi Charat (aka. Dejiko) and her pal Puchiko have to work. Fortunately for them, an anime retail chain called Gamers has openings! As a new employee, Dejiko becomes quite popular with the customers. But what happens when Rabi~en~Rose, her self-proclaimed rival, seeks to steal the show? And what about Piyoko and the Black Gema Gema Gang, a group of neighboring aliens who seek to kidnap her? These things can only mean one thing for Dejiko: non-stop adventure!
Join Dejiko as she spends her summer break tricking Piyoko, blowing up the Black Gema Gema Gang, and switching bodies with Rabi~en~Rose!
Includes ten stories about Dejiko and the gang by some of Japan's most talented artists, including original character designer Koge-Donbo! Complete with character profiles, translation notes, and comments by the artists.
Title Cat. Number
SRP
ISBN Number
UPC CODE
Format
Release Date (Tentative)
Di Gi Charat Theater - Dejiko's Summer Vacation BBDGCT01 $9.99 USD 1-932480-07-2 828482276108 Soft cover - 5 x 7.25 inches. Over 170 pgs
Black & White comic in English Unflipped art Read from right to left. 18-Nov-03
Di Gi Charat Theater - Piyoko is Number One! BBDGCT02 $9.99 USD 1-932480-08-0 828482276207 Soft cover - 5 x 7.25 inches. Over 128 pgs (not final page count)
Black & White comic in English Unflipped art Read from right to left. 16-Dec-03
-- 'Banner of the Stars I' will premier Tuesday, November, 4, 2003 -- Premier date for 'Geneshaft' is still to be determined.
More details can be found on this page:
http://www.techtv.com/animeunleashed/story/0,24330,3538784,00.html
Paracon 2003 is coming to Santa Clara, CA, Paramount's Great America on Sunday, October 19th.
Highlights of the day long ParaCon festival include: - Screenings of the latest Anime movie releases from Tokyo Pop, Bandai Entertainment, Manga Entertainment, and ADV Films on a 9-story tall screen in the Pictorium Theater. This is most definitely a Paracon exclusive! - Meet and greet sessions with Anime personalities including; Shane Callahan (Blue Submarine 6, Elf princess Rain), Keith Burgess (Akuma/Gouki from Street Fighter Alpha: The Anime), Carl Horn (Editor of Neon Genesis Evangelion-Viz, LLC), and DJ Q-Bert (Wave Twisters/Thud Rumble/Mixxteriuos) - Access to the "free play" arcade in the County Fair Games Gallery - Opportunities to play the latest import games from Japan including "Dance Dance Revolution," and other popular Bemani games - ParaCon karaoke and cosplay contests throughout the day
The cost for this event is $29.99, this includes full park admission. Parking costs $10 per vehicle.
More information about the park and the Paracon festival can be found here: http://www.pgathrills.com
Assemble Insert Pre-book date: 12/2/2003 - Street date: 12/9/2003 Approximately 60 minutes, Dolby Digital Stereo, Color. Adventure / Comedy
DVD (English, Japanese, Japanese with English Subtitles) Catalog#: RSDVD9008 Suggested Rating: 13+ ISBN: 1-57032-087-X UPC#: 7-42617-9008-2-2 SRP: $14.98
From Masami Yuuki (the creator of PATLABOR), with Designs by Yutaka Izubuchi (LODOSS WARS), and Design Assist by Takehiko Ito (creator of OUTLAW STAR), comes an unabashed parody of everything Japanese including super-hero anime, idol singers, sentai shows, and even those silly commercials for super powered sport drinks! Absolutely nothing is safe!
Lets say that a group of hooded, power-suit-wearing ninjas lead by a crazy old man in a cloak is tearing up your city. Every time you try to fight them, your team is totally humiliated, entire city blocks end up demolished, and citys citizens just keep getting angrier. What can you possibly do? If youre anything like Chief Hattori, you hold a pop idol contest! ...No, seriously!
Chief Hattori and his "special" task force are searching for that special someone who can really kick butt, and yet be so adorable that the public will instantly love her. Unfortunately, they dont seem to be having too much luck - until high schooler Maron Namikaze takes the stage. Shes cute, shes sweet, and she just happens to be able to crush steel with her bare hands! Now Marons going to get her chance to be the idol shes always wanted to be all she has to do is stop a gang of ruthless thieves, and look good doing it!
Bonus DVD content includes: Live Action Parody Commercial, A Booklet Packed Full of Liner Notes, Interactive Menus, Scene Access, Dolby 2.0 English & Japanese Audio, English Subtitles.
Source: 9/30 IMDB Studio Brief Courtesy Daniel
Kodomo no Omocha
Tsukikage Ran
Kaleido Star -- (also is the chief animation director)
Nurse Ririka SOS
Animation Runner Kurumi
Akizukin Cha Cha
Stay on top of the latest updates and discussions surrounding the con at the official Fanime Con Forums.
By answering five trivia questions about the show, fans are entered to win one of five animation cels used in the production of the show. All five animation cels come complete with multiple matching sketches. These cels have been professionally graded and are valued at $250 each.
The Blue Gender series is a very popular sci-fi anime series. Play Magazine describes it as "an addiction, one that is candy-coated with excellent character development and brushed with the venomous tang of suspense." Blue Gender has recently gained more fans with its airings on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.
The Blue Gender Box Set is reason enough to celebrate, but FUNimation would like to give fans the chance to win these unique pieces of the show. Highlights of the Blue Gender Box Set include:
A Stunning Foil Collector's Box 8 Volumes 26 Episodes Over 9 Hours of Gripping Sci-Fi Action Commentary by Voice Director and Main Actors Includes Individually Signed Authentic Autographed Poster DVD Extras from Japanese Release
The complete 26 episode series of Blue Gender will retail for $119.00 and will be available at specialty retailers nationwide and at Zstore.com on September 30, 2003.
To enter the trivia promotion and to view the cels, go to http://www.bluegender.com/cels.html. Fans have till October 31, 2003 to enter.
About Blue Gender Imagine waking up after two decades of sleep to a world that is more terrifying than your worst nightmare. That is what happened to Yuji Kaido. He finds out that Earth is has been taken over by a life form named the Blue. Mankind has retreated to a space station called Second Earth and are embarking on a battle to take back their planet. To learn more about Blue Gender go to www.bluegender.com.
WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND VILLAGE ROADSHOW PICTURES TO MAKE CINEMA HISTORY WITH GLOBAL UNVEILING OF THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS ON NOVEMBER 5, MAKING THE FILM AVAILABLE TO FANS AROUND THE WORLD AT THE SAME MOMENT IN TIME
Through IMAX Digital Re-Mastering Technology, Highly Anticipated Film Will Also Debut in IMAX Theatres in the U.S. on November 5, Marking the First Time a Major Live Action Movie is Released Concurrently in 35MM and IMAX's Format
Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures will unveil THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, the final explosive chapter in the blockbuster MATRIX trilogy, at the exact same moment in time in every major city around the world on November 5. This unprecedented distribution scenario will make the highly anticipated film available to fans simultaneously at 6 a.m. in Los Angeles, 9 a.m. in New York, 2 p.m. in London, 5 p.m. in Moscow, 11 p.m. in Tokyo and at corresponding times in over 50 additional countries worldwide. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
"Given the enormous popularity and success of the Matrix films throughout the international community, we're thrilled that we can bring the final chapter of this amazing trilogy to fans simultaneously around the world," Kwan-Rubinek said. "We thank our exhibitors for their unqualified support in staging this extraordinary event."
"The zero hour simultaneous opening of REVOLUTIONS once again positions the Matrix films as the cutting edge experience in motion pictures," Fellman added. "Audiences came out to see THE MATRIX RELOADED in record numbers, and we appreciate the enthusiasm, collaboration and support of our exhibitors in helping us bring THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS to audiences on November 5."
"We received such an overwhelming response to RELOADED from audiences around the globe that the Wachowski Brothers wanted to give our fans the chance to experience the final piece of the Matrix puzzle at the same time in every major city worldwide," said Joel Silver, producer of the phenomenal Matrix trilogy. "It's an incredibly complex and exciting venture that furthers the Wachowskis' vision and underscores the trilogy's theme of integration."
To date, THE MATRIX RELOADED has earned over $734 million in worldwide box office, making it the highest-grossing film of 2003 and the highest-grossing R-rated film in history, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, RELOADED scored the record for the largest single week ever with $158.2 million and reached $150 million in a record-breaking six days domestically; internationally, it is the 10th highest grossing film of all-time, and is the first film in history to gross more than $100 million in a single weekend.
FANS TO EXPERIENCE THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, DIGITALLY RE-MASTERED FOR THE WORLD'S LARGEST SCREENS, AT IMAX THEATRES DAY & DATE WITH FILM'S 35MM RELEASE
In conjunction with the REVOLUTIONS worldwide distribution event, THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS: The IMAX Experience will debut at IMAX Theatres in the United States on November 5. This marks the first time a major Hollywood live-action event film is released concurrently in 35mm and IMAX's revolutionary 15/70 format.
Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures previously collaborated with IMAX on the hugely successful release of THE MATRIX RELOADED: The IMAX Experience, which debuted on 39 IMAX screens on June 6, launching three weeks after the 35mm theatrical release of THE MATRIX RELOADED on May 15. THE MATRIX RELOADED: The IMAX Experience later expanded to 54 IMAX screens throughout North America and 12 screens internationally, grossing $12.4 million worldwide to date.
"Following the unprecedented audience response and box office performance of THE MATRIX RELOADED: The IMAX Experience, we couldn't be happier to offer fans the chance to see THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS: The IMAX Experience on the same day as we open REVOLUTIONS in 35mm," Dan Fellman said.
Like THE MATRIX RELOADED: The IMAX Experience, THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS: The IMAX Experience has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience through revolutionary and proprietary IMAX DMRT (Digital Re-mastering) technology. IMAX Theatres offer unequalled clarity and intensity of image as audiences experience one of the biggest films of the year on screens up to eight stories tall and 120 feet wide, and surrounded by 12,000 watts of pure digital sound.
In THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, the final chapter in the MATRIX trilogy, the rebels' long quest for freedom culminates in an explosive battle. As the Machine Army wages devastation on Zion, its citizens mount an aggressive defense - but can they stave off the relentless swarm of Sentinels long enough for Neo to harness the full extent of his powers and end the war?
Written and directed by the Wachowski Brothers and produced by Joel Silver, THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving and Jada Pinkett Smith.
THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS will be released worldwide on November 5 by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
Anime soundtracks are highly popular among anime fans as collectibles, and for their content-including stirring and evocative orchestral music, Japanese pop and electronica.
Nadia, Secret of the Blue Water: TV Soundtrack 1 Music composed by Yoshimasa Inoue, Shiro Sagisu, Hiromasa Ijichi and Joe Rinoie. Lyrics by Etsuko Kisugi, Ha Sa Ko and Miho Morikawa. Vocal performances by Miho Mirokawa and Satomi Matsushita.
Nadia, Secret of the Blue Water: TV Soundtrack 2 Music composed by Yoshimasa Inoue, Shiro Sagisu, Joe Rinoie, Keiichi Suzuki and Yukihiro Takahashi. Lyrics by Etsuko Kisugi, Ryu Sawachi, Kuubo So So So So, Miho Morikawa and Keiichi Suzuki. Vocal performances by Miho Mirokawa, Yoshino Takamori, Noriko Hidaka and Karen Kirishima.
Nadia, Secret of the Blue Water: TV Soundtrack 3 Music composed by Shiro Sagisu and Yoshimasa Inoue. Lyrics by Ryu Sawachi, HIDE & Cindy, and NONKO, YOSHINO and HANNO. Vocal performances by Yuko Mizutani, Kenyuu Horiuchi, Kumiko Takizawa, Toshiharu Sakurai, Noriko Hidaka and Yoshino Takamori.
Nadia, Secret of the Blue Water: The Motion Picture Soundtrack Music composed by Chika Ueda and Shiro Sagisu. Lyrics by Satomi Matsushita, Miki Nomura, Masami Tozawa and KINUKO. Vocal performances by Satomi Matsushita and SILK.
The November issue of Empire has Quentin Tarantino describing his involvement in the anime sequence in Kill Bill, while the magazine's review of the movie says that segment "falls short".
On the other hand, Fox News was positive about Kill Bill, even though the reviewer said the following: " I will admit I'm not a fanatic expert on the subject of samurai movies, 'grind house' pictures, spaghetti westerns or Japanese anime. (The latter all looks like "Speed Racer" to me.)..."
Thanks to Daniel for the info
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