SIF: Rurouni Kenshin Miniature Collectible Figures – Volume 3 Story! Image! Figure! A Yamato Original! Yamato continues its extremely popular line of Rurouni Kenshin (aka Samurai X) collectible miniature figures with this impressive third series. Beautifully sculpted by renowned Japanese “garage kit” artist Takayuki Shiragami, each blister carded figure stands between 4.0" - 5.5" and comes with a themed display base. Based on the overwhelming demand for the first two series, this is one item not to overlook!

SIF: Giant Robo the Anime Miniature Collectible Figures – Volume 1 Story! Image! Figure! A Yamato Original! The all-time classic anime Giant Robo rockets to life with this blister carded assortment of seven 4" collectible miniature figures drawn from the Giant Robo series, The Day the Earth Stood Still, newly released by Media Blasters. The Giant Robo figures, themselves, feature interchangeable parts making them must haves for all collectors who want to recreate a variety of classic scenes from the anime. And did we mention Ginrei. Oh, Ginrei! In three lovely styles.

SIM: Zeorymer Action Figure Story! Image! Mechanics! A Yamato Original! A special treat for Giant Robot fans, Zeorymer from Hades Project Zeorymer. Measuring over 7", Zeorymer is the second (IDEON being the first) in a line of action figures paying tribute to the Giant Robots of Japanese anime. Collectors will appreciate the figure's detachable parts allowing simulation of a number of action sequences from the anime. Comes in two paint versions, each window boxed.

Berserk: Miniature Collectible Figures – Volume 4 Created by Kenturo Miura, Berserk is manga mayhem to the extreme - violent, horrifying, and mercilessly funny - and the wellspring for the internationally popular anime series. Yamato is proud to continue its prestigious line of Berserk collectibles with this fourth in a series of miniature figures. Measuring approximately 4", these figures feature an amazing, detailed likeness of the characters from the anime / manga and come sealed in clamshell packaging.

Armored Troopers Votoms: Chirico Cuvie Action Figure A companion piece to the amazing 1/12 scale Scopedog, the Chirico Cuvie action figure is a must have all on its own. Cuvie features an impressive 20 points of articulation, including a special double jointed hip allowing the figure to be seated in the Scopedog's cockpit. Cuvie also comes with a set of 16 accessories including flight helmet, gun and 6 sets of extra hands! Window boxed, Cuvie is sure to gain the notice of action figure collectors and fans of the Armored Troopers Votoms anime!

The new trivia game based on the multi-billion dollar property, Dragon Ball Z®, was created by Parklife Games Founder, Cherise Lambert, as part of the licensing agreement for Parklife Games from FUNimation Productions, Ltd., exclusive worldwide licensor of the property. “We’re expecting the strength of the Dragon Ball Z® brand and the loyal fan following to make for very strong sales of Dragon Ball Z® The Trivia Game available to consumers this holiday”, explained Lambert.

Lambert said, “It was a lot of fun to work with such a great property and we’re very excited that after 2 years of development and testing with fans, Dragon Ball Z® The Trivia Game is ready for consumers just in time for the 2004 holiday season. After Dragon Ball Z’s five consecutive years on Cartoon Network (276 English Episodes), there was an abundance of information to work with to develop the game. We worked very closely with FUNimation and DBZ fans on the content, game play and design, to create a very fun, challenging and engaging game. We created a game that tests fans’ knowledge of characters, attacks, locations within the DBZ universe, movie features and general trivia. With all of the different elements of the game, individual strategies, a little luck and knowledge of Dragon Ball Z®, Dragon Ball Z® The Trivia Game always gives players the thrill of competition.”

The creative for 'X-ing Over' was conceived by Global Beach and each of the five Webisodes combines original footage with animation from Peter Chung, the animator behind MTV's Aeon Flux and Animatrix. Written and directed by Justin Brown, each represents one chapter of a single eight-minute movie. The movie's characters are trapped in their mundane daily routine until they come into contact with the Jaguar X-TYPE, at which point they cross over to another, more exciting world, where they can act out their fantasies, depicted through animation.

The campaign is designed to introduce the X-TYPE range to first-time luxury buyers and stimulate appeal among young, internet-savvy drivers. It will support the launch of three 2005 Jaguar X-TYPE models: the Jaguar X-TYPE Sportwagon, the Sport and the VDP Edition.

The Webisodes will be released individually over a period of five weeks and can be viewed at www.X-ingOver.com. Visitors to the site will also be able to access working animation sketches, director's notes, behind-the-scenes imagery, reviews, and even download animated wallpaper for their desktops. Site visitors can also enter a sweepstakes to win an original artwork poster, inspired by the X-ing Over series, designed and autographed by Peter Chung. Fans of the Webisodes can also sign up to receive email alerts as soon as the next chapter is released.

"To tap into the aspirations of younger drivers, we recognized the need to do something that broke with tradition. We wanted to illustrate the profound effect that the Jaguar X-TYPE has on those who cross its path," said Melissa Grady, relationship marketing manager for Jaguar North America. "This is the eighth year of our relationship with Global Beach and, again, the agency has developed a concept that breaks new ground, as well as being perfectly pitched for our brand. We'll be using the 'X-ing Over' theme at automotive shows, for banner advertising and for dealer promotions, all as part of a fully integrated campaign for the X-TYPE."

The manga series is a spin-off of Aquarian Age, a top-selling trading card game in Japan that has spawned the creation of numerous graphic novels and anime series. A number of prominent manga artists such as CLAMP, Takada Akemi, Narumi Kakino-Uchi, Keiji Goto, Koge-Donbo, and Haruhiko Mikimoto have illustrated cards for the game. The calendar will be available for purchase nationwide at Borders, Waldenbooks, Brentano’s, Anime Gamers, and local anime retailers for $13.99 starting in early November.

Juvenile Orion 2005 Calendar 12 Months 12” x 24” (open) Full color, 28 pages Street Date: November 2004 Suggested Retail Price: $13.99 ISBN: 1-59741-000-4

Measuring over 12.5" and constructed of over 300 individual parts, the Scopedog is one of a kind, fully articulated and loaded with features -- removable armor plating, rotating lens turret, special internal spring mechanisms for simulation of arm punch and stand-by modes, as well as wheels in the base of the feet for simulation of the Scopedog’s “roller dash” gliding action. The cockpit even opens with accommodating seating for the Chirico Cuvie action figure, sold separately. Window boxed, the Scopedog comes with its GAT-22 heavy machine gun with removable magazine, decals, and an extra set of hands.

Celebrating in over twenty North American cities, the Rise of Destiny Release Celebration Sneak Previews will give Duelists a chance to get their hands on these new cards before they are available anywhere else. Duelists will compete to win awesome prizes, and receive free Shonen Jump products just for showing up! To find a Rise of Destiny Sneak Preview tournament near you, visit ude.com/yugiohpreview.

Rise of Destiny ties the old together with the new, bringing back many monsters in new forms. Many of these monsters currently appear on the Yu-Gi-Oh! animated series, allowing Duelists to create decks and themes seen on television. With nine new Machine-type monsters, support for Harpie Lady decks, and anti-Trap monsters to combat your opponent’s traps, the world of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG will never be the same. Among Duelists, the demand for booster sets has continued to increase as more Duelists compete in the Duelist League and Hobby Store Leagues, held in neighborhood hobby stores across North America. Currently, more than 600,000 duelists are registered in more than 6,000 stores across North America.

In appreciation of the overwhelming support yaoi fans have given to the first graphic novels released by Be Beautiful, attendees of this year’s Yaoi-Con will receive a free 16-page sampler comic (ashcan) of Ayano Yamane’s Target in the Finder. The ashcan will commemorate the appearance of the author at this year’s event and give yaoi fans a sneak peek of this beautiful and exciting Spring 2005 release. “We are very excited to publish Target in the Finder, a popular title among yaoi fans and the first graphic novel which established Ayano Yamane as one of the top yaoi manga artists of our time,” stated Masumi Homma O’Donnell, Vice President of Business Affairs.

"Our acquisition of the entire Slayers television series provides us with yet another excellent source of anime programming," said Kevin Corcoran, president of Anime Network. "More importantly, it also opens the door for creative cross-promotions between the network and our sister company, ADV Films, which recently acquired the U.S. distribution rights to "Slayer: The Movie." In the first season of "Slayers," produced in 1995, Lina Inverse is a wandering sorceress and bandit-killer who joins forces with roving swordsman Gourry Gabriev in what's supposed to be a quick union of convenience. Instead, an artifact, Lina, "liberated" from a gang of thieves, turns out to be the key to the resurrection of the demon lord Shabranigdo. Urged on by the mysterious Red Priest Rezo, the pair has no choice but to fight the dark lord and his servants, accumulating new allies and enemies along the way.

Where: Perfect Exposure Gallery
3513 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020

When: - Thursday, October 28, 2004, 6-9 pm

- Gallery is Open - Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

- Exhibit Ends – Friday, November 26, 2004

About the Exhibit
Shot at Japanese animation conventions around the US and Canada in 2003 and 2004, “Starring As…” is a series of photographic portraits of “cosplay” (costume play) fans, the theatrical and flamboyant branch on the family tree of “otaku” (extremely devoted anime fans), the ones who design, construct and self-model their homemade costumes and props in homage to their favorite anime, comic, video game and Japanese rock band characters.

Artist Statement
As a photographer, “What’s wrong with this picture?” is a question I am forever asking myself as I compose through the viewfinder or struggle with creative choices in trying to make a good print. Given the strong emphasis on costume verisimilitude, and that the recognition and celebration of an especially faithful character costume is indubitably a triumphant moment (I’ve seen for myself how shouts of “Great Zelgadis!” or “Awesome Chii!” across the convention center lobby can elicit a grateful smile and help validate those long hours put into costume design), it’s possible that some anime purists may well gaze at my somewhat less than photorealistic portraits and ask, “What’s wrong with this picture?” The answer is: “Nothing. It’s merely my art added to your art, my vision merely a variation on a theme of the wearable art of the otaku.”

Brian Cahn is a Brooklyn-born photojournalist whose Diane Arbus – inspired interest in American subcultures has led him to photograph gatherings of Elvis impersonators, big game hunters, medieval re-enactors, nude bowlers, square dancers, junior and senior rodeos, twins, street preachers, burlesque performers, drag kings, women’s professional football, plus religious, cultural and ethnic festival of every stripe around the United States. He currently shoots for the photo agency World Picture News.

Thursday, October 21, 10 PM The C-Note - 157 AVE C (at 10th St.) NYC $6 cover

Steve on Guitar/Vocals (with traces of Bronchitis), John on Bass/Vocals (and early Influenza), Rich Pagano on Drums/Vocals (acute Schizophrenia not included.) It's all rockers and no ballads tonight in power trio formation. We've got a brand new original and cover song, some heavy hitters from the new record and we're bring back a few old Crown Jewels Classics. Don't miss it.

Koji Suzuki, widely thought of as the progenitor of Japanese horror fiction, will be making several appearances throughout New York City and Toronto at the end of October. Don't miss this truly rare opportunity to listen to and speak with Suzuki, who comes to discuss the release of his Dark Water, a collection of short stories that share the sea as a theme.

Suzuki's schedule of appearances is as follows:
October 24 (Sun), IFOA, Harbourfront Centre,Toronto.
25 (Mon), same.
26 (Tues), Borders Books & Music, 32nd St. and 2nd Ave. NYC 7pm
27 (Wed), Barnes&Noble, 22nd St. and 6th Ave. NYC 7pm media-open

* NEW VENUE FOR ANIMENEXT 2005 ANNOUNCED

AnimeNEXT 2005 is proud to announce its move to a larger venue this year. To serve attendees better, AnimeNEXT 2005 will take place at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ on June 17-19, 2005.

AnimeNEXT 2005’s new venue is within walking distance of over 15 restaurants, many shops and two shopping malls. The exposition center has 61,000 square feet of exhibit space with five additional meeting rooms.

Just five miles outside of NYC, the exposition center is conveniently accessible via NJ Transit bus 320 from NY Port Authority Bus Terminal. Bus #320 has a stop right in front of the exposition center. The exposition center is also just minutes away from Newark Liberty International Airport for those attendees flying in to the event. The Meadowlands exposition center also has 6,000 free parking spaces. It is also accessible to major interstate arteries including the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

* PRE-REGISTRATION FOR ANIMENEXT 2005 BEGINS

Pre-registration for AnimeNEXT 2005 has begun at the convention’s web site. The earlier you register for the convention the deeper the discount for your membership. The first deadline is coming up, so pre-register soon. The first deadline is December 1, 2004. The Adult rate is $30 and the child rate is $20 until December 1, 2004 for three day convention admission.

Register now at the AnimeNEXT 2005 web site, http://www.animenext.org/register

* ANIMENEXT 2005 OFFICIAL HOTEL ANNOUNCED

This year’s official Hotel is the Holiday Inn Harmon Meadow in Secaucus, New Jersey, just steps away from the Meadowlands Exposition Center.

We've negotiated a special low rate of $99 per night with the hotel. You can book a room by calling the hotel at 201-348-2000. Make sure to mention AnimeNext when you book your room to get the special rate.

The Holiday Inn Harmon Meadows is nestled within a beautiful courtyard mall with full service restaurants, movie theatres, and many shops. Just outside the front door, there is quick, easy, and comfortable transportation to New York City.

The Holiday Inn Harmon Meadow offers over-sized rooms and complimentary wireless high speed internet access, microwave and refrigerators. And if you intend to stick around for our great late night programming, we recommend that you book a room at the hotel. Some convention events, like panels and workshops will even be taking place right in the Holiday Inn.