Anime News Service - October 30- November 2 Anime News

Anime News Service - October 30-November 2 Anime News

11-2-99---- Cebulski Launches Fanboy Entertainment, Partners With Studio Tron

On October 25th C.B. Cebulski, ex-CPM Manga editor-in-chief, announced the formation of a new entertainment venture, Fanboy Entertainment, Inc. Based in New York City, the company will be fan oriented, producing more products and merchandise that comic fans themselves want and request, allying with U.S. and Japanese creators.

Fanboy plans to introduce a number of products in the coming months, launching with a high-quality, signed and numbered Dark Angel lithograph, illustrated by Kia Asamiya. Limited to 1000 copies, the Dark Angel lithograph will go on sale in comic stores across the country in November, but will also be available earlier on the internet auction website eBay.

Other Asamiya products are be offered shortly thereafter as Fanboy Entertainment has entered into a partnership with Kia Asamiya's STUDIO TRON. Kia Asamiya is the creator of such manga series as Steam Detectives, Dark Angel, Silent Mobius and Nadesico. He is also the artist of the sensational upcoming Star Wars: Episode One manga due out in December from Dark Horse Comics.

"Asamiya-sensei is an amazing talent and a wonderful person. He and I have become extremely good friends over the past few years. When he heard I was leaving CPM, he called to express concern over my future. I told him I had plenty of things lined up and not to worry. He then asked me if I would be interested in representing some of his properties and interests here in the U.S. I was floored to say the least!", Cebulski said. "Asamiya is a work horse and is extremely busy in Japan as it is, but he really wants to get more work over here in the States. This is something I will be trying to handle for him. He also wants to get his Japanese manga work into the hands of as many of his U.S. fans as possible, which is another task he and I will be tackling here. One of the first jobs we will be undertaking is the construction of his English language website, www.studiotronjapan.com."

11-2-99---- J-Pop / Seiyuu news

Sony plans to release a special Rurouni Kenshin 3-CD "Premium Collection" box-set Dec. 18th with an extremely limited 1st pressing of 5,000 units. The set will list for 5,631 Yen and is packaged in a special multi-layer tray encased in outer box. Each disc in the set features a unique super picture label illustration. The 1st disc includes popular opening & ending themes from the TV series. The 2nd disc collects best selections of BGM tracks used in the TV series & movie. The 3rd disc features music from the "Tsuiokuhen" OVA series that is exclusive to this set.

11-2-99---- New Anime Of Astro Boy Planned

In Addition to the upcoming Hollywood live action / CG Astroboy film, Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan, in association with Tezuka Productions, plans to produce an all new anime version of Tetsuwan Atom, it's currently unknown if the new anime will take the form of a new TV series OAV or Movie, nore details to come.

11-2-99---- Princess Mononoke Final Opening Weekend Figures

The final boxoffice figures for The Princess Mononoke's opening weekend in limited release in North American theaters are out. Mononoke brought in $144,446 total for a per-theater average of $18,056.

11-2-99---- Vampire Hunter D PSX Game Site

The official site for the upcoming Japanese Vampire Hunter D Playstation game is up, you can check it out: here. The site is in Japanese only, and features lots of info on the game as well as character designs and graphics. The game is scheduled for release in Japan on December 9.

11-1-99---- New Godzilla Toys

A batch of new Godzilla toys is headed for the market in Japan, with the upcoming release of the new Godzilla 2000 film. Of course, an action figure of the newest incarnation of Godzilla is planned as well as one of his newest adversary, Oruga. A special batttery-operated set of the two is expected to be offered featuring a roaring feature. It's expected to list for 5,500 Yen. A six-piece Godzilla History set is also in the works, including the various incarnations of the giant lizard from the 1954, 1962, 64, 84, 95, and Millenium films.

11-1-99---- Pokemon Movie Release Date Moved Up

The first Pokemon Movie's theatrical release date has been moved up from Friday, November 12th to Wednesday, November 10th. Sources at Warner attribute the change to the fact that Thursday, November 11th is Veterans Day, and many elementary schools in America will be closed. Warner is hoping for a strong opening Wednesday evening and Thursday.

11-1-99---- SyCoNet.com Allies With Kanakaris To Offer Anime Books / Films Online

SyCoNet.com, today announced that it has teamed up with Kanakaris Communications, Inc. to license and distribute Anime films and books for exclusive online direct over-the-Internet delivery. Kanakaris will offer books at NetBooks.com with secure proprietary technology and the animated videos at NetMovieMania.com with Microsoft Windows Media Technology.

"The alliance of Kanakaris and SyCoNet.com means that some of the most popular animated videos and books in the world today will be available for the first time over the Internet. Thanks to Kanakaris' popular and secure website delivery, we intend to offer all our properties, building on the audience base that has been created with the Pokemon video series," stated Sy Picon, chief executive officer of SyCoNet.com.

"SyCoNet.com and Kanakaris will share revenue, which will include advertising, monthly subscriptions, and individual pay-per-view related to these properties," Sy Picon added.

The films may be viewed in full screen audio and video and the books may be viewed with several enhanced features, with links from the Kanakaris Entertainment Web portal site, www.kkrs.net.

11-1-99---- Sonic The Hedgehog On The Top

ADV's Sonic the Hedgehog is still going strong, currently holding 7th place on the Billboard Entertainment Video charts.

11-1-99---- Cell Phones With Color Displays On The Way, Phone Agents A Possibility

Three Japanese J-Phone mobile carriers announced Monday that they will begin selling cellular phones with color display units starting in early December. The J-SH02 model, by Sharp Corp., weighs 66 grams and features a 256-color liquid crystal display. It's priced at 44,000 yen ($423). The advent of color displays and ever growing, ever shrinking phone memory, finally make Phone Agents a possibility. Instead of turning on a mobile and being greeted to a monochrome screen with shrill beeping, users could activate a color mobile with a Phone Agent, perhaps an attractive female anime like character that would appear on the screen with an audio greeting of "Ohayoo Gozaimasu". These Phone Agents could be able to play games with the user, be changeable, much like the selectibility of a specific ring on modern phones, and whole host of other possibilities.

11-1-99---- Gundam Wing Model Launch Event

The first fan reports are in from the Gundam Wing Model Launch event held yesterday in Santa Monica, California. Bandai representitives were there unleashing the GW model series in full force. Giant standups of Wing Zero were present along with video displays showing model kit promos and a teaser for the Gundam Wing TV series.

11-1-99---- Princess Mononoke To Show At Hawaii International Film Festival

Princess Mononoke is set to make several showings in The Hawaii International Film Festival held November 5-14. Here's the schedule broke down by islands, theaters, and times:

Oahu:
NOV 6th, 6:00 PM Signature Pearl Highlands #12
1000 Kamehameha HWY
Pearl City, HI 96782
808-455-6999

NOV 12th, 6:15 PM Signature Dole Cannery #9
735 Iwilei RD
Honolulu, HI 96817
808-526-3456

The Big Island:
NOV 18th, 5:30 PM Honokaa Peoples Theater
Honokaa Peoples Theater
Honokaa, HI 96720
808-775-0000

NOV 21st, 10:30 AM The Palace Theater
38 Haili ST
Hilo, HI 96720
808-934-7777

For schedule changes and further information check the HIFF website here.

11-1-99---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Square's Chocobo Dungeons 2 is expected out in the U.S. in January, Saga Frontier 2 is expected out in February.

Sunsoft's new Playstation SRPG, Koukuroearpo: Eternal Eye, is slated for a Dec. 2nd release in Japan. Game story is written by Final Fantasy 1-3 scenario writer, character design of Atelier Marie. Long ago, the world entered a great dark age of dispair and fear under the rule of the Goddess of Destruction. 6 heroes, The Clan of Eyes of Red Light: The Koukuroearpo, defeated and sealed away the goddess by the power of Jade Mapets, and restored peace to the world. Hundreds of years pass, the Knight Commander Vohres of the Cross Kingdom is summoned by Runa, attempting to revive the Goddess. The hero, Ruka, last descendant of The Koukuroearpo, who finds a treasure map of the ancient Goddess's Runa Kingdom, now embarks on an incredible quest. The game uses a new Mapet Battle System, the Koukuroearpo can create living mapets (puppets) by inserting a jade stone inside the mapets body. There are 24 types of jade, each with different attributes or elemental power, by combining different jades together, you can tweak and customize the power of the mapets. There are over 150 types of mapets, however, only 2 mapets can participate in a battle at one time.

11-1-99---- American Gundam Wing Models Available Online

Fans not living in the Los Angeles area who want to check out and purchase the recently launched American Gundam Wing model series can at www.toysrus.com. Currently, 15 models are available in 1/100 and 1/144 scales. You can see individual descriptions + images of the Gundam Wing model line and find out purchase information by clicking on the below links: Wing Zero (C) Bandai

Wing Gundam (1/100 Scale)
Wing Gundam (1/144 Scale)
Epyon (1/100 Scale)
Epyon (1/144 Scale)
Wing Zero Gundam (1/100 Scale)
Shenlong Gundam (1/100 Scale)
Shenlong Gundam (1/144 Scale)
Heavyarms Gundam (1/100 Scale)
Deathscythe Gundam (1/100 Scale)
Sandrock Gundam (1/144 Scale)
Tallgeese (1/144 Scale)
Tallgeese II (1/144 Scale)
Mercurius (1/144 Scale)
Vayeate (1/144 Scale)

11-1-99----Top Anime LD Sales (Japan) (As Of 11-1)

1. Martian Successor Nadesico The Movie: The Prince Of Darkness
2. Card Captor Sakura Vol. 11
3. To Heart Vol. 5
4. Save Me, My Gardian Shaorin Vol.4
5. Seikai No Mansho Vol. 5
6. Galaxy Express 999 Memorial #1
7. You're Under Arrest Special 4
8. Betterman Vol. 3
9. Ah! My Goddess TV Vol 6
10. Master Keaton Vol. 5
11. Maho Tsukai Tai TV Vol. 1
12. Jubei Chan Vol. 4
13. Angel Links TV Vol. 2

11-1-99---- Top Anime DVD Sales (Japan) (As Of 11-1)

1. Martian Successor Nadesico The Movie: The Prince Of Darkness
2.Card Captor Sakura Vol. 11
3. Card Captor Sakura Vol. 2
4. Dual! Parare Run Run Vision 5
5. To Heart Vol. 5
6. Betterman Vol. 3
7. Seikai No Mansho Vol. 5
8. You're Under Arrest Special 4
9. Maho Tsukai Tai TV Vol. 1
10. Jubei Chan Vol. 4
11. Trigun D-1

11-1-99---- Top Manga Sales (Japan) (As Of 11-1)

1. One Piece 10
2. Dragon Head! 9
3. Hunter X Hunter 6
4. Berserk 18
5. Shin Gomanism Sengen 7
6. Hajime No Ippo 50
7. Yu-Gi-Oh! 15
8. Silent Mobius 12
9. Wangan Midnight 15
10. Ryurouden 18
11. Kaguyahime 14
12. Oishinbo 72
13. Detective Conan 25
14. Rookies 7
15. Hikaru No Go 3
16. Kusatta Kyoushino Houteishiki 7
17. Emblem Take2 41
18. Kochira Katsushikaku Kamearikouenmae Hashutsusho 116
19. Mizuno Yakata
20. Shounikabyoutouha Oosawagi

10-31-99---- Princess Mononoke Opening Weekend Boxoffice Estimates

The first boxoffice estimates are in indicating a very favorable showing for The Princess Mononoke during it's opening weekend in limited release in North American theaters. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday show the film has grossed $140,000 on eight screens, averaging about $17,500 a theater. Final figures are to be released Monday.

10-31-99---- Garo Magazine To Return

The classic Manga magazine, Garo, which began distribution in Japan in 1964, then tentatively suspended in July 1997, will begin running again in December. Garo became hugely successful with university students in Japan, atracting and holding readers until their adult years. Popular manga artists started their career by contributing to Garo solely to the develop manga culture and ignoring potential profits. The magazine tentatively suspended publication 2 years ago due to internal disputes, now it is set to return to the high anticipation of hardcore manga otaku and in the face of an ever growing competition.

Source: Anime Scene

10-30-99---- November Import Listings

Here are the Laserdisc and DVD Anime releases expected out this month in Japan: (All prices listed in Yen)

LD
11/1/99
Detective Conan 5th Part 6 4,660
11/3/99
D4 Princess TV Anime LD Vol 3 5,800
Neo Ranga TV Vol 10 5,800
Senkai-den Houshin Engi LD V1 6,600
11/10/99
Sol Bianca OVA 2: Reminiscencia 5,800
11/17/99
Maison Ikkoku LD Box Complete 111,840
11/20/99
Arc the Lad TV LD Vol 6 6,000
Arc the Lad TV LD Vol 7 6,000
Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 11 5,800
11/21/99
Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne TV LD 2 5,500
Mamotte Shugo Getten LD 5 5,500
Master Keaton File 6 LD 7,800
11/25/99
A.D. Police Action 5 LD 5,800
Angel Links TV LD Vol 3 5,000
Card Captor Sakura TV LD Vol 12 6,800
Eden's Bowy TV LD 4 6,000
Harlock Saga OVA Vol 6 5,000
Jyubei-chan TV Vol 5 6,000
Maho Tsukai Tai! TV LD 2 6,000
Melty Lancer Code 004 OVA 5,800
Power Stone TV Anime LD 3 7,800
Psybuster TV LD Vol 2 5,000
Space Homeworld ABH TV LD 6 5,000
Stellar Buster Adv of Mito V7 3,800
Tenshi ni Narumon! TV LD 4 6,000
Turn A Gundam TV LD Vol 1 7,800
You're Under Arrest Movie LD 11,000
11/26/99
Dual! Parare Run Run Real Box 20,000
Gokudou-kun TV LD Act 5 6,600
Nanako Kaitai Shinsyo LD 3 5,800
Starship Girl Yamamoto TV LD 3 5,600

DVD
11/1/99
Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Dash Mode 1 4,980
Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Dash Mode 2 4,980
Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Dash Mode 3 4,980
Cyber Team in Akihabara DVD 2 5,980
D4 Princess TV V3 DVD 5,800
11/3/99
Ruroni Kenshin OVA Vol 4 DVD 5,600
Senkai-den Houshin Engi DVD 1
11/5/99
Doukyusei DVD D-2 4,700
11/17/99
Android Ana Maico 2010 V6 DVD 5,800
Neo Ranga Vol 8 TV DVD 5,800
Princess Nine TV DVD 4 5,800
11/20/99
Arc the Lad TV DVD Vol 6 6,000
Arc the Lad TV DVD Vol 7 6,000
Betterman TV DVD Vol 4 5,800
Gaogaigar TV DVD Box 38,000
Gaogaigar TV DVD Box Part 2 38,000
Record Lodoss War OVA Box 40,000
Rurouni Kenshin TV Vol 12 DVD 5,500
Rurouni Kenshin TV Vol 13 DVD 5,500
Rurouni Kenshin TV Vol 14 DVD 5,500
Rurouni Kenshin TV Vol 15 DVD 5,500
Trigun D-2 TV DVD 6,800
11/21/99
Sakura Wars Musical Show DVD 7,800
11/25/99
AD Police Action 5 DVD 5,800
Angel Links TV DVD Vol 3 5,000
Card Captor Sakura Vol 12 DVD 5,000
Card Captor Sakura Vol 3 DVD 6,800
Eden's Bowy TV DVD 4 6,000
Harlock Saga OVA Vol 6 5,000
Jyubei-chan Vol 5 TV DVD 6,000
Maho Tsukai Tai! TV DVD Vol 2 6,000
Melty Lancer OVA DVD Code 004 5,800
Outlaw Star DVD Memorial Box 2 25,800
Power Stone TV Vol 3 DVD 7,800
Psybuster TV DVD Vol 2 5,000
Shin-Hakkenden 4 DVD 6,800
Space Homeworld of Abh TV 6 5,000
Tenamonya Voyagers OVA DVD 3 5,800
Tenshi ni Narumon! TV DVD 4 6,000
Turn A Gundam TV DVD Vol 1 7,800
You're Under Arrest Movie DVD 13,000
You're Under Arrest TV DVD 4 4,500
11/26/99
Dual! Parare Run Run Vision 6 5,800
Gokudou-kun TV DVD Act 5 6,600
Kacho Ohji Code 3 DVD
Kakyusei Elf Vers D-3 DVD 5,800
Nanako Kaitai Shinsyo 3 DVD 5,800
Starship Girl Yamamoto DVD 3 5,600
To Heart TV Anime Vol 6 5,800

10-30-99---- J-Pop / Seiyuu News

The 3rd character song single for the Medalott anime TV series will feature an image theme by Sakamoto Maaya who provides voice for the character Karin in the series. Release is set for January 7th, listing for 1,020 Yen

Arai Akino will release her 4th single, "Kanaete" Nov. 20th., retailing for 1,020 Yen. The title track is featured as the ending theme to the Karakuri Zoushi Ayatsuri Sakon anime Tv series currently series curently airing on WOWOW.

The CD single featuring the new Pokemon TV anime opening theme song, "OK!", performed by Matsumoto Rika is currently planned for an early Feb. release. The new ending theme, "Nyaasu no Party", performed by Inuyama Inuko, was released last week and retails for 1,000 Yen. Tptalling 5 tracks, Hayashibara Megumi & Miki Chinichirou have brief vocal accompaniments on the single.

The first volume of a new 3 volume Digimon CD drama series, Digimon Adventure: Uta to Drama goes on sale Nov. 3rd, listing for 2,667 Yen, this vol. will focus on the characters: Taichi, Sora, and Joe; and feature the vocal talents of: Wada Kouji, Maeda Ai, Fujita Toshiko, Mizutani Yuko, Kikuchi Masami. The 2nd volume is out on Dec. 3rd, listing for 2,667 Yen and focusing on characters: Kohshirou, Mimi, and Hikari; featuring the vocal talents of: Wada Kouji, Amagami Yumi, Maeda Ai, Araki Kae. The 3rd volume is out Jan. 7th, listing for 2,667 Yen, and focusing on characters: Yamato and Takeru; featuring the vocal talents of: Wada Kouji, Kazama Yuuto, Konishi Hiroko, Maeda Ai and the Digimon Singers.

10-30-99---- Anime / Manga Gaming

The US version of the SNK vs Capcom fighting game for Neo Geo Pocket Color will be renamed: SNK vs Capcom: Match of the Millennium, it's expected to be released in U.S. early next year.

SNK has released some new info on it's latest game in the Fatal Fury series, Garou: Mark Of The Wolves. The game takes place 10 Years after the mysterious death of Geese Howard. The King Of Fighters tournament was thought to have concluded, however, Terry Bogard recieves an invitation from the Butler of a family known as the Heinleins, to return to the tournament as the defending champion. An invitation is also extended to Rock Howard, Terry's adopted child, to join the tournament, the head of the family wishes to reveal something about Rock's mother. Terry Bogard buys two tickets to SecondSouth, where the King Of Fighters: Maximum Mayhem tournament is to begin.

Characters:

Rock Howard
Terry Bogard
Kim Dong-hwan
Kim Jae-hwan
Hotaru Souba
Marco Rodoriguez
Hokutomaru
Kevin Ryan
Gato
Beauty Jenet
The Griffon
Freeman
Grant
Kain R. Heinlein

10-30-99---- Japanese Government Study Links TV Violence To Juvenile Delinquency

A Japanese Government Management and Coordination Agency study released Saturday has concluded that children frequently exposed to violence on television and those who play video games containing violence tend to act violently. As part of their survey, researchers noted what they considered violent scenes on 24 anime, drama and variety programs enjoying high viewership ratings aired between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. from July through August last year.

10-30-99---- Super Robot Factory '99

Super Robot Factory '99, an event centered around Toei's popular special effect/anime robots is being held at the Space World amusement park in Kita-kyushu City, Fukuoka, from Sept. 15th to Nov. 23rd. Robots featured at the event include seen at this event include Mazinger Z, Getterrobo, Dan-Guard Ace, Steel Zeeg, Galaxy Mega and more. The event also features some modern hi-tech real-world robots contributed by major corporations. The 4 meter-tall Mazinger Z and discontinued toys made of super alloy are just a few of the items on display.

Source: J-Dream Direct Newsletter, J-Dream Web

10-30-99---- Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Scene Photograph Collection

Media Works Mobile Suit Gundam series' photograph collection, M.S.ERA0099, will go on sale on November 10th in Japan. The theme of book is "Investigating the Violent Era ." The collection features 12 news camera men's perspectives, shooting and reporting the scenes from One the Year War depicted in the "Mobile Suit Gundam" series. Scenes will come from a variety of perspectives, including that of the common people, the Federation and the Zeon Troops. The collection is reconstructed from the "M.S.ERA" collection that went on sale in 1990. Digital processing and other effects are added to this new collection of photographs, directed by Yutaka Izubuchi, the mecha designer for "Mobile Suit Gundam 0080."

Source: J-Dream Direct Newsletter, J-Dream Web

10-30-99---- Biohazard Play

A play adaptation will be made of Capcom's popular videogame Biohazard. The theatrical company, Super Excentric Theater will dramatize the theatrical musical action comedy, to be titled BIOHAZARD/S.E.T: Bioroid Zero Year, and Yuji Miyake, a well known TV personality will host. A press conference announcing the play was recently held at Nippon Hoso in Yurakucho, Tokyo, with the game producer Shinji Mikami and Yuji Miyake, they are still revising the final script. The play will start in the summer of 2000 in 7 major cities in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sendai, Sapporo).

Source: J-Dream Direct Newsletter, J-Dream Web

10-30-99---- BeatMania Anison Mix

Konami's BeatMania: Anison Mix made it's debut appearence in Japanese arcades Oct. 8th. This new version features a collection of anime songs, and has two versions: Dynamic Production version (featuring songs from Mazinger Z, Devil Man, Cuty Honey, etc..) and Tatsunoko Production version (featuring songs from Tatsunoko hero anime titles, such as "Speed Racer," "Yattaa Man," "Time Bokan," "Mute-King," etc.).

Source: J-Dream Direct Newsletter, J-Dream Web

10-30-99---- Gundam Wing U.S Model Series Launch!

Yesterday, Bandai America announced the launch of its new Gundam Wing line of action figure model kits, and it's official U.S. Gundam website: gundamofficial.com. The kits will initially be introduced in the Los Angeles market through Toys "R" Us but will later be available nationwide.

"For years, Gundam has been a favorite among kids and adults in Japan and we are proud to bring this popular phenomenon to the United States," said Brian Goldner, COO of Bandai America. "We are especially excited that Cartoon Network will be airing the series next Spring in one of its more highly rated franchises."

The Gundam Wing line of action figure model kits are easily assembled, and are recommended for ages 8 years and up. Japanese model technology is universally recognized to be light years ahead of it's contemporaries in the west and Bandai has spearheaded the industry, offering functional high quality model kits for years. The Gundam Wing kits are highly articulated, containing in some cases more than 40 points of articulation. The heights of the completed models range from 5" to 7.5", with more sophisticated model kits available for the more advanced model builder.

An event to launch Gundam Model Kits in the U.S. will be held tomorrow, October 31st, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Toys 'R Us in Santa Monica, CA., located at 4th and Santa Monica Blvd.

10-30-99---- Gundam Wing To Air On American Television

Additionally, Bandai announced that the popular 49 episode Gundam Wing Television series will air on the American cable channel, Cartoon Network, starting this spring. The series will air during Cartoon Network's Toonami block which currently features Dragonball Z and Ronin Warriors.

10-30-99---- Pokemon To Be Spoofed On South Park

The November 3rd episode of South Park, to air at 10:00 pm on the American Comedy Central cable network, will parody Pokemon. The Comedy Central Website describes the episode:

"Chinpoko Mon - Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny are caught up in the latest fad from Japan, Chinpoko Mon."

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