Its a tardy Father Geek that you find here today! Due to a week of site UP GRADING at AICN I have not posted any of my regular weekly columns, buuuuuuut as Scott Green proves with this week's wonderfully huge AICN-Anime Report... "Its better late than never!" Man has he put together a great column for all of you this week. But, before we get to him here's something Father Geek found interesting in my mail box earlier...
Long time reader, first time contributer. I hope that you have some use for this because for me it was really exciting. I just got back from Japan and am still a little jet lagged, but I had the incredible honor of being one of the first to see the inside of the Ghibli museum. It actually was a pre opening celebration on Saturday September 22, I was told that it was a test run or practice day to prepare for the grand opening that was yesterday. I think I might have been the first westerner in there also, at least on that Saturday the only other blond head that I saw there was my brothers.
As you walk in you are greeted by a huge stuffed Totoro. After that photo opportunity the road leads on to the actual Ghibli Museum which looks like Jabba's Palace on crack, all the walls are painted different bright colors and are rounded off. The inside looks like something out of the town in Kiki's delivery service, all wood paneling and stained glass windows. At the front counter we got a ticket to one of the short films that they were showing. The ticket itself is a strip of film from a ghibli film that makes a beautiful souvenier. After the ticket counter you go downstairs towards the theater and the show room.
The show room features a bunch of different Maquettes of the characters from My Neighbor Totoro in various poses, such a rope jumping or riding bicycle's. First you get to see them individually, then you get to see them in the main attraction of the room, which puts all the Maquettes together under a big dome and spins them around. While they're spinning a strobe light comes on and gives the illusion that they are moving around. I can't explain how cool it is too see the 3 dimensional characters from one of my all time favorite movies moving around in front of me.
As if that wasnt enough, next I got to see one of the three short films that are exclusive to the Museum. It was a very simple and elegantly animated film about kindergarten kids whose imagination comes to life, and their run in with a friendly whale. The short totaly fit in with the other ghibli products, which is one of the highest complements I can give. The theater is domed structure, the dome itself is adorned with a painting of the sun and clouds and the walls have paintings of trees and other various points of nature. The films projector is behind a glass box so that everybody can see how it works while it projects the films.
There are two other floors to the building which you can access through spiral staircases and catwalks. The second floor has several rooms filled with pre-production art, cells, paintings, and story boards from Princess Mononoke, Porco Rosso, Kiki's Deliver Service and many many more. The rooms are set up like a classic european study. It's set up in such a way that you feel like you are walking into the actual rooms of the animators, with various personal effects carefully placed by the tables, such as peanuts, green tea, paint brushes, books etc. The last room at the end of the hall conatins all the work that was done for Spirited Away, which I was very fortunate to see two days later (amazing, by the way).
The third floor has two main rooms. The play room for the kids with a giant cat bus in the middle of it, and at the other end of the hall the souvenier shop full of merchandise to all of the Ghibli films.
That's just about it, outside is a caffee and other various set ups such a fountains and water pumps, up on the roof was a giant robot which unfortunately I did not get to see up close. It's a great magical place, especially for me, one of Myazaki's biggest fans.
I also managed to see the Cowboy Bebop movie, and Spirited Away later on. If you like, or even if you don't, I'll try to write up a couple of reviews for them after my Jet Lag wears off. I hope this was informative and clearly written enough to make sense.
If you use this just call me PK$. Bye now
Father Geek back... Here's Scott Green and the AICN Anime Report...
Anime and Manga Releases this Week
Anime:
Manga:
Angel Links is an action science fiction series that shares it setting with Outlaw Star. Meifon is a young women who runs the Angel Links security firm, which combats the pirates that are plaguing the space ways. In volume 4 Meifon has learned her past was not what it appeared to be. Meifon is tormented by the memories she has been having and by the realization of her true destination.
Crest of the Fallen Star is a more thoughtful, less action oriented science fiction series about a young man from a planet that was conquered by a genetically enhanced offshoot of humanity. It return the his planet's surrender, the boy's father, the planet's president, entered into agreement to make his family nobility. After studying for years, the young man is now traveling with a young woman from the conqueror race. After arriving in one of the empire's baronies the pair is forced to start a civil war after the baron betrays them.
Mobile Suit Gundam continues the classic first Gundam series. Due to a licensing agreement the series is released only in English dubbing. In these volumes the young and intelligent, but inexperience grew of the battleship Whitebase, and Amuro Rei, the pilot the advanced mobile suit Gundam, the federations only hope against the Zeon rebellion's Zaku's continue to face off against their ace pilot Char.
Anime on Cartoon Network
Gundam has returned to Cartoon Network in the form at Gundam: 08th MS team at 5:00 pm.
Cowboy Bebop advanced two episodes with "Jamming with Edward" and "Ganymede Elegy", neither of which were edited.
Spirited Away Breaks Another Record
Hayao Miyazaki's latest work, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi officially broke the Japanese box-office attendance record previously held by Titanic. After 10 weeks it sold 16,878,000 to Titanic's 16,831,000 in 62 weeks.
Akira Returns to Theatres
www.Akira2001.com indicates that the movie will be returning to theatres. Pioneer has announced an Akira Movie Poster Contest, fans can submit their original art in hopes of winning one of three Pioneer DVD players. More details about the contest can be had on the Akira 2001 website under the Mayhem section here.
New Media Blasters DVD Announcements
Media Blasters has announced that the complete DVD versions of the action OAV series Cleopatra DC and the high-shcool comedy Madonna will both be released on January 29th for $24.95 and $29.95 respectively. Both DVDs will be subtitled only. A subtitled only live-action DVD titled simply "Cosplay" (the term used to describe people dressed as anime characters, usually at conventions)will also debut on the 29th for $29.95.
Yaoi (homosexual male romance) fans will look forward to the American debut of the Level C OAV. The 35 minute OAV will be released on subtitled only DVD for $24.95 on the 29th.
The Kite "Director's Cut" will premier on bilingual DVD on the 29th at $29.95. This adults-only version of Kite restores the original Japanese scene sequence that was altered for the all-audiences American version, and restores nearly all of the sex from the Japanese version.
Upcoming ADV Releases
ADV Films has set a street date of December 11, 2001 for the DVD release of Robotech v9: Robotech Masters-"Counter Attack", Robotech v10: Robotech Masters-"The Final Solution" and Robotech Masters: Robotech Legacy Collection 5, a 3-disc collection that includes -"Counterattack", "The Final Solution" and an "extras" disc available exclusively in this boxed set.
Orphen: Ruins & Relics will be released on 27th, 2001. Orphen: Scion of Sorcery (Sorcerous Stabber Orphen in Japan) on March 20th. Orphen: Scion of Sorcery tells the first of three stories in a popular series of Japanese fantasy novel series. A Playstation: 2 game, and manga (comics) series have also been made based on these novels. Its titular character, Orphen is a graduate of the elite Tusked Tower who travels making money by tutoring people in magic, and other less scrupulous methods, ie money lending. Orphen's more significant goal is to free his friend who was transformed into the demon-dragon known as "Bloody August". The series is often compared to the more humorous and quicker paces swords and sorcery series such as Slayers. Many viewers praise the series for escaping the tired clichés that plague many series with like subject matter. The tv series was made with a large budget, though like most television series the quality of direction and animation fluctua! tes. Yhe money spent is evident in its detailed character designs and animation.
Dirty Pair Flash: "Angels at World's End" will be released on DVD of December 11th, 2001.
From the press release:
Kei and Yuri [aka The Lovely Angels] are assigned to protect a computer troubleshooter. But the girls would rather spend their time sowing wild oats on the galaxy's number one party planet than keeping a young nerd from getting assassinated. Unfortunately, their plan is shot to pieces (along with a number of innocent bystanders) when the idyllic World's World suddenly becomes a magical kingdom of death! With android hit-women and cross-dressing assassins on their tails, the Lovely Angels learn there's no place to hide when somebody wants you dead. Their ultimate vacation becomes a living nightmare as a deadly chase leads Kei and Yuri through haunted houses, five-star restaurants and a painstakingly authentic re-creation of one of Earth's most barbaric eras - the 20th Century!"
Alex Ross to Do G-Force for Top Cow
Newarama reports that comic artist Alex Ross (Kingdom Come, Marvels, best known for his painted work) will be spearheading a new Battle of the Planets series at Top Cow, beginning in mid 2002.
See the full article at here. Battle of the Planets was released in America as Battle of the Planets, G-Force and Eagle Riders. Five bird themed warriors use their skills, guts and gadgets to defeat a malevilment organization. It influenced later team action shows from Voltron to Power Rangers.
According to Ross, the deal to produce a Battle of the Planets comic has been a long time coming, and he's glad to see that the property has landed at Top Cow. "The final deal took a little while because there were different people vying for it, but Top Cow probably has the hippest demographic within their reach at the moment, and I think that they could, realistically give it the kind of attention it deserves," Ross said. "They'll be able to put it on the same level as they did with Tomb Raider, which they treat with the same respect say, as Dark Horse does with Star Wars. But along with Tomb Raider, Top Cow has plenty invested in their own properties, and they don't produce too much - that's something I respect about them greatly."
Ross is working directly with Sandy Frank Enterprises, the American rights holders of Battle of the Planets, and is aiding the company is getting other rights for the property, such as videogames, picked up by other companies in order to create a larger Battle of the Planets presence in popular culture.
A Look at Marvel's Mangaverse
Newsarama has posted a review of Marvel Comics' upcoming Mangaverse.
The Mangaverse project breaks down as follows: Ben Dunn(Ninja High School) will write and illustrate the first and last chapters of the storyline, two 38-page bookends, the first of which will ship the third week of January. Six 22-24 page one-shots will ship the fourth week of January, and the event will be capped off by Dunn's final chapter, which ships the fifth "week" of January.
X-Men: Equinox will be written by C.B. Cebluski (Fanboy Inc), penciled and inked by Jeff Matsuda (X-Factor), and colored by Liquid. "I looked more at Japanese culture, history and literature than I did at anime and manga for inspiration. This is where most anime and manga gets its basis from anyway. I tried to write about and incorporate overriding themes and ideas that are important to the Japanese that are clearly evident in their popular culture now, such as in anime and manga. There is a history to everything that has happened in manga and anime and I tried to boil it all down and build it back up with the X-Men. Brotherhood, betrayal, seasons, magic, religion...X-Men: Equinox is going to be made up of lots of different elements, combined in a coherent, kick ass mutant story. "
Punisher will be written by Peter David (Incredible Hulk, Captain Marvel, Young Justice). penciled and inked by Lea Hernandez (Killer Princesses, Rumble Girls). "The Punisher is a female Japanese school principle who punishes people," Smith said. "It's definitely very tongue and cheek and a lot of fun." Fantastic Four will be written by Adam Warren, with art by Keron Grant. "Absolutely mind-blowing stuff," Smith said.
Avengers Assemble: by Udon Studios(X-Men Evolution comic). "The book is called Avengers Assemble and that's literally what happens," Smith said. "It's like a Voltron-thing. They assemble into a giant robot and kick the crap out of stuff."
Spider-Man: written and drawn by Kaare Andrews (Peter Parker: Spectacular Spider-Man, Iron Man). "I've always knows Kaare was very interested in pursuing the writing aspects of comics," Smith said. "This is the first real full plot he handed into me and he knocked it out of the park. Basically, he's a teenage ninja. He doesn't have any spider-powers. Everything he does is ninja ability. He has the claw in one hand, uses the bolos to get around. In the background of the image is Venom, who's a big ass samurai, ninja guy."
Journey Into Mystery: written and drawn by Chuck Austen (Elektra, US War Machine). "This one features the Blood Brothers, and is the story of Ghost Rider, Werewolf by Night and Son of Satan, except they're all brothers in this universe, so they're all 'sons of Satan,'"
After January, the future of the Mangaverse, as it goes in comics, is up to the customers. If it does well, there will be more.
For more information and images see Newsarama
VPM Website Now Open
AIC has opened an English Vampire Princess Miyu site at here with episode and character information.
Geobreeders II Licenesed
Central Park Media (CPM) has confirmed with us that they have acquired Geobreeders II. They haven't yet announced a release date for the show, but expect to see the 4 episode OVA coming soon. The series pits group of women against the phantom cats.
Streaming Anime at e.Goo
e.Goo has posted several Real Media anime commercials and trailers online including clips from older and recent shows including I Wish You Were Here, Argent Soma, Noir, Mahoujin Guru Guru and Arjuna, and brand new and upcoming programs including Heart Library, Hikaru no Go, and Cyborg 009.
"I Wish You Were Here", or "Project-i" is a new animated work done by the production staff of Studio Gonzo.
Second Kenshin OAV Information (Spoilers for End of Manga Series) According to Sony's official, the new OVAs will be released on 2 volumes with the first volume to be released on December 19th and the second volume sometime in February. It is currently not known if there will be only these two episodes, or more.
According to the website there will also be a special contest where fans will be invited to send in postcards with the name of who they think will be the voice actor playing Kenshin's son, Kenji. Five winners will be selected from those who answer correctly and each will receive a poster signed by the main voice cast.
The second Kenshin OAV series, 'Seisouhen' seems to dated in the year Meiji 11, and Meiji 28. Pictures of Kenshin, Kaoru, Sanosuke, and Yahiko can be seen at here.
For more see here (SPOILERS BEGIN) An image of Kenshin and Karou's son Kenji can be seen at here (SPOILERS END)
Final Fantasy Unlimited Page
Gonzo has updated their site with some data and pictures from the upcoming Final Fantasy Unlimited here
Yuji Moriyama to Appear at Big Apple
Virtually legendary anime creator and director Yuji Moriyama has been confirmed as the latest guest of honor at the upcoming Big Apple Anime Fest to be held on October 26-28 at various locations throughout midtown Manhattan. Moriyama's credits include Macross Plus, Jungle de Ikou, Project A-ko 2, Wings of Honneamise, Geobreeders, and the Gensomaden Saiyuki movie.
Update on Japanese TV Broadcasts
Mahou Senshi Rui concluded on episode 24, broadcast on September 18th. Angelic Layer aired its final 26th episode on September 23rd. Star Ocean EX also ended on episode 26 broadcast on September 25th. I My Me Strawberry Egg ended on September 26th after 13 episodes. Sekai no Monsho II also ended on the 26th on episode 10. Sister Princess aired its 26th and final episode on the 26th. Magical Nyan Nyan Taruto ended on episode 12 broadcast on September 27th. Noir ended on episode 26 broadcast on the 27th. Z.O.E. Dolores, i ended on episode 26 broadcast on September 28th. Cosmo Warrior Zero, You're Under Arrest "second season" and Galaxy Angel all ended on September 29th. Cosmo Warrior Zero had 13 episodes; Galaxy Angel had 25, and YUA 2001 had 26 episodes.
Soul Hunter Date
ADV's David Williams posted on Anime on DVD's forum that Soul Hunter volume 1 will be on 12/18 with 5 episodes.
Release Dates
Right Stuf has indicated the following release dates
Adventures of the Mini Goddesses is a super deformed (big head, small body) take on the romantic comedy Oh! My Goddess. It primarily states miniature versions of the young technologically include Skuld, and the mischievous seductress Urd, along with a rat named Gan. The third goddess Belldany also makes appearances. The 15 minutes episodes usually involve the goddesses tormenting Gan, ie marrying him off to a tea kettle, or parodies of pop culture such as Godzilla or the recent medieval anime series Berserk.
Love Hina is a romantic comedy about a boy living with a strange group of girls in a boarding house while attempting to pass the entrance exam into a prestigious college.
Cardcaptor Sakura is the Japanese audio version of the CLAMP magic girl series about a young girl who must tract down and capture the mystical spirits that inhabited a pack of cards. Cardcaptors is the English dubbed version of the series. The cute character design, odd relationships and stories that range from very humorous, to emotional has made fans of those who normally do not enjoy magical girl series, or series with such an intrinsic merchandise tie-in.
Gatekeepers is Studio Gonzo's (known for their CGI working on series such as Blue Submarine no 6) morality tale of super powered children and strange invaders in the 1960's.
Niea Under 7 is a strange comedy by Serial Experiments Lain character designer yoshitoshi ABe about an odd couple of a responsible girl and her flighty alien roommate.
Vandread is a CGI work by Studio Gonzoabout a man working on a mecha assembly line in a society where there is a civil war between men and women. See the official Vandread site at Vandread.com
Spriggan Theatrical Run Info
ADV has confirmed Spriggan the following new showing of Spriggan:
October 12th Village East - New York City Angelika Film Center - Houston Angelika Film Center - Dallas Media 8 AMC - Los Angeles
October 26th Clinton Street Theater - Portland Cinemark 12 - Hadley, MA Cinemark 17 - Springfield, OR
November 29th Red Vic Movie House-San Francisco
November 30th Cinefest - Atlanta
ADV Films announced the launch of www.sprigganthemovie.com, the official website for the upcoming theatrical release, Spriggan.
At the top of the world, the ancient artifact known as NOAH'S ARK has been uncovered. Buried and forgotten since before the birth of history, it holds the potential to elevate its holder to the status of a god.or to wipe mankind from the face of the Earth in a second! Now a desperate battle erupts across the planet as two secret organizations race to uncover the lost artifact; one seeking to destroy it, the other to enslave the human race! Monstrous half-human cyborgs face off against Earth's ultimate defenders, the secret organization known as ARCAM and their elite agents, the Spriggan, in an epic duel with the future of our species as the prize!
Supervised by Katsuhiro Otomo, the acclaimed director of the classic anime film, Akira, Spriggan is director Hirotsugu Kawasaki's feature film debut. "
ADV Films Hiring
A.D.Vision, Inc. is currently looking for Producers/Directors and Writers to join their rapidly growing company. Producers/Directors will be responsible for overall production of a show as well as ADR direction. ADR script experience is helpful. Producers/Directors should be able to relocate to Houston, TX. Writers will be responsible for ADR script development and should have ADR writing experience. Experience with ADR for animation preferred. Send all resumes and samples of past work to:
A.D.Vision, Inc.; Attn: Production HR Department; 5750 Bintliff Suite 217; Houston, TX 77036-2123
Boogiepop Phantom Volume 3
Right Stuf will be releasing the third volume of Boogiepop Phantom November 27th.
From the press release:
From Watanabe Takashi, the well-known director of the popular comedic fantasy Slayers, comes the polar opposite of that series -- an arty, atmospheric fright fest. Mamaro was never like other guys, but he suddenly discovers that he has little in common with humans at all...
Nagi Kirima goes through life with a single purpose: carry on the investigation which has brought her to the Manticore... Saki is a gifted pianist. Popular and talented, she is being manipulated to become something that she never will be...
This amazing story is told by a fascinating group of characters, a bit from each character's point of view. The captivating design, music, and story will keep fans coming back for subsequent episodes!
The cover can be seen here.
Swiss Alps Japanese Tourist Destination thanks to Anime
The BBC has posted a cute article at here about Japanese tourists are heading to the Swiss Alps thanks to the anime version of Heidi.
Anime Related Video Game Info
The official website for the Lupin arcade game has gone online at here. Space Battleship Yamato: Recollection of Iskandar will be released for the PS2 this December. The game will feature cel-shaded graphics akin to those in Jet Grind Radio. The game will be a war simulation with 3d real-time battles.
Konami has announced that the popular Yugioh franchise will be seeing a release on the GBA. Yugioh Duel Monsters 6: Expert II will be released this December.
According to Magix Box Banpresto announced that they will release the PlayStation 2 port of their arcade battle game Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation Vs Zion DX in Japan on December 6. The PS2 port will feature online battles via the KDDI matching system, up to 4 players can battle on one game. There are also new 1P Mission Mode, One on One and Two on Two team battle modes.
Racing anime Initial D has spawned another game... Initial D: Typing of Speed. The game will be released on October 4th for 4800 yen. For each stage you have to defeat the enemy by racing, the more accurate you type the faster your car will run and get pass the enemy.
DigiCharat Commercial Available
The new DigiCharat commercial for the L.A. Gamers store is now available (3.0mb large, encoded in MPEG) on the Synch-Point website at here. Digi Charat was a store mascot made into a hypic action comedy anime series.
Japanese Anime Pulled Because of WTC
According to Wowow's web site the upcoming anime series Full Metal Panic has been pulled from its upcoming television premiere. It appears to be delayed indefinitely. A report of Full Metal Panic can be see here
Patlabor DVD Volume 2 to be produced
Central Park Media has stated that the sales of the first DVD of the Patlabor TV series were good enough to warrant the production of a second. They have still not committed to the entire series, but the second disc is starting production.
Patlabor is a fan favorite sci-fi police drama about a group of police officers used to control the wave of industrial robots that society has started to rely on.
News Animefringe Online
Anime periodical AnimeFringe has posted its October issue. Along with a report on the Anime Weekend Atlanta 7 convention and reviews of - NieA under Seven Vol.1: Poor Girl Blues DVD, Hand Maid May Vol.1: Maid to Order DVD, X DVD, Trigun Spicy Stewed Donut Original Animation Soundtrack and McFarlane's 3D Animation the issue includes looks at
Gene Shaft and Ebichu the Housekeeping Hamster
Gene Shaft was one of last year's big anime release that America companies showed great interest in. It's a look at a world where genetic engineering has become common place. After humanity nearly brought upon its own extinction through war and climatic changes it decided to force the next step in human evolution.
Ebichu the Housekeeping Hamster is an adult (sexually explicit) comedy for young single women with cute character design. Ebichu is an intelligent hamster who does everything to please sure master, laundry, cleaning ect. Her master is an office woman stuck in a relationship who has been dubbed "Kaishonachi" (useless, hopeless).
December Manga Releases
This December has shaped up to be an interesting month for domestic manga (comic) releases. All of the bases seem to be covered. Fans of swords and sorcery action comedies can check out Viz's debut of Bastard, or Central Park Media's release of two Slayers series. TOKYOPOP will start Marmalade Boy, a high quality romance aimed at a young demographic, but with appeal for older audiences. Viz will also debut Vagabond, a mature title about the life of a famous samurai that was a hit in Japan.
ComicsOne is putting out several new series which are generating buzz. Presumably because of the holiday season, many companies are re-releasing trade paperback collections.
An article has already been dedicated to Dark Horses December releases, but it should be noted that they are relisting volumes 1-11 of Lone Wolf and Cub. If you missed it the first time, its the time to catch up.
ComicsOne.COM will be releasing a number of trade paperback collections for $9.95 each. ComicsOne also offers their books online as eBooks for $2.95 for black and white books and $4.95 for color ones.
The two the garnering the most attention are Storm Riders #1, and Wild 7 #1. Storm Riders is a martial arts tale of ancient China. "Storm Riders takes you on a journey through an amazing world in ancient China where, aside from the hegemony of the Royal Government, an individual and separate society exists: . Conquer, a powerful Kung Fu master, aspires to gain control of the Association and assembles the mightiest force of fighters known to humanity. Forgetting the evil deeds he's committed in his lifetime; he takes on Wind and Cloud, two very talented and young martial artists, as his disciples. His destiny to be the Ultimate Master draws nigh; however, destiny has a will of her own and at the crux of the impending maelstrom blow Wind and Cloud..."
Wild 7 is a famous Japanese action comic that was start by Mikiya Mochizuki in 1969 and ran for 48 volumes. "Wild 7 is a group of wild, speedy and uncontrollable bandits whose only means of survival is to cooperate with the Japanese government. They use unconventional methods against powerful crooks to bring justice to society. Wild 7's lively characters come to life with the use of various kinds of weapons and specially modified bikes and cars. Volume 1 introduces the origins of Wild 7's formation. Due to its popularity, Wild 7 became an animated series and a TV series."
Wounded Man #4 takes the characters to New York were they try their hands as a diamond dealer and a model. Wounded Man is the story of a man out for revenge on those who caused his highschool sweetheart to comic suicide, and a reporter following him.
In Sarai volume 1 graphic novel #6 Sarai encounters an immortal warlord inspired by Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Sarai is a series of mutant populated wastelands in which human society has revert back to feudal ways. A class of guard maid has arisen, young women trained as servants and as warriors. The series is regarded as soft core fetish-ish.
Flesh-Colored Horror #1, a collection of horror vignettes is being re-released.
Kazan 1 #1 collects the first part of the desert adventure of a boy, and a mysterious water conjuror and a wise old explosives specialist/granny
Maico 2010 volume 1 #1 introduces the sexy android who becomes Japan's first robotic DJ.
Weed volume 1 3! continues the story of a dog looking for utopia.
Central Park Media (CPM) Manga will be releasing Slayers Special #1, features the hot tempered, red headed sorceress Lina, and rival, the busty Naga attempting to teach a young knight the ropes. Slayers: Super-Explosive Demon continues the first Slayers comic in a comic adventure as Lina tries a get rich quick scheme.
Astra #6 continues the manga rendition of the story by Golden Age Batman artist Jerry Robinson. This issue features the chase the ensues when Astra, the beautiful princess from the Planet Eros, brakes out of the Ministry of Science labs with her hero, Yosuke.
Other indivual issues being released include Geobreeders #34, Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight #16, Loddoss War: Deedlit's Tale #5, Maxion #25, and Princess Prince #15.
Ironcat will be releasing a new graphic novel collection of Vampire Princess Miyu from artist Narumi Kakinouchi and writer/director Toshihiro Hirano, comes the first volume collecting the Vampire Princess Miyu series. Follow the adventures of Miyu and her faithful companion Larva as they hunt wandering Shinma and come to terms with their place in the human realm.. Vampire Princess Miyu's follow-up Vampire Yui continues in issue 7 #5 in which Yui and Naga continue their efforts against the illusions of Shi. They will also be releasing Futaba-Kun Change! continues in volume 7 #5.
TOKYOPOP will release the first issue of Wataru Yoshizumi's Marmlade Boy in December. "Miki just wants to have a normal family. Unfortunately, she's stuck with parents who thought life would be better if they divorce, swap partners with another family, then remarry and all move in together! Now Miki has four crazy parents! At least she can escape from the madness at school. or can she? Just when she thinks she's safe, Miki's new stepbrother, Yuu, transfers to her high school and with his dashing good looks, quickly captures the hearts of all the girls."
Gundam Wing Battle of the Pacifists #3 by Hajime Yadate, Koichi Tokita, & Yoshiyuki Tomino features the quiet acrobat Trowa and flamboyant Duo against the normally peace love Quatre who as been brainwashed into thinking he must eliminate the "Gundam threat". Heero and Relena must follow clues supploed by Dorothy to kind a secret factory.
Other indivual issues being released by TOKYOPOP (apparently the company's name is all caps) CLAMP's Cardcaptor Sakura issue 23 feature's Sakura's last card to catch, the deadly "Firey" card, Corrector Yui #4 with Keiko Okamoto's shoujo take on the series created by Kia Asamiya, Dragon Knights #3, a comedy swords and sorcery series, Miracle Girls #15, Saint Tail #14 with the magic girl thief by night facing of againest a curmudgeonly old astronomer refuses to let the public into his observatory to see a once in a life time comet and Skull Man #2.
Smile 4 #1, a shoujo romance anthology features the debut of Ai Yazawa's fashion romance Mars, as well as continuing Peach Girl, where Battle for Toji reaches it's conclusion as Sae's web of lies is uncovered before the school, and Paradise Kiss where Yukari is accosted on the street by a gutter-punk and a transvestite, and asked to play fashion model for their bisexual designer's newest creation.
Pocket Graphic novels by TOKYOPOP include:
Sailor Moon volume 10: Four of the Scouts have been captured! How can Sailor Moon rescue them and their souls from Mistress 9? Help comes from an unexpected source as Hotaru fights with Mistress 9 for control of her body. But will she protect Rini and her Silver Imperium Crystal?
Saint Tail volume 3: By day, Meimi Haneoka is an ordinary student at St. Paulia's Catholic school, but by night, she pulls off fantastic heists as the mysterious thief Saint Tail! With the guidance of her best friend, Seira Mimori, a nun-in-training, Saint Tail steals back treasures that were unjustly taken from the innocent. All the while, she continues to avoid Asuka Jr., the young detective trying to capture her. Saint Tail has to outwit two detectives these days Lina and Asuka Jr. As she deals with a jewel in a hedgehog, damaging photos and a magic mirror in the third book of this popular magical comedy!
CLAMP's surreal Clover is the tragic story of Sue, a young girl imprisoned for her entire life because she has powers which everyone fears.
Sorcer Hunters Volume 7 features Gateau and Éclair battle to death and Marron, Tira, and Chocolat's mission to calm Carrot's soul
Viz Communications highest profile December release is the first 72 page issue of Bastard!!: Wizard. Influenced by swords and sworcery, and full of metal music puns, the comedy adventure features the wizard Dark Shneider against his former lieutenants who are trying to conquer the world.
Vagabound Part 1, #1 and #2 will start the tale of Tokugawa Era Japan's famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi.
The manga anthology Animerica Extra volume 5 #1 start's Yumi Tamura's new shoujo manga series Chicago. As well as continuing Revolutionary Girl Utena, Fushigi Yuugi and Kia Asamiya's Steam Dectives.
The first collection of Chiho Saito's Revolutionary Girl Utena manga will be collect the firt 200 pages of the story. When she was young, Utena Tenjou fell into a roaring river only to be rescued by a mysterious man-her prince. Since that day, Utena became determined to grow up to be, not a princess, but a strong and noble prince. From veteran shôjo artist Chiho Saito comes the story of a girl with the power to not only change her life, but to revolutionize the world. In this volume, following a string of clues from her prince, Utena has entered the prestigious Ohtori Academy only to be challenged to a sword duel by the Student Council Vice President, and she wins! The prize? By winning the duel, Utena has inadvertently become engaged to Anthy Himemiya-the "Rose Bride!"
The fourth Steam Dectives trade paperback collection is described as "the up-and-coming defense lawyer Liza Fleisher is in danger when she successfully defends a corrupt Steam City business man and becomes the target of a vigilante serial murderer, Don Death! Now, as Liza's bodyguard, Narutaki must uncover the secret to Don Death's identity before he can strike the fatal blow...and the woman he's guarding may have the answer. Then, Narutaki's archrival, Boy Criminal Le Bread, shows up at the detective agency apparently having survived their earlier encounter!"
Dragon Ball Z volume 7 features Vegeta's escape from Freeza's ship with the Dragon Balls, and the arrival of Freeza's elite Ginyu Force.
A second edition of the first 2 volumes of Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 will be re-released as the official manga adaptation of Cartoon Network's Gundam series. Until Amuro Ray's colony was attacked he was a civilian. But as the pilot of the prototype Gundam he becomes a fighter who must defend the White Base as it desperately struggles to evade advanced mobile suits and the great tactical genius of Zeon ace Char Aznable.
Aqua Knight Volume 1 will be re-released. On the remote island of Faro, not far from the World's Edge, a stormy night brings a visitor to the lighthouse keeper Arrabarus and his young son Ashika. When they find a suit of armor washed up near the shore, they open it to reveal a beautiful woman, the Aqua Knight Ruliya of Perla, far off her intended course. For saving her life, Ruliya grants young Ashika the privilege of being her squire - a mistake she will come to regret!
Six volumes of CLAMP's X 1999 will be re-releases. Separated by death from his only family, handsome high school student Kamui Shiro returns to Tokyo, where he grew up, and rediscovers his childhood friends, brother and sister Fuma and Kotori Monou. But Kamui's homecoming leads to more than just a reunion-Kamui is inheritor to a strange destiny that could decide the fate of the entire world!
Volumes 3 through 5 of Banana Fish will be re-released. Vietnam, 1973: An American soldier goes mad and slaughters his comrades. New York, 1985: Charismatic gang leader Ash receives a mysterious drug from a dying man whose last words are "Banana Fish." Behind the seemingly unrelated acts of violence runs a conspiracy that could turn the Mafia, the U.S. government, and New York City upside down.
Volumes of 1 through 4 of Buronson & Ryoichi Ikegami's Strain will likewise be rereleased. Life in the back streets of Malaysia is cheap.and it's about to get cheaper! Assassin Mayo will kill anyone for just $5, and as a Japanese criminal syndicate starts its takeover of Asia, his services are in demand. But when Mayo takes teenage prostitute Shion under his wing, he re-evaluates the price of a human life.
Inu-Yasha volume 10 continues the battle against the demon Naraku. The demon slayer Sango joins the dog demon Inu-Yasha, and his companions. The group also learns the true origin of the Shikon Jewel.
Indivual issues being released include :Ceres Celestial Legend PART 2 #1, due to the shocking actions of her mother, Aya's fear has unleashed the wrath of Ceres, but surprisingly, her powers seem to have no effect on Toya, Dragon Ball Part 4 #5, Dragon Ball Z Part 4 #12, El Hazard Part 3 #6, Magical Pokemon Journey, Part 6 #2, the shoujo version of Pokemon, No Need For Tenchi Part 12 #5, Pokemon Adventures Part 6 #1, Ranma Part 10, #9, Ranma tries to tell his mother about his transformation into a girl, Silent Möbius Adventures #6
Pulp volume 6 #1 continues the adult oriented manga anothology, with a look at Viz's Vagabond, as well as new enteries of Cinderlla, Dance Till Tomorrow, Even a Monkey can Draw Manga, Bakune Young, and Uzamaki.
DC comics will be released Titans 36 with a cover by Manga artist Kia Asamiya. This issue is part of DC's "Full Coverage", a company wide event that will make all issues released accessable to those who have never read the comic before. An effort was also made to make the covers symbolize that the series is about. DC will also e re-releasing Frank Miller's ronin, the story of dishonored, masterless 13th century samurai - a ronin - reborn into the corrupt and computerized New York City of the 21st century.with one last chance for redemption. Manga fans may be familiar with Frank Miller for his work on the covers of Lone Wolf and Cub.
Marvel Comics will be releasing Elektra & Wolverine: The Redeemer #2 by Yositaka Amano and Greg Rucka, and the trade paperback collection of the manga release style inspired US War Machine..
Fantagraphic will be re-releasing volume six of Usagi Yojimbo. Volume 6 features Usagi's reunion with his sensei and attempt to end his wandering.
Peter Laird will continue Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in volume 4 #1 with Jim Lawson. "A severe winter grips New York City. And to make matters worse, a space shuttle has disappeared from Earth orbit! Suddenly, the turtles are mistaken for aliens! They're attacked by the Madhattan Maulitia. Chaos ensues!"
