Well, its Wednesday sooooo ol' Father Geek is back with yet another info filled Anime & Manga report by Scott Green, but as usual there's some stuff that came direct to Father Geek here in Austin...

Hey guys.

I'm really sorry i'm bothering you. It's kinda of a important issue for anime and movie fans. As you know, Columbia TriStar has the rights for the Cowboy Bebop movie ("Knocking on Heaven's Door"). The movies is expected in limited theaters around August. For a while we knew that, and this matter was confirmed when the Metropolis DVD was announced with a Cowboy Bebop trailer in its extras section.

The problem is: according to rumors running around, the movie will be re-scored. Bebop is famous for its music, composed by award winning Yoko Kanno. It's only natural these rumors come as a shock to the fans. I'm writing to you because the anime comunity is pretty much overlooked by the "big" ones. They don't visit anime sites.

But they do visit Aintitcool.

Could you somehow post something bout these rumors so Columbia become aware of how scared the fans are about this rumor?

The rumor is mentioned on this site and several others... http://www.animeacademy.com/

"... then you come across this piece of blasphemy. Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment is rumored to be creating an English soundtrack for the American release of Cowboy Bebop. This new soundtrack would replace the one composed by the legendary Kanno Yoko. Now I have seen it all..."

Thank you very much for your attention,

Beto "The Shape" Machado bjgmachado@sec.secrel.com.br

"Laurie Strode is Lonely." - Halloween

Now on to Scott and this week's regular AICN Anime Report...

Anime Spotlight: Gundam 08th MS Team

volume 4

The final volume of 08th MS Team includes the two episode conclusion to ground level look at Gundam's One Year War, and a one episode epilogue. The young Federation captain Shiro leads and assault on the Zeon's secret weapons project, as Aina, the Zeon woman he has fallen in love with desperately tries to evacuate the project's soldiers and staff. The leadership of both sides is willing to sacrifice all committed combatants in order to achieve victory.

The 08th MS engage in an urban battle to destroy the Zeon's prototype Asplus.The high light is a battle between a Zeon ace, and the 08th MS Team as they try to defend three long rang Guntanks that is one of anime's more impressive mecha battles as the Zeon creatively utilizes his armaments and the city space. The visual effects for the abilities of the Asplus were literally awesome.

The conclusion is extremely satisfying visually. From an idea, or story standpoint it was a little less meaty. The ethical issues of the previous episodes, such as loyalty, and the morality of action taken during war are dropped or undermined. Several new lines of thought are introduced by the reprehensible actions of the Federation commander, and Aina's brother, who heads the Asplus project, or when Shiro is faced with a his impending death. The resolution is consistently walking away.

Ultimately, the strength of 08th MS Team was its visuals. The series seems to have been about diverse, interesting and memorable character design, and brilliantly animated mecha battles in full realized settings rather than barren deserts of space. The design The characters and story where more than just glue to hold the series together, but they appear to have been a secondary consideration.

Manga Spotlight: Bastard!!: Wizard!!

Part II of II by Kazushi Hagiwara

Between the explosions, bad heavy metal puns, and exposed entrails, the second issue of Bastard has a bit of plot going on. The would-be conqueror wizard Dark Shneider has been resurrected in the body of a young boy in order to protect Castle Metallicana. Two of form displays, the are trying to break the four seals holding the Gieger-esque demon Athrasax, a large highly beast. A third is sending his ninja army to scope out his former master. The has a lot that works well, and a lot that doesn't. Kazushi Hagiwara's depictions of monsters, spells, and attacks are rendered in high detail, giving them the proper over the top look, but comic story telling could use a little work. Too often the flow is broken by gratuitous shots of destruction, or people screaming in Japan. The constant shifts in character design from super deformed, to highly abstract, to series looking could use more restraint. They switch too quickly, and the proportions often just look wrong.

The translation of Bastard needs to win an award for the most frequent use of the exclamation point. You can count the number of sentences that end with a period in the second issue on one hand, but the pro-wrestling like dialogue certainly fits the characters and story perfectly. The humor is pretty juvenile. The funniest moment in the issue is when Dark Shneider holds up the organ dripping head and upper torso of an evil wizard wizard, tosses it at a priest, and then starts laughing maniacally. Its sword and sorcery for people who think Lodoss War moves too slow.

Anime Spotlight: Those Who Hunt Elves: Ready, Set - Strip

(episodes 1-6) Released by ADV Films

The swords and sorcery comedy genre of anime hasn't produced many artistic classics, but it has provided anime viewers with a number of amusing diversions. Those Who Hunt Elves proves to be highly enjoyable, empty calorie entertainment. The premise has an if-y sound to it. Three travelers from modern Japan go through a mystical world stripping elves for clues to find their way home. Despite the fact that it sounds like the synopsis for a pornographic series, its an especially family friendly series, with the possible exception of a gun toting teenager. It is mostly consequence free adventure. The lead character are mostly nuisances, and occasionally heroic Rather than gratuitous nudity, provide oddities such as giant teddy-bears possessed by cat spirits, a hideous gang of roving fish-men pirates that seems to have included Sigmund the Sea Monster, bomb squad elves, and fortune telling dogs.

The title refers to a trio from modern day Japan who, along with a T-74 tank are transported to a mystical world. Junpei, is a large guy, obsessed with karate, who will weep over a good curry meal. He's the highlight of the series. He's not so much big, and stupid, as he is it big, full of bluster, and completely rules by spur of the moment emotions. His threats to use his karate, or warped perceptions of situations are consistently amusing, such as when he decides he must control the giant rampaging teddy-bear. Airi is a level headed Hollywood actress with the keen mind of an espionage agent. She's a bit too hyper-competent. Rituko is a schoolgirl, and weapons geek. They find a group of elves willing to send them back to Japan in a ceremony that will translate an ancient script into the necessary symbols. Off color comments made during the spell cause the symbols to split into five piece which embed themselves on the bodies of elves. The three dedicate themselves! to stripping all elves until they find needed symbols. They are aided by an elf maiden, who transforms herself into a marshmellow-esque dog.

No attempt is made to hide the low budget of the animation. Whether its animation repeat often or looped, the short cuts taken are blatantly obvious. In a way, the poor animation add to the series' inconsequential charm.

Those Who Hunt Elves has all of the elements of a successfully fantasy comedy: odd and ridiculous plots, rapid fire character arguments. Its not offering anything unique, or artistic, but it is an excellent diversion. If you have seen the old anime standby Slayers, and enjoyed the humorous episodes between longer stories, Those Hunt Elves is worth a look. If you enjoy light hearted anime, at six episodes per volume, its hard to go wrong with the series

This Week's Releases

anime [re-priced Dragon Ball Z]

• Dragon Ball Z - Captain Ginyu - Double Cross
• Dragon Ball Z - Frieza - Death of a Prince ~ Dragon Ball Z-Frieza
• Dragon Ball Z - Frieza - Desperation ~ Dragon Ball Z-Frieza
• Dragon Ball Z - Frieza - Eleventh Hour ~ Dragon Ball Z-Frieza
• Dragon Ball Z - Frieza - Fall of a Tyrant
• Dragon Ball Z - Frieza - Super Saiyan Goku
• Dragon Ball Z - Frieza - Transformation
• Dragon Ball Z - Frieza Namek's End ~ Dragon Ball Z-Frieza
• Dragon Ball Z - Trunks - Mysterious Youth ~ Minoru
• Dragonball Z, Vol. 18 - Captain Ginyu: Assault ~ Dragon Ball Z-Captain Ginyu
• Dragonball Z, Vol. 32 - Trunks: Prelude to Terror ~ Minoru

manga

• Mobile Suit Gundam - Black Tri-Star (Vol. 6)
• Mobile Suit Gundam - Return to Space (Vol. 7)
• Robotech - Counter Strike (Vol. 12)
• Robotech - The New Generation - Legacy Collection 6
• Robotech - The Next Wave (Vol. 11)
• Cowboy Bebop Complete Anime Guide #1
• Gundam Wing Battlefield Of Pacifists #5 (Of 5)
• Miracle Girls #17
• Oh My Goddess Part Xi #6 Mystery Child (Part 4 Of 8)
• Redmoon Gn #5
• Sorcerer Hunters Vol 8 Pkt Gn
• Wounded Man Gn #4

Also of interest is Yojimbo Grasscutter Ii Journey To Atsuta Shrine Tp

State Alone Evangelion Box

Right Stuf will be selling the Neon Genesis Evangelion Box set box for $14.99 here, and the box with the Remastered Disc 1 here

February Web Periodicals

The latest AnimeFringe spotlights Great Teacher Onizuka, anime fandom, and the new Rurouni Kenshin: Seisou Hen OVA series.

The February Sequential Tart features interviews with TOKYOPOP's Jake Forbes on unflopped manga, Sarah Dyer on the translation of Kodocha, write ups on shoujo comics, Yuu Watase, X/1999, Evangelion, and Utena, as well as manga and anime reviews.

Online Interviews

Director Shinichi Watanabe (of the odd, and highly anticipated Excel Saga) appears, with trademark afro, and Lupin III attire in the lastest Tenchi-Web web.

New staff interviews online include:

Scenario writer:Mr.Shirane Hideki and Mr. Sato Shoichi

Mecha designers: Mr.Ogawa Hiroshi, Mr. Nishii Masanoriand Mr. Watanabe Koichi

Artwork director: Mr. Takahashi Maho

Animation director: Mr. Kouno Yoshitaka.

Akadot has posted brief interviews of shoujo artist/writer Watase Yu, best known for her creation of Fushigi Yuugi, and Ceres, Celestial Legend, Millennium Actress' Satoshi Kon, and Hayo Miyazaki

Kenshin Anime Compaion Supplements Online

Gilles Poitras will be adding new enteries to his Anime Compaion Supplements, focusing on 19th century Japan, with an eye toward Meiji era samurai story Kenshin, and other similar works. He plans to average four new enteries a week.

Complaints Halt Taco Bell "CardCaptor Promotion"

Anime News Network reports The Agape Press, a Christian news organization run by Reverend Donald Wildmon's American Family Association, is reporting that Taco Bell has halted their Cardcaptors Clow Card promotion as a result of customers' complaints.

Apparently the customer's were bothered by the Clow Cards' resemblance to "tarot cards used in occult practices."

Lori Gannon, Taco Bell's national promotions director, is quoted in the article as saying, "So we took a look at the items and we've held them all at the distribution center -- we're not sending them to our restaurants any more and pretty much have ended the program."

However there is no mention of this on any reputable news source and Taco Bell's website still sports the promotion.

Tokyopop Closes Online Stores

Tokyopop representative Kristien Brada has informed AnimeNews Network that they decided to leave the e-commerse forum was in order to refocus their efforts towards the production, releasing and distribution of the phenomenal number of titles they have recently licensed.

Tokyopop is happy with their partners' sales of Tokyopop products and do not feel the need to continue selling them online themselves.

Digital Manga to be Split

AnimeNewsNetwork reports Digital Manga, the parent company of Akadot, OmochaBox, Synch-Point and Digital Manga Distributions (formerly Books Nippan) is preparing to be split into two or more companies.

Broccoli, the Japanese Anime retailer that poured a large amount of capital into Digital Manga, is set to take over certain key portions of the company such as Synch-Point and OmochaBox, while other portions such as DMD will remain under their original ownership. Although it's rumored Books Nippan could take the Digital Manga name, there is no evidence that this could happen. Currently it is unclear what will happen to other portions of the company such as Akadot, Newtype (recently touted as being "Very much a part of our lives here" by Akadot Editor Luis Reyes) and Comictones.

The official statement from Digital Manga at this point is "No comment." Ardith Santiago of Digital Manga was not able to confirm or deny any of this information for the time being, more information regarding some of the transitions that the company is going through will be available on February 1st.

Falling under the umbrella of Broccoli, Synch-Point and OmochaBox are expected to continue normally with only minor changes. Synch-Point however will not be distributing or releasing JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. We've confirmed with Cindy Yamauchi of Super Techno Arts that they are currently shopping around for a new distributor for the title. At this time they have not signed any contract, but are discussing the title with more than one possible distributor. On the other hand, Maki Terashima of Production IG informed us that production of FLCL is almost complete and that the title should be released as expected.

Super Techno Arts decision to take JoJo to another distributor predates the DM split and is unrelated. It was only mentioned in the same article because it was important information in regards to the status of various Synch-Point titles.

As previously mentioned, Super Techno Arts, the American licensing arm of Studio A.P.P.P., is currently in discussion with other companies in regards to getting Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure released in North America.

According to Cindy Yamauchi Super Techno Arts is talking to "the usual companies" in regards to Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure. While Super Techno Arts also has the distribution rights to several other titles from A.P.P.P such as Barry Party, Sci-fi Harry and Robot Carnival, Cindy made it clear to us that Jo Jo's Bizarre Aventure was their priority at this time.

One possible hurdle facing Broccoli is that as a new comer to the North American market, they do not have the distribution network of Digital Manga and may face some difficulty distributing titles such as FLCL and I'm Gonna Be an Angel.

FLCL (pronounced Furi Kuri) is a humorous sci-fi OAV about a boy, the flirtatious girlfriend of his brother who is abroad, and a crazy girl on a motor scooter, from Gainax, who is best known for Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Production I.G.

The JoJo's Bizarre Adventure anime adapts part of the third of six series, in a title that has run since 1987, and over 60 volumes of 184 pages. The genre of the title differed from series to series. The third started off as horror, but took on an American superhero comics feel. The second OAV series takes place chronologically after the first series, so the first OAV series will be released first in US. "Jo Jo" refers to the names of members of a family that the title follows. In he case of the third series, and OAVs Jo Jo is Jotaro Kujo, a violent juvenile delinquent who finds out that what he believed was an evil spirit trying to posses him is a Stand, a tarot-card like incarnation that gives him super powers. The OAVs are known for their slick violence, comic-book atmosphere, and interesting uses of super powers.

Red Ribbon DBZ Saga To Begin In February?

According to ToonZone's CN schedule for February and March, Cartoon Network is to begin airing the Red Ribbon saga on February 11th. This seems to back up statements made by FUNimation employee Justin Cook during a recent chat on the official site.

X: TV Series Licensed

Shawne Kleckner of Right Stuf posted on Anime on DVD's form that the X television series has been licensed. "This title has been acquired. I am not at liberty to say by whom, but you will be seeing it. So, rejoice!" X is based on the CLAMP manga series, which has previously spawn a movie released in the US by Manga Entertainment. The series tells the story of a young man who returns to Tokyo after six year absence to face dreams about the destruction of the world. He is destined to join a force that hopes to save humanity, or one that wants to save the earth, knowing that either choice he makes destines those he care about to a terrible fate. It features the relational and genre twists often found in CLAMP manga series.

Kia Asamiya on Iron Man #400

Manga artist Kia Asamiya will be providing the cover for issue 400 of Marvel Comic's Iron Man. The cover can be seen at Marvel.com

"In the lead story (written by Mike Grell and penciled by Michael Ryan), Tony Stark and the man called Temujin meet face-to-face, as the web weaved by destiny draws them into an inevitable conflict which can only end one way! Plus, in a second story both written and illustrated by Grell, Iron Man makes a status quo-altering decision! We're also including a special 400th issue gallery featuring pieces by George Tuska, Sean Chen and Bob Layton! All this, and a cover by manga legend Kia Asamiya! "

Cowboy Bebop Movie rumors

According to some unconfirmed reports posted by Anime News Service, reports that ANS stresses should be treated as rumor only, Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment is considering casting the members of TV series dub cast in reprisals of their roles.

Also mentioned is a tentative release date of fall 2002, possibly September or October.

Anime Game News

From Magic Box Dragon Ball: Infogrames is working on two new GameBoy Advance titles based on the popular cartoon series Dragonball Z. The first Dragon Ball Z game title is an action fighting RPG game called Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku, scheduled to release in May. The game will be based on the story in the TV series, the story is divided into a number of sagas. You begin with the young Goku, collecting Dragonballs, battling with major rivals in Saiyan, Namek and Frieze epics. Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku will have a real-time combat system, you can use many of Goku's special attacks to fight the enemies, such as the famous energy blast attack Kamehameha. You must also find ways to level up your HP and Ki before facing the major bosses.

Images, and more details can be seen here.

The second Dragon Ball Z game title for GBA is a trading card game called Dragon Ball Z: Collectible Card Game, scheduled to release in US this June. The game will be virtually identical to the widely popular trading card game.

Images can detail can be seen here.

The GameCube and PlayStation 2 version of Dragon Ball Z will have over 30 playable characters, multiple characters can battle in the arena at the same time. Infogrames is also planning to include online capabilities for the PS2 version once Sony finalized its online strategies. Infogrames is planning to release the PS2 version this fall, follow by the GameCube version. As for the XBox version, Infogrames said the game is still in planning stage, they are hoping to release the XBox version sometimes in 2003.

Gundam: Capcom announced a Dreamcast version of the Naomi arcade action game Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation Vs Zion DX, the game is scheduled for release in Japan on April 11. The Dreamcast version will have network batle support using Capcom's KDDI network.

Bandai announced Mobile Suit Gundam Giren's Ambition: Independent War for PlayStation 2, the latest sequel to the popular Gundam simulation RPG, the game is scheduled for a spring release.

Others:

Digital Dreams will release a WonderSwan Color action shooting game called Run=Dim: Return to Earth in Japan on February 7, for 4950 yen. The game is based on the full 3D CG anime Run=Dim, the story takes place in 2052, there are a total of 6 stages, you can choose to play as a Moriguchi pilot (boarding machine Run=Dim) or the Asou plan (boarding machine I=RA).

TDK Mediactive is working on a new GameBoy Advance side scrolling action shooter called Robotech, which is based on the classic anime Robotech / Macross. In the game you play as one of the veritechs to battle against the Zentraedi. Images cam be seen gere

New Production IG website coming

While discussing the upcoming release of FLCL, Maki Terashima informed us that Production IG's new English website should be online within the coming week, perhaps as soon as tomorrow. The website, which they are quite excited about, will be available at www.production-ig.com.

Whistle! Announced For Anime Conversion

Anime News Service reports Daisuke Higuchi / co-creator Tatuya Watanabe's WHISTLE! manga, based around a soccer story has been announced for animation conversion in Japan. Syo Kazamaturi is a short football player on the Sakurazyosui junior high school soccer club which has many rivals. Musasinomori junior high school soccer club, Hiba junior high school soccer ciub and Kokubu second junior high school soccer club challenge our main character and his team.

ADV Plans

Anime on DVD reports that during the recent Ushicon anime convention ADV Films announced their acquisition of the series Bt'X, a fighting robots series from "Saint Seiya" 's Masami Kurudama. It was also stated AnimeTrax will begin releasing 3+ CD's per month starting in April of this year

Amano Donates for Charity

ACTOR (A Commitment To Our Roots), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping older comic creators in need has announced their latest fund raiser. Famed Japanese artist Yoshitaka Amano, who has recently broken into American Comics with Sandman: The Dream Hunters from DC Comics and Elektra & Wolverine: The Redeemer from Marvel Comics, has donated an original Elektra painting to ACTOR's next charity auction. The auction will take place at the Orlando MegaCon at the Orange County Convention Center from February 22-24, 2002.

The piece is the very first Elektra painting Amano ever did, and to this point has only been seen in Previews as a promotional piece for the Elektra & Wolverine: The Redeemer series. More importantly, Amano, who has a dedicated following both in America and in Japan, is letting go of one of his paintings for the first time in 20 years.

"I have always admired American Comics since the time of 10-cent comics," said Amano. "I used to go to second-hand bookstores in Kanda, the part of Tokyo known for great bookstores and special collections of rare books, in search of good art. I have always had special feelings towards this culture, and all my animation work has been heavily influenced by American Comics, 100%. So it means a lot to be able to contribute to the community I grew up with. I want to expect something good would come out of this not only within this industry, but something influential to outer world. I would like ACTOR to be influential not only in American Comics industry, but also for others."

Proxy bidding is available for Japanese bidders who are interested in the Amano painting, but unable to attend the auction. Contact Auction Coordinator Tony Panaccio via fax at 813-891-0542 or via e-mail at tony.panaccio@crossgen.com for full information.

The ACTOR MegaCon auction consists of 187 lots, including a treasure trove of original art and signed manuscripts from comic artists and writers. Kevin Smith, writer and director of such hit films as "Clerks" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," will serve as guest auctioneer. Comic art lots from World Fantasy Award winner Charles Vess, "Liberty Meadows" creator Frank Cho, award-winning painter Alex Ross, WildStorm Productions Editorial Director Jim Lee, and popular CrossGen artists Butch Guice and Greg Land are all part of the auction.

For more information or to order MegaCon tickets, go to www.megaconvention.com

For continuing updates and to view new art donated to the Orlando MegaCon auction, go to

TOKYOPOP Announced GTO Details

From the press release:

When TOKYOPOP's GTO hits stores in March, fans will experience the next big wave in anime: no big eyes. no magical powers. no giant robots. Instead, this series will offer audiences a refreshing twist on standard anime fare. While still loaded with action, GTO is also a real-life urban drama with a healthy dose of humor -- the same qualities that made it a phenomenal hit in Japan.

GTO (AKA Great Teacher Onizuka) is the story of Onizuka, a 22-year-old virgin and former motorcycle gang member. He's crude, foul-mouthed, and has a hair-trigger temper. His goal: to be the "Greatest High School Teacher in the World!" Using his street smarts to deal with colleagues, students and troublemakers, Onizuka finds that he, too, has many lessons to learn. The voice behind Onizuka is actor David Lucas, who also plays "Spike" in Cartoon Network's hit Cowboy Bebop.

GTO ANIME

DVD $29.99 English & Japanese Language Tracks English Subtitles Volume 1 of 10

GTO MANGA

Graphic Novel $9.99 Authentic Manga Format (Right to Left) Volume 1 of 22 About TOKYOPOP

Hideaki Anno to Marry

www.nikkansports.com Anno Hideaki has publicly announced that he will be married on April 27th at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. The 41 year old director, best known for the Evangelion series, has not yet announced the name of his fiance. However it is said that his bride, who is 30 years old, used to work in a company that Anno had formed.

Hideaki Anno On Animate / Movic Project Anime Tenchou

From Anime News Service Following other efforts (Broccoli / Gamers - DiGi Charat) of anime / character merchandisers branding their original creations and selling anime, manga, goods surrounding them comes a new effort by >a href="http://www.animate-world.com/">Animate and Movic, now titled Project Anime Tenchou. Famed Evangelion director Hideaki Anno directs this new series which was officially confirmed to be publicly broadcasted in Japan on Jan.13th - 14th's ANIMATE EXPO at Ikebukuro's Sunshine Tower. According to the U.S. Animate branch site it will also be showing on screens at the Los Angeles branch soon and goods will also go on sale.

• Cast:
• Meito Anizawa - Tomokazu Seki
• President Takahashi - Jurouta Kosugi
• Lamica Hoshii - Miki Nagasawa
• Guy Denki - Shinichirou Miki
• Touya Dougenzaka - Takehito Koyasu
• Mel Rose - Hiroaki Hirata
• Narration - Kazuhiko Shimamoto
• Theme song: "Anime Tenchou"
• Song - Tomokazu Seki
• Lyrics - Kazuhiko Shimamoto
• Music - Cublic
• Staff:
• Original Story / Character Design - Kazuhiko Shimamoto
• Animation Character design / Continuity / Screen Play / Art Director - Hiroyuki Imaishi
• Executive Director - Hideaki Anno
• Concept Work - MOVIC
• Production - ANIMATE
• Animation Production - GAINAX

This Spring's Anime in Japan Television:

Tenative start dates include

2/3 Galaxy Angel
• 2/14 Initial D Battle stage
• 2/18 Kick Off 2002
• 3/4 Rockman Exe
• 4/2 Jyuni Kokuki (12 Countries Story)
• 4/2 Tokyo Underground
• 4/2 Chobits
• 4/3 .Hack
• 4/6 Happy Lesson
• 4/8 Tenchi Muyo Gxp
• 5/27 King Bandit Jing

.Hack will tie in with a June 6th release of the a Playstation 2 real time RPG game by the same name. The series is written by Itoh Kazunori (Patlabor), directed by Mashimo Kou-Ichi, with character design from Sadamoto Yoshiyuki(Evangelion). The official page can be seen at www.hack.channel.or.jp/

Tenchi GXP is written by Kirishima Masaki(Tenchi Muyo-Series,Dual), and Kuroda Yohsuke(Infinity Ryvius,Scryed), directed by Watanabe Shin-Ichi(Excel Saga) with character design by Okuda Jun (Dual). Seiyu (voice actors) include Motegi Shigeru as Yamada Seina, Suzuki Mariko as Amane Kaunack, as Masaki Kiriko, Kugawa Aya as Barta Ryoko, and Mizutani Yuko as Kura Mitusmi-Toto. The official web page can be seen at www.tenchi-web.com with character design here

Aquarian Age is a new series from by JVC ( Victor Entertainment) and Broccoli. The official page can be seen here, with English information at here.

The official Happy Lesson page can be found at here with information about the Dreamcast game here, and "Shonen Ace" manga series here.

Chobits is Madhouse's anime adaptation of the recent manga series by CLAMP.

The official Inital D website can be seen at here and here

OAVS (direct to vide releases)

"Archade Gamer Fubukino" will be released on February 25th/

Images of the Gate Keepers 21 seroes can be seen at www.gate-keepers.com, and here with production details here

reports Monkey Punch's Lupin III will continue in a new 50 minute OAV on the crest of the 30th anniversary celebrated in October.

A new OVA is planned with the roughly translated title "Lupin III World - The Magic Teacher Who Has Lived". Reportedly this OAV will be set in tone along the lines of the very first Lupin TV series which is renowed for it's "harder" tone compared to more recent works. April 3rd will see it arrive on DVD from 8500 Yen from VAP. First press copies include 3 discs total, the OAV DVD, a soundtrack CD and CD-ROM with desktop accessories. Extras include Secret Ending which can only be accessed after viewing the animation once through, Art Gallery, Original Monkey Punch / Seiyuu audio Interview, Japanese Subtitles, Dolby 5.1CH and DTS specification. VAP's official site for the latest Lupin III OAV includes images and other details surronding this title. The story will focus on the return of a character from ! the original TV sereis and the stage will be the Mediterranean.

Staff:

• Director: Mamoru Hamatsu (BT'X, Samurai Troopers, Arislan Series Director)
• Script: Aya Katsuragi (BT'X scenario, )
• Storyboard: Mamoru Hamatsu
• Character Design: Akira Hirayama
• Art Supervisor: Takashi Miyano
• Photography Supervision:
• Satoru Otsubo Compilation: T.D.B
• Acoustic Supervision: Satoshi Kato
• Music Supervision: Kiyoshi Suzuki
• Music: Yuji Ono
• Cast:
• Lupin III: Kanachi Kurita
• Jigen Daisuke: Obayashi Kiyoshi
• Ishikawa Goemon: Inoue Makio

Movies

The third One Piece movie should also be hitting Japanese theatres on 3/2.

WXIII Patlabor The Movie 3 will be released on 3/30. For images and trailers see here

Palm Tree will be released on 3/30. For images and trailers see here

Anime News Service reports Detective Conan Movie: The Phantom Of Baker Street

Scheduled to begin running from April 2002 is the latest Detective Conan feature from Toho. In this adventure, Conan travels to the heart of the birth of the real-life Sherlock Homes lesson in London where his new mystery to solve will involve a case with roots in the 19th century. original story by Aoyama Goushou, Shogakukan, Yomiuri television. Toho's Official Detective Conan: The Phantom Of Baker Street Website can be viewed at the link, there one will find an image of the movie poster, quicktime or windows media trailer to be uploaded soon, cinema quiz and other info.

Matt Wagner For Lone Wolf and Cub Cover Art

Newsarama reports Matt Wagner (Grendel, Green Arrow covers), one of the cover artists on the series' first American run, published by First Comics, will be picking up the paintbrush for Itto and Daigoro one more time, supplying the covers for issues #19 - #26.

While the series has used some of the original First covers by the likes of Frank Miller, Bill Sienkiewicz, Wagner will be painting all new covers for his eight issues. "Most of the original covers I did were very story specific," Wagner told Newsarama. "Unfortunately, due to the different, chunkier packaging Dark Horse is giving the material, most of the stories I had originally did covers for have already been published. But I certainly can't complain about getting the chance to do some more!"

Wagner had a few factors to consider when selecting the cover image for the volumes, as his covers will also be used for a current reprinting of Lone Wolf and Cub in Japan. "There, again, we run into a slight difference in format and page count, so we're trying to come up with covers that are somewhat story specific but also somewhat generic enough to accommodate both editions," Wagner said. "In this case, a snow scene."

As the first cover artist to provide covers specifically for the smaller, Dark Horse editions, Wagner explained that there were some specific, size-oriented approached he had to take with his art. "I'm trying to keep things simple enough to bear up to such reduction," Wagner said. "In fact, I once did the exact opposite of this for a run of Grendel Tales: Devil in Our Midst, written by Steve Seagle and drawn by Paul Gris was a five issue storyline and I did all the original art for the covers little bigger than a trading card. I was trying to achieve a somewhat primitive effect by forcing the art to 'break up' a bit as it was enlarged. With these covers, it's the opposite."A cover can be seen here

April manga releases

Note: Older trade paperbacks, hardcovers, and other Dark Horse related items can be found in the Dark Horse Collector's Shelf section. There is a $4.00 Shipping and Handling charge on each order. ( some restrictions may apply ).

Dark Horse

The third volume of Astro Boy features a wealthy sultan who creates a giant robot to become the ruler of all other robots on Earth. But in order for that to happen, he must defeat the seven most powerful robots in the world, including Astro Boy. Mad Machine. Professor Fuller invents a device that causes other machines to go berserk, and Astro Boy has to save the day. The 208 page, 4 1/2" x 7" will retail for $9.95.

In Lone Wolf and Cub volume 21: Frangrance of Death, determined to be the first to reach Ogami Itto and his son Diagoro, the shogun's own poisoner waits in a temple for them, reflecting on the path that has led him to this point, and brewing his most deadly poison. And the fiery Retsudo won't be stopped in his quest to kill Ogami, however now he must be wary of the poisoner's crafty ways.

Dark Horse will also be release two Lone Wolf and Cub T-shirts, " Itto Ogami Jumping" and "Ogami & Diagoro".

Blade of the Immortal 67 "Beasts" the assasin Hyakurin, faces the brutal revenge of Itto-ryu sword school.

Cannon God Exaxxion: Stage 1 6 of 8 Just when it seems there's no way to halt the Riofaldian invasion of Earth, a ray of hope rises above the hills of Japan - the giant robot Exaxxion. Armed to the teeth and ready to take on the deadly alien attackers, Earth's high tech defender is only missing one thing - a pilot.

Oh My Goddess! Part XI: Mystery Child 9 Mystery Child part 7 of 8. The mysterious and lovesick little demon-boy has revealed his true colors, and will take out anyone or anything that stands between him and his beloved Belldandy - starting with Bell's boyfriend, Keiichi.

Super Manga Blast 21 anthology features new enteries in Club 9, 3x3 Eyes, What's Michael?, Shadow Star, and Seraphic Feather.

The Dark Horse Extra 46 features a Lone Wolf 2100 preview poster, and Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo.

Marvel

Marvel will be releasing the first issue of the ongoing Marvel MangaVerse series by Ben Dunn. Guest starring the Megascale Metatalent Response Team Fantastic Four. Meet Marvin Elwood, timid teenager and possible savior of Earth. Heir to alien Kree technology and the awesome Nega Bands, Marvin must face his legacy as - Captain Marvel. But can even this cosmic crusader save the world from the gigantic threat of Galactus?

The Marvel Mangaverse January event titles will be reprinted in an trade paperback volume. Reprints all of the Marvel Mangaverse titles, including New Dawn #1, Avengers #1, Ghost Rider #1, Fantastic Four #1, Punisher #1, Spider-Man #1, X-Men #1, and Eternal Twilight #1.

Wolverine & Elektra: Redeemer collects the three volume series in a hard copy volume with prose by Greg Rucka, and art by Final Fantasy character designer Yoshitaka Amano.

COMICSONE.COM

ComicsOne.com will be releasing the fith collection of Wild 7, and the seventh of Wounded Man.

In Wild 7 "Meet Don, the former head of the Japanese mob. He once had millions of henchmen, women, and dollars at his disposal but he left this posh lifestyle behind to join Wild 7."

In Wounded Man "Keisuke's troubles continue when GPX hires some hardened ex-Green Berets to take him out. As the battle begins, Keisuke is shot, leaving his pals to fend for themselves."

CPM MANGA

Central Park Media will be releasing the third collection of Kia Asamiya's sci-fi Martian Successor Nadesico. When Mars is attacked by alien invaders, the United Earth Government orders the creation of a new kind of space battleship, the Nadesico. The Nadesico was dispatched to Mars and was almost at their destination when it was attacked and almost destroyed by the Jupiterians.

Indivual issues include Lodoss War: Chronicles Heroic Knight 19, Lodoss War: Deedlits Tale 8, Slayers Special 4, Slayers Super Explosive Demon Story 6.

Ironcat

Ironcat will be releasing Futaba-Kun Change volume 8 #3. Futaba's genetic heritage is explored after his class trip's airplane crashed near the Shimeru Island. Everyone swims ashore, only to discover a gender-bending populace, much to their confused dismay.

In Vampire Yui volume 4 #3 several combatants enter the human world searching for Yui, only one with her safety in mind.

The second trade paperback of New Vampire Princess Miyu features Miyu's search for her past, and hunt for stray Shinma.

TOKYOPOP

Indivual issues released by TOKYOPOP include Cardcaptor Sakura 27, Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz 2, Kodocha 4, Love Hina 3 & 4, Marmalade Boy 5 Miracle Girls 19, Ragnarok 3, Saint Tail 18 and the Smile Anthology 4 5

TOKYOPOP new comitment to collected editions becomes very evident in their April releases. All of the collections except Juline and Parasyte are priced at $9.99.

Collections:

Chobits Vol. 1 , from the manga team CLAMP. Hideki's just like every other guy in the 22nd century. He just wants a good job, a good car, and a sexy robot girlfriend to call his own. Hideki's luck changes when he discovers Chi - an adorable but seemingly stupid Persocom - tied up in a pile of trash. His first robot companion turns out to be a lot more responsibility than he expected.

In Cowboy Bebop Vol. 1 Spike, Jet, and Faye all end up after the same bounty, Spike goes after a convict who's already in prison, and Faye (the con-artist she is) ends up the victim of a con not once, but twice. 184 pp.

Dragon Knights Vol. 1 "If you think facing a man-eating witch is dangerous, imagine having to face the one-eyed monster that ate it."

GTO Vol. 1 (tpb) :Meet Eikichi Onizuka, a 22-year-old virgin and ex-biker. He's crude, foul-mouthed, and has a split-second temper. His goal? To be the greatest high school teacher in the world."

Initial D Vol. 1 In the shadow of Akina Mountain, street racers take on one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Among them, a Trueno AE86 tears through the pass like a phantom no other car can touch. Behind the wheel is Takumi Fujiwara, a tofu delivery boy on his way to becoming the greatest street racer ever.

Juline Vol. 5It's the final battle between the Black Pearl Clan and the Jeweled Mirror, Water Crystal, and Ivory Sword clans. Yet victory cannot be claimed until Juline and her friends, Bakuya, Seika, and Kio, face their loved ones, who have become unwilling Guardians of Black Pearl Temple.

Love Hina Vol. 1 When Keitaro Urashima fails his entrance exams to get into Tokyo University for the second time, he's officially an unemployed and uneducated slacker. To make things worse, his parents have kicked him out. Fortunately, his grandmother owns the Hinata Lodge and has agreed to take Keitaro in as caretaker. What he doesn't know is that the lodge is actually a girl's dorm and he's the only guy around. 200 pp.

Marmalade Boy Vol. 1 Miki is horrified to learn that her parents have swapped with another couple, and that all four now plan to live under one roof. But when her new stepbrother, Yuu, shows up, he appears to be just the one to ease her mental anguish.

Mars Vol. 1 Popular Rei and shy Kira are worlds apart, until one fateful day brings them together. Rei stumbles upon Kira in the hands of her sleazy art teacher and saves the quiet girl from his clutches. And when the jock plants a kiss on a statue of Mars in the studio, Kira finds herself drawn in. 200 pp.

Paradise Kiss Vol. 1 Yukari wants nothing more than to make her parents happy by studying hard and getting into a good college. One afternoon, however, she is kidnapped by a group of self-proclaimed fashion mavens calling themselves Paradise Kiss. Yukari suddenly finds herself in the roller coaster life of the fashion world. 184 pp.

Parasyte Vol. 10 Our planet has been invaded by Parasytes, alien creatures that take over their hosts' bodies and turn the victims into killing machines. So far, they've had the upper hand. The Japanese government is now striking back. Shin, one of only two humans to co-exist with a Parasyte, has been recruited to join a military raid on the Parasytes' stronghold. 192 pp.

Planet Ladder Vol. 1 Kaguya is a quiet orphan who has lived with a Japanese family since she was a little girl. Another boring high school day becomes the adventure of her life when she's mysteriously transported far away to a realm of strangers who call her Princess. 208 pp.

Real Bout High School Vol. 1 In a school where martial arts are standard curriculum, Samurai Girl Ryoko is the top fighter and most popular student around... or is she? Things change when the uncouth fighter Shizuma Kusanagi transfers in from Kansai. He may not have the grace of Ryoko, but his fighting abilities could make him the most dominant martial artist at Daimon High. 192 pp.

Skull Man Vol. 1 They took his family, they took his face, and they took his soul. Now, the Skull Man is going to take his revenge. Resurrected from the land of the dead, the Skull Man is hunting down the men responsible for destroying his life and anyone who stands in his way.

Anime books by TOKYOPOP

Gundam Technical Manual Gundam Wing #2: It is the Universal Century year 0079 and the One Year War is nearing its end. The Federation is at the edge of collapse at the hands of the Zeon MS army, but the tides are about to turn with a new battalion of Federation Mobile Suits based on the Gundam. This gives the play-by-play breakdown on the characters, mechanics and story of the hit animated series. 100 pp.

Cardcaptors Anime Book Vol. 2 : Covers episodes 4-6 of the series. When Sakura Avalon opened the mysterious Clow Book in her dad's library and released the cards inside, she inadvertently signed on for the challenge of a lifetime. Join Sakura as she faces a new rival, the ghost of her mother, and a bewitched friend with an enchanted sword.

Cowboy Bebop Complete Anime Guide #3 : The past is finally catching up with the crew of the Bebop. Find out more about Spike's past with Vicious and Julia, as well as Faye's mysterious origins. Featuring complete character bios, episode synopses, design sketches, and an atlas of the locations featured in Cowboy Bebop.

Viz

The Animerica Extra Vol. 5 5 anthology includes new enteries in Chicago, Fushigi Yûgi, Marionette Generation, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Steam Detectives and Video Girl AI. The mature anthology Pulp 6 5 features new enteries in Bakune Young, Banana Fish, Cinderalla, Dance Till Tomorrow, Even a Monkey Can Draw Manga, Short Cuts, and Uzumaki.

Bastard!! 5 Ninja!! part 3 of 3 features the showdown between the destructive wizard Dark Schneider, and his former disiple, Ninja Master Gara.

Big O Part 1 3 of 5 the noir giant robot story continues as the criminal Beck enlists the help of a mad scientist who is an expert with the smallest things in Paradigm City, the lightning bugs that thrive in Paradigm's night air.

Viz will be releasing the manga version of Medabots by Rin Horuma, a merchandise based series. The anime version is appearing on Fox Kids. Fueled with artificial intelligence and a specialized arsenal of weapons, Medabots compete against each other in exciting Robattles. Ikki dreams of becoming a champion Medafighter and competing in the World Robattle Tournament. But first, he has to get a Medabot. The first two issues will be released in April.

In Vagabond Part 1 6 Shinmen Takazo takes the name Miyamoto Musashi, and eads to Kyoto to challenge the warriors of the Yoshioka Dojo.

Other individual issues include Ceres: Celestial Legend Part 2 5 of 6, Dragonball Part 4, 9, Dragonball Z Part 5 4 of 12, Inu-Yasha Part 6 12, Magical Journey Pokemon Part 7 2, Ranma 1/2 Part 11 2, Silent Mobius: Turnabout 4 of 6 and Zoids 3.

Collections

Dance Till Tomorrow Vol. 5 collects the story from Pulp anthology. College student Suekichi will inheret a stamp collection valued at 450 million tn from his great grandfather if he can graduate, get married, and establish a carrer. In this volume attorney Mr. Tachimi's plan to set-up his client Suekichi with Miyuki is progressing beyond anything he expected, but now he wants her to take it to the next level. When Miyuki tells Suekichi that she's pregnant, nothing could have been more devastating.

Eagle Vol. 5 takes the political drama about the an Asian American's run for the presidency to election day. A labor strike turns Seattle into the latest political hotseat, and Yamaoka wants to use the situation to gain electoral votes in the election.

Volume 4 will be re-released. "When Cuban immigrant Maria Estefano steps forward with allegations of an affair with Senator Yamaoka, will his campaign lose all of its steam? Then, it's the night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and all of Senator Yamaoka's campaign work will undergo a trial by fire under the watchful eyes of the nation. Can Yamaoka snatch victory from his rival, the formidable Vice President, Albert Noah?"

Galaxy Express 999 volume 5 continues the space opera. "Meet the legendary Captain Harlock; the icy space pirate Emeraldas; the ever-faithful Conductor; and many more legendary characters wandering the Sea of Stars. A dark explosion rips apart the fabric of space at Manmuto's Utopia as Darqueen destroys the next station for the Galaxy Express."

Gundam: The Origin #1 "In the future, overpopulation drives the inhabitants of Earth to live in colonies in outer space, until the Principality of Zeon, a militant colonial group, declares independence from Earth. In the ensuing civil war, half of humanity is wiped out, and Zeon's army of Zaku mobile suits is the deciding weapon. Zeon ace pilot, Commander Char Aznable, thought he could foil the Federation's plan to build a mobile suit by attacking their research base on colony Side 7. He was wrong."

Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 Vol. 4 "When the Duchy of Zeon, a militant colonial group, declares independence from Earth, war breaks out with Zeon's army of Zaku mobile suits... until Amuro Ray, a young electronics wizard, inherits his father's top-secret invention, Mobile Suit Gundam."

Gundam Wing Vol. 2: Blind Target and Voyeurs, Inc. Vol. 3 will be re-released.

Pokemon releases include Magical Pokemon Journey Vol. 5: Going Coconuts, Pokemon Adventures Vol. 5: Making Waves and Pokemon Gold & Silver children's books Muddy Pichi,Wobuffet Watches Clouds, Swinub's Nose and Wake Up Lugia.