Its Wednesday, sooooo Father Geek is here posting another of Scott's fact filled columns for our regular AICN Anime Report; the complete lowdown on the world of Anime & Manga, complete with coverage of Awards, releases, Comics, VHS, DVD, Toys, CDs and nearly everything else you can think of if its related to the anime industry. As is usual this is a long report so Father Geek will step aside and let you get on to it...

Manga Spotlight:

Cowboy Bebop Manga issue 1 By Yutaka Nanten, Released by TOKYPOP

The anime Cowboy Bebop took an episodic tale of four bounty hunters in a sci-fi wild west, and made it into a memorable anime series, with diverse and energetic music from composer Yohko Yanno, flashy movement, eye catching colors, incredibly likable characters, humor, action, drama. This would impossible to recreate in manga. The problem is adapting the series is compounded by with characters whose lives have already been fitted into a tight framework of defining events. In order to be distinctive the manga would have to go in a new direction. Some manga adaptations of anime series have chosen to do this (the Neon Genesis Evangelion manga for example). The first issue of the Cowboy Bebop manga plays safe with a side story, and a style that does not rock the boat.

Bounty hunters Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Fey Valentine, and Ed return to try to make a living off the criminals in the newly populated space ways. Spike is a former crime syndicate member, who adopted the an easy going life of a Jeet Kune Do practitioner (Bruce Lee's fighting style). Jet Black is an ex cop, and the owner of the titular ship. Faye Valentine is a feme fatale and degenerate gambler. Ed is a young whimsical hacker.

The first issue has Spike, Jet and Faye accidentally meeting in a Chinese restaurant. Each was brought there in search of a different, minor bounty. Two restaurant regulars, and a lucky shot. A match is thrown into the powder keg when a wanted serial killer walks in the door.

Its animation projected onto comics, rather than a comic take off of a world and characters that original appeared in animation. It borrows the style of action, and transition from the anime series, and it does capture some of its charm. The same extremely likable characters, fun situations, and facts action are present, but the degree is toned down, and the creator allowed the change in medium to restrict the work. The use of speed lines does a good job portraying the fluidity and speed of Spike's motions. The expressions in the art successfully convey the characters' unique personalities.

The issue is presented in TOKYOPOP's new format. The pages and panels are right to left, and the sound effects are untranslated.

The word bubble are fairly large compared to other translated manga, and in at least one panel in a fight scene a speech bubble appears to obscured a key piece of the action.

If there is one thing a fan of the Cowboy Bebop series want, its more of it. People salivate at the hint of it. Its easy to see why. The manga is a light and enjoyable issue that should amuse fans of the anime series, especially if you don't go into it expected something symphonic like "Ballad of Fallen Angels", or outrageous like "Mushroom Samba". Expect a quick punchy bang. The first issue amounts to what would be considered a fun set up to an episode. Panels are large, and it's a quick read. A few amusing interchanges, some Spike, Jet and Faye tussling with a violent felon, but not really any new or creative ideas.

If you haven't seen the entire anime series, steer clear of the inside front cover, and the text piece at the end of the issue. They reveal a key piece of information about a character that is revealed late in the anime series. Other than that it is enjoyable whether or not you have seen any of the anime series.

A text epilogue gives some background information on the series setting, and talks about bounty hunting, in its historical, and movie contexts. Its possible to quibble with parts of the piece. It says bounty hunters are increasing in Cowboy Bebop, but part of the point of the series is that the frontier has been settle, and the wild west days are closing. The intent is interesting, even if the attempt to explain the concept of a bounty hunter with comparisons to Midnight Run, and Unforgiven comes across as a little unnecessary.

Anime Spotlight:

Strange Dawn: Strange World Episodes 1-4

Released by Urban Vision's Lil Vision Label Strange Dawn is an interesting choice for Urban Vision to inaugurate their new children's line. Despite the cute characters the story is violent, harsh and political. Like fairy tales, and classic children's stories before the current emphasis on sanitizing works for children. Strange Dawn opens with Yuko, and Emi two school girls who find themselves in a strange world. They soon collide by a group of cute, knee high creatures. After knocking over one who was flying an oversized snail, the girls wonder if it is a stuffed doll. They soon see one group, wearing horned uniforms that look like something out of Jim Henson's Labyrinth chasing another one in a similar uniformed, who is rescued by a third party wearing a one piece white suit with a pink chest piece. The creatures engage in a quick but brutal battle, first at distance with bows and slings, then at close range with swords.

After escaping with the with the white suited, named Shall, they join in returning to his village. The creatures call themselves humans, and speak the same language as the school girls, though creatures don't call it Japanese/English (depending on the language you listen in). Some of their odd features include lack of a nose, and the fact that their vital and sexual organs seem to be located in their legs and feet. The girls are greeted as the Great Protectors, a pairing of being who are prophesized to bring piece to the land.

The original picture that is drawn is that the village is situated on the border of two warring states, making them the target of invasions, and attempted succession. Later it appears that this is a gross simplification of the situation. Facts have been hidden from the two regarding the relationship Shall, and the princess/high priestess of one of the two states.

Yuko and Emi are more than reluctant heroes. All they have going for them is a little practice in cross country running, a cell phone that doesn't work, and a disposable camera. One nervous but accommodating, the other is abrasive. They weren't even close to each other before finding themselves in their strange predicament. Both deny being Great Protectors. They have no special powers. They can't physically overpower more than one or two of the creatures. As students they have no skills applicable to stopping wars. Rarely do you see protagonists start at such a level of uncertainty of their assumed roles. It will be interesting to see how the series fits the two into the Great Protector roles.

The majority of the first volume is dedicated to the protagonists assessing their situation. Considerable time is spent on trivial matters, such as figuring out what do about food, and a bathroom. By the end of the fourth episode the scope of the series has been realized. The last episode introduces a genuinely creepy supernatural being, whose role in the series is very unclear. The series is 13 episodes long, and the first four episodes indicate a premise that should yield a tight 13 episodes.

The English dub is spot on. The voices nail the personalities of the characters as well as the Japanese cast. There is a bit of an accent on the voices, but it is not distracting.

Hopefully Urban Vision will continue to counter-balance the fluff aimed at children with more series like Strange Dawn, which promised to being something a little morally, and intellectually challenging to the mix.

This Week's Releases

Anime

• Love Hina - Moving In (Vol. 1)
• Love Hina - Moving In (Vol. 1) - With Series Box
• Mobile Suit Gundam 0080 - War in the Pocket (Vol. 1)

Manga

• Cardcaptor Sakura #25
• Ceres Celestial Legend Part 2 #3 (Of 6)
• Dragon Knights #5 (Of 6)
• Dragonball Part 4 #7 (Of 10)
• Dragonball Z Part 5 #2 (Of 12)
• Fushigi Yugi Vol 6 Summoner Tp
• Gundam Wing Battlefield Of Pacifists Vol 1 Tp
• Harlem Beat Vol 9 Pkt Gn
• How To Draw Manga #12
• Inu Yasha Part 6 #10 (Of 15)
• Juline Vol 4 Manga Gn
• Marionette Generation Vol 2 Tp
• Miracle Girls Vol 4 Pkt Tp
• Ranma 1/2 Part 10 #11 (Of 11)
• Ranma 1/2 Vol 19 Tp
• Silent Mobius Turnabout #2 (Of 6)
• Skull Man #4 (Of 5)
• Smile Vol 4 #3

Other Interesting Comics

• Elektra & Wolverine The Redeemer #3
• Usagi Yojimbo #55

Magazines

• Animerica March 2002 Vol 10
• Wizard Anime Invasion Battle Of The Planets Cvr #2
• Wizard Anime Invasion Dragonball Z Cvr #2

Metropolis Home Release Delayed

Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment has announced "Due to a continued strong box-office performance, Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment has changed the DVD & VHS release date for Osamu Tezuka's acclaimed Japanese anime film METROPOLIS to April 23, 2002 (it was previously scheduled to street on March 12)"

Miyazaki Wins Golden Bear, Criticizes State of Anime

Hayao Miyazaki's Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi was awarded the Golden Bear prize for best film at the recent prestigious Berlin International Film Festival in a tie with the British film Bloody Sunday. Such recognition is akin to a Palme D'ore at Cannes and should go a long way toward boosting the films international distribution potential.

This recognition is only the second time that a Japanese film has won top honors at the Berlin Film Festival. The only other Japanese film to ever be awarded a Golden Bear was Imai Tadashi's Bushido Zankoku Monogatari back in 1963, which coincidentally also shared its award with another film.

In his reaction to the award, Miyazaki said, "The prize this time serves as a great source of inspiration for people engaging in production of animation in the world." The director, who did not attend the convention, also told reporters in Tokyo, ""I thought the film was a bit too Japanese-like to be appreciated. But I'm interested in the fact that Europeans appreciated it... I'm afraid an animation film is still differentiated from an ordinary picture film, and I don't like that. That's why I'm happy that my work was treated as one film."

From the BBC

Japanese film director Hayao Miyazaki, whose animated feature Spirited Away has won the Golden Bear at the Berlin film festival, has said that Japanese animation "is facing a dead end". And he described younger film makers as the "copycat generation".

Mr Miyazaki's comments came at a news conference where he said winning the Golden Bear was "like experiencing Christmas and New Year's holidays at the same time".

Mr Miyazaki's film shared the coveted award with Bloody Sunday, directed by Paul Greengrass.

Spirited Away tells the story of a young girl's adventures in a land of goblins and gods.

Ten-year-old Chihiro and her family stumble across a hot spa catering to Japan's eight million gods - and she ends up working as a bath attendant before she is able to escape.

Spirited Away has become the biggest grossing Japanese film of all time, with 29.4bn yen (£154m) in ticket sales to date.

Despite this success, Mr Miyazaki's comments about the Japanese animation industry were pessimistic.

"I think Japanese animation is facing a dead end," he said.

"I wonder why there are so many films that contain so much violence and feature sexual content.

"I think there is a chance that the spread of Japanese animation overseas might only lead to embarrassment."

The director even cast doubt on the value of his own films, saying that his work - and animated films in general - could be robbing Japanese children of the time to experience life.

Watching animated films for four or five hours could stifle creativity, he said, describing the situation as "a true dilemma for me".

"People read comics in trains even when they become adults.

"Major newspapers praise the sales achieved by video games.

"Why don't people debate what effect this is having on our children?" asked Mr Miyazaki.

Cowboy Bebop 22 Airs on Cartoon Network

Despite not being shown on what was to be its initial airing on Sunday February 9th, and rumors of teddy bear bombs at the Olympic, Cowboy Bebop episode 22, "Cowboy Funk" aired on Cartoon Network February 14th. The episodic was original not part it line up due to an element of terrorism in its story. Spike and company try to collect the reward on a mad bomber known as the Teddy Bomber when they encounter Cowboy Andy, a wannabe cowboy who infuriates Spike with the constant comparisons drawn between the two.

Kare Kano Release Information and Right Stuf News

From Anime on DVD's report on the Katsucon convention.

There recently release of the horror series Boogiepop Phantom has been selling extremely well. They have sold out of severs pressing of the fourth volume. A translation error was found in Boogiepop, but it was too late to change it (without spending $12,000); a character's computer login name is "biggins" in the show; should've been "higgins" as a reference to "My Fair Lady." The opening and ending music are not found on any of the CDs due to licensing issues and licensing costs. The series about a god of death that haunts a high school features a tone similar to the popular cyber-thriller Serial Experiments Lain.

Kare Kano will be released on five DVD with an episode distribution of 6/5/5/5/5. The producer wanted Animated and fully removable subs; but couldn't do both, so he opted for fully removable subs. The release has been delayed until May, partly due to an almost heinous translation error: a word was mis-romanized as "Meriland"; should have been "Maryland" as a reference to "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Jeff wants to make a clear sleeve box with cherry blossoms on it, but he hasn't found any printers who do that. Kare Kano (His and Her Circumstances) is a school drama from Evangelion crator Hideaki Anno about a girl with a perfect school life, and a wreck of a home life who meets a boy whose perfection compete with her own.

Dangaizer 3 and KO Beast Century is scheduled for release this summer. Dangaizer 3 is a sci-fi martial arts action. KO Century Beast is a humorous series about a way between humans and mutated animals from Satoru Akahori (Maze, Knights of Ramune).

Media Blasters

From Anime on DVD's report on the Katsucon convention. Media Blaster has follwed the trend in driving movies/anime by licensing eX-Driver, a series about a future where cars are safely controled with artificial intelligence, and a team of drivers whose job it is to chase down rouge cars.

The SciFi Channel talked to Media Blasters about airing the medival action/drama Berserk, but Media Blasters informed them the violence would require too many cuts .

Media Blasters also stated they want to get the second season of Berserk, but they are waiting to see how well the series sells. The statement is puzzling because there is no second season of the Berserk anime series, nor has one been announced for production.

The first volume of Berserk will be available with an without a box to hold the entire series.

The Music and Effects (M&E's) tracks for Ys and Ys II were lost, had to be redone for the dub (doesn't affect the Japanese language).

Viz News

From Anime on DVD's report on the Katsucon convention.

Viz has acquired the rights to the Gundam Origin manga series, a remake of the original series.

They have re licensed CLAMP's epic X, that brings together characters from there previous works in a story about a doomed young man caught in the middle of a battle between two physic groups.

The first volume of the anime Inu Yasha has a planned release of August (will be delayed if they get a TV deal); one disc a month, 3eps/disc for season 1 (9 discs/27 episodes); $24.95, although they are considering $19.95. In addition, Marketing is pushing for 4eps/disc.

Inu-Yasha is the latest anime series adapted from the manga of Rumiko Takahashi (Ranma ½, Maison Ikoku). The series follows a girl from the modern era, and a half dog demon boy from Japan's era of warring states. Its mixes relationship humor, with fairy tale elements, horror, and action.

Viz has four titles to release this summer, but couldn't announce them because he hadn't heard back about whether licensing was finished or not. One is a title that another company wanted/was rumored to have (NOT Noir); two are Shogakukan ( Viz's parent company) related titles.

Viz has licensed Hamutaro (a hamster show) from Shopro.

Ranma TV Box 2 due this April.

Viz is considering acquiring other Rumiko Takahashi titles, including Rumik World.

They want to release a Maison Ikkoku of all the episodes ( that have been dubbed so far ), and if they do well, they'll dub and release the rest. Maison Ikkoku is a 96 episode relationship story about a ronin (a student who fails his college entrance exam) who falls in love with his recently widowed apartment manager.

ADV Films

From Anime on DVD's report on the Katsucon convention.

ADV is planning at least three, and seven total they'd like to, theatrical releases this year; including one of the Gamera movies and Parasite Eve.

ADV now has most of library that belonged to the now defunct Streamline. Upcoming releases include: Crying freeman, Megolopolis, Zone of the Enders, Rurouni Kenshin OVA Series 2, Sakura wars OAVS, Original Dirty Pair, The Samurai, Slayers next (movie/ovas presumably), Nadesico Movie, Your Under Arrest motion picture, You're Under Arrest Special OVA's, 5 min movie prequal, Yuki Torai Virtual Idol, LadyDeath, SiN 2, Medabots, Southern Cross, Mospeada, BT'X, Aura Battler Dunbine, Bura (?), Triangle Sessions, City Hunter movies, New Cutey Honey (3d cg, supposed to be gorgeous, Colorful, Dark Millennium, Edens Bowy, Rui, Neo Ranga, Ninja Resurrection TV, Milk-chan, Wonderful

ADV is looking for more Golden Boy, a six episode series about a lecherous young man who leaves college to experience life. Its humor, which can be risqué has won it many fans.

5 subtitle tracks on excel saga. new item with "jiggle counter technology" (which they want to trademark). Piles upon piles of extras. Cross membership cards for characters and blanks to fill in.

They are looking into making promotional baseball cards of the girls' baseball team series Princess 9.

ADV has DVDs planned, 7 a month through 2006

Outlaw Star 2 Manga Coming In September

Anime News Service reportsMorning Star lists the manga for Outlaw Star 2 - The Retaliation will begin it's run in Ultrajump magazine monthly from September 2002. A preview can be seen here.

Outlaw Star was one of the sci-fi westerns grouped with Cowboy Bebop. The term outlaw refers to space pioneers to did not side with the government authorities, or the space pirates. A brash young outlaw named Gene Starwind, and his more responsible partner Jim Hawkins stumble their was into a citation that put them at odds with all sides when they come across a unique starship and a synthetically created girl that are needed to locate the galactic lei line.

Evangelion Premium Box Set

ADV will be releasing a premium version of the Neon Gensis Evangelion box set on April 23rd. The metal box by Paul Champagne will be limited to 2000 copies. The metal box will retail for $48.99, and the metal box with the remastered first volume of the series will retail for $72.99. For more information see Right Stuf here and here

Yoko Kanno Attached To Rahxephon Project

Anime News Service reports hailed Anime / Games Musical Composer Yoko Kanno has officially been announced to compose some musical elements of BONES forthcoming Rahxephon TV anime. Kanno's name and talent is added to a list of others that represent one of the most all-star lineups attached to a TV anime project in recent years. Presently Kanno is confirmed to compose the music to seiyuu Maaya Sakamoto's OP for Rahxephon entitled "Hemisphere".

Based on the manga by Takeaki Momose and Yutaka Izubuchi (mecha-designer for GASARAKI, AURA BATTLER DUNBINE, PATLABOR, GUNDAM: CHAR´S COUNTERATTACK etc.), Rahxephon, a Scifi TV anime series to begin airing on Fuji TV. The show's staff will be headed by premium talents as well including Director / Rahxephon Designer Yutaka Izubuchi (Mechanical Designs: Patlabor OVA), Chara Designer Akihiro Yamada (Illustrator: Lodoss War), and Mecha Designer Michiaki Sato (Producer: Earth Girl Arjuna). The plot occurs on Earth in Japan where in the year 2012 an "intruder" appears in Tokyo's sky called the "MU". An autonomous region called " TOKYO JUPITER " is formed in response to the threat and the viewers are flashed forward to the present: 2027. Tokyo Jupiter consists of a dome type, self contained city 150km in diameter centered from Tokyo Haneda airport and extending out over open sea. A high school student must meet his challenge in this world threatened by unknowns. Broadcast is set fo! r Mondays from January 21st at 4: 25 on Fuji TV. Seiyuu include Maaya Sakamoto (Escaflowne

New Tenchi GXP Trailer

Tenchi Web has updated with a new REAL streaming trailer for Tenchi GXP here.

Gainax Statement On Amateur Licensing

Anime News Service reports Gainax has issued new guidelines for amateur licensing of it's characters for products, you can view the Japanese release at here.

Captain Harlock TV Series Details - To Begin Running In Japan In Fall

Anime News Service reports Metropolis Director RinTaro has been announced to retake the reigns of direction on the forthcoming Captain Harlock TV anime, which is currently scheduled to begin broadcast in Japan this fall with a September start date currently established. As fans may recall, Rintaro directed the original 1978 Harlock series. At the director's request the new Harlock will feature a completely original story.

Staff:

• Direction: Rintaro (Metropolis)
• Chara Design: Nobuteru Yuki (Escaflowne, Loddoss War)
• Story: Sadayuki Murai (Perfect Blue, Boogiepop Phantom)

Cast:

• Harlock: Kouichi Yamadera (Spike - Cowboy Bebop)
• Dr. Zero: Nachi Nozawa: (Cobra)
• Yuko Minakuchi
• Seki Tomokazu (Van - Escaflowne)
• Emi Shinohara
• Fumiko Orikasa

Char's Counterattack and G-Gundam on Cartoon Network

According to this article in the March 2002 online issue of Altered State Magazine, several more Gundam titles will be making their way to Cartoon Network in 2002.

In addition to the already confirmed tv series Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 Stardust Memory, Gundam movie 4: Char's Counterattack and Mobile Fighter G-Gundam will be aired on Cartoon Network in 2002.

Created in 1991, Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 Stardust Memory takes place 3 years afte the end of the war between the Zeon and the Federation when a group of former Zeon soldiers band together to rebuild Zeon.

Theatrically released in 1988, Char's Counterattack concludes the long standing feud between the original Gundam Adversaries, Char Aznable and Amuro Rei.

G-Gundam, which should not be confused with the live action G-Saviour Gundam already out on DVD, is the first of three alternate Gundam Universes created when Sunrise commisioned a group of newcomers to create an entirely new and alternate Gundam universe to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Gundam. Gundam Wing and Gundam X are the other two.

G-Gundam is set in the FC (Future Century) timeline, in FC 60. In the alternate, FC timeline the roles have been reversed with the Colonies being teh center of humanity and Earth little more than a ravaged wasteland used for Gundam fighting contests.

According to the Altered State article, the English version, the God Gundam will be called the Burning Gundam, and the Devil Gundam will be called the Dark Gundam. This is concistent with Cartoon Network's editing policy of removing anything remotely religious.

Also covered in the Altered State article are a large number of models that Bandai will be releasing this year, particularly a large number of G-Gundam models and action figures.

Merchandise News

Toycom has announced at this years Toy Fair convention in New York a numberof Anime Figures that they will be importing to America in the near future.

Alucard from the new Hellsing can be seen here.

Three figures from Masamune Shirow (creator of Ghost in the Shell)'s Apple Seed can be seen here. The assortment, due out June/July for an MSRP of $29.99 each will include Gartham (includes interchangable head and gun), Brianreos (features a huge rifle with removeable clip) and Orc (with machine gun). Each figure will also come with a 3 minute DVD containing episode scenes of each character.

Pictures of the Appleseed Figures, along with pictures of new figures from Hellsing, Ghost in the Shell 2, Getter Robo, Silent Mobius, Steam Detectives, Maetel Legend, Berserk, Giant Robo, Metal Gear Solid and Trigun can be seen here

ICV2 reports Bandai will be expanding their collects sets with Big O, Cowboy Bebop, and Pilote Candiate sets. The Anime Collector Sets include one 7" figure and two 4.5" figures and carry a suggested retail price of $14.99.

This year in addition to expanding the Gundam lines it has already introduced, Bandai is unveiling a lineup of figures from the G-Gundam anime series . These model kits and action figures are set for an April release. The G-Gundam anime depicts a tournament of robot champions, each representing a different country. Bandai is releasing both G-Gundam model kits and G-Gundam Action Figures starting in April. The Action Figures, which require no assembly come in varying sizes and price points, which range from $5.99 for 4.5 inch figures to $29.99 for an 11 inch Mega Size G-Gundam figures. The introduction of the G-Gundam toys makes it appear likely that the G-Gundam anime series will appear in the U.S. sometime in the next year. Gundam figures are widely distributed in the mass market.

Classic Zoids on Cartoon Network

The original Zoids TV series from 1999 will premiere on Monday, February 18th at 6:30 am est. The newwer Zoids Zero series (2001) will continue in it's 4:30 PM timeslot, however it will not be aired on Monday.

AIC Shop Merges with Animaxis.com

AIC, the anime studio best known for Tenchi Muyo, and El Hazard has merged their online shop with Animaxis.com

Baoh Shipping

AnimEigo has begin shipping the DVD release of the sci-fi anime title Baoh. The sci-fi action from the creator of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure follows a young man fitted with a symbioltic organism weapondry system.

AnimEigo's Kimagure Orange Road TV DVDs are going into replication soon as it was delayed briefly when a minor problem suddenly came up.

4Kids Plans for Fox Kids

4Kids Entertainment recently bought the rights to schedule their own programming for the Saturday morning hours of Fox Television network's weekly schedule. Toon Zone has revealed some of 4Kids plans for that broadcast time. The original 1983 Kinnikuman TV series is considered too old to be marketable on American television, so Fox will be broadcasting the Kinnikuman Second Generation TV series that began airing on Japanese television last month. 4Kids is apparently also interested in licensing the American broadcast rights to the current Hoshi no Kirby anime TV series, based on the popular Nintendo video game character. On the live action front, 4Kids will be reviving the Ultraman franchise in America beginning with the broadcast of the 52 episode Japanese Ultraman Tiga TV series from 1996.

4Kids will also be inaugurating its theatrical distribution division with the American release of Pocket Monster movie 4 and the upcoming movie 5.

Devil Hunter Yohko DVD Release Info

To celebrate their 10 year aniverary ADV is releasing Devil Hunter Yohko Collection 1 on May fourteenth. The 2 disc set will include the original and special versions of the first thrree episodes, with trailers, music behicle, and commentary by Matt Greenfield, David Williams and Janice Williams

Status of Lodoss Series

With CPM doing some reissues of titles previously released by Image Entertainment later this year, it seems only natural some confusion has crept into the picture. Anime on DVD received this update from them this morning: "Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight, one of the greatest series in anime history and one of the great epic fantasy tales, continues to be one of the best selling VHS and DVD titles. Contrary to certain inaccurate rumors that have been floating around, this classic anime collection of 4 DVDs or 9 VHS tapes IS AVAILABLE, HAS BEEN AVAILABLE, and WILL CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE wherever great videos are sold. The original Record of Lodoss War, on 6 VHS tapes, also continues to be available. The DVD of Record of Lodoss War is currently on moratorium, pending a rerelease in a new, improved, digitally remastered Collector¹s Series double DVD set this summer. If you ever have any questions about the availabil! ity of titles from Central Park Media, US Manga Corps, Software Sculptors, or Anime 18, go to www.centralparkmedia.com on the web, or call 1-800-626-4277."

TOKYOPOP Acquires The Rights To Marmalade Boy And Brigadoon

From the press release:

The fans have been asking for it, and now TOKYOPOP has answered with confirmation that it will deliver the highly anticipated Marmalade Boy anime to the U.S. The DVD series will begin with an initial 24 [of 76] episodes from the hit Japanese TV show, as well as a host of bonus features. Plans also include the half-hour movie prequel to Marmalade Boy. This news comes as TOKYOPOP prepares to launch the Marmalade Boy manga series in April.

With an edgy plot guaranteed to command attention, Marmalade Boy tells the colorful story of Miki, a teenage girl whose dysfunctional family gets her caught up in some of the strangest love triangles imaginable. While on vacation, her parents decide to end their marriage and swap spouses with another couple. But the situation gets even more bizarre when both sets of parents decide to live under the same roof. The soap opera really takes off when Miki, who has always had a crush on Ginta, suddenly finds herself falling for her new stepbrother, Yuu.

TOKYOPOP has also acquired the rights to the highly acclaimed Brigadoon, an action-packed, hyper-comedic Japanese sci-fi series featuring stunning animation from Sunrise, one of Japan's top animation studios. Demonstrated by Cartoon Network hits like Gundam Wing, Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw Star, the work of Sunrise is already immensely popular in the United States.

Brigadoon follows the often-crazy adventures of Marin, an orphan girl who suddenly finds herself hunted by a living, bio-weapon robot out to wreak havoc on her hometown. Ironically, it is none other than another robot who enters the picture as Marin's protector. Together, they set off on an unforgettable quest for justice.

North American G-Gundam MS Official Names

Newtype Asylum reports:

For G Gundam, some of the mechas have been renamed to suit North Amercian broadcast and merchandises. They include:

Confirmed new names:

• GF13-017NJII God Gundam - new name: Burning Gundam;
• JDG-009X Devil Gundam - new name: Dark Gundam;

Unconfirmed new names:

• GF13-021N Gundam Spiegel - new name Shadow Gundam;
• GF13-003NEL Johnbull Gundam - new name: Royal Gundam;
• GF13-052NT Minaret Gundam - new name: Gundam Scimitar;
• GF4-001NE Pharoah Gundam IV - new name: Mummy Gundam;
• Gundam Heaven Sword - new name: Raven Gundam; and
• Death Army - new name: Dark Army.

Sound Track Information

TOKYOPOP will be releasing the sound track of Real Bout High School on May 21st, the same day as the first volume of the DVD release, for $14.98.

Upcoming AnimeTrax releases include April: Samurai X ova OST, Boogiepop Phantom May: Nadesico, Lost Universe, Slayers Try VOX

It was stated at Katsucon 8 that AnimeTrax has over 100 CDs licensed, and scheduled to be released over the next 10 months.

July Pioneer Releases

• Pioneer will be releasing the follwing on July 9th:
• Cardcaptor Sakura Vol. #10 .98
• Cardcaptors Vol. #9
• Gatekeepers Vol. #6
• Vandread Vol. #4
• Zoids Vol #2

Armitage: Dual Matrix will be released on June 21st.

Bandai Opens Love Hina Page

Bandai opened a Love Home page at lovehina.bandai-ent.com

Latest Kaishaku Manga To Animation

Kaishaku's (Steel Angel Kurumi) latest manga work has been announced to be animated in Japan. Enban Koujo (UFO Princess) Walkure is expected to release in manga in Feb. with an anime version to follow in the summer

Toshihiro Kawamoto at ACen

Toshihiro Kawamoto will be best known to US anime fans for his character designs on "Cowboy Bebop" and "Golden Boy." However, he also worked as animation supervisor for the animation for the "Ghost in the Shell" Playstation Game opening, and as the character designer on "Gundam 0083," and "08th MS Team," as well as animator on numerous other animations. This is Mr. Kawamoto's first appearance at Anime Central.

Details on Anime Central's other Japanese Guests (Ken Akamatsu, Tetsuya Aoki) and their American guests (Brad Swaile, Melissa Williamson, Hilary Haag, Tiffany Grant, Jessica Calvello, Crispin Freeman, Scott Frazier, Steve Bennett, Robert DeJesus, Bruce Lewis, Amy Howard Wilson) can be found on their website here

Wild 7 Another

Anime News Service reports the TV series sequel Wild 7 Another was announced on a recent episode of Diamond Time DX to air from April 7th, direction will be handled by Sumio Watanabe.

Central Park Media June Manga Releases

Central Park Media's new graphic novel collection centric strategy becomes evident in their June offerings.

Slayers Special #6

Here it is, the final installment of the Dark Crystal saga! Will LINA and NAGA be able to defeat the evil VOLDO and MASTER GALDIN, or will SHIA WOO lose the Dark Crystal to the forces of evil?

6/12/2002 $2.95 32 pages Black and White

Slayers Super-Explosive Demon Story Book 1: Legend Of Darkness (Graphic Novel)

Despite her tender age, 15-year-old LINA INVERSE is already a master sorceress, known throughout the land for her skills and power.and the fact that her heroic deeds are usually more destructive than the foes she battles against! Teamed with GOURRY GABRIEV, a swordsman supreme who is dumb as a stump, Lina travels the land in search of fame, fortune and free food.

6/26/2002 $15.95 192 pages

More ComicsOne.com Previews

ComicsOne.com has posted more 30 page previews of their offersings.

Joan is the story of a fifteenth century French girl following in the footseps of Joan of Arc.

Kabuto: "500 years ago in the Tensho Era of Japan, a man was born who defied the will of a demon; a man who had the gods of good on his side; a man destined to battle evil his name was Kabuto. "

Offered: " Olympic track star. MIT whiz-kid. Adored by the beautiful co-eds. Revered by classmates and teammates alike. Yu was sitting on top of the world. That is, until the evil seductress Payetta, leader of an outlaw gang of boozers and brawlers, kidnaps Yu at knifepoint and steals him away to use him in a dastardly plan for world domination. "

Redmoon Volume 2

Wild 7 volume 2 PAGES OF WILD 7 AGENTS VOL.2

Pokemon Continues on Kids WB 2003 Schedule

From The Animation Magazine News:

The Kids' WB! has committed to new episodes of Pokémon: Master Quest for the 2002-2003 season in adition to the currently running Pokémon: Johto League Champions.

Licensing Rumors

According to the Anime on DVD Licensing List, Gonzo Studio's current television series Full Metal Panic, and the currently broadcasting X TV series, adapted from the popular manga by CLAMP, have both been licensed for US release. However, since no official announcement regarding either series has been made, and no corporate ownership has been identified, both licenses should be considered unconfirmed rumor for the present time.

Students Bring Suit Against Seiyuu (Voice Actor) School

From Anime News Service The Japanese edition of the Asahi Shimbun is reporting 12 former students of a "seiyuu training school" have gone to the Tokyo District Court seeking 13,000,000 Yen reprehension, alleging misleading advertising by the facility that "famous" seiyuu would lecture there daily. A school advertisement for 2001 enrollments reportedly made mention to chances to learn from first-rate seiyuu, and the school's admission guidebook also referred to seiyuu teachers. The annual enrollment fee was 800,000 Yen and the students enrolled in the spring, dropping out by November. According to those students bringing the action, 1 of the 5 seiyuu gave lectures per week, although mentioning the low number of seiyuu lecturers to the school they maintain there was no change to the scheduling. Asahi mentions that the seiyuu school does maintain that the 5 seiyuu did lecture and says the students in question were disturbing matters in class.