Father Geek here... Well, I've just removed the bandages from my fingertips sooooo that means its Wednesday and time again for our regular mid-week column on everything related to Manga and Anime. Due to Anime Expo this week's report is bulging at the seams with uber coolness collected by our reporter on the scene Scott Green. But just like every week ol'Father Geek has something that was sent directly to our World Geek Headquarters Compound here in the vast hill country of Central Texas...

TOKYOPOP® today announced the acquisition of publishing rights to the highly popular manga series Lupin the 3rd and the movie books for Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira. Adding to its successful and unprecedented line of Authentic Manga books, TOKYOPOP® will publish the classic series Lupin the 3rd in its original right-to-left format. Akira will join such mega-hits as Cardcaptors in the company's growing catalog of Cine-Manga titles (digitally captured screen stills laid out in a storyboard format).

Created by renowned manga-ka (author) Monkey Punch, Lupin the 3rd first debuted in a 1967 issue of Japan's Manga Action Weekly magazine. Since then, the Lupin the 3rd franchise - including a long list of anime TV shows, movies, merchandise and maestro Hayao Miyazaki-helmed feature Castle of Cagliostro - has become a national hallmark in Japan.

The manga follows the life of international master thief Lupin III, who comes from a long line of high-stakes bandits committed to stealing from the rich for personal wealth. Lupin is joined by partners-in-crime Daisuke Jigen, an ex-mafia hit man who carries himself with a somber demeanor, and Goemon Ishikawa, a tacit swordsman who mysteriously fades in and out of Lupin's exploits. Fujiko Mine - a thief herself -- is the object of Lupin's affections, but the duo's romance remains in turmoil as their fierce competition interferes.

Considered the most successful anime feature film to date, Akira's 1988 U.S. release introduced the anime genre to a new generation of Americans. Its digitally restored 2001 theatrical release was followed by a DVD that topped anime charts last year and spawned a series of action figures.

Akira is set in the futuristic post-war megalopolis known as Neo-Tokyo. Sinister, dangerous and infested with gangs, this is a world in which the government and crime syndicates differ only in their methods of deviousness. Neo-Tokyo's dirty secrets are hidden by its powerful military and corruption runs rampant. When two childhood friends find themselves in a massive government cover-up, their lives, along with countless others, are threatened. A single boy - Akira - may be their only hope.

"We are thrilled at the opportunity to release such treasured classics as Lupin the 3rd and Akira, two series that hold tremendously high esteem with both anime aficionados and the mainstream public," said Stuart Levy, TOKYOPOP Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "These acquisitions could not be more timely as we continue the expansion of our successful authentic manga and Cine-Manga businesses."

TOKYOPOP®, founded in 1996, is the leading North American publisher of manga, the fastest growing category in the publishing business. With exclusive rights to hundreds of book, video and music products, the company has become a media convergence leader. TOKYOPOP® has millions of books in print and publishes several hit properties based on popular Cartoon Network and Kids! WB programs. TOKYOPOP® titles include Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing, Initial D, Real Bout High School and Cowboy Bebop, among others. With rapidly growing U.S. demand for its properties, TOKYOPOP® is actively expanding into television, film and licensed goods.

Father Geek back... Thanks to Dominic Kristien for that report, now here's our normal heaping helping of Anime/Manga news for this week...

Manga Spotlight: Uzumaki Volume 2

by Junji Ito; Released by Viz's Pulp Line

The second volume of Uzumaki really ratchets up the gears set in motion by the previous volume with more stories from Kurozu-cho, the fog locked town haunted by the shape of the spiral. It projects the Outer Limit's promise of complete control onto the printed page, sharing protagonist's tension, and shock with the reader. The episodic stories run from humorous to chilling, always capturing the urgent trapped madness of the town.

Each story is story is a spiral of increasing intensity. Even when it looks weak in its opening, by its conclusion it manages to product a shock or surprise. You know a story is going to be disturbing when it progresses from a point where pregnant women are emulating mosquitoes using hand drives. Junji Ito has an exceptional talent for the creative grotesque, and the comic medium is uniquely suited for his talents.

Junji Ito's choice of the spiral is an inspired choice for a pinion for horrific events. Its universal presence is natural, mathematics and design give the stories an extra edge. Uzumaki is an imperative choice of any horror fan.

Anime Spotlight: Armitage III Poly-Matrix

Armitage III is a successful hybred of summer action thriller style structure and action, with thoughtful sci-fi written by cyber thriller Serial Experiments Lain's Chiaka Konaka, with direction and design from Hiroyuki Ochi(Bastard!). The movie centers around the concept of a new series of robot. In contrast to the doll-like seconds, which are used to augment labor shortages in the human population, the thirds, which are mentally, and physically compatible with humans have been living secretly in the general population.

It starts as cop partnership story on the crowed city colony of Mars. Detective Ross Sylibus transferred to Mars to escape the memories of his murdered partner, but doesn't manage to get out of the space port before encountering his new partner, the tempestuous girl-with-a-gun Armitage, and his first case, the murder of a popular country singer who turns out to be a robot. The two pursue the singer's assassin as he continues to kill prominent artists and performers who are also revealed to be robots.

The movie doesn't have the budget, or technique of Ghost in the Shell, but it's a worthy follower. It has Ghost in the Shell's flare for projecting a modern setting into its remote and future equivalent, and some of its eye for detailed backdrops, even if it isn't at the same level of execution. Action sequences are fast, and fluid, with an impressive level of energy, that is backed by a techno-beat sound track excellent enhancing the visuals.

When the movie has tired itself out from running around, fighting and shooting, it starts to enter into a phases of increasing long, and increasing interesting exposition about the third, the purpose, and how their roles in the minds of the scientists who created them, the corporations behinds those scientists, and the political situations of the Mars colony and Earth. The final picture of the movie creates is something new and intellectually satisfying.

Poly Matrix is a re-cut version of the Armitage III OAV (direct to video release), only available with an English dub audio track with Elizabeth Berkley as Armitage, and Kieffer Sutherland as Ross. For the most part, the dub works well. It's doesn't quite achieve the level where the user feel that English was its original language, but it is close. Some of the incidentals feel a little stunted, but not blatantly. The role of the externally stoic Ross Sylibus probably wasn't a challenge for Sutherland, but it works. Berkley does somber and vulnerable well, but Armitage's more flippant moments don't sound natural or convincing.

Armitage III is a great idea-driven sci-fi action that successfully steers clear of pitfalls of the many conventions it meanders through.

Pioneer recently released a follow-up, "Dual Matrix". While Poly Matrix works well as a stand alone, the sum of the movie is defining what Armitage is, so a follow-up may prove interesting.

Anime Spotlight: Fancy Lala

Shoujo (girl's) anime, especially ones aimed at a young audience can be a hard sell in the US. Not because its bad, but because many traditionally anime watch shy award from it with an active dislike, either from experience or pre-formed prejudice. And wallow a bit too much in their inanities, talking stuff animal, or sickening cuteness, but other's can be charming, and appealing. Fortunately companies keep sending trial balloons from the genre, because there are some carefree fun shows like Fancy Lala.

The series begins with a flash back to an iron age settlement being menaced by two dinosaur-like creatures. The relevance of this goes unexplained, but the inhabitants of the village seem to be reincarnated in the modern age, and the spirits of said dinosaur creatures seemed to be carried over in two animated stuff animals. Miho is a shy eight year old girl enjoys cartooning and designing, but is overshadowed by her model/actress older sister. In what looks like destiny, Miho acquires the two stuff dinosaurs, and after agreeing not to throw them in the garbage, they give her the ability to spontaneously generate any clothes she designs, and temporarily age herself into her teenage years. She parlays these abilities into her own modeling/television commercial carrier under the name Lala.

Fancy Lala more than fills its quota of nicely comedic moments, and it goes far with simple gags, like a teenaged Miho/Lala wearing dark shades, and heels for the first time. The antics of irresistible cute, the eternally hungry stuffed dino-things are consistently amusing.

To an older audience, the series can be a bit creepy it you give it the slightest thought. Eight-year-old in the body of a late teen matters aside, there is some stalking behavior from a doughy middle aged, and animated street corner conversations with invisible stuffed dinosaurs look a bit wrong.

As far as children go, its a good, sweet series, its certainly entertaining, and it has cool things like talking stuffed animal, but its fairy tale-lite rules for social conduct are a little disconcerting, and its dealing with strangers aren't operable in a modern world.

Granted this sort of behavior is cherished in a modified setting like Miyazaki's Kiki's Delivery Service, but in a more familiar settings like Fancy Lala's it takes some active non-thought on the part of adults, and warnings for children to enjoy the series.

This Week's Releases

Anime

• Cardcaptor Sakura - School Daze (Vol. 10)
• Cardcaptors - Star Power (Vol. 9)
• Devil Hunter Yohko Collection 2
• Fancy Lala (Vol. 1) - A Star Is Born
• Gate Keepers - Discovery (Vol. 6)
• The Legend of Himiko: Scared Fire
• Princess Nine - Bases Loaded (Vol. 5)
• Record of Lodoss War - The Complete Series (Collector's Edition)
• Rurouni Kenshin - Dreams of Youth (Episodes 79-82)
• Starblazers: Comet Empire Vol. #5
• Vandread - Pressure (Vol. 4)
• Zoids Vol. #2

Manga

• Bakune Young Vol 3 Tp
• Big O Part 2 #1 (Of 4)
• Blade Of The Immortal #70 Beasts (Part 5 Of 7) (Mr)
• Chobits Vol 2 Gn
• Corrector Yui Vol 4 Pkt Tp
• Dark Angel Vol 4 Tp Legend Of Sacred Beast
• Dragonball Z Part 5 #7 (Of 12)
• Gto Vol 3 Gn
• Initial D Vol 2 Gn
• Love Hina Vol 3 Gn
• Medabots Part 2 #3 (Of 4)
• Medabots Vol 1 Boy & His Bot Tp
• New Tenchi Muyo Manga #2
• Oh My Goddess! Part Xii #1 Learning To Love (Part 1 Of 3)
• Peach Girl Vol 5 Pkt Gn
• Priest Vol 1 Gn
• Ragnarok Vol 2 Gn
• Saint Tail Vol 5 Pkt Tp
• Vagabond Part 1 #9 (Mr)

Other Interesting Comic Releases

• Battle Of The Planets #1
• Vertigo Pop Tokyo #1 (Of 4)

Anime Expo News

Much of this week's news is from last weekend Anime Expo in Long Beach California. Reports came from Anime on DVD, and Anime News Network, with some series links and information from AnimeNation. See those sites here and here or A Fan's View for more reports on the convention's specific panels.

ADV News From Anime Expo

Soundtrack acquisitions include

• Slayers Motion Picture Soundtrack
• Slayers Return Soundtrack
• Slayers Best of TV/Radio
• Lost Universe Movie Soundtrack
• Blue Seed Soundtrack
• Giant Robo 1 and 2 Soundtrack
• Ninja Resurrection OST
• Princess Nine OST1 and 2
• Steam Detectives OAV
• Cat Girl Nuku Nuku OST
• Nadesico Movie OST
• Super Atragon OST
• Borgman Last Battle OST
• Lover's Rain(spelling)
• Nadia TV OSTs
• Nadia Movie OST
• Kaimeria OST
• Spriggan OST
• Destroy All Monsters OST
• Domme Megalopolis Animated OST
• Mothra 1-3 OST
• Jubeie Ninkuchu OST

ADV is checking on Drama CDs also for the AnimeTrax line.

New Video Acquisitions

• Blue Seed OAVs
• Sorcerer Hunter OAVs
• Nuku Nuku Dash
• King of Bandits Jing(Bandit King Jing)
• Steam Detectives
• Super GALs
• Cosplay Complex
• Zaion OAVs
• Pretear
• Rahxephon Kolaida Star
• Shirayukihime Densetsu Pretear
• All of animated Steel Angel Kurumi

Right Stuf describes Zaion (I Wish You Were Here) as a Gonzo Digimation (Blue Submarine No. 6, Full Metal Panic) production, and is directed by Seiji Mizushima (Generator Gawl, Dai-Guard) from scripts by Natsuko Takahashi (Vandread). A virus comes to Earth from outer space, infecting humans and turning them into hideous, mutated monsters. Soldiers equipped with nano-technologically powered cybernetic armor are deployed to stop the infected creatures.

Rahxephon is one of the most people animated television shows in Japan this year.

Noir will be coming very soon, and is currently having its voice actors cast. Noir reportedly combines French noir and Hong Kong action style gun battles in a series about a pair of assassins, one who can't remember her past, the other who is haunted by hers.

The second volume of Excel Saga will be released on 08/27/2002. It features a Windows 2000 style book screen, amd easter eggs such as commercials for ream of Menchi soup and Menchi Dogs.

ADV is having difficulty obtaining the rights to the Robotech movie. The RoboCon Masters were extremely low quality, which is why that extras was removed from one of the Robotech Masters Extras.

ADv has the news director's cut of the samurai action recent Kenshin OAV, and will not be using Bang Zoom! for this series.

They are still hoping for a theatrical release for the You're Under Arrest movie, a more action/thriller take on the series about a pair of women traffic cops; and they are stilling showing around Super Milk Chan for television.

Super Milk Chan is often compared to a demented version of Powerpuff Girls. Milk is a super-heroine with a robot assistant who is called by the president to save the world, but is also called by her landlord to pay her rent. Much of the series' humor is pop-culture parody. Its opening is a montage of parodies of 60's and 70's anime series. According to EX; some of the series' cameos include Marie Antoinette as depicted by Rose of Versailles, a Matsumoto Leiji reporter and Colonel Sanders.

Devil Lady is the official title of Go Nagai's action horror Devil Man Lady.

ADV has optioned Live Action Kurumi.

Animeigo News From Anime Expo

They are working on producing some Samurai Films, with some titles expecting for late summer including Lone Wolf and Cub 1 & 2 and Zatoichi.

The sc-fi Crusher Joe is being released on a DVD10 with one side containing movies and the other containing the OVAs.

The fourth box set of Rumiko Takahashi romantic comedy Urusei Yatsura is currently in production. The Urusei Yatsura movie "Only Love" is being dubbed for a billingual release.

The first You're under Arrest Boxset will hopefully be released in October, with a December goal for the second. The four episode OAV series are being treated as the first episodes of the television series. The widely acclaimed English dub cast from Coastal Carolina Studios used on the OAV will, for the most part, be re-united to dub the telivison series.

The Kimagure Orange Road reauthoring with proper openings should be completed by the end of July with replication being done by the end of August.

Bandai News From Anime Expo

New acquisitions include Argent Soma, Melty Lancer, .hack//SIGN, Infinate Ravious, and Kikaider 01. They will also be released Love Hina Xmas special bundled with episode 25 in time for Christmas. They are still asking for Lova Hina Again and the Spring Special. The Ronin Warriors OVA will be released from Bandai next year.

Argento Soma is a 25 science fiction tragedy series from Studio Sunrise (Gundam). Protoculture Addicts points out that unlike many revenge mecha series, rather the focusing on a growing teenager, this series revolves around an older young man. The series is directed by Kazuyoshi Katayama (The Big O, Giant Robo).

Melty Lancer was originally announced as acquired by ADV Films back at Katsucon 2000, but little has been heard about it since. With this information coming up on the forum, ADV's David Williams had little to say beyond, "We decided to pass on the title a long time ago."

Melty Lancer is a five episode series about a group consisting of a recently releases convict, and a group of dilequent girls who protect earth from zealots, and alien criminals.

G Gundam starts airing on Cartoon Network Monday-Thursday. G Gundam will be released across 10 DVD at 5 episodes each.

They will be releasing the 6 Cowboy Bebop episodes that were remixed in 5.1, and they will also be releasing it in DTS. It will be Japanese and English. $34.95 for a 2 DVD set.

The ecologically theme sci-fi Arjuna will be anamorphic widescreen and both track with be 5.1. There will be directory commentary from Kawamori.

The Escaflowne TV boxset will be available empty from Right Stuf. There will also be a box that includes a black transparent Escaflowne figure

On the Sunrise classic line, the master quality on the stuff is so low, that they have to do restore work on the titles.

Central Park Media News From Anime Expo

Central Park Media's new acquisitions include the rest of Revolutionary Girl Utena, Alien 9, DNA^2(TV and OVA), and Neko Jiro-so.

DNA^2 is a romantic comedy about a woman sent from the future to stop the creation of the "Super Playboy" will will cause world overpopulation. It is based on a manga series by Video Girl Ai creator Masakazu Katsura.

There will also be a Mecha Masters boxsets, that includes such titles as MD Geist 1 & 2, Cybernatics Guardian, and Genocyber. The soundtrack for MD Geist will be included in the boxset. Actually, there will be 2 bonus CDs in there altogether, plus a bonus DVD.

There will be alternate angles on the MD Geist DVD to watch images from the comic version or story boards with an amazing 26 Extras including commentary.

Some of the extras on the Project A-ko DVD include extras on the Japanese LDs, humorous interviews with the creative staff. The Project A-ko boxet will include a CD soundtrack,

The second Yu Yu Hakusho will be released in October under the translated title Poltergeist Report for the name of the movie. Harmagedon will also include an audio commentary with Rintaro. The Grave of the Fireflies DVD will have an interview with Takahata.

In November, we will see the first volume of The Black Rose Saga. There will also be a Legend of Himiko Boxset which wraps up the series.

CPM hopes to speed up the release of the sc-fi cop drama Patlabor starting with the release of the third volume this December.

English NewType News

More information about the upcoming English release of Japan's anime magazine NewType was unveiled at Anime Expo.

Newtype USA will be patterned after its Japanese counterpart, including full-page spreads and lots and lots of images. There are some notable additions, too, such as an anime girl "centerfold". Kei (from Dirty Pair Flash) received the honor of being Newtype USA's first centerfold. Newtype also said they hope to include DVDs with most, if not all, future issues. These DVDs might even include free episodes from various series or other bonuses.

ADV Films produced the preview issue, but they stated that once Newtype USA gets going this October, it will be an unbiased source of news and information. Digital Manga lost the rights to Newtype USA because of the superiority of ADV's prototype.

It will be published in the Japanese right-to-left format, instead of the traditional English-language left-to-right format, and few news from Japan, the US, Europe and Australia.

The Convention Teaser, which was available at Anime Expo, and the upcoming August Comicon features a cover story on "RahXephon, spotlights on popular new American anime imports, feature stories on Japanese culture, behind the scenes interviews with creative talent, the English language premiere of the Full Metal Panic manga, and more.

Subscriptions, which will be $89.95 for twelve issue can be purchased at newtype-usa.com. The newsstand price hasn't been set yet, but it will probably be between $10-$12.

ADV's press release can be read here.

FUNimation Anime Expo News

The per-volume episode distribution of the upcoming Fruits Basket will be 6-6-7-7, at $39.99 for a six or seven DVD-9 volume. They feal that the show's fan base will support the company's first venture into a series aimed at female demographics.

Fruits Basket first aired in Japan last July The story is about a young Orphan girl Tooru Honda who is permitted to stay with a very strange family in return for some housework. What's so strange about the family she's stating with? They change into animals from the Chinese Zodiac whenever they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex.

FUNimation not be handling the content of the home video release of 4Kids translation of Yu-Gi-Oh. They have requested a Japanese language track, and future volume may be bilingual, but the first few will be English dub only.

They haven't decided the total number of volume the fight anime Yu Yu Hakusho will be released across. but the current plan is ti release it in story arcs.

FUNimation hopes to complete the release of Blue Gender by January 2003. The movie, which has not been released in Japan, and may not be, may be released in the US by FUNimation as soon as January 2003.

Dragonball original series DVDs are "on their way real soon now".

Dragon Ball GT is being dubbed and should be seen within the next six to seven months. Dragon Ball GT is the final of the three Dragon Ball television series, with a reduced to childhood Goku, his granddaughter Pan, and Trunks touring the space.

Manga Entertainments News From Anime Expo

The Evangelion movies Death and Rebirth, and End of Evangelion will be released on 7/30 and 9/24 with a box set in December.

Guyver is being worked on. It will have the Japanese Language Track. Virus Buster Serge will be released in Septemeber on 3 DVDs. There are legal issue with the Fist of the North Star movie.

They claim the operatic/retroGiant Robo will be released on DVD next year, and ROD(moved to Apr 2003) will be on 1 DVD. There no dates for Magic Knights Rayearth, a role-reversal remake of CLAMP story of three school girls transported to a mystical land. Gunbuster also supposedly will be next year. Gunbuster is a OAV series from Gainax that has been compared to Evangelion with more of a traditional sci-fi bend.

New Dominion class will also be coming. Astroboy is moved to 2003 due to Spielberg having a license for the CG movie.

Media Blasters Anime Expo News

Media Blasters has announced the licensing of 7 of Seven (Shichinin No Nana), Iria (formely released by CPM), East, See you in my dreams, Gunfrontier, Jungle Emperor Leo, Space Pirate, Tales of Eternia (based on the RPG game), Seraphim Call, Sentimental Journey, and Yume de Atera.

7 of Seven is an adventure comedy series about a girl with seven personalities.

Seraphim Call and Sentimental Journey are based on "life sim" video games.

Jungle Emperor Leo will receive a theatrical release in the United States in 2003, however this will probably only be in art-house type theatres.

Level C will be released subbed only, and they are looking into acquiring more Yaoi. On this topic they wouldn't rule out the possibility of licensing Gravitation, but as we later found out at the TRSI panle, it was already licensed.

The Virtua Fighter anime series by be released on DVD at some point, but it is not a priority.

The sci-fi driving anime ex-D disc has many extras, and the second disc will have more. Included over the course of the release are things like a bonus clip of the cast and crew going go-carting, interviews with the cast and and the cast using RC cars. They don't have the movie yet - its an option for the future.

Berserk is selling well, but many people are confused by the box available with only the first volume.

If a Kenshin Box set is produced it will not be this year. Stellar Buster Miko begins this fall.

Weiz Kruez is selling surprisingly well, better than Mezzo Forte.

Someone is planning on making a live action US Kite film, but the representative didn't know which company.

They got Iria because the licensor like what they did with Zeriam 2.On the subject of Iria, it was mentioned that the OAV would be packaged with other, unspecified "Zeiram Stuff" (Iria is an Anime adaptation of the multi-part Japanese Sci-fi movie series, Zeiram) - too often even finished deals can be reneged so they have to be careful.

Pioneer News From Anime Expo

Pioneer screened trailers for I, My, Me, Strawberry Eggs, Hellsing, and the X OAV.

Master Keaton, Ai Yori Aoshi, Lupin III, Gatekeepers 21, Little Snow Fairy Sugar TV and Fushigi Yugi Gaiden (the third OAV, now titled Fushigi Yugi Eikoden ) were announced.

Ai Yori Aoshi is a romantic comedy.

Master Keaton- a 24 episode TV series from 1998 from the creator of Yawara about a former SAS soldier turned insurance investigator.

Chobits- the popular current late night adaptation of CLAMP manga

Gatekeepers 21- Gonzo Studios currently in production OAV series sequel to the Gatekeepers TV series

There is more confusion, and conflicting reports about whether they license the first or second Lupin III series.

The third Patlabor Movie 3 has been acquires, with a theatrical release in the works.

Then they showed a new work from Yoshitoshi Abe, creator of Lain and Niea_7. Haibane Rengo. Those who saw the trailer said "We saw a girl fall, and scenes of what seemed to be an angel being born. Wings grew out of her back, with blood also pouring out. "

For Fushigi Yugi Gaiden, there may be two releases. This is currently in the planning stages. A limited release which would follow the style of the old releases, plus a release of it in a more standard format.

Magical Project S will be on two disc sets,The first 2-disc set will have episodes 1-13 and the second 2-disc set will have episodes 14-26. The discs are DVD-9.

Right Stuf News From Anime Expo

Acquisitions include, Gravitation - TV, Gakuen Senki Muryou (Record of School War, Muryo, Nonamura Hospital, Hooligan, and Spotlight

From Right Stuf's descriptions.

The shounen-ai (male homo-sexual romance for a female audience) Based on the manga of the same name by Maki Murakami, the series follows young rock star Shuichi who is struck to the heart when he falls in love at the first sight with novel writer Eiiri. Too bad Eiiri won't give him the time of day. Follow Shuichi's comedic antics and heartfelt trials as he struggles to attain Eiiri's love.

From Madhouse (Vampire Hunter D and Trigun) and writer / director Tatsuo Satou (NADESICO) comes Right Stuf's next acquisition Gakuen Senki Muryou (Record of School War). 2070: Hajime Murata's life radically changes when a boy named Muryou Subaru transfers to his school and he uncovers that Muryou is actually an alien! See the official Gakuen Senki Muryou Japanese website.

Dagazier 3 is dubbed and produced, so it will be the next up. KO Beast dubbing is about to start. Comic Party they HOPE to have started by the end of the year .

Dangaizer 3 is mostly finished and will be coming out this fall on two discs.

The Comic Party license includes all the episodes, including the short ones, and will be released by the end of the year.

Gigantor, which they are releaseing with Rhino in September will be in a box set a la Transformers - it is just the dub - but the transfer is completely new. Similarly, Kimba DVDs are coming in early 2003. They are working with Rhino because it allows for a better transfer of series with old film elements.

About Boogiepop and the home vid vs. TV footage, they are not getting a lot of response from the licensor - so any kind of rerelease would not be anytime soon. Comic Party - will probably no more than 4 discs, they pretty much got all the extras from the licensor, including interviews with the Japanese voice actors. In fact, starting with volume 2 of Karekano they too will have interviews with the Japanese VAs. He does not anticipate the rest of the show being as delayed as the first disc, disc 2 is almost ready to go into proofing.

Synch-Point News From Anime Expo

Synch Point is now officially the production division of AnimeGamers which is an arm of Brocolli International. With the corporate restucturing, many projects were halted, and they are currently not looking at acquiring any new titles.

Some places will probably get FLCL somewhat early.

The upcoming August 13th release of FLCL volume 1 will include various extras including director's commentary and a 20-page mini-booklet explaining many pop-cultural references. Included in the booklet will be pages that follow the lightning-speed manga scenes in the anime itself. Subsequent volumes will have similarly extensive inserts.

The second sub track that was used on the first Gonna be an Angel disc may not be used on future releases. Synch-Point plans to finish the rest of FLCL before moving on to the next volume of I'm Gonna Be An Angel.

TOKYOPOP News From Anime Expo

TOKYOPOP's right to left format Authentic Manga, and the compaigne to promote the format have exceeded all expectations. Cardcaptor Sakura will be moved to the 100% Authentic Manga line and renamed "Master of the Clow: Cardcaptor Sakura" in order to distinguish it from the already released volumes. At some point they plan to re-release the previous volumes in the 100% Authentic Manga format.

Manga pages that are released in color in the Japan will be including as color in future releases. This includes sections of CLAMP's Angelic Layer, and the first 8 pages of their Wish (such should be finished by the end of the year.

Other releases mentioned include Peach Girl, Paradise Kiss, Marmalade Boy, Kodocha, and Mars. Regarding Marmalade Boy, volumes one and two have done very well in stores, and they will soon have announcements regarding the Marmalada Boy Anime. They are also releasing two manwa (Korean manga) Ragnarok and Priest.

TOKYOPOP is about to launch its new art book line with a number of titles from the team of women artist CLAMP, including Card Captor Sakura, and Magic Knights Rayearth. They are hoping to make them as close to the Japanese editions as possible, with exceptions such as not using hard covers for the Magic Knights Rayearth. They are hoping use these to promote CLAMP's name in the book business.

They will also be launch a new line of Cine-Manga, comics formed by animated frames. The Cardcaptors Cinemanga comic has already been released. The two titles they are testing the waters with are Akira, Card Captors. They do not own the rights to the Initial D Cinemanga, they will wait and see how the first do first before they license any more.

TOKYOPOP biggest licensing announcement was that they have acquired Monkey Punch's Lupin III manga for their Authentic Manga line, to be released in 200+ page volumes starting in November.

From the press release:

Created by renowned manga-ka (author) Monkey Punch, Lupin the 3rd first debuted in a 1967 issue of Japan's Manga Action Weekly magazine. Since then, the Lupin the 3rd franchise - including a long list of anime TV shows, movies, merchandise and maestro Hayao Miyazaki-helmed feature Castle of Cagliostro - has become a national hallmark in Japan.

The manga follows the life of international master thief Lupin III, who comes from a long line of high-stakes bandits committed to stealing from the rich for personal wealth. Lupin is joined by partners-in-crime Daisuke Jigen, an ex-mafia hit man who carries himself with a somber demeanor, and Goemon Ishikawa, a tacit swordsman who mysteriously fades in and out of Lupin's exploits. Fujiko Mine - a thief herself -- is the object of Lupin's affections, but the duo's romance remains in turmoil as their fierce competition interferes.

They stated that will Vampire Princess Miyu about to wrap up, they are making room for more vampire related announcements.

For GTO, 5 DVDs will be out by the end of the year, and both volumes 4 and 5 will have interviews with the mangaka. They promise that much GTO merchandise is coming. The fourth volume is coming out late because the third was produced sooner than was expected.

As for the future - 1st and 2nd quarter 2003 should Brigadoon and Marmalade Boy, with Brigadoon planned for 6 DVDs. Since the MB manga is doing well, they have good expectations for the anime. M

Also set for sometime in 2003 are the street racing anime Initial D, and Reign (AKA Alexander.) Initial D is their marquee title, the one they intend to get on TV with positive reactions. However this push on that title may lead to things that will displease many fans - starting with volume 2 of the manga, the characters have all been renamed, and while we are still promised "the original Initial D that you fell in love it. ".The soundtrack question, about whether or not they were replacing the original Euro-beat musical score with a new Americanized one came up, but was not directly answered. They seem to believe they have the Third Stage movie, but no one seemed entirely sure.

Reign, Peter Chung's (Aeon Flux) retelling of Alexander the Great's life, will be on 4 discs. The series was produced by Madhouse and directed by Rintaro.

The KareKano manga will be released at some point but there are apparently many parties that have a say in this release, and pleasing all of them has proven difficult.

The St. Tail and Miracle Girls manga series will be released in monthly collections rather than indivual issues.

Shaolin Sister and other delayed titles are still in the works, they have not disapeared.

Urban Vision Anime Expo News

The upcoming Ninja Scroll TV show which Urban Vision is co-producing will be at least 13 episodes. Urban Vision was more interested in co-producing new anime as opposed to licensing already Anime. The difference being that as a co-producer UV would have significant input into the creation and production of the title.

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust's Japanese audio track that on appeared in Region 2 DVD will be released in the US in a director's cut edition, new extras, to be released next year at the earliest. Also on the topic of Vampire Hunter D, we were informed that the titles was doing extremely well and selling out at many video stores.

Urban Vision does not have DVD rights to much of their back catalogue, including the Final Fantasy OAV series.

Their children's line Lil' Vision will be recieving its own web site at lilvision.com

Viz News From Anime Expo

Viz plans to collect the monthly releases of Bastard in collected editions on a schedule of one every three months.

The creator of the Cinderella manga series Junko Mizuno will be attending the August Comicon. It was noted she did not fx and color work for the collected edition.

The recently announced Spirited Away film books, based the Miyazaki's most recent movie, with be released in right to left format with untranslated efects. There will be a glossary to define them. They will also be releasing a hard bound Spirited Away art book, and a picture book for younger readers.

The Project Arms manga will be released in 64 page monthly issues.

Blood manga takes place in the 2000s - same "girl" as in the movie. It is planned for October - 15.95 GN. The third and final GN for Uzumaki is due in October with bonus story that did not run in Pulp. Viz hopes to release more manga by Uzumaki creator Junji Ito, but nothing specific was mentions. Viz will be releasing classic horoor manga Orochi the Blood by Tezuka contemporary Kazu Mezu.

Other October released include the Art of Fushigi Yuugi, and the first collected volume of Yumi Tamura's Chicago.

The mildly shoujo themed manga anthology Animerica Extra is selling considerably better than the mature themed, canceled Pulp. Circulation is going up, which should bode well for expanded page counts in the future.

The missing chapters of Steam Dectives are in the graphic novel.

The anime seriesG Gandaioh was officially announced. In October, Hamtaro dub only DVDs 3 eps 12.98 - maybe (there was some confusion about VHS pricing for that title.)

The Inu Yasha anime may be released in November. A TV deal is with Cartoon Network delaying the home video release. It will be released on three episodes a $25 disc on a monthly schedule.

Second Inuyasha Movie Announced

Anime News Service reports the Japanese Inuyasha Movie Official Site has announced that the second Inuyasha movie, "Kagami no Naka no Mugenjo," will hit Japanese theaters this winter.

ADV Talks Excel Saga Dub Change

ADV has posted an official statement about replacing Jessica Calvello in role of the title character in Excel Saga.

Harlock Saga back in Production

VAP has announced that they have obtained Leiji Matsumoto's permission to re-starting production on the new Harlock Series, Endless Odyseey. The DVD release date and TV air date are currently unknown. There are no details about what kind of changes have been / will be made to the series in order to gain Matsumotot's permission.

Dreamwave Lose Robotech, Gain Zelda

The latest edition of the new Lying in the Gutters comic rumor column reports with reports that Wildstorm are pursuing "Robotech" comics, it's interesting that, like with "Thundercats," Dreamwave originally had the "Robotech" licence. Planning to announce a "Robotech" prequel, "Genesis," at San Diego, they found those negotiations with owners Harmony Gold stalled. Jay Faerber was originally meant to be the writer - and had written both the Robotech bible and the first story arc synopsis.

"However, I've also heard that Dreamwave have secured the "Legend of Zelda" license. Oooh!"

The rumor was given a yellow traffic light rating.

Macross Zero Details

Anime News Service reports for Macross Zero, the story takes place 1-2 years before the original Macross, the film will be a mix of 2-d and 3-d animation, and the Outlaw Star character designer will be doing the characters for Zero. Unfortunately, Kanno will not be doing the music for the anime, because Kawamori felt it would be too similar to Macross Plus, and he likes to begin each Macross fresh. And while no singer for the anime has been announced, it will definitely be a woman. The songs themselves will have environmental themes. Unfortunately, the Macross Panel could not comment on the recent Big West/Tatsunoko dispute.

Evangelion In The U.K.

Anime News Service reports According to several fans' TiVo suggestions in the United Kingdom, the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series is listed to start running on 12/7/02 @ 12:10am, on UK Sci-Fi (sky channel 130).

Other Anime offerings on Friday mornings via Sci-fi are:

Blue Gender (11:40pm)

Neon Genesis Evangelion (12:10am)

Martian Successor Nadesico (12:40am)

Escaflowne Weekend At Metreon

In celebration of the July 23 DVD release of Escaflowne the Movie, Bandai Entertainment presents Escaflowne Weekend July 19-21 at Metreon's Action Theatre, fans can catch Escaflowne with Free Screenings of the series and movie, as well as a Cosplay contest and live entertainment.

Friday, July 19 Volumes 1-3, 4 to 9 pm

Saturday, July 20 Volumes 1-3, 10 am to 3 pm Escaflowne the Movie, 4 to 6 pm Volumes 4 and 5, 6:30 to 9 pm

*Cosplay Contest and live music by DJ M.O.D from 3 to 7 pm. (three Cosplay contest winners will be chosen at 3:30 pm)

Sunday, July 21 Volumes 6-8, 12 to 4 pm Escaflowne the Movie, 5 to 7 pm

Visit www.metreon.com for updated screening schedules.

Gargoyles Coming to DVD?

In non-anime news, according to Gargoyles News Central Disney's Gargoyles may soon be released on DVD.

"Apparently Greg Weisman said the deal was just finalized to release Gargoyles DVDs in 2003'. "Yes, Disney is releasing Gargoyles on DVD next year. One DVD so far, and if it does well, more will follow."