Time once again for ol' Father Geek, entrenched securely here behind the barbed wire entanglements of Austin, Texas' World Geek Headquarters Compound, to re-introduce our regular all-purpose Anime-Manga weekly column by Scott Green for ALL of you that don't have the extra time during the work-week to surf the whole worldwide web's hundreds of sites in various exotic languages to keep up-to-date on ALL the latest news on release dates, Games, DVDs, VHS, Conventions, General Tie-in Products, Theater Screenings, Comics, Magazines, and Smokey Company Backroom Politics relating to Manga & Anime... We simply put it ALL together for you here, every Wednesday in one easy to find spot...

The AICN Anime Report...

This week, Viz will be releasing the first issue of the English edition of the manga anthology Shonen Jump...

Comic distributors Diamond is listing that it will ship 11/20, but ShonenJump says 11/27.

Titles will include

• Yuyu Hakusho
• Yu-Gi-Oh!
• One Piece
• Dragon Ball Z
• Naruto
• Shaman King
• Sandland

Sand Land is a story series by Dragon Ball's Akira Toriyama where the prince of devils helps to free the last source of water.

Shaman King, a tournament fighting series with a subversive edge about a boy with the shaman power of communicating with spirits.

One Piece, an odd-ball pirate adventure starting the stretchable would-be pirate king Monkey D. Luffy, with the help of a band of similar misfits.

Naruto is the story of a boy who works up the ladder of a ninja clan, hoping to one day be their greatest, but secretly possessing a power that once almost destroyed the clan.

For a review of the preview issue see here

Anime Preview: Doomed Megalopolis

Released by ADV Films

ADV has resurrected a gem from the several times dead Streamline's library. Streamline probably deserves a sizable piece of the credit for popularizing anime in the US with classic and/or memorable releases such as Akira, Vampire Hunter D, and a piece of the blame for its perception has hyper-violent, and sexual, with screaming dialogue. It's kindof fitting its was home to a number of resurrected evil horror stories, like Doomed Megalopolis. ADV has hooked this particular title up to the lightning rock, and breathed life into it, releasing the four, 45 minute episodes in a two DVD set, featuring Streamline's English dub, but no Japanese language track. The time is good, a month earlier would be perfect, but here is Spirited Away's menagerie of spirits, and spell creatures, in a more sinister light.

In anime, you can't turn over a rock without disturbing some powerful malevolent entity waiting to destroy humanity, but its rare you to find one as complex, and well structured as the in Doomed Megalopolis, two decides in the supernatural history of Tokyo, a family and the immensely powerful spirits, inhabiting forgotten places in the foundation of our society, who can protect or destroy what is built on top of them.

In the opening years of the twenty century, as Tokyo is being built and modernized, a dead commander from the Sino-Japanese war begins appearing, trying to wake the city's guardian spirit. The resulting story is part Dracula retelling, Edger Alan Poe family dynamic, a bit of Lovecraft's servants of the old gods, with anime horror grotesque imagery, and a bit of Iron Monkey/Storm Riders spiritual combat. The result shows a little age, but delivers a generally creepy horror, with memorable imagery, and an interesting combination tried themes, and new concepts.

There is something about the period of the story that also lends it weight, its an almost modern mythic foundation story, where the past being buried to make may for the future. Its a bit like an earth shattering scale version of a Revolutionary War ghost story you might hear in the New England, or a Civil War ghost story in the south, kindof Sleepy Hollow, if the Headless Horseman was real, and could level cities.

The glue that holds the series together is the threat of a cataclysm that looms over the developing city of Tokyo. Few are as capable of delivering this promise as supervising Rin Taro, whose recent examples include Osuma Tezuka's Metropolis, and X, and he delivers here with his brand of harsh shock. The four episodes have their own directories, which given them different looks, especially comparing the first two, to the later two.

The first half is a tragedy that builds slowly, and revels visions, and cumulative madness. There is a considerable overlap in the folklore using for imagery between these two episodes, and Spirited Away, but there is also a lot of dark psychedelics (done in a more controlled and effective manner than more recent examples ie Soultaker), and a bit of sexual grotesque imagery (though little nudity, in these episodes, and a bit of modesty; ironically the second half is free of this imagery, but has several incidents of gratuitous nudity).

The first half lays the keystone of Doom Megalopolis, and its characters, the second half takes time to play with the mixing of modern science, and a more mystical understanding of laws of nature. The pace is quickens, and it is more like standard action horror anime, albeit with some fun strange ideas, like a "Turbine Divinity", or stopping the moon with calculus.

English language is a bit odd to for title that steeped in Japanese lore, and history, but the performance is hard to complain about. The voice actors are some old familiar favorites that viewers of contemporary releases will recognize. Stylistically dubbing has changed a bit, yelling names has been toned down, but Doom Megalopolis is free of the more annoying excesses of the time.

Doomed Megalopolis is scheduled to be released November 26, 2002.

ADV Films is offering a new t-shirt with Doomed Megalopolis Proof of Purchase and $4.95 shipping and handling.

To redeem, purchasers should download a .PDF form from the ADV Films store (http://www.advfilms.com/catalog/store.asp).

This Week's Releases

Anime

• Babel II: Rise of Poseidon
• Berserk - Devil's Advocate (Epi. 14-17)
• Cosmo Warrior Zero - A Soldier's Odyssey (Vol. 3)
• Cowboy Bebop - Best Sessions
• Gokudo - Finale Extraordinaire
• Love Hina - And the Winner Is (Vol. 6)
• Magical Project S - Pixy Misa Finale (Vol. 2)
• Magical Project S - Pretty Sammy Debut (Vol. 1)
• Ronin Warriors - A New Ally (Vol. 8)
• Sailor Moon Super S - Pegasus Collection V
• X - Two (TV Series, Vol. 2)
• Vandread Second Stage Vol. #2
• Zenki - Saga 3
• Zone of the Enders (ZOE) - Dolores, i - Countdown to Destiny

Manga

• All New Tenchi Muyo Part 2 #2 (Of 5)
• Battle Angel Alita Last Order Part 1 #3
• Cannon God Exaxxion Stage 2 (Part 3 Of 5) #11
• Inu Yasha Part 7 #4 (Of 8)
• Shonen Jump Vol 1 #1
• Silent Mobius Vol 9 Turnabout Tp
• Vagabond #13
• Zoids #10

More on Tezuka's Phoenix

According to Viz's winter catalogue, a second collect of famed manga (comic) creator Osamu Tezuka's self described life's work "Phoenix" will be released in March 2003. Phoenix: Dawn is the first of the stories 12 volumes, takes place in 270 AD Japan, and begins the story of the human condition over the millennia.

Ghost in the Shell 2 Manga Delay

Studio Proteus (the translator of Dark Horse's manga) has announced that the first issue of has been delayed because of difficulty with getting the correct materials from Japan. Preparation on the first issue of Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface is complete and it will be going to printer next week. Work is already well underway for Issue #2 and they should be right back on schedule starting with Issue #3.

Dark Horse comics is now listing the following release dates:

Issue 1: December 04, 2002

Issue 2: January 02, 2003

Issue 3: still listed for December 18, 2002

Issue 4: still listed for January 22, 2003

The first issue was scheduled to be released on October 30th.

Viz Goes NA Only

The recent hornet's nest kick up over American comic companies releasing licensed material outside the range of their license has continued to effect manga. Viz is leaving the gray market of distributing the titles outside their license.

Silver Bullet Comic Books says Spanish rights holder to the manga versions of the Dragon Ball series will had already worked to insure that Viz could not distribute the rights to those series outside the bounds of its North American license.

Distributor Diamond UK has announced that they will cease to carry Viz's titles until the licensing restrictions are resolved.

Viz has released the following statement:

To Our Loyal Fans And Customers: While Viz is an integral part in acquiring, translating, and distributing Japanese manga and anime titles to English-speaking audiences, our current agreements with Japanese publishers limit our distribution to North America only-legally this means that Viz and its distributors cannot sell its merchandise overseas. To honor and maintain our licensing contracts, we are unable to distribute our titles worldwide and must limit our distribution to North America, at this time.

We realize the disappointment this causes, but hope customers and fans understand that in order to continue bringing Japanese storylines to English-speaking audiences; Viz needs to remain loyal to its contracts to ensure that it retains them. Adherence to the conditions outlined in our contracts guarantees that we can continue with our current titles and acquire new ones in the future.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please understand that we are doing all we can to bring our love of manga and anime to the world, and are currently pursuing worldwide distribution rights for our titles. Until these rights are secured, we hope you know how much we value you-our loyal customers and fans-and appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter.

Sincerely, Viz Communications, Inc.

Newsarama says while the move by Viz will be effective immediately, it's unclear what it will mean to Viz as a publisher, as sources suggest that roughly 20% of Viz's sales were accounted for by orders outside of North America.

Spirited Away Hits 5 Mil Mark

Sprited Away has taken in $5 million in in American theatrical release

Alexander on Cartoon Network

Peter Chung's (Aeon Flux) Reign, also known released as "Alexander" in Japan will air on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim this January.

Robotech Comic Reprint

Comics Rumor column Lying in the Gutters reports DC Comic's Wildstorm label plans to reprint Comico's "Robotech: The Macross Saga" in trade paperback, but Wildstorm have neglected to inform certain creators on the book - or indeed pay them. Neil D Vokes was one who pencilled several issues, the "Robotech Masters" adaptations and the large format "Robotech" Graphic Novel - and a few of the issues Wildstorm is reprinting.

As a result, the fanzine Emissaries has been told he can't face doing any Robotech artwork, even for a small fanzine, while this situation is ongoing. His message is posted here.

NewType USA Issue Two Table of Content Preview

NewType has release the table of contents for their second, the title story of which will be the role playing video game/anime series.Hack.

FEATURE ARTICLES include coverage of

. Puchi Puri Yucie;

. Galaxy Angel;

. Witch Hunter Robin;

. Sento Yosei Yukikaze;

. Kiddy Grade;

. Love Hina;

. an interview with Peter Fernandez, the voice of Speed Racer;

. A profile and interview with world-champion food fighter Takeru Kobayashi;

. and much more!

The NEWTYPE PRESS section includes numerous insider columns, and ANIME LAND is filled with news about upcoming events, monthly sales figures, new releases, and what's on TV in the U.S. and Japan.

FOR THE BARREL: the second installment of the serial novel, including new material created exclusively for Newtype USA.

FREE BONUSES!

. The next installment of the Full Metal Panic manga

. FLCL postcards

. A scorching hot centerfold of Naga, from Slayers

. A DVD insert from ADV Films, including the first episode of the eagerly awaited new series Chance Pop Session!

Availability

Newtype USA Issue Two will ship from the printer on/around November 18, 2002, with availability at retailers across North America circa December 1, 2002.

TOKYOPOP Licenses Digimon Manga

TOKYOPOP, in conjunction with Disney will be releasing the Digimon manga in their 100% Aunthentic Manga format.

ADV Films Sets Release Date For The All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Collection

DV Films today set a release date of January 14, 2003 for the All-Purpose Cultural Cat-Girl Nuku Nuku Collection, collecting all six episodes of the fan-favorite series. Previously available on three VHS cassettes, this release marks the title's first appearance on DVD. In addition, the DVD release marks the debut of ADV's English-language dub of the title; the Japanese-language version with English subtitles is also included on every DVD.

The Story:

When inventor Kyusaku Natsume transfers the brain of his son Ryunosuke's cat into a top secret android body, the family doesn't lose a pet... they gain a daughter! While she may look like a typical teenage girl to the rest of the world, Nuku Nuku's feminine exterior hides the superhuman strength and abilities of the NK-1124 android chassis, making her the most potent fighting force ever unleashed upon an unsuspecting Japan... and the ideal bodyguard for Ryunosuke! But can even Nuku Nuku keep her young charge out of the insidious clutches of the ruthless Akiko Mishima, president of Mishima Heavy Industries (M.H.I.), financier of the NK-1124 project, Kyusaku's ex-wife and Ryunosuke's mother? The greatest custody battle of all time erupts in a conflagration across Japan as Akiko unleashes the full force of M.H.I.'s military products division, manned by her elite team of Office-Lady Warriors, in her bid to win back Ryunosuke.

All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku (DVD $29.98 SRP) includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras in the title include clean closing animation, the original Japanese trailer, an image gallery and ADV Previews. .

ALL-PURPOSE CULTURAL CAT GIRL NUKU NUKU

• Running Time: 150 minutes; Age Rating: 12+
• Pre-Book Date: 1/14/03
• Street Date: 2/11/03
• Format SRP
• DVD $29.98

Fushigi Yugu and Soul Hunter on Internation Channel

From Anime on TV

The International Channel has announced that it will begin showing the English dub of Fushigi Yugi Tuesday December 31st.

In addition, Soul Hunter is scheduled to begin on the International Channel on Monday, December 30. They will show the English dub.

Tension Between WB and Cartoon Network

From the November 15th Wall Street Journal and Comicon

A raging sibling rivalry has broken out between two Toon networks at AOL TIME WARNER which has resulted in charges that an executive is favoring one network over the other because of a financial interest he holds.

According to a report in today's WALL STREET JOURNAL, "Last June, the Cartoon Network cable channel added action shows such as "Samurai Jack" and "Justice League" to its Saturday morning lineup. The shows performed well but upset the WB network, a corporate sibling within AOL Time Warner Inc.'s Turner division that also carried action cartoons catering to young boys on Saturday morning."

The JOURNAL reports: "According to people familiar with the matter, the WB, which broadcasts over the air, complained both to Cartoon Network and Jamie Kellner, who oversees both networks. After a few weeks, the new shows were pulled off Cartoon Network, so angering the cable network's programming chief, Mike Lazzo, that he complained to his WB counterpart, Donna Friedman. Mr. Lazzo couldn't be reached for comment."

The incident is said to highlight the increasing tension within the Turner division since Mr. Kellner became chief executive in March 2001. Accusations have arisen from the Turner camp that Mr. Kellner favors the WB because he has an indirect financial stake in its success. Kellner and a small group of close aides are said to hold an 11% stake in WB. AOL Time Warner had previously disclosed that it is under contract to buy that stake, valued at $80 million to $90 million.

The JOURNAL reports: "Aside from his role as CEO of Turner, Mr. Kellner is chief executive and 5.9% shareholder of a separate public company called Acme Communications, which owns 11 TV stations, most of which carry the WB signal. Acme is struggling under a sizable debt, and its stock is trading at $6.35 on the Nasdaq Stock Market, 44% below its 52-week high, reached in April. Acme's future is closely tied to the WB's fortunes, so if the network prospers with popular programming, Mr. Kellner's stake in Acme could gain value, too. His boss at AOL Time Warner, Jeff Bewkes, dismisses any notion of conflict. "He doesn't have a financial interest in any decision that affects the WB vis a vis the Turner networks," says Mr. Bewkes, chairman of AOL Time Warner's entertainment and networks group. Mr. Bewkes also says that all the Turner networks are "performing better than they were before Jamie took the job."

Anime Nostalgia in Japan

The 70's sentai series (think Power Rangers) Balom One, which originated as a manga series by Golgo 13's Saitoh Takao will be adapted into a 35 episode anime series that will run starting December 7th.

The new Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom) will start January 1st in Japan. See the site.

Upcoming Releases From CPM

From Anime on DVD

Ariel - 143 minutes - $19.98 - 02/11/2003 Central Park Media

Earth is under alien invasion, and it's time for one mad scientist to unleash his world-saving creation: ARIEL, a huge robot in giant leotards! While humanity scratches its head, the good doctor scrambles to find some reluctant teenage girls to pilot his creation.

DNA2 Vol. #1: Metamorphosis - 75 minutes - $29.98 - 02/11/2003

Junta has a problem: he's deathly allergic to girls! All this changes when a beautiful woman arrives from the future and transforms him into the super-suave Mega-Playboy. But the transformation is unstable, and if Junta can't unravel the time traveler's mystery, he (and the fate of the world) will never be the same!

Patlabor TV Vol. #4 - 100 minutes - $29.98 - 02/11/2003

Policewoman Noa Izumi loves piloting giant robots with a passion. Trouble is, she's got a knack for demolishing the city she tries to protect. But chaos breaks loose when Noa is kidnapped by a gang of thugs, and the police rally to rescue their strongest fighter.

Patlabor TV Collection 1 - 440 minutes - $99.98 - 02/11/2003

It's the not-too-distant future, and girl-next-door Noa Izumi is starting her job as a pilot for the police force's famous giant robots. Within a matter of days, she's faced with a pack of crazy crewmates and the adventure of a lifetime!

Contains episodes 1-18 on 4 DVDs.

Animated Classics of Japanese Literature: Botchan Parts 1&2/Student Days - 75 minutes - $29.98 - 02/11/2003

It's the not-too-distant future, and girl-next-door Noa Izumi is starting her job as a pilot for the police force's famous giant robots. Within a matter of days, she's faced with a pack of crazy crewmates and the adventure of a lifetime!

Contains episodes 1-18 on 4 DVDs.

Animated Classics of Japanese Literature: The Harp of Burma Parts 1&2/Season of the Sun - 75 minutes - $29.98 - 02/11/2003

The Harp of Burma: Parts 1 & 2 by Michio Takeyama

Near the end of World War II, a soldier is missing and presumed dead by his captured comrades. A mysterious monk may hold the key to his disappearance.

Season of the Sun by Ishihara Shintaro

A boxer and a beautiful woman share a tumultuous relationship in post WWII Japan. Will love guarantee them a happy life, or will pride tear them apart?

Animated Classics of Japanese Literature: The Sound of Waves Parts 1&2/Growing Up - 75 minutes - $29.98 - 02/11/2003

The Sound of Waves: Parts 1 & 2 by Mishima Yukio

A poor fisherman falls in love with the daughter of the most powerful man in his village. To overcome this obstacle, he must prove his bravery in a terrible sea storm.

Growing Up by Higuchi Ichiyo

Two friends are torn apart when one joins a gang, betraying the bond of trust between them.

Upcoming FUNimation Releases:

December

Dragon Ball Z Soundtrack CD: Buu, the Majin Sagas

Dragon Ball Z 82: Cell Games: Earth's Last Hope (D) Uncut

Dragon Ball Z 83: Cell Games: Awakening (D) Uncut

January

Dragon Ball Z 84: Cell Games: Sacrifice (D) Uncut

Dragon Ball Z 85: Cell Games: Nightmare's End (D) Uncut

Dragon Ball: Tournament DVD Box Set

February

Dragon Ball: Red Ribbon Army DVD Box Set

March

Dragon Ball Z 86: Kid Buu: A New Beginning (EDITED / UNCUT / DVD) Dragon Ball: King Piccolo Set 1 DVD (eps 102-111)

Dark Horse Delays Dirty Pair Figures

Right Stuf reports he Dark Horse product development team has delayed the upcoming Kei and Yuri Dirty Pair action figures until mid-December.

Anime Network Site and Merchandise

ADV's anime tv network has opened it web site at theanimenetwork.com.

ADV Films is offering three thirts will the logo of their upcoming 24 hour TV network. The shirts can be pre-ordered before their December release. The designs can bne seen here.

Bandai Entertainment Announces Cowboy Bebop Dvd Lauch Party At Spundae @ The Circus

Bandai Entertainment announced the upcoming DVD launch party for its release of Cowboy Bebop: Best Sessions. Held in conjunction with music industry publication, BPM Culture Magazine - World famous DJ's announced include: Sven Vath, Richie Haw, and Tyrone Cornelius. The event is open to the public and doors open at 9:00 PM.

The world renowned SPUNDAE @ The Circus is THE party spot in Southern California! Cowboy Bebop giveaways throughout the night, dress to impress, and Bebop 'cosplayers' be sure to strut your stuff throughout the night for your chance to receive even more FREE Bebop swag! Saturday, November 23, 2002. For more information on the event, please visit www.bandai-ent.com

One of the highest rated shows on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block - Cowboy Bebop fans rejoice! Six of the top voted episodes from Cowboy Bebop has been digitally re-mastered for Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Surround Sound! Experience Cowboy Bebop like never before here in North American and Japan!

Did we mention? This special release will contain an exclusive limited edition slipcase, once they're gone.they're gone!!

Meet Spike and Jet, a drifter and a retired cyborg cop who have formed a partnership in a bounty hunting enterprise. In a converted fishing ship the Bebop, with the help of the intelligent data dog, Ein, and the volumptuous and vexing femme fatale, Faye Valentine - Spike and Jet scour the galaxy in search of wanted criminals. They're going to clean up space, one bounty at a time!

DVD Features:

• Best Session Limited Edition Collector's Slipcase
• Interactive Animated Menus
• English/Japanese language
• English subtitles optional
• Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (Eng/Jap)
• DTS Surround Sound (Jap)
• Bandai Previews

TRT: 150 min. RATED 13UP SRP: $34.98 STREET DATE: 11.19.2002

RGA Opens Web Site

RGA, Raijin Game and Anime, formely Fujin has openned a site at raijin-ga.jp/

Anime Video Games

From The Magic Box:

Bandai announced a new GameCube fighting game called Naruto, the game is based on the popular anime of the same name, featuring 3D toon shading graphics similar to Bandai's One Piece Treasure Battle.

Screen shots of Inu Yasha: Sengoku Battle, a fighting game based on the Rumiko Takahashi series can be seen here. The third installment of the WonderSwam Inu Yasha series, entitled Inu Yasha: Kagome's Dream Diary , can be seen here

Bandai's Gundam Seed WonderSwam game can be seen here, and the new can be seen GameBoy Advance SRPG Super Robot Taisen Original Generation

SoftCel Pictures Return

ADV's hentai (adult) label, SoftCel Pictures will be returning with G-Taste and Magical Twilight this February.

Robotech Event In L.A.

Dec. 15 will have the following at the L.A. Shrine Auditorium.

A SPECIAL PRESENTATION STARTS ON STAGE AT 1:00 P.M. TOMMY YUNE, ROBOTECH creative director and co-writer/artist of the new ROBOTECH COMICS from WILDSTORM PRODUCTIONS will be joined on stage by DAN WOREN, the voice of "ROY FOKKER," TONY OLIVER the voice of "RICK HUNTER," and MICHAEL BRADLEY, ROBOTECH composer/songwriter and singing voice of "YELLOW DANCER."

TOMMY, DAN, TONY, and MICHAEL will discuss upcoming ROBOTECH projects. More ROBOTECH guest speakers might be added to this Presentation.

Admission for DECEMBER 15, 2002 is $5.50. EARLY ADMISSION is available for $10.00 ($5.50 admission plus $4.50 EARLY ADMISSION). People who purchase the EARLY ADMISSION TICKET will be allowed into the Dealer's Room at 9:30 A.M. instead of 10:00 A.M., and have flrst chance to acquire ROBOTECH give-aways. Some of the planned ROBOTECH give-aways are COMIC BOOKS, WALL SCROLLS, CARDS, TOYS, ANIMATION CELLS, and GAMES. The plan is for all attendees to receive at least one ROBOTECH item but not all, and the free item will depend on what is availahie at the time of arrival. EARLY ADMISSION TICKET HOLDERS will be able to receive at least two ROBOTECH items, and perhaps more. Check the sign posted on the day of the Convention with details as to what is available.

A free drawing for ROBOTECH DVD'S, GAMES, and more will take place during the 1:00 P.M. ROBOTECH Presentation. So save your admission ticket, your number might be called!

More On Ghost in the Shell Game

From Anime News Service's mailing list Yoshiki Sakurai-story editor for the new Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex tv show-mentions the new GITS PS2 game will be a combination of Metal Gear Solid and Biohazard. Sakurai will also be involved with the scripts for the video game.