Father Geek here at the Geek Headquarters Compound in the Central Texas Hill Country this Christmas Eve posting up Scott's latest report for your Christmas Day enjoyment. This week's edition is shorter than usual due to the holidays, but we got it up for you just the same... have a safe and joyful holiday wherever you may be.

Now, here's this Wednesday's...

AICN Anime Report

by Scott Green

Manga Spotlight: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon by Andy Seto

Released by ComicsOne

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the most prominent entry in ComicsOne's kung fu comics line. It's not a manga release, but an interesting Asian comic worthy of notice from a company that does release manga. The comic opens with a chase scene worthy of Ang Lee's movie, and very much like one, but more destructive as Yu Gan Cheung, "Golden Spear" chases two thieves as they gracefully leap from roof to roof. "Golden Spear" has doesn't move so silently. He shatters pavement and walls in his loud pursuit. He's a brand of character that inhabits the books, but not the movie, blatantly larger than life and an adult with his place in the world defined, and the skill needed to carve his path, but not yet burdened with too many past decisions.

The comic is adapted from an earlier point in the Crane - Iron pentology of novels than the movie (it seems like book 2, "Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin"). Yu Shu Lien (Miechelle Yeow in the movie) looks about ready to inherit her aging father's business and feuds, and meets Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat). Li Mu Bai seeks her out when his friend arranges a confrontation by telling him that her father has promised her marriage to anyone who can best her. It is interesting to see the protagonists at a less world weary age, with an occasional care-free smile. Li Mu Bai is still a bit ethereal, but he's more grounded and part of the world than he is in the movie. Yu Shu Lien is more spunky and emotionally open.

Thanks to the comics illustration, it possess many of the qualities that made the movie a landmark. It has the movie's expansive feel, more surprising given the movie's amazing scenery, it has its sense of a fully realized and inhabited world. The intricate spinning and hand movements lend an air of graceful force.

The bright color, speed lines, splashy disregard for the laws of nature, and less restrained energy make the comic more like Tsui Hark movie.

Between the dialogue and captions, the comic is a bit too wordy. At times the captions can be slightly poetic, when they describe the spirit of a moment such as Lu Shu Lien in dance like twirls in the tree tops, or Li Mu Bai mediating. When it describes what is being illustrated it removes some of the mystique. The roof top run is less magical when its constantly being labeled "lightfoot kung fu". Michelle Yeoh throwing roof tiles was something special. There is something lost or missing when the action is bracketed by a caption "The small pebble allows Golden Spear to catch up.", and "I'll disrupt your chi.come down now." Even if the statement fits into the blow-hard's character.

The only mark against Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, is that rightly, or wrongly, it feels a little expensive. At $14 for 90 pages of stories, and about 25 pages of extras (a little about the authors, a little preview/add). There aren't a great number of color translated comics to compare it to, but comparing length, dimensions and paper quality to ComicsOne's other kung fu comics releases, and Humanoid publishing color European releases, it does seem at the high end of the spectrum. It is a exciting, fun comic, but as the saying goes, you're mileage may vary.

A sample can be read on ComicsOne's website here.

Anime Spotlight: Excel Saga Volume 3

Released by ADV Films

Excel Saga is the monarch of anime speed comedy. Few domestic releases can compete, and none can surpass it. The human maelstrom of misplaced energy Excel, and her cute, demure, coughing, bleeding, and occasionally dying partner Hyatt blow away all of competition (though maybe, considering the obscene gestures Hyatt sometimes makes in the background, a different verb should be used).

Volume 3 features four episodes, parodies of animal sagas (think White Fang, or Disney movies), Japanese school/sports dramas, and detective shows, with a recap episodes. Excel Saga episodes throw so many objects into the air, that when they start juggling them a few are bound to be amusing. No episode is a complete waste but the high school/sports and detective episode aren't some of Excel Saga's stronger outings. The former dedicates a larges portion of its energy to genres, or styles aren't familiar or popular with an American audience. The Japanese tableau for a classroom, or troubled sports start is different from the American one. American anime/manga fans recognize that joke from series like GTO, but it doesn't have the impact it probably does for the series' original audience. The detective episode works with a gimmick that isn't up to par with the series typical novelty or oddness.

The animal saga starts off with one of the series strengths, stretching a joke to new depths of depravity (in this case Excell's threatening to eat her "emergency food supply" do Menchi, and the dog's attempts to escape). It continues with another strength, cute things acting or suffering in a cruel manner. Parodies fall flat, Excel's spasms can be grating, but there is never a miss when the series juxtaposed cuteness with heartless evil. It takes a heart of stone not to laugh at fluffy talking dogs sprinting in a suicide rush towards a squad of shock troupes, or the tutu wearing teddy bear/Pokemon Puchuu's divine retribution against a group of rocking throwing boys.

The fourth episode is a testament to the recycled clip show, presenting highlights in an award show/game shows, cut in a compelling manner with interludes from all the series' favorites, and an handsome cloaked conqueror setting up a domino chain while getting kicked by a duo of Excel/Hyatt imitators.

ADV has finally figured out how to channel the spirit of the series in its packaging. They've mellowed the forced juvenile silliness, and hits their stride with a great DVD menu, and a paper figure sumo set of Excel and Hyatt. They start you smirking before the anime begins.

This Week's Anime And Manga Releases

Anime

Well, apparently the holidays aren't a goodtime for anime releases. The Adventures of Pluto Nash and Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever are being released this week.

Manga

• Bastard #13 Empress
• Cannon God Exaxxion Stage 2 (Part 4 Of 5) #12
• Ceres Celestial Legend Part 4 #3 (Of 4)
• Kazan 7 Vol Gn Set
• Raijin Comics #4
• Silent Mobius Part 12 Hell #1 (Of 5)
• Vagabond Vol 4 Tp

  Tech TV Anime Unleashed Press

  From the release:

  Anime Unleashed on TechTV: The exciting world of anime is landing on TechTV beginning December 30! Early 2003 we'll be bringing TechTV viewers five full anime series throughout the week.

  Although it's easily identified by its distinctive visual style, anime knows no boundaries. It's not merely a style of animation but a genre unto itself where you may find sophisticated science fiction, fantasy adventure, romantic comedies, and even wrenching drama.

  In the TechTV spirit, Anime Unleashed focuses on the science-fiction elements of anime -- titles that imagine what our near or far future will be like, investigate the the relation between humans and machines, dream of what alien civilizations could be like, and more.

  Anime Unleashed exemplifies the difference between its titles and Western animation by showing the depths of characters, themes and contortions of plot explored in anime. Viewers will encounter realistic scenarios, complex relationships and flawed personalities. Despite their deficiencies, the protaganists of Anime Unleashed's titles are beholden to their desires, their hopes and their dreams.

  Our first anime series will start on December 30 with single half-hour episodes airing Monday through Thursday at 1 a.m. Eastern, followed by a two-hour block of anime on Friday from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Eastern.

  Series Titles

  Series: Crest of the Stars Series: Serial Experiments Lain Series: Betterman Series: Dual! Series: Silent Mobius

  Show Details Name: Anime Unleashed Schedule: New Episodes, Mon.-Fri., 1am-1:30am ET; Additional Airings, Fri., 11pm-1am ET and 1:30am-3am ET Format: Half-Hour Series Premiere Date: December 30, 2002

  The official site has opened at www.techtv.com/animeunleashed/

  Patlabor WXIII in theatres

  Anime News Network reports Pioneer has announced that Patlabor WXIII will be shown subtitled in select theatres in NYC, LA, Chicago, San Fancisco and Minneapolis. For more details visit their website here.

  Cartoon Network Does Not Currently have Rights to New Ghost in the Shell

  In the new issue of NewType USA Cartoon Network's programmer Sean Akins stated they don't currently have the rights to Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, but they are "talking about it."

  Gutsoon! Entertainment Picks January 2003 For The Launch Of Fist Of The North Star: The Master Edition

  From the press release:

  Gutsoon! Entertainment, Inc., the U.S. sister company to Japan-based Coamix, has scheduled January 2003 for the launch of its third U.S. branded publishing property, their first graphic novel, Fist of the North Star: The Master Edition. The announcement was made by Nobuhiko Horie, President/CEO of Coamix, and Chairman of Gutsoon! Entertainment, Inc.

  Fist of the North Star: The Master Edition is the ultimate version of the internationally acclaimed manga epic to be published here in the U.S. featuring genuine right-to-left page sequencing, original Japanese sound effects, large format pages, brand new translation, and stunning full color artwork on every page. Supervised by creator Hara Tetsuo himself, this is truly the definitive presentation of the manga masterwork.

  Further volumes of Fist of the North Star: The Master Edition will be released by Gutsoon! on a regular basis, bringing the complete story to America for the first time.

  Created and drawn by Hara Tetsuo, and written by Buronson Fist of the North Star: The Master Edition is distributed by Diamond Comics and will retail for a special introductory price of $14.95 for the first two volumes, and $17.95 thereafter.

  DragonBall Tops Lycos

  "Dragonball" has topped Lycos' list for most search terms on the year, for its second year in a row.

  Musical Background For Yoko Kanno's Latest Project

  Anime News Service reports Seatbelts member Steve Conte has confirmed a reunion with anime composer Yoko Kanno and the Seatbelts group on the new animated TV series, "Wolf Rain". The setting for the show occurs on Earth post a future ice-age. The series will be animated by Bones (Cowboy Bebop), with composition by Yoko Kanno and lyrics by Tim Jensen, performance by the Seatbelts. According to the site:

  Last month Yoko came from Tokyo to NYC to record Steve on three new songs at Soundtracks Studio. They recorded a song called "Stray", and two versions of the title song "Wolf Rain"...one with the Seatbelts and one with Steve solo on a nasty, funky acoustic guitar. The sessions were engineered by the great Joe Chiccarelli who was Frank Zappa's main engineer for 20 years and just recorded the new Elton John album.

  Beyblade Phenom Goes Global

  From Icv2 Reuters is reporting that the Beyblade fighting tops phenomenon has taken off in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with major shortages reported at retail in the UK. That makes this phenomenon a truly global one, since it has been a huge fad in Japan in years past, and this year in the U.S. and Canada (see "Let Em Rip -- Beyblade Is Taking Off"). Hasbro told Reuters that it had 2 million of the tops in the UK and was air-freighting in additional supplies to meet demand. In the States, one distributor told us in our pre-holiday report that he could sell as many as he could get . Sales are being driven by the daily show on ABC Family and promotions. The first DVD collection will be out early next year.

  Work on New Miyazaki Film starts in February

  From Anime News Network

  Japanese film distributor firm Toho confirmed reports that Hayao Miyazaki would start production of his next film, Howl's Moving Castle, next February.

  Miyazaki has accepted to direct Howl following the departure of Mamoru Hosoda from Ghibli in May. Hosoda was brought in to Ghibli temporarily to direct the Movie, but did not see the project through (no explanation was ever given).

  In August, Nohisa Inoue stated on his webdiary that Mitazaki would be directing Howl this wasn't the same as an official statement from Ghibli, Tokuma or Toho though. Also In July, Toshio Suzuki explained that the temporary closure of Ghibli was so that the staff could return in February to work on Miyazaki's new project. Based on these pieces of information it was generally assumed that Miyazaki would begin work on Howl in February, as is now confirmed.

  A love story between a 18 year old girl transmuted into old woman and a male witch. It will be completed in spring of 2004 and released in the summer. Suzuki said, "Miyazaki told me that he will describe strong melodrama in war flames."

  A Sketch from the movie is available on Toho's Website. http://www.toho.co.jp/lineup/welcome-j.html

  Shinchan IG Visit Story Board

  An amusing Crayon Shinchan story board about a visit to Production IG can be seen here

  JAKKS Pacific Buying Dragonball Z Figures Line

  The Toronto Star is reporting JAKKS Pacific will be purchasing the DragonBall action figure line from the bankrupt Irwin Toys. The line is expected to go for $5 million despite generating $28 million in sales last year.

  More than 130 Irwin employees, who were fired three weeks before Christmas when the firm filed for bankruptcy protection, say they're afraid they won't see any of the proceeds of these sales unless they go to court.

  Irwin employees, who number 318 in total, could be owed as much as $5 million (Canadian) in unpaid vacation, severance and termination benefits, said lawyer Andrew Hatnay, who is handling their case at Koskie Minsky.

  Upcoming ADV Releases

  ADV will be releasing Colorful! on March 18th.

  ...Colorful!, a hilarious and sexy animated romp available in the U.S. for the first time. Screening audiences for the title have laughed themselves silly at Colorful's brand of politically incorrect, sacred-cow-tipping humor, which takes particular aim at the randy idiocy of the human male.

  Based on Torajiro Kishi's manga of the same name, and originally aired as part of the Japanese late-night television program "Wonderful," Colorful! was directed by Ryutaro Nakamura (Sakura Wars, Serial Experiments Lain) and produced by TBS.

  The Story: Two horny college slackers and a beautiful professor. A frustrated TV reporter. A sexy track star and her tempted coach. And a high school girlzilla that's the size of the Empire State building. Colorful! contains over 50 vignettes of men, women, and the pursuit of... well, you'll just have to see. From hotties on subways and perverted cabbies, to panty-obsessed video geeks, sexy mall babes, and the furry phenomenon, Colorful! is a strange, deranged, racy and hilarious dose of animated Viagra! (And if live action is more your style, check out the behind-the-scenes documentary that shows the twisted, demented cast and crew that bring Colorful! to vivid life!)

  Samurai Shodown: The Motion Picture, based on the sword fighting video game, will be released on a English dub only DEV on March 4th.

  The second volume of the video game based fantasy western Wild Arms, entitled "Western Romance" will be released March 18th.

  The two episode Sukeban Deka, an odd series about a tough, pink haired secret agent armed with a yo-yo weapon, will be released on DVD on March 11th.

  Mega Man: Battle for the Future will be released on a 3 DVD set with 14 episodes on March 18th.

  A non-anime/animated DVD release from ADV is the March 18th release of the giant turtle monster Gamera in Gamera: Guardian Of The Universe, which will be available with an art box designed to also hold Gamera 2: Attack of Legion and Gamera 3: The Revenge of Iris (both forthcoming 2003 from ADV Films).

  Tokyo: The Last Megalopolis, the live action version of Doomed Megalopolis will be released on Marcg 11th.

  Indivual Macross Volumes

  The original Macross, which was re-edited into Robotech will be sold by AniMeigo in individual volumes starting in the new year.

  Tokyopop Sells Out Gift Sets

  Icv2 reports Tokyopop has sold out the special Real Bout High School and Vampire Princess Miyu gift sets it produced for the holiday season. According to Tokyopop, orders were twice what was anticipated, and since only a single print run was produced of each, both are now sold out and unavailable. The sets mixed product categories -- a DVD and trade paperback in the Real Bout High School set and DVDs and the CD soundtrack in the Vampire Princess Miyu set. The sell-through on the sets has prompted Suncoast and other retail chains to explore exclusive sets for the future. Asked for details about the exclusives, Tokyopop VP Sales and Marketing Steve Kleckner would only say, "I am always open to creative merchandising ideas from our retail partners."

  CPM Announces "Authentic Anime" Line

  CPM has announced an "Authentic Anime" line, which will feature anime released only with a Japanese language track, and English subtitles.