Father Geek here with the 1st edition of our AICN Anime column for 2003... I am especially excited about this breaking news concerning STEAMBOY, Katsuhiro Otomo's 1st feature-length directorial film since the phantasmagoric AKIRA took the world by storm over a decade ago.

Scott's worked up another great info filled report for all you fans of Manga and Anime the world over, so dig in and enjoy the fun-tastic world that is...

THE AICN ANIME REPORT...

Anime Preview: Noir Volume 1 "Shades of Darkness"

To be Released by ADV Films February 18th

The combination of anticipation, a vivid new look, and an emotional fish hook, is bound to make Noir on of the big anime hits of 2003.

Mireille Bouquet, and Kirika Yumura are a girl with no past, and a girl haunted by her past who take up the mantle of NOIR, a pair of assassins who are "fated" to be "two maidens who govern death". They become knights in a chess game played by powerful and would-be powerful organizations. The characters' occupation and position put them in a field where they never know who to trust, and are required to always think and act quickly.

Most episodes follow the pair through an assignment. The formula is a bit like the recent hit comic book series "100 Bullets " in terms of shot killing stories with a building undercurrent. There is some interesting irony that their job is to kill people who may have clue to the information that both characters need to regain some control of their lives. There seems to be both obvious and non-obvious example of this in the first volume.

The look of Noir owes much to its masterfully construction of the locales of the story. The background design is chiefly deserving of the credit for this achievement. From picturesque views of France, to a run down, miss process abandoned urban Japanese community, to tropical island, and Roman ruins the backgrounds paint them in beautiful detail. It isn't so much realism, as anime's take on classic design. The French localities in particular have a bit of an impressionistic/Van Gough look to them. The cathedral catacombs in the fifth and final episode of the volume need to be seen. If they were a physical movie or TV sets, you'd hope they kept it around for re-use.

When an event is shaded by memory, or the heat of battle, the animation warps perception in interesting ways, filling it pastel shadows, or neon motion trails. There are some sparing an appropriate uses of psychedelic effects, and a great opening animation with impressive action sequences set to the effect.

Though the assassination attempts are protracted, the deliberate pace the non-combat preclude Noir from being an "action" series. There are many scenes of planning, strategic games, character establishment and tense ennui surrounding the action. Who the characters are is given as much weight as what they are. The gunfights themselves aren't constructed to be slick gunplay like John Woo, Cowboy Bebop or Kite/Mezzo Forte. There are "wow" martial art moments, and eye catch gun feats but most of the gasps come from well executed, or brilliant on the spot strategy, or the expression and emotion of the characters.

The soundtrack by Yuki Kajiura has a presence and range that can rival a work by Yoko Yanno. It tends to rely more on a techno-core, but often great vocal elements, and lodges itself in your minds, and will be hummed after a viewing is complete.

In some ways Noir is a tough sell. On the superficial side of the discussion, though it undeniably feels new, it isn't the quite the knock-out it could have been a few years ago. First, the young girl assassin is something being parodied in Excel Saga, and not longer novel. Second, in some ways dour anime, never really recovered post Evangelion. Third, the neon-psychedelic color scheme spark was nearly burnt out by Soultaker, and some will feel, or have felt that the more restraint use of the effect here pails next who the former's shot gun blast use. These three potential strikes don't know the series out. The series' has a gravity that keeps pulling you a. There is a great "what' going to happen next" factor that keeps you eagerly anticipating what may happen, or what you may see next.

Post Columbine, post 9/11, young girls killing, and vivid assassination that at times comes to calculated extermination aren't the easiest things to watch (a year ago, the second episode was down right impossible to watch). It isn't the kind of cartoon violence that can easily be written off. Its never easy emotional to see pins being set up, then knocked down by a death, or to watch or a young girl garroted. The staying power in the series is the two pictures it appears to be painting by the characters' missions, one of emotional development of the characters, the other is the end to which they are being used. It is a bit like Alias, minus the family, gadgets and serial cliff hangers.

Anime Spotlight: Arjuna: Volume 2 Journey

Released by Bandai

Arjuna is a cerebral challenge constructed by a team of anime allstars (with Escalfowne and Macross Plus in their shared resumes) that looks at the environmental and social breakup-unsustainable of modern existence. It is not a fun, or pleasant series to watch, but it is provocative with artistry that makes more than a "very special" Escaflowne. There seems to be a knee-jerk dismissal or the series, partial the fault of the series extreme presentation of its argument, but it raises a needed discussion, and pejorative connotations aside, it is an "important" work. It's far more Bowling Columbine than Captain Planet.

Volume 2 starts of with a two part field trip/shamanic purification journey on "where does the hamburger come from" that paints vividly the strengths and weaknesses of the series' argument. It is brilliant at a meta level, vividly painting the nearly lost or ignored connections between humans that the natural processes that allow the species to survive, and the consequences of not taking responsibility for impacting those processes.

At an issues level, things fall apart as gloss over facts and stray into utopianism. The agriculture episodes contradict themselves, and loose their foundation when compared to the history of agriculture, and the development of the fruits and vegetables it shows growing, and look weaker when it sets up, then easy knocks down straw horse arguments against its position, or goes for cheap and immediate scares (eat bio-engineered food with growth hormone, and a lethal bacteria could kill you tomorrow). It goes far too far with valid arguments and loses its ground. The logical gaps are bound to have scientifically minded viewers, including ones with environmentalist leanings shaking their heads.

The Zen solution to problems has some resonance, but they need more logical, and scientific meat to be convincing. One hermit who can allegedly grow enough food to feed ten is not a valid counter example, more a model for a better society.

One matter the series urgently needs to address to redeem itself is the downright hypocrisy of the organization who, contrary hints aside, are ostensibly its heroes, SEED. Putting aside the decoy targets of the back-to-the-earth hermit who can't given up name brand cigarettes, we have a group who lives and operates in ostentatious buildings, scoots around on helicopters, and despite criticizing human disconnect, insists on referring to people as numbers.

To it's credit, the slightly too cultish, slightly too proselytizing spirituality of the series seems to have been reigned in a bit in the second volume, or is used in slightly more subtle and effective to the social commentary messages. By making the spirituality more of a characteristic of SEED, and its followers, and less use of avatars, and religious super hero effects, Arjuna appears to escaping the trap of becoming a Hindu derivative sect's Omega Code.

Regardless of the strength of Arjuna's argument, and commentary, there is no question that the series is a visual achievement. The two areas where the animation most enjoys unparalleled success are emotional punch montages showing a modern process, its effects, and parallel examples, and showing the beautify of mundane things. Arjuna's fog bound forests, and growing valleys are as breathtaking as any alien landscape in Escaflowne, or other created worlds. The insect eating a leaf or bacterial colonies are as stunning to watch as any transforming fighter jet, or sword fight. Together they are the series' one-two punch. "Here is how your process damaging things" and "here is what you are damaging".

With a hint of "Fight Club Special Edition" irony, Bandai has released Arjuna is an outstanding package, presenting the animation in widescreen format, with Doubly Digital 5.1 sound, with some great extras include an isolated score track to highlight Yoko Kanno's work on the series, and an interview with creator/director Shoji Kawamori,

This Week's Releases

Anime

• Nothing Again

Manga

• 3X3 Eyes Key To The Sacred Land Tp
• Akira Cinemanga Vol 1 (Of 5)
• Angelic Layer Vol 4 Gn (Of 7)
• Astro Boy Vol 10 Tp
• Blade Of The Immortal #75 Fall Frost (Part 3 Of 6)
• Cardcaptor Sakura #31
• Cardcaptor Sakura #32
• Gto Vol 9 Gn (Of 25)
• Gundam Wing Last Outpost #2 (Of 12)
• Gundam Wing Last Outpost #3 (Of 12)
• Island Vol 7 Gn (Of 7)
• Kare Kano Vol 1 Gn (Of 13)
• Lone Wolf & Cub Vol 28 Falling Tree Tp
• Love Hina Vol 8 Gn (Of 14)
• Mars Vol 8 Gn (Of 15)
• Miracle Girls Vol 7 Pkt Tp
• Paradise Kiss Vol 4 Gn (Of 5)
• Peach Girl Vol 8 Pkt Gn (Of 13)
• Priest Vol 4 Gn (Of 9)
• Ragnarok Vol 5 Gn (Of 10)
• Sorcerer Hunters Vol 13 Gn (Of 13)
• Super Manga Blast #27
• Wounded Man 9 Vol Gn Set

It is a big week for manga series ending, with the final volumes of samurai revenge epic Lone Wolf and Cub (congratulations are in order to Dark Horse Comics and Studio Proteus), as well as TOKYOPOP's Korean exotic horror Island, swords and sorcery, food and bondage humor laden Sorcerer Hunters.

For beginnings, the first volume of the delayed school drama Kare Kano, which was adopted into an anime series by Evangelion creator/director Hideaki Anno, and studio Gainax, will be released by TOKYOPOP.

A Ninja Scroll New Year

This year's Urban Vision holiday card features the cast of 13 episode animated series with a new, slightly more cartoon design for Jubei, a consistent Dakuan, and two new characters, a young rough look man, and a young woman in more formal attire with a kimono that may have its sleeves tied in an a manner sometimes used before a fight.

The back of the card spotlight "Lil*Vision" release Strange Dawn.

2nd Kenshin OAV Release Information The second OAV for Kenshin or Samurai X, dubbed "Reflection" will be released by ADV Films on March 25.

From the press release:

The thrilling story arc of Kenshin's troubled life includes the video releases Samurai X: Trust, Samurai X: Betrayal, and Samurai X: The Motion Picture. Samurai X: Reflection draws the story to its conclusion, with Kenshin struggling to return at last to his family.

The Story:

Rurouni Kenshin is a wanderer, a lost soul, cursed to seek atonement for his life in the bloody trade of the samurai. During the long war to overthrow the corrupt government, he was known throughout all Japan as the Hitokiri Battousai ("sword-bearing master assassin"). But the end of the war has brought no peace to Kenshin, despite a vow to draw his sword only for the protection of those in need. Now his wife Kaoru steadfastly awaits his return, mourning his absence as well as that of their son, Kenji. Will Kenshin return before she dies of grief? The past meets the present fifteen years after Kenshin first left.

Samurai X: Reflection (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release including both English- and Japanese language versions, and English subtitles. Extras include clean closing animation, production sketches, interviews with the original Japanese voice cast and ADV Previews.

Yasuo Otsuka to Draw New Lupin Manga Series

Anime News Network reports the website for Yasuo Otsuka, best known as the animation supervisor for the first Lupin TV series, will draw the Lupin Manga published in Japan's quarterly Lupin Magazine. At 72 years old, this is the retired animator's debut as a Manga artist.

Otomo's Steamboy Release Confirmed

Big-budget Anime Feature Out Fall 03

From ICV2 December 21, 2002 Japanese film distributor Toho has released its schedule for next year and it includes Steamboy, Katsuhiro Otomo's first feature length directorial project since his breakthrough film Akira in 1988.

Although the film was rumored to be ready for release in 2003, its appearance on the Toho schedule seals the deal, since historically there have been few deviations from the Toho list.

A retro science fiction epic set in Victorian England (see "Otomo's Steamboy Anime"), Steamboy is the most expensive animated film in Japanese history with a budget of some 2.4 billion yen (roughly $20 million). With more than 180,000 drawings and 400 CG cuts, Steamboy is sure to be one of the most elaborate animated features of 2003.

And given Akira's reputation in the U.S., Steamboy appears likely to get some sort of theatrical release here.

Preliminary Tech TV Anime Lists

Tech TV is listing that cultural sci-fi Crest of the Stars will air Monday through Thursdays at 1:00 am, Friday at 11:00 pm.

Production IG Polls English Speaking Buyers

Production IG appears to be looking into whether English speaking audiences would be interested in importing Japanese releases that have English subtitles. See here

Rayearth OAV on DVD

Diamond's previews is listing a spring release date for release of the Rayearth OAV.

Upcoming Releases

From Anime on DVD

From ADV Films

ADV Films announced a release date of March 25, 2003 for the Genesis Climber Mospeada collection, containing all 25 episodes of the legendary series in one package. Never before released in the U.S., Genesis Climber Mospeada was the source material from which the third chapter of the ROBOTECH saga-ROBOTECH: The New Generation-was created. The ADV release of Genesis Climber Mospeada is available only in the original Japanese, with English subtitles.

While the directorial staff is led by none other than Katsuhisa Yamada (Battle of the Planets, Devil Hunter Yohko), Genesis Climber Mospeada is no slouch in the art department, either, with Yoshitaka Amano (1,001 Nights) and Shinji Aramaki (Gasaraki) among the designers.

The Story

The Earth has been invaded by the mysterious Inbit, and it's up to a handful of survivors from Mars Colony to liberate the planet. After an unsuccessful first attempt to retake the Earth, the inhabitants of Mars Base are ready to try again. Unfortunately, it's been many years since they have been to Earth and they miscalculate both the strength of the enemy and the strength of the Earth forces-with disastrous results. When the Second Liberation force is all but wiped out entering the Earth's atmosphere, the fate of the planet winds up in the hands of a single survivor, Stick Bernard. Joined by a bare handful of resistance fighters born on Earth, Stick must journey to the Inbit's headquarters at Reflex point in an attempt to discover the secrets of the Inbit and find a way to defeat them. Seven young warriors and their transforming planes and motorcycles are all that stand between the Inbit and Earth's freedom in one of the outstanding series that comprised the multi-generational favorite ROBOTECH.

ADV Films set a release date of March 11, 2003 for the DVD release of Crying Freeman: Portrait of a Killer, the first volume of the gripping anime series, telling the tortured story of a brainwashed contract killer, at once brilliantly lethal and stricken by remorse.

Based on the critically acclaimed manga series written by Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub) and illustrated by Ryoichu Ikegami (Sanctuary, Strain), Crying Freeman's extraordinary production pedigree includes direction by Daisuke Nishio (Dragon Ball) and Shigenori Yamauchi (Saint Seiya).

The Story:

Brainwashed by the 108 Dragons, a powerful Chinese crime syndicate, Yo Hinomura is transformed into a killing machine known as "Crying Freeman" for the silent tears he sheds for his victims.

When the lovely artist Emu Hino witnesses one of his killing missions, Freeman is ordered to eliminate her. But the heated chemistry between the artist and her would-be killer spurs an immediate reaction. Hunted by both the police and the mob, victim and assassin vow to face together whatever fate has in store for them.

Crying Freeman: Portrait of a Killer (DVD $29.98 SRP) is a DVD-only release, containing two episodes of the series. ADV's release includes both English- and Japanese-language versions of the title, and English subtitles. Includes ADV Previews.

ADV Films has set a street date of March 11, 2003 for the DVD release of Steel Angel Kurumi: Encore, the fifth volume of the popular anime series.

Produced by Pony Canyon (Vampire Princess Miyu), WOWOW (The Big O) and Kadokawa (publishers of anime magazine Newtype), Steel Angel Kurumi features breathtaking animation from acclaimed studio O.L.M., famous for their work on the Pokemon franchise. The English dub stars some of the most popular actresses in anime: Kelli Cousins (Princess Nine), Monica Rial (Gasaraki), Hilary Haag (Excel Saga), and Kira Vincent-Davis (Martian Successor Nadesico) and others.

The Story:

Thousands of fans have followed the adventures of the beautiful and powerful android Steel Angel Kurumi-from her awakening at the kiss of the young boy Nakahito to the climactic battle that toppled the floating fortress known as The Academy. Now find out what becomes of your favorite characters in the aftermath! Has shy Saki gone Hollywood? Can a secret admirer help Karinka forget about her crush on Nakahito? Is Kurumi capable of becoming a graceful and dignified woman?

It all wraps up with a hilarious competition between the dozens of Steel Angels who have tracked Nakahito down for a taste of his miracle kiss. What happens is sometimes touching, often funny, but NEVER what you would expect. A must see for any Kurumi fan!

Steel Angel Kurumi: Encore ($19.98 SRP) is a DVD-only release containing four complete episodes. It includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, and English subtitles. DVD extras include production sketches, extended Episode Previews, clean opening animation, clean closing animation, Steel Angel Kurumi trailers, commentary with the English voice actresses and ADV Previews.

For more information about this series, visit the Steel Angel Kurumi website, including galleries of Kurumi artwork, downloadable desktop wallpapers, behind-the-scenes interviews, and more. http://www.advfilms.com/favorites/kurumi

ADV Films set a release date of March 11, 2003 for ZONE OF THE ENDERS-DOLORES, i: A PRELUDE TO WAR, a DVD-only release of the third volume of the television series. Originally created as a companion to the Playstation game, and a follow-up to the OVA Zone of the Enders-IDOLO, Zone of the Enders-Dolores, i is set in a distant future in which human colonization of Earth's solar system extends to Mars and beyond, and relationships between the humans on different colonies are decidedly hostile.

The Story:

The Links family has made it to Mars on a wing and prayer, but their troubles are far from over! For this rescue mission they need a hero, and fast! James Links doesn't want to be a hero except to his wife and children, but he'll have plenty of chances to practice for the role on Mars! Championing the people of a planet on the verge of insurrection, with the authorities still hot on his trail, this space trucker has more on his mind than any one man should have to cope with!

Zone of the Enders-Dolores, i: A Prelude to War ($29.98 SRP) is a DVD-only release containing four complete episodes of the series. It includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, and English subtitles. DVD extras include ADR Session with Hoko Kuwashima ("Dolores") and Tesshou Genda ("James"); karaoke versions of opening and closing animations; production sketches; James' diary; a map of Mars; and ADV previews.

From Bandai, Pioneer and Viz

• Ai Yori Aoshi Vol. #2: My Dearest - 125 minutes - $29.98 - 04/22/2003
• Banner of the Stars Vol. #3 - 100 minutes - $29.98 - 05/20/2003
• Cardcaptor Sakura Vol. #15 - 100 minutes - $29.98 - 05/13/2003
• Fancy Lala Vol. #6 - 100 minutes - $24.98 - 05/06/2003
• Geneshaft Vol. #1 - 100 minutes - $29.98 - 05/20/2003
• .hack//SIGN Vol. #2 - 125 minutes - $29.98 - 05/06/2003
• Sailor Moon Super S TV Vol. #7 - 75 minutes - $14.98 - 05/13/2003
• Chobits Vol. #2 - 100 minutes - $29.98 - 05/13/2003
• Please Teacher Vol. #1 - 100 minutes - $29.98 - 05/06/2003
• .hack//SIGN Vol. #1 - 125 minutes - $29.98 - 03/18/2003
• .hack//SIGN Vol. #1 SE - 125 minutes - $64.98 - 03/04/2003
• Love Hina Spring Special - 60 minutes - $29.98 - 03/18/2003
• Banner of the Stars vol. #2 - 100 minutes - $29.98 - 03/18/2003 (late solicitation)
• Kikaider Vol. #1 - 100 minutes - $29.98 - 04/22/2003 (rescheduled date)
• Lupin TV Vol. #3 has been postponed with no new date.
• Ronin Warriors OVA is now 150 minutes instead of 100 minutes.
• Infinite Ryvius Vol. #1 has been postponed with no new date.
• Gatekeepers 21 Vol. #1 runtime has changed from 75 minutes to 90 minutes
• Inu Yasha Vol. #3 - 78 minutes - $24.98 - 02/04/2003
• Project Arms Vol. #3 - 78 minutes - $24.98 - 02/11/2003
• Trouble Chocolate Vol. #3 - 104 minutes - $24.98 - 02/18/2003

From Manga Entertainment

Dangaioh - 90 minutes - $24.95 - 01/28/2003

Fist of the Northstar Vol. #1 - 120 minutes - $29.95 - 02/25/2003

Fist of the Northstar Vol. #2 - 120 minutes - $29.95 - 02/25/2003

Virus Vol. #2 - 120 minutes - $24.95 - 02/25/2003

Bounty Dog - 60 minutes - $24.95 - 01/28/2003

From TOKYPOP

GTO VOl. #08 - 100 minutes - $29.98 - 05/13/2003

According to an email response one reader posted to Abune on DVD's forum, TOKYOPOP replied to them and indicated that the final three volumes of Saint Tail, due out as one single 3 disc release, is tentatively set for an April 2003 release.

4 Naruto Games on the Way

From Magic Box

Japanese game developer Tomy has announced that it is developing 4 different video games based on the popular Naruto Manga/Anime for release in Japan in 2003.

Tomy announced they will cooperate with Nintendo to market and publish their GameCube and GameBoy Advance titles in Japan. The first game covered in this deal is a GameCube cel-shaded fighting game Naruto, which is based on the hit anime of the same name, the game is scheduled for a spring 2003 release in Japan. A GameBoy Advance version of Naruto is also under development. http://www.the-magicbox.com/game121902e.htm