Father Geek here with our regular weekly edition of the Manga/Anime column...

The AICN Anime Report...

by Scott Green

Manga Spotlight: Naruto

Releases by Viz in Shonen Jump

Naruto is structurally a structurally simple Horiato Alger of ninjitsu, a strong will and adherence to the ninja ethic leads the hero to greatness, but the action of the series more than justifies the ninja myth after all the crap that has been heaped on its. There is little denying the inherit coolness of seeing exotic weapons used masterfully, or the well executed display of a super-human feet, ie getting behind someone and snapping their arms and head as they are about to throw a knife at you.

The titular Naruto is trouble maker who finds an outlet for his energy, and makes good of himself. Like many good anime/manga characters, though he life/and motivations can be summed up in a few simple and decisive sentences, he is engaging, with a strong degree of believability.

Naruto is from a village of ninjas. Everyone's a ninja, classmates teachers, the popular kids, the bullies. The concept isn't silly, it more like a corporate or industrial town were everyone works for, or in support one business. The ultimate success if gaining a position at the top of that central institution, an end to which Naruto applies himself with single minded dedication, and boundless energy.

Naruto's secret is that the spirit of nine-tailed fox who once massacred much of the village is sealed inside him. Though this is a hidden from the community, as an orphan Naruto is ostracized by the villagers.

Like the other Shonen Jump titles, Naruto is a tale of development, as Naruto, and soon his partners, a brooding and brutally prodigious boy named Sasuke, and a calculating, but inwardly emotion girl name Sakura develops as ninjas, under rigorous training, missions and tests that following eacother progressively.

One of the chief reasons the action works so well is that there is a logic, rather than the "ninja whammy" shortcut approach. Shonen Jump compatriot Yu-Gi-Oh is famous for the obsessive system of mechanics the series follows, and Naruto can be similar in spirit. Each character has certain physical, and super-natural capabilities, basic the series' skewed laws of nature. It builds on what you've seen before, and surprise new with new executions of existing techniques. The next complexities and combinations are fun to watch as they form. This may sound like something to please nit-picky readers, but it makes even the casual read more rewarding. You can share in the character's accomplishment when they pull off something special.

There are scenes where the actions looks like Hiroaki Samura's work on Blade of the Immortal. It doesn't have Samura's artistry, but invokes some of his energy.

Naruto brings up another facets of the what to translate debate. The whole business has to drive translator mad. Naruto translates sound effects, and does a very good job of it. It also translated terms, which is a mixed blessing. Especially in a series like Naruto, sometimes translating a terms removes the mystique of it. Here many techniques, and titles are translated (senior ninja rather jonin, ect), and the effect is felt.

Manga Spotlight: Battle Angel Alita: Last Order Yukito Kishiro

Released by Viz

Warning: Contains Spoilers for the Original Battle Angel Alita

Yukito Kishiro's Battle Angel Alita was the cyberpunk epic that following the life of a cyborg that following an almost karmic cycle. It created a host of characters to empathize with in their triumphs, or more often tragedies. It took the questions concept of a life threatening roller-ball, and made it into something amazingly compelling It's rush ending due to the author's partially self induced health problems is legendary.

Last Order Dickens-like pot boiler in a with surprise character re-occurrences, brutal childhood histories, but set in the remains of a failed Utopia. The opening approximately replaces the last volume of the original series. In her last life the android in Alita awoke the material and social refuse pile know as the Scrap Yard where she was given a new like by the benevolent Doctor Ido.

Now she has been revived in Tiphares, a would-be Utopia suspended above the Scrape Yard. Her recreator is the mad scientist, and one man societal earthquake Desty Nova, who has given her a body similar to her berserk body, with twists that match Nova's you are who you make yourself to be philosophy and his previous works. In a twist of irony, she is the an android in with a human brain in a society who initiated adulthood by replacing brains with a computer chip.

In parallel, to the tale of Alita's new life, Last Order tells the story of Alita's first life, starting with her childhood, her first mentor and her teachings in the Panzer Kurst martial art.

The strengths here are the depiction of shattered Tiphares scoiety, and some exceptional cyborg fung fu. Nothing in the original Battle Angel compares to the length, versatility, or detail of the one on one battle in the first volume of Last Order. A Jet Li fight is never going to be as effectively projected as a comic, but Last Order comes damn close, and makes up for what is lacking with some stunning ingenuity. Last Order is packed with "wow" moments, and sequences of "wow" moments". They're the kind of scenes that keep on drawing you back to pack through again.

One of the original Battle Angel's claims to fame was the amazing detail to its illustration. In Last Order, the level is between the original, and the cartoonish Aqua Knights, with some establishments shots that are as amazing as anything Kishiro has done before. There are plenty of visual monuments to the depth of the world building that Kishiro is, or should be, famous for. He has a brilliant sense of design, and skill with illustration. The sequential art depiction of her expressions, appearance and movements give her a sense of life.

Of the two recent sci-fi manga revivals (Ghost in the Shell II being the other), Last Order is by far the more satisfying. There is a sense that Yukito Kishiro build a world, and needed to show the rooms which guests didn't get a chance to see on their first visit, and that he hadn't had a chance to finish the story of a beloved character.

Anime Spotlight: Saiyuki Volume 1: The Journey Begins

Released by ADV Films

There is a type of anime fan, mostly female, who is going to love Saiyuki. (No values judgments here, its no less valid than a love of giant robots). It has a quartet of fashionably glam-ish dressed bishonen adventurers (attractive, usually beautiful/feminine men): the handsome blonde gentleman rogue, the rambunctious immature one, the wild rough magenta haired ass-kicker, and the sensitive one (sounding a little boy-band-ish). They have caring, something slapstick relationship that involves hitting with a paper fan. There are cute noises, catch phrases, even a jeep that mews and turns into small white dragon. There is tragedy. If you like these aspects of Fushigi Yugi, or Fruits Basket, check out Saiyuki

The Journey to the West Legend similar to Arthurian legend in that it's a culturally specific, and initially religious one (as opposed to universal legend like the Cinderella story) which is constantly being adapted, updated, and mutated. Saiyuki is the bishonen version of the trip to India. Saiyuki adds its own veneer with a mixes a quasi-mystical-medieval settings peppered with modern technology, and pop idol gatherings. The impetuous to the journey is that the demons that once lived peacefully with humans, but a recent disturbance has been causing violent outburst from the demons.

Saiyuki gets moving quickly (in one episodes) before settings into an episodic pattern. Everything in the series is very familiar from the demon overlord revival to the visual storytelling. Its claim to newness is the bishonen design, and anachronistic medieval settings, which haven't been applied to the Journey to the West story. Though Saiyuki has plenty of eye-catching weapons and fight, it isn't something for action fans. Though it has action, it kindof blows that credibility with like one with demons charging the heroes yelling warning from a fair distance as they carry out a surprise attacks. It likewise has though the fantasy politics and drama are interesting, they aren't really the appeal either. These aspects, combined with the character design and interaction create an effect that has its following, but also drives some mad. If you recognize this as a formula you enjoy, know that few apply it as strong as Saiyuki.

This Week's Releases

Anime

• Banner of the Stars - Basroil Unleashed (Vol. 2)
• Dragon Ball King Piccolo Part 1
• .hack//SIGN (Vol. 1)
• Love Hina - Spring Special Movie
• Meltylancer - Omega (Vol. 2)
• Pokémon - 4Ever
• Tenchi Muyo Ova - Volume 1
• Tenchi Muyo Ova - Volume 2
• Tenchi Muyo Ova - Volume 3
• Tenchi Muyo Ova - Volume 4
• Vandread - Second Stage - Final Assault (Vol. 4)
• Yu-Gi-Oh - Double Trouble Duel
• Yu-Gi-Oh - Face Off

Manga

• Dragonball Vol 1 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Vol 2 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Vol 3 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Vol 4 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Vol 5 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Vol 6 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Vol 7 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Z Vol 1 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Z Vol 2 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Z Vol 3 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Z Vol 4 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Z Vol 5 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Z Vol 6 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Dragonball Z Vol 7 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Ranma 1/2 Vol 5 Tp

DragonBall and DragonBall Z are the first round of Viz's new second edition line, where volumes are re-rleeased for $7.95.

AstroBoy TV Series Preview

With the launch of the new Astro Boy TV series coming to Japan on April 7th. English and Japanese previews have gone online.

Warren Ellis on Harlock Movie?

A French site is reporting that English comic writer Warren Ellis (Transmetropolian, The Authority, Global Frequency) has been tapped to write a movie based of Leiji Matsumoto's space pirate Captain Harlocke for a French produced live action movie. Ellis had been hinting on a French movie project.

Other names rumored to be attached to the project include music possibly by Jo Hisaishi, frequent collaborator with Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell, and Avalon), and pop music Daft Punk who worked with Matsumoto on a set of music videos.

Ninja Scroll Site

The Japanese Ninja Scroll site is online at http://www.jubee.tv. The site feature the new character design for returning Jubei and Dakuan, as wells as images of the two new characters.

A place holder Ninja Scroll Egnlish site has gone online at www.ninja-scroll.com.

There are reports that a second Ninja Scroll movie is in the work for a 2005 release.

Production IG to Work on Kill Bill

Jagged Team reports Production IG has officially announced that it will create the animated sequences of Quentin Tarentino's upcoming action film Kill Bill.

Among Production IG's anime works include Ghost In the Shell, Jin Roh, Blood: The Last Vampire, and Patlabor.

Berserk Manga News

Anime News Service has reported more new on the highly anticipated Berserk manga release coming jointly from Dark Horse and Digital Manga Publishing in the fall of 2003.

According to Digital Manga, their newly launched publishing division will be handling full translations and production as well as serving as liaison toJapanese licensors with Dark Horse doing the pre-press, printing and distribution. Dual logos will be featured on the cover with Japanese style right to left read structure and original Japanese sound effects. No dust jacket will accompany the volumes which will not be serialized and come exclusively in graphic novel (Tankobon) format. Volumes 1-3 have been confirmed as in the pipe with an intent to publish the entire series. North American rights including the USA and Canada. In the states look for a $12.95ish cover target price. Distribution is still being nailed down, the book may go monthly or bimonthly depending on a number of factors that will become ironed out soon. Chris Warner will serve as editor and DMP's Fred Lui will spearhead Production Management.

Berserk is a dark, medieval story, that is closer to an unrelenting brutal and religious story than fantasy.

Live action Lupin News

Some clues to the live action Hollywood adaptation of comedic-adventure Lupin III are coming out the Japanese press. Lupin III following a leisure-suit gentleman thief, and his small crew of accomplices.

From Anime News Service the latest issue of the Japanese Lupin III has an article on the movie.

From the article: Big News! A Lupin the Third Hollywood movie production has been put into motion! The news was announced on February 25th, 2003 at a meeting of the Foreign Correspondents' Clup of Japan. The rights to make a Lupin the Third movie were bought by flim producer Gerald R. Molen, producer of Shindler's List, Jurassic Park, Minority Report, etc.

In the interview, Molen said smiling that he wants to form a close relationship with Monkey Punch. Looking very pleased, Monkey Punch aid "although there has been a lot of talk about making a Lupin the Third movie in the past, this is the first time that there has been this type of contract to make one. After hearing Molen's speech, I definitely want this project to suceed. If possible, I'd like this not to just be one film, but turn into a long running series like the James Bond films."

When talking about a Lupin the Third movie, of course every fan wants to know who the cast will be, and if there will be any changes to the characters' names or to the story. When asked these questions, Molen said "it's still at too early a stage to say, but as for the story, I'd like the screen-play author to be given freedom concerning the concept. As for the characters' names, I'd like to keep an international feeling." Monkey Punch happily replied "If the 5 characters as they have been established aren't changed, I'd like it to be made freely. Aside from that, my advice will only be one of the considerations for the producers."

Spirited Away DVD News

IGN has screen shots of the Spirited Away DVD release, which doesn't have the controversial red tint that was present in the Japanese release. DVD Toons has box arts for the Ghibli movies (Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Spirited Away) here

Marvel Manga Artists News

Marvel comics has clarified the situation with the shift of manga artist Mizuki Sakakibara off the upcoming Namor in favor of Salvador Larroca. According to editor CB Cebulski Marvel wanted a better known artist on the flagship of their new Tsunami line, and the previously unpublished Sakakibara will be given a new, currently unnamed title.

WOTC Loses Pokemon

Wizard of the Coast will no longer be manufacturing or distributing the on time cash cow, Pokemon trading cards.

It later turned out that Nintendo of Amera has formed a trading card division to produce the Pokemon card game start with Ruby and Sapphire this June.

In an open letter from CEO Chuck Huebner:

I want to let you know that Wizards of the Coast® has learned that our proposal to the Pokémon Company to manufacture and distribute the Ruby & Sapphire releases was not accepted. We felt our proposal was fair and appropriate based on what we knew the property to be worth through our first hand experiences.

I would like to take this opportunity to let our loyal community of fans know we will continue to fully support the Pokémon trading card game community throughout the rest of our existing agreements. In fact, we will release another Pokémon-e expansion named Skyridge (April), and a Legendary Collection II set (late Spring), as well as a Jamboree expansion later this year. These releases will be as exciting and as fun to collect, trade and play as the Pokémon releases we have provided you over the past 15 releases with nearly 10 billion cards sold globally over the past 5 years.

Gundam Seed Critized For Sexual Content

From Anime News Network

The Japanese Commission for better broadcasting has released an announcement stating that TV viewers complained about a scene in episode 16 of Gundam Seed. The scene in question shows the 16 year old protagonist, Kira, putting on his pants while a 15 year old female character is in bed in the same room. While there was no actual scene depicting any sex, the scene is thought to have suggested a sexual relationship between Kira and his 15 year old colleague. Many of the complainst had to do with such a scene being broadcast on TV at 6pm, as well as the widespread belief that anime is for children (even in Japan).

Mainichi responded to the criticism stating that it should have given more careful consideration to the episode before airing it.

Initial D Confirmed

Tokyopop has confirmed to Anime News Netowk that they are planning to release street racing series Initial D on DVD sometime this summer; although this is subject to change. Tokyopop had been previously dfelaying the home video release as they attempted to get Initial D on TV, at this time they would not comment on their TV plans.

The Big Apple Anime Fest has announced that it will host the world premier of TOKYOPOP's English dubbed version of the Initial D Third Stage movie. The screening will be held on August 29th at 7:00pm at Loews State Theater in New York City's Times Square.

Based on information in BAAF's press announcement, the English dubbed movie will use TOKYOPOP's altered, "Americanized" character names, but will retain the original Japanese soundtrack. The official press release also states that the movie is a continuation of the "Second Stage movie," when no such film actually exists. The Initial D Third Stage movie is a continuation of events from the 13 episode Initial D Second Stage TV series.

AD Vision Acquires Kino no Tabi

According to the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2003 Exhibitor's Profile, AD Vision has acquired the North American translation and distribution rights to the upcoming Kino no Tabi, the Beautiful World (Kino's Journey) anime TV series. The first 12 minute long episode has aired in Japan as a special preview. The normal series is scheduled to begin on Japanese television on April 8th.

TNN Announces Dates For Mature Animation Block

TNN has announced that their mature animation block will commence on Thursday June 26th. The first three series will be Gary the Rat, Stan Lee's Stripperella, and Ren & Stimpu.

I.C entertainment (Formerly Studio Ironcat) New Manga Series

. Hanaukyo Maid Team, the Mori Shige comedy/parody of shounen, maid stories that inspired the Hanaukyo Maid Team anime in 2001, is scheduled for a July 2003 launch with the remaining, six-plus volumes - it's still in-progress in Japan - appearing every other month for $12.95 each.

. Ren Ai, a three-volume work by Yun Kouga (Earthian, Genji), is scheduled for August 2003, with subsequent volumes of this tale, featuring romance, idols/superstars and bishounen, appearing every other month for $12.95 a volume.

. My Codename Is Charmer, a six-volume, romantic, mystery-thriller by Narumi Kakinouchi (Vampire Princess Miyu and Yui). My Codename Is Charmer will kick off in October 2003 with monthly volumes priced at $12.95.

. The Wanderer, also by Narumi Kakinouchi, a three-volume series centering around Sei Kodo, a male, guest character from Vampire Yui. Also starting in October, and being released monthly for $12.95

. Koge Donbo's Di Gi Charat: Champion Cup Theatre, a single volume featuring the super-cute, comic antics of the Gamers' store mascots, will be available in August 2003 for $10.95.

. And Mantis Woman, a single volume, horror-suspense title by Senno Knife (Dark Dimension Zero), will be released in June 2003 for $12.95.

The Cat Returns on July 4th

The recent Ghibli movie, Neko no Ongaeshi (The Cat Returns), will be released on DVD in Japan on July 4th. The Cat Returns is connected to Whisper of the Heart, an execellent animated drama about a young writer.

According to Anime News Network I.C entertainment has announced the acquisition of the North American license for Dragon Fist by Kenji Okamura who also created the Lycanthrope Leo Manga.

I.C will release the first of 5 volumes in August for $14.95. I.C will be unflipped with Japanese sound effects and include a glossary of terms.

...rough and tumble boxing action as Ken, a fighter with a sad and muddled past, battles his way to finding the true meaning of his return to the fray. The love of his life has married his rich rival while he was away, and as he deals with the harsh sting of reality, a girl from his past returns to lead him back to the path of honor and dignity in boxing. But will Ken even want to follow it after all these years of loss?

Speed Racer DVD Collection up for Sale

The limited edition DVD collection of Speed Racer's 52 episode run has been a popular item on eBay, much to the original publisher's chagrin. In order to make copies availiable for a less than exorbitant

Upcoming ADV Releases

ADV Films today announced a June 10, 2003 DVD release for "Voices of a Distant Star," a Japanese animated short film created by animation prodigy Makoto Shinkai using a spectacular blend of traditional cel and lush computer-generated (CG) animation.

"Voices of a Distant Star" is, independent of its creation, an extraordinarily beautiful film, telling in deft strokes a tale of two lovers torn apart by tides of war and millions of miles of interstellar space. The fact that the film was written, directed and animated by Shinkai, using only a Macintosh G4/400 computer and assorted consumer- and professional-level design and animation programs, makes "The Voices of A Distant Star" an even greater achievement. Only the music (composed by Tenmon) and voice acting were not performed by Shinkai.

On the strength of "Voices of a Distant Star," Shinkai won the prestigious "Most Valuable Newcomer" award at the 2002 Tokyo International Anime Fair. "Voices..." made its North American debut in a special screening, co-sponsored by ADV Films and "Voices..." producer CoMix Wave, Inc. at San Diego Comic-Con International (August 2002).

The Story: When a mysterious alien force begins their annihilation of the human race, a young pilot feels called to join the resistance. But the danger of an interstellar battle is not Mikako's greatest concern. For she has left behind the one young man she loves. And as Mikako flies further into deep space, her only way to connect with Noboru is by cell-phone text messages. While Mikako risks her life to save mankind, Noboru waits. At first days, then months, then years for each new message that will let him know whether Mikako is still alive. And while she barely grows older in the timelessness of space, Noboru ages.

City Hunter: Bay City Wars & Million Dollar Conspiracy , two OAVs based on the adventres of the professional body guard known as City Hunter will be released onJune 3rd.

Rune Soldier: Adventure For Dummies, the second volumes in the swords and sorcery comedy from Lodos War's Ryo Mizuno will be released June 3rd.

Eden's Bowy: The Hunt Is On , the first volume in that series will be released on June 3rd. From the Press release.

FIRST VOLUME OF THE BEAUTIFUL, HAUNTING ANIME FANTASY TO BE AVAILABLE JUNE 3, 2003

The Hunt is On, first volume of the acclaimed anime fantasy series, noted for its multilayered complexity and its ability to appeal to a wide range of anime fans. Eden's Bowy is based on a manga by Tennoji Kitsune, and was directed by Tsukasa Sunaga (Southern Cross), with character designs by Kazui Hiroko (Ranma ½, Oh! My Goddess!).

The Story:

Yorn gazes up at two massive cities-"Edens"-floating in the sky and dreams of discovering their mysteries. Without warning, those mysteries come looking for him! Edenic assassins murder his father and Yorn is next on the hit list. Only a nameless old man and a mysterious young girl can help Yorn on his quest to find his long lost mother-and the truth. But killers are hot on their trail! Follow Yorn and his companions as they race to save the world from the dark designs of the technological overlords who watch from the sky. Can Yorn find his royal mother before the murderers do? Who is the strange girl who stays by his side and why won't she say anything? And why does everyone keeping calling him the God Hunter?

Upcoming Anime In Japan

From Natsume Maya A new picture form the upcoming third Tenchi Muyo OAV is online at here.

Monthly Shonen Magazine has created a website for the upcoming TV anime Dear Boys, based on the manga of the same name by Yagami Hiroki (and of course serialised in Monthly Shonen Magazine) here

WOWOW has announced that it will premier the Neon Genesis Evangelion renewal version on 30 April 2003.

RahXephon Movie Trailer

The official site for the Rahxephon movie has been update with a trailer.

Leiji Matsumoto's Submarine Super 99 will premier on Japanese television on May 8th. Matsumoto will also write a new Galaxy Express 999 TV series scheduled to air on Japanese television this October.

The E's Otherwise TV series adaptation of Yuiga Satoru's action manga will premier on April 1st.

Texhnolyze will premier on April 8th. The Madhouse production will be written by Serial Experiments Lain & Big O writer Chiaki J. Konaka, directed by Bio Hunter & Goku: Midnight Eye chara. designer Hamazaki Hirotsugu and feature animation character design by Akabori Shigeo based on original character designs by Yoshitoshi Abe.

http://www.the-big-o.net/library/index_nws.html Sunrise's official Big O website (Japanese) announced today that the first Big O DVD boxed set, with the first thirteen episodes, will be released on April 25th in Japan, silmutaneous with the Japanese Toonami premiere of the second season.

The set will include four volumes with thirteen episodes and will include both English and Japanese audio tracks--but no subtitles.

Toei Animation's website for Air Master, to commence broadcast on 1 April 2003, is now up. Not much to see at present, though. http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/AirMaster/

The official website for the upcoming TV anime Ginga Tetsudo Monogatari is already up. Looks the like official English title will be "The Galaxy Railways". The series is set to commence broadcast in October 2003 on BS Fuji. Source http://www.galaxy-railways.tv/

It seems that it's been it's been announced in this month's issue of Newtype that another work of Matsumoto Leiji's, Dai Ginga Series Dai Yamato Hen 7 vs 7 (Great Galaxy Series ~ Great Yamato Arc 7 vs 7), will also commence in October 2003. http://www.daiginga.com/

Upcoming Manga Video Releases:

Manga Entertainment is proud to release the three part original video animation series Rayearth on one DVD April 29, 2003.

Rayearth is based on the popular Magic Knight Rayearth Japanese animated TV series by comic artists Clamp (X).

For friends Umi, Fuu and Hikaru, the tranquil beauty of springtime in Tokyo is not met with enthusiasm. Now that they've graduated from junior high, the unwelcome prospect of attending different high schools and living in different cities threatens to break up their intimate friendship. But when the girls make a fanciful wish to stay friends forever while standing beneath the mystical cherry blossom tree, they discover their wish will be granted, but their destinies will change.

In RAYEARTH, the faith and friendship of three young girls seals their destiny as the saviors of the world.

DVD features include: English 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound; Japanese 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound English 2.0 Stereo; Japanese 2.0 Stereo; Motion Menus; Photo Gallery; 11 Character Bios; Trailer; Manga Extras (Previews, DVD Catalog, Weblinks) Pre-book: April 1, 2003 Age Rating: 13 & up Running Time: 180 minutes SRP: $24.95 Selection #: MANGA4134-2

Based upon the phenomenally successful video game STREET FIGHTER, martial arts masters Ken, Ryu and Chun Li take on the world's greatest fighters in this extremely popular action-packed 29 episode now available for the first time in a LIMITED EDITION COLLECTORS DVD BOXED SET - STREET FIGHTER II V - THE COLLECTION on April 29, 2003.

This specially priced 4 DVD boxed set contains the complete series featuring over 14 hours of blistering animated martial arts action and adventure. The DVD collection is presented in a colorful eye-catching foldout package with a free Street Fighter II V poster included and a free animation cel offer inside. The Street Fighter II V Collection is specially priced at $89.95 SRP ($30 less than buying the 4 DVDs individually).

From the sinister back-alleys of Hong Kong to the muddy banks of the Ganges, from Thailand to Spain and across lands unknown, Ken, Ryu and Chun Li track-down the very best fighters in the world to compete and improve their fighting skills. Featuring extraordinary animation and a wicked cast of martial arts characters, watch as these legendary warriors collide in this amazing martial arts action series.

DVD Special Features Include: English & Japanese Stereo; English Subtitles; Japanese Production Credits; Original Street Fighter Trailers; Theme song Re-mixes; Manga Video Previews; Fan Club Information; Manga DVD Catalog; Palm Pictures DVD Previews and Weblinks. Pre-book: April 1 Age Rating: 13 & up Running Time: 780 minutes Selection #: MANGA4130-2

Be sure to watch for the next installment of the exciting Street Fighter saga- Street Fighter Alpha 2, currently in production in Japan by Manga and Capcom.

Jojo's Bizarre Adventures Rescheduled

AnimeNation reports Super Techno Arts has announced that the debut DVD volume of Jojo's Bizarre Adventures has been delayed from March 11th until March 31st.

Anime Game News

From The Magic Box

Broccoli announced Chobits for PlayStation 2, a new adventure game based on the hit anime series from Clamp. Screenshots can be seen at here

Bandai will release a new PSone card battle RPG called From TV Animation One Piece: Oceans of Dreams in Japan on May 1, for 5800 yen. Screen shots can be seen here