Father Geek here with Scott and another of our fun-tastic reports on the totality of the wide wide world of Manga & Anime... Music, Games, Videos, DVDs, Motion Pictures, Conventions, Comics, even back-room-business... but first I have this...

In addition to this special anime screening, Irvin Kershner is scheduled to appear along with Don Davis, film composer for MATRIX RELOADED as well as other guest speakers. Also, the festival will present the world premiere of RED TROUSERS: THE LIFE OF THE HONG KONG STUNTMEN, a behind-the-scenes look at some of the world's top stuntmen.

Announcement:

Oscar winning director Hayao Miyazaki's classic CASTLE IN THE SKY is having its only American theatrical presentation at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Saturday, April 6th at 8:30 pm at the Regency Lido Theatre, located at 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, California. Theatre box office: (949) 673-8350.

This special 35mm screening features an expanded score by composer Joe Hisaishi and the voice talents of James van der Beek, Andy Dick, Mark Hamill, Cloris Leachman, Anna Paquin and Mandy Patinkin.

Following the event is a reception at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Tickets: $10 movie only. $20 movie plus reception. Advance tickets and more information is available at www.newportbeachfilmfest.com or call (949) 253-2880

The fourth annual festival runs April 3-11 and showcases over 300 films from 45 countries, including features, shorts and documentaries. An Asian spotlight series will include the world premiere of RED TROUSERS: THE LIFE OF THE HONG KONG STUNTMEN, a behind-the-scenes look at some of the world's top stuntmen. The festival also presents a free weekend seminar series with leading directors (Irvin Kershner - THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK), screenwriters (Roger Schulman - SHREK), film music composition (Don Davis - MATRIX RELOADED) and other behind-the-scenes-professionals. For a complete list of guest speakers, please check out http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com./seminars/index.html.

Ol' Father Geek back. This look at the COWBOY BEBOP feature motion picture found its way to my terminal screen here at the Geek World Headquarters Compound in the North of Austin, Texas this morning...

Hay! Long time reader first time contributor. I went to a press screening of Cowboy Bebop: The Movie that my brother got me into at his Landmark theater. I thought I would let you know how it was.

“I love a women who can kick my ass.” –Spike

I just got back from a press screening of Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (or Knockin on Heavens Door) and I enjoyed almost every minute of it. I have been a Cowboy Bebop fan since the show first started airing on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim back in 2002. I fell in love with how the show mergers together character, action, drama, humor, and outer space into a perfect show about four bounty hunters trying to make a living. I love the devil may care attitude of Spike Spiegel, the tough as nails but kinda a softy look of Jet Black, the pure sex and loneliness of Faye Valentine, and the wacky antics of hacker Ed and genetically engineered brilliance of the dog called Ein. The only the problem with show is that its only 26 episodes long, but now the movie is out to satisfy those who just want more of Bebop.

The story of the movie is about a terrorist named Vincent who releases a deadly toxin on a freeway through exploding a tanker truck. The gas is very deadly and it is believed by the ISSP (the police) that this is only a start to something bigger. Shortly after that, the biggest bounty in history is placed on Vincent’s head. The Bebop crew sees this and set off to catch him. The movie then goes on a great anime trip of aircraft battles, gun fights, kung-fu, geeks, trench coats, and other great stuff.

The movie does a good job of following all four characters as they search for Vincent, but it mainly focuses on Spike. Faye works alone because she is the only one who really knows what Vincent looks like (she was at the tanker incident chasing a bounty) and Jet also does the same. Of course Ed helps them all out with tracking down there bounty and they also help each other out. That is one of the main things that makes the movie so good. The relationship that all four characters have for one another is really fun to watch. They bicker and argue, but they are also closer then most regular families (even if they don’t want to admit it). This comes across in a great scene were Faye returns from the tanker accident. When it is reported on the TV that a deadly chemical was released, the other three characters start backing away from her. Faye then starts running after them like a grade school girl with coonies as they try getting away. It’s a sweet scene that shows how close they are as comrades. Almost every character seen in Bebop shows up. The three old guys the talk of the past, Jet’s ISSP connection, the Big Shot hosts, and others. The two new characters are great entries in the Bebop legacy. Vincent is like an evil version of Spike who also suffers from the same “I can’t wake up from this dream” problem that Spike has. The two don’t know each other at all, but they feel connected. This is probably because Vincent is one of the very few people who has ever scared Spike of dyeing. Electra is a beautiful women who works for ISSP and had a previous relation ship with Vincent. To put it simply, she’s badass. She gives Spike a run for his money in a fisticuffs scene and really know how to take charge, but she also has a sad side for what Vincent has done. The character work in Cowboy Bebop: The Movie feels very natural and a lot better then most live action movies. You really get attached to them and can’t take your eyes off them. One of my friends called them “the people in high school that were to cool for anyone or anything.”

Everything else about the movie is pitch perfect. The script moves the story along at a slow, but interesting pace of 2 hours. The dialog is rich with cool one liners, drama, and over all coolness. The animation looks great with dark colors that blend well and are easy on the eyes. Everything in the movie looks real, natural, and the world it takes place in feels very alive. There are people walking on the streets going about there daily lives, animals wondering around, and product placements the don’t look too staged. The mecha in the film looks very nice and the sounds they make are very natural. The overall presentation is very well done.

There are some miner things about the movie that I didn’t like, but nothing severe. The music in the movie is more popish then Jazzy like in the series. There is about 2 sequences that have Jazz music, but I wish there was more. The music they do use is fine though. It’s mostly a lot of techno rock and smooth pop and it is pleasing to the ears. Another thing a I wish I could have seen were more dog fights. Spike only uses his Sowrdfish II speeder once, but damn is it awesome. I wish for more, but I guess they thought the movie would be to much at 3 hours. Also, for those of you who are going in expecting an all out action feast, you may be disappointed. The action scenes are fantastic, but they take there time coming around. The movie focuses more on the character work and story then just throwing out buckets of blood.

I know there are a lot of purists out there that are going to hate the English dub, but in my opinion, the dub is better. Cowboy Bebop has been know for having one the best English voice casts ever and it shows in the movie. The characters sound more human and the voices just sound cool. The English voices supplied by David Lucas (Spike), Wendee Lee (Faye), Beau Billingslea (Jet), Melissa Charles (Ed), Daran Norris (Vincent) and Jennifer Hale (Elektra), add a lot to there characters. They don’t sound over done or over blown in anyway. I have seen the Japanese version of the film, but the voices just don’t sound like they fit with the characters. I don’t want to change any bodies opinion on weather subtitled or dub is better or anything. That is your own preference. I just hope everyone walks in with an open mind and enjoys the dedicated work that the cast put into there jobs.

As we are only three months into the year, this is the current top runner for my best film of 2003. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie just bursts with life and is one cool as hell feast for the eyes and ears. Fans of the show should be very pleased and newcomers should be able to enjoy themselves. I know I did.

You can call me Tress.

Nice review Tress... Father Geek here again, this time simply to say... Here's Scott and our regular weekly report...

Manga Spotlight: Samurai Legend

Art by Jiro Taniguchi Story By Kan Furuyama Released by CPM Manga's Original Manga Line

One of the many similarities between the western, and the samurai story is the use of historical figures whose legend, and whose reality have complemented each other, and become inseparable. Yagyu Jubei is a prominent figure in this pantheon. Yagyu was the son the sword instructor to Japan's military dictator shogun, whose skill with a sword, rumored work as agent of the shogun, and mysterious death are still spawning speculation and tales.

Another similarity between the western and samurai story is the complex brew of personal vendettas, and political rivalries, fueled by the opportunity for violence. Samurai Legend plants Yagyu Jubei in a Meiji Revolution (the 1860's supplanted the shogun's rule with that of the emperor, and accelerated Japan's turn to modernity) precursor, hotbed of rival political ideologies and school schools. Yagyu operates as a counter-revolutionary and stasis enforcer against fictitious rival who uses a unique variant on the style Miyamoto Musashi's rival Kojiro Sasak in hopes of reviving the office of emperor.

Two sides, each believing that their killing will make a better society brutalize each other in the process. The story is a compelling foundation for a journey that is literally danger at every turn with a series of spectacular duels. Though this is one of Samurai Legend's strength, it also works against the itself. Though it is interesting, there are many thread that there is little attachment to the characters or their historically futile struggle. It is engaging during its progression, without breathing characters it crumbles under an epilogue which puts the story under the weigh of the Meiji Revolution, and twentieth century imperial Japan.

Jiro Taniguchi's other translated work is Benkei in New York. Like Benkei, Samurai Legend conveys much of its characters' personality, and history in facial expression. The determination of the characters, their motivation for putting themselves into deadly confrontations, and their reactions are all told in their faces.

Benkei featured some incredible action situations, but the characters reactions and expressions rather than the physical happenings were the attraction. In Samurai Legend the physical engagements themselves have the same forceful presence. From duels between sword masters, to opponents wielding more exotic weapons, to traps, and mass skirmishes, Samurai Legend runs the breath of the genre's possibilities. Jiro Taniguchi has some problem with some poses, running characters in particular have always looks a bit off in his work, but here the attention to techniques give the fight scenes life.

CPM has put together a flawless edition that really aids in the appreciation of the work. A three page introduction by Mayumi Kobayashi concisely brings the reader up to speed with what they need to know to before immersing themselves in the complex story. Even if you're familiar with basics of the time period, and figures, its a great help. Along with a translation that never stumbles on the intricacies of the dialogue, CPM makes a potentially difficult story manageable. As the first entry in CPM Manga's "Original Manga" line, the pages, and panels within the pages are present in their original right to left progression. The alternative is mirroring in the images for Western reading progression makes some difference in an action story Samurai Legend, where hand positions have importance. If you haven't read a right to left work before it takes some getting used to, but it very quickly becomes second nature.

It also present an elegant solution to the problem of whether and how to translate sound effects by presenting the original along side the an often translated one in the style of the original.

Its a concise and complete story, which is perfect for samurai fans looks for their post Lone Wolf and Cub fix, or fans of the genre looking for something shorter.

Anime Spotlight: Patlabor: WXIII

Released by Pioneer Entertainment

Patlabor is one of the few works to successfully set a police drama in a science fiction piece while retaining the strengths of both, and in the vein of Blade Runner, WXIII is a credible link between sci-fi and police procedural.

In the near future, global warming has created a persistent social storm to plague Japan. In order to reclaim lost land, Japan has been building into Tokyo's bay as part of Project Babylon. To aid in the task the giant industrial robot "labor" was invented. Patlabor takes its name from the patrol labors, used by the police to handle labor related crimes.

Rather than Patlabor's typical protagonists, the orange vest wearing Special Unit 2, WXIII's focus is a pair of detectives' investigation of a series of coastal attacks on one manufacturers labors. Despite inhabiting a sci-fi movie, these two detectives' chief tools are their powers of observation and deduction. From a procedural tandpoint story there is little difference between this movie and a Sherlock Holmes story. There is considerably more technology in an episode of CSI, or even Law and Order than in WXIII's investigation.

The case closes in on a bio-tech-age Frankenstein, fed by corporate apathy rather than societal fear. It manages to be thought provoking and emotional without being preachy.

The dynamic between the two detectives is one firmly creased into the genre, the change weary veteran, and the impetuous youth, but in WXIII it is too believable to be thread bare. Their relation looks so natural on the screen, with there small coworker reactions and minor power-struggles, that a central plot contrivance which in minor in the scheme of movie scripting sticks out. Their dialogue and lives paint them as real people, rather than cute comment spouting plot movers.

The detail and realism of WXIII's animation match that of its character. It used to be easy to delineate animation quality. There was television grade, then OAV (direct to video in the Japanese market) grade, then theatrical/movie grade. The distinctions aren't as valid as they used to be, there aren't as many recent OAV being released licensed for domestic release, television animation budgets have been varying wildly , and more notably the digital animation is bringing innovation to the forefront. However, the real spectacles and technical achievements are still coming from theatrical budgets.

There's little abstraction in the characters, and less in the backgrounds, everything in WXIII looks real to a startling extent, which really pay dividends as the movie progresses, and when the expected happens, but throws a much stronger punch than the one you were expecting.

This Week's Releases

Anime:

• Berserk - Requited Desires (Epi. 18-21)
• Dragon Ball Z - Perfect Cell
• Fist of the North Star Volume 1
• Fist of the North Star Volume 2
• Fruits Basket - Puddles of Memories
• Genesis Climber Mospeada
• Hello Kitty's Paradise - Learn to Love (Vol. 4)
• Kimba Boxed Set
• Kimba Volume 1
• Magic Knights Rayearth 2:Dream
• Magic Knights Rayearth 2:Grow
• Magic Knights Rayearth 2:Learn
• Magic Knights Rayearth 2:Live
• Magic Knights Rayearth 2:Rise
• Magic Knights Rayearth 2:Sleep
• Magic Knights Rayearth 2:Wake
• Mahoromatic - Automatic Maiden - Haunting Past (Vol. 2)
• RahXephon - Threshold (Vol. 1)
• RahXephon - Threshold (Vol. 1) - With Series Box and T-Shirt
• Samurai X - Reflection (Rurouni Kenshin)
• X - Four (TV Series, Vol. 4)

Manga:

• Astro Boy Vol 13 Tp
• Chobits Vol 5 Gn (Of 8)
• Dragon Knights Vol 7 Gn (Of 17)
• Initial D Vol 5 Gn (Of 20)
• Lupin Iii Vol 3 Gn (Of 14)
• Raijin Comics #16

Spirited Away Oscar Win

As you've probably seen by now, the Studio Ghibli/Hayao Miyazaki film Spirited Away won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

Toshio Suzuki, who was to represent Ghibli at the ceremony cancelled sighting safety concerns.

Miyazaki has stated that he has found it hard to celebrate due to the war in Iraq.

From Japan Today

"It is regrettable that I cannot rejoice from my heart over the prize because of the deeply sad events taking place in the world."

"However, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all my friends who have lent their effort in releasing 'Spirited Away' in the United States and to all those who have shown their appreciation of the movie."

Producer Toshio Suzuki, who gave a press conference, said, "In the normal course of events, Miyazaki should be making a speech. But he has said that he cannot be truly joyful because of the times we are in now. He has said that he cannot bear to have media broadcasting his happy face."

Suzuki said that it was "most moving" to think that "Spirited Away" was initially rejected by a major US movie distributor as unsuitable for the US market, but that it has gone on to win such a prestigious prize.

Disney has announced that Spirited Away will be receiving a wide theatrical run starting on March 28th. There is no word on the impact of the April 15th DVD release

Next Studio BONES Anime

Studio BONES, the makers of Cowboy Bebop, RahXephon, and Wolf's Rain announced their next series at Tokyo International Anime Fair 2003. "Mukoh Hadan" a samurai story set in Japan's pre-unification Era of Warring States.

Rumored Licenses

From Anime on DVD According to Barnes & Noble, the Wedding Peach, Flame of Recca, and Hana Yori Dango manga will all debut in America this July, published by Viz.

Flame of Recca is a tournament fighting (ie Dragon Ball, late YuYu Hakuho) series about a flame controlling ninja who was sent into the present time as child. Like other series of the type, is features a number of likable characters, and thought-lite fun.

Hana Yori Dango is a high school drama about a lower class girl who transfers to an elite highschool, and her conflict with a quartet of the school's wealthy, handsome boys.

Voice actress Daniella Evangelist has revealed on her homepage that she will be playing a role in "Boys Over Flows," apparently an English language version of the fan favorite romantic drama anime TV series Hana Yori Dango.

Pioneer Announces Heat Guy J and Lupin III Movie

Pioneer has announced that they will be releasing the first volume 25 episode series Heat Guy J, and the Lupin III movie Secret of Mamo on July 29th.

Heat Guy J is an action heavy show from the directory and character designers of Escaflowne. The official Japanese site is located at www.heat-guy.com/

Newly announced sound tracks include Newly announced sound tracks include Serial Experiments Lain, Yoko Ishida, Hellsing, Patlabor the Movie , Chobits, Yuki Kajiura, Haibane Renmei and Mahoromatic.

Their upcoming Scheudle is:

Anime:

7/22/03 X Vol. #6

7/29/03 Heat Guy J; Lupin the 3rd The Movie : Secret of Mamo; Master Keaton Vol. #2

8/05/03 Sugar Vol. #3

Soundtracks

7/1/03 Serial Experiments Lain Original Soundtrack; Hellsing Original Soundtrack Yoko Ishida ; Patlabor the Movie 3: WXIII Original Soundtrack ; hobits Original Soundtrack - 38 minutes Yuki Kajiura

August Releases

Bandai will be releasing the children's movie Junker's Come Home, and the first volume next chapter of the cultural sc-fi Banner of the Star II on August 19th.

Japanese Ghibli Releases

The Studio Ghibli website has updated with details on the DVD release of Neko no Ongaeshi/The Ghiblies episode 2:

To be released 4 July 2003 Both shows will be a double layered disc, anamorphic letterboxed, with three soundtracks: Dolby Digital 2.0ch, Dolby Digital 5.1ch and DTS 5.1ch. Neko no Ongaeshi is approximately 75 minutes long and will come with Japanese, English, French, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese Chinese subtitles. The Ghiblies episode 2 is approximately 25 minutes long and will come with Japanese and English subtitles. Bonus items include an NTV special (which was broadcast in the summer of 2002), a Ghiblies 3D "making of" video, storyboards and approximately 10 minutes of trailers. Price 4,700 yen.

Onegai Teacher Sequel Named

The sequel series to romantic comedy Onegai (Please) Teacher will be named Onegei Twins. The new series will follow a high school student who has recently lost his parent who meet girls (presumably some connection to the alien teacher of the first series).

Yasunori Ide is again the director, with production being done by Studio Doom.

Character designs for the three main characters can be seen at the official webpage. http://www.please-please.jp/one2/topics/x2003_01_28.html

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Delayed Again

The first volume of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, originally scheduled for a March 11th release, has been postponed again. Super Techno Arts is now anticipating a release date in the first week of April

Tokyo International Anime Fair News

From Anime News Network

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex has won the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2003's "Excellent Work Award", of the anime title category. Kenji Kamiyama, the director has posted his thoughts about the award on Production I.G.'s website. Other award winning anime at this years convention include Makoto Shinkai's new Anime short and Sentou Yousei Yukikaze.

In the TV Anime Category the Grand Prize went to Hanada Shonen-Shi, with Inu Yasha and Overman King-Gainer as runners up.

In the Anime feature category, Millennium Actress took the Grand Prize, followed by The Cat Returns and Crayon Shin-chan

In the OAV category, Yukikaze took the grand prize, while the runners up were the new Lupin III OVA, Return of Pycal, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

The "Excellent Work Award" was given to Ogawa no Medaka, Stand Alone Complex and Aquatic Language, while Makoto Shinkai took the Technical Expression prize for his newest short, The place promised in our early days and the New Talent Award went to Yasuhiro Arafune for Chronicle of the "Wind and Clouds" Ninja Cat.

The awards for individual acomplishments were as follows;

• Director: Keiichi Hara for Crayon Shin-chan
• Background Art: Nobutaka Ike
• Actor: Kappei Yamaguchi
• Screenplay: Ichiro Okochi
• Character design: Kosuke Fujishima
• Music: Yoko Kanno

Awards in several other categories, including "Foreign Animation" and Student categories, were also given out; the full list of winners (in Japanese) can be seen at http://www.taf.metro.tokyo.jp/j/compe/jyushou_list.html.

It was announced at the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2003 that ADV has licensed "Kino no Tabi".

Namco has announced at the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2003 that an OVA based on the game Tales of Phantasia will be released in 2004.

The Tokyo International Anime Fair 2003 witnessed the announcement of several new anime series in Japan. Among those currently in production is Mukoh Hadan, a new series from Bones (RahXephon, Cowboy Bebop). Set in Feudal Japan (Warring States period of the Muromachi era) like Inu-Yasha, the "samurai spirits" anime involves the unlikely partnership of a nameless man and boy he was ordered to kill. As the two embark on a journey to uncover mysteries and lost memories, they will face numerous assassins, each determined to make the search for self-identity a deadly expedition.

Other Tokyo International Anime Fair announcements included Mahou Shoujo Tai, which will be produced by Studio 4°C (Spriggan, Animatrix), and Manseido's Gohouden: Kyousou Ibun. Additionally, Production I.G. announced that they have produced about ten minutes worth of animation to be used for several sequences in Quentin Tarantino's upcoming film, "Kill Bill."

Japanese News

From Natsume Maya

TV Tokyo's website for the upcoming TV anime E's Otherwise is now up. This anime is based on the manga E's by Yuiga Satoru. The series commences broadcast on 1 April 2003.

The official website for the upcoming TV anime Gohouden ~ Kyousou Ibun ~ has gone online.

This month's issue of Newtype confirms that Texhnolyze will commence broadcast on Fuji TV in April 2003. Director will be Hamazaki Hirotsugu (character designer for Bio Hunter, Goku - Midnight Eye), script by Konaka Chiaki (lots of anime including The Big O Second Season, Hellsing, serial experiments lain), original character design by Abe Yoshitoshi, character design by Akabori Shigeo (Shinkai Densetsu Mermanoid), to be produced by Madhouse.

In this month's issue of Animedia magazine, it's reported that the title of the upcoming TV anime Sensuikan Super 99 will be changed to its English title Submarine Super 99. Further, the series will commence broadcast on AT-X on 8 May 2003. Sou

Akita Shoten's May 2003 release schedule is out. Source: ultimatum half edition. The manga Alien 9 Emulators by Tomizawa Hitoshi will be published on 15 May 2003, price 580 yen This work is just one volume. Also published on the same day will be Alien 9 Complete, price 1,470 yen (including tax).

The official website for the From I''s OVA series has finally updated to confirm that the release date for the second and concluding volume to the series will be released on 19 March 2003. Apart from that information, the picture gallery has updated with screenshots from part two, and the movie section has updated with a couple of TV commercials for the upcoming release. This DVD will be 30 minutes in duration, single layer, catalogue number SHPD-2, price 2,500 yen. First pressing will come with one of three cards, illustrated by anime version character designer Rinsin on the front and mangaka Katsura Masakazu on the back.

Early information on Mukoh Hadan and three other "in-the-works" anime series, as well as Production I.G. involvement in Tarantino's upcoming film.

A new giant robot anime, tentatively titled Godanner, is also entering production stages. Currently, the only information about the series exists on a small official website. http://www.godanner.com/

Anime Games News

GAiNAX has announced that it is working on a Mahoromatic adventure game, titled, imaginatively enough, "Mahoromatic Adventure". This game will be for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP computers and is scheduled for released this spring.

IcV2 reports Alderac Entertainment Group announced plans for a collectible card game based on the Initial D manga and anime property, released in the U.S. by Tokyopop. Planned for fall release in the standard starters and boosters format, the Initial D CCG is being designed by Origins Awards winner David Williams, who designed the Legend of the Five Rings CCG. Images for the street-racing themed game will be drawn from the Japanese source material. The game is currently in beta-play-testing.

CPM Title Moratorium

CPM will be placing the following titles on moritorium:

• Detonator Orgun
• Dominion Tank Police
• Guardian of Darkness: Takegami
• Virgin Fleet
• A Wind Named Amnesia
• Wrath of the Ninja

TOKYOPOP Summer Releases

The Kindaichi Case Files (Action / Adventure, Volume 1 - The Opera House Murders: June 10, 2003)

A cross between Sherlock Holmes and The Hardy Boys, this hot property has spawned two feature films and a full-season anime TV series in Japan. The manga, which originally appeared in Japan's Weekly Shounen Magazine, follows the adventures of teenaged sleuth Kindaichi. In each self-contained volume, Kindaichi visits a new unsolved murder scene, where he uses ingenuity and cool magic to solve mysteries involving ghosts, curses, myths and folklore.

Under The Glass Moon (Fantasy / Romance / Horror, Volume 1: June 10, 2003)

This supernatural gothic fantasy features highly detailed artwork and the addictive appeal of a soap opera. Enter the world of Luka Reinhardt, the 21st Century's greatest Dark Wizard. and a fashion connoisseur! When he and his bookish brother Luel become involved with their lusty neighbors -- a pair of mother and daughter witches - it's a love pentagram, especially when Luel's ex shows up! Things continue to heat up after Luka's overzealous apprentice unleashes Efreet, a wrathful fire spirit!

Gravitation (Comedy / Romance, Volume 1: June 10, 2003)

Created by Maki Murakami, Gravitation delivers a colorful depiction of the music biz with edgy shonen-ai flair. Shuichi Shindou is determined to be the next rock star. He hopes to astound the world with his powerful lyrics in spite of the harsh criticism of the handsome and enigmatic romance writer, Eiri Yuki. Shuichi forces himself into Yuki's life and the two men find their futures inexorably and romantically intertwined on a rock-and-roll roller coaster ride!

Brain Powerd (Sci-Fi / Action / Adventure, Volume 1: June 17, 2003)

From Yoshiyuki Tomino, creator of Gundam, comes this story about Orphan, an oceanic base that holds the key to planetary destruction. Leading the fight against Orphan is U.N. agent Hime Utsumiya, the pilot of a living alien Brain Powerd mecha. In a chance encounter, Hime meets Yu Isami, a pilot working for Orphan. Will she be able to convince Yu to rebel against the mysterious base and go rogue? Mankind's fate hangs in the balance.

Pet Shop of Horrors (Fantasy / Horror, Volume 1: June 17, 2003)

Reminiscent of The Twilight Zone, each volume from manga-ka Mari Akino contains four stories of terror and wonder that expose the core of human nature. A smoke-filled alley in Chinatown harbors Count D's Pet Shop. The Count prides himself on selling Love and Dreams in the form of magical creatures that come with an exclusive contract. But buyers beware: if the contract is broken, Count D cannot be held accountable for what happens.

Vampire Game (Action / Adventure / Fantasy, Volume 1: June 17, 2003)

This is the dramatic story of ancient rivalries that explode when the soul of a vampire is reincarnated. Centuries ago, the King of Saint Pheliosta and the Vampire King, Dusel, had a monumental duel. Dusel was defeated and swore that he would return to seek revenge in his next life. Reborn as a wildcat, Dusel is picked up from the wild by Ishtar, the great-granddaughter of his nemesis, Phelios. The fate of ages is reawakened, and now a new vampire game begins.

US Broadcast for Sonic X?

Anime News Network reports Sega has announced that Sonic X, a new television series that will premiere in Japan this April, will also be broadcast this fall in the US and Europe. Although a specific distributor has not yet been mentioned, further details are expected in the next several weeks.

Examining Anime and Manga

From Anime Network

The latest edition of theICv2 Retailers Guide To Anime/Manga suggests that over one thousand individual anime DVDs will be released during the year 2003. Furthermore, the number of manga trade paperback releases is expected to surpass 700. Both values are indicative of the rapidly expanding industries, as the predictions are significantly higher than those of previous years.

The Japan Information Network profiles the growing industry of anime and manga.

About 60% of all cartoons watched by people around the world today originate in Japan. In monetary terms, some ¥1.2 billion (US$10 million at 120 yen to the dollar) worth of card games were shipped to every corner of the world, and the franchise generated merchandising sales of ¥1 trillion ($8.3 billion) in Japan and another ¥2 trillion ($16.7 billion) abroad.

The value of the domestic market for anime products, including films, videos, and character merchandise, has been estimated at ¥3 trillion ($25.0 billion), with foreign sales boosting the figure closer to ¥10 trillion ($83.3 billion) by some estimates.

Kyoto Seika University is currently the only university that offers a manga course in Japan.

The anime industry can now also look to the government for help. In 1997 the then Ministry of International Trade and Industry launched a Digital Animation Study Group to conduct research on promoting the anime industry. These moves at the national level are being followed by local governments, such as the city of Tokyo, where 70% of all anime production takes place.

Japan Times has posted three articles on manga, and one specifically on fan comics or doujinshi here here and here

Convention Guests

Anime Boston 2003 will be hosting RahXephon character designer Hiroki Kanno, hosted by ADV films.

Kanno's professional history also includes work as the animation character designer for the popular anime series Yu Yu Hakusho and for Yu Yu Hakusho: The Movie. Other notable credits include work as an animator on Cowboy Bebop, as a production director on The Vision of Escaflowne, and as a key animator on Riding Bean and Fushigi Yuugi.

The Chicago Anime Central has announced Kazuko Tadano, character designer for Sailor Moon, and Kouhei Tanaka, compuser for Dragonball, Project A-ko, Sakura Taisen, Gundam G, Gundam MS 08 Team (movie), the original Patlabor OAVs, Otaku no Video, Gunbuster, Spirit of Wonder, Bastard!, Gatekeepers, One Piece, Tenchi GXP, Dragon Half and the Violinist of Hamelin, voice actress, Maya Okamoto, and Yasunori Ide, director of Riding Bean and Onegai Teacher will be attending

Anime Screenings

Oscar winning director Hayao Miyazaki's classic CASTLE IN THE SKY is having its only American theatrical presentation at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Saturday, April 6th at 8:30 pm at the Regency Lido Theatre, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, California. Theatre box office: (949) 673-8350.

This special 35mm screening features an expanded score by composer Joe Hisaishi and the voice talents of James van der Beek, Andy Dick, Mark Hamill, Cloris Leachman, Anna Paquin and Mandy Patinkin.

Following the event is a reception at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Tickets: $10 movie only. $20 movie plus reception. Advance tickets available at www.newportbeachfilmfest.com

Sony has again amassed a lineup of Bandai titles to screen for free at their Metreon Action Theater. An unedited press release follows.

Bandai Weekend

Enjoy screenings of popular Bandai Entertainment series' G Gundam, Fancy Lala, Arjuna and Betterman. SUNDAY, March 30 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. G Gundam Volume 1, Fancy Lala Volumes 1 and 2, Arjuna Volume 1 and Betterman Volume 5.

Cowboy Bebop Weekend

In conjunction with the theatrical release of Cowboy Bebop The Movie, enjoy screening s of the popular series featuring Spike and Jet, a drifter and a retired cyborg cop who have formed a partnership in a bounty hunting enterprise. SUNDAY, April 6 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Series Volumes 1 to 4.

Bandai Weekend

Enjoy screenings of popular Bandai Entertainment series' Meltylancer, Banner of the Stars and Argentosoma. SUNDAY, April 13 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Meltylancer Volumes 1 to 4, Banner of the Stars Volume 1 and Argentosoma, Volume 1.

Ronin Warrior Weekend

The evil Talpa and his Dynasty waged war upon the Earth from his supernatural realm. Five young men known as the Ronin Warriors are the last line ofdefense against Talpa and his supernatural army. SUNDAY, April 20 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ronin Warrior OAV and Series Volumes 1 and 2.

Bandai Comedy Weekend

Enjoy screenings of popular Bandai Entertainment comedy titles Love Hina, Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran and the new series Please Teacher. SUNDAY, April 27 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Love Hina Christmas Movie/Spring Movie, Tsukikage Ran Series Volumes 3 and 4 and Please Teacher, Series Volume 1.

** SCREENING TIMES AND TITLES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

WHERE: Metreon-A Sony Entertainment Center. The Action Theatre is located on the Second Floor

Metreon is located at the corner of Fourth and Mission streets (101 Fourth Street) in San Francisco and is easily accessible by public transportation -- just blocks from the Powell Street BART and Muni metro stations. Public Parking is available at the Fifth & Mission Garage across the street from Metreon and the Moscone Center Garage at Third and Howard streets. The Metreon does not validate for public parking.

ADMISSION: FREE - All features are rated PG-13.

PUBLIC INFO: (415) 369-6089 or www.metreon.com

Astro Boy Becomes Japanese Citizen

Niiza City in Saitama prefecture will register "Tetsuwan Atom" as an actual resident of the city on April 7th, 2003. This is the date of his "birth" in the manga by Osamu Tezuka. Niiza City is going to prepare a special registration form with a printed picture of Atom's face. The address to be written in the form will have the address of the Tezuka Production Company: 4-4-14, Nobidome, Niiza-shi, and the "head of the household" is Professor Ochanomizu.

Animatrix Trailer

A new 4 minute and 30 second trailer for The Animatrix has been posted to the official website of the Matrix here

Upcoming Central Park Media Manga Releases

Record of Lodoss War - Welcome to Lodoss Island! Book Two Set For Release On June 4th And Slayer's Special: Notorious On June 11th

Record of Lodoss War - Welcome To Lodoss Island! Book Two Conceived by Record of Lodoss War creator Ryo Mizuno and then lovingly lampooned by the co-creator of the hit TV series, Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight, Rei Hyakuyashiki.

Fire Demons and Flaming Dimwits! Join your favorite characters as they return to the accursed isle of Lodoss. Woodchuck is missing and a new threat looms in the form of a fire demon...will the world be consumed...in laughter?!

Slayers Special: Notorious (GN) Story by Hajime Kanzaka the creator of The Slayers and Lost Universe video series and featuring the stunning artwork of Tommy Ohtsuka and Yoshihiro Komada!

Bandits and Beauties and Maids, Oh My! Lina and Naga are back and pandemonium is sure to follow. Join them as they take on ninjas, clones and lovesick fanboys in a fantasy world gone bananas!

More Tezuka Manga From Dar Horse

Diamond Previews lists Osuma Tezuka (Astro Boy)'s graphic novel Lost World, based on the Sir Auther Conan Doyle work will be released this July.

Gainax Resin Statuettes

Duamnd will be importing ¼ Scale resin statues of Evangelion's Asuka and Rei in August. Images can be seen at here and here

A statue of Nadia can be seen at here

Manga Format Catches On

Gemstone has announced that they will be adapting the successful manga format of $7.95 5-1/2" X 7-1/2" 128-page "Take-Along" in upcoming release of classic Walt Disney's Donald Duck Adventures comics. Gemstone plans to release new volumes on a bi-monthly basis through the end of 2003, and then switch to a monthly schedule early next year. The collections will feature classic Disnery comics, including the works of Carl Banks.

CrossGen comics have likewise started using the format in their Travelers collection.