Father Geek here with our latest wonderful world of Manga & Anime column... Scott has another mid-work-week edition for you that covers the entire Anime/Manga industry top to bottem, inside and out, everything you need to know in one location, annnnnnnnd here it is...

The AICN Anime Report...

by Scott Green

Anime Spotlight: Gene Shaft Volume 1: Ring

Released by Bandai Entertainment

Either GeneShaft is good space sci-fi, with notablely high production values, and undeservingly good premise, or it's an interesting speculative fiction idea that's fun to watch despite a weak execution.

After reaching an untenable situation from war and environmental damage, the human race decided into bio-engineering itself into a new phase, controlling individual characteristics. Humans now life lasts 45 years and is evaluated by the usefulness of its genes, but the most visible change is a reduction of the more volatile gender. The male to female ratio has been reduced to 1:9, with the man population further mediate by registers whose job it is to control the male violent tendencies.

Humanity has experiences two centuries of peace, ironically governed by five men whose lives have been artificially extends from before the race underwent its transformation.

A new threat has been found in alien ruins on Jupiter's moon of Gayemade. The fate of this race became a chief concern when a 500km diameter ring began orbiting Earth. Gene Shart follows a team of individuals with highly rated genetically code Skills tasked with dealing with the rings, and equipped with a ship and robot build from alien design.

The protagonist of the series is Mika Seido, a young woman whose genetic type is "white", the state generally found among people prior to when their genetic programming becomes active, when they reach adulthood at the age of 15. The phenomenon is likened to an adult with who still has their baby teeth. The other rare treat about Mika is that she thinks like us, valuing people her relationship with them rather than the conscious Self Gene-think that the human race adopted.

The production values in Gene Shaft is an upper strata example of the trend in anime the last couple of years: a short series that relies heavily on digital animation. Aside from a few static-on-static shots motion being created by a still object being dragged across a background, the integration of 2D animation with 2d objects and effects add to the series. The 2d characters and their movements are smooth, and 3d work have a unique and alien look to it. The background music uses the rare choice of hard rock, which effectively sets the urgent tone of events.

The premise is brilliant, but it comes across as a very detailed exercise world building (the glossary on the DVD is amazing) that intersects with an above average sci-fi adventure rather than the latter inhabiting the former. The field is littered with really great concepts (even a bio-engineered typing dog is well executed), but their evident effect on the actually happenings of the series is so far minimal. It's difficult to get a grasp on how the world works. Some of the confusion seems intentional for the early phase of the series, but a complex military system, with elite units, a "ship of the line", and imbedded security produces, doesn't seem to gel a supposed two hundred year reign of peace.

A protagonist who thinks like us skews our perception to a more familiar one. As anime goes, the male on screen male to female ratio is about average. The detail of the back-story design are so amazing that it feels like it should be a point of discussion and exploration rather than wall paper to prop a more typical story against.

The racial/ethnic stereotypes present range from annoying to bothersome: another fair haired dark skinned character whose incredibly immature (that particular design seems to be catching on, ie: Love Hina, and Argento Soma to name a few recent examples), a exceedingly arrogant European blonde, a presumably Jewish (Levi-Strauss) person putting on what looks to be a hard core lackey act. They're all supposed to be hyper-competent, and in the scheme of the series, they're far from the most mal-adjusted (a genius child programmer who speaks politely, but is ravenously insulting through ventriloquist dummy has that honor), but serious arguments about the premise of the series are weekend by it. It tips the balance more towards appearing like wacky-cast adventure,

Gene Shaft is a solid, memorable sci-fi, praiseworthy and memorable, but above average rather than create. GeneShaft isn't a cheap, by the numbers sci-fi action, in a genre that's tailor make to turn out cheap, by the numbers sci-fi action, especial in the modern era of lean budgets. The first volume is a strong start, but its hard to tell whether the series is going to blossom into a meaningful sci-fi discussion or wilt into a cute-girls space opera.

Manga Spotlight: One Piece Chapters 1-8

By Eiichiro Oda Released in Viz's Shonen Jump anthology

Pirate tales have had pretty dismal track record in recent history, which is surprising given that if they are done right, they can be very appealing stories, especially to an American audience. The hero leaves the safety of home, and invents themselves outside the bounds of society. Unfortunately, most recent genre entries have got caught up in the narrow focus of treasure maps and booby traps.

Young Monkey D. Luffy was anxious to joins the local crew of pirates, so much so that he put a knife into his face above his upper lip. In addition to be an anxious child, he was also careless. By eating a Gum Gum fruit he gained fantastic stretching abilities, at the cost of the ability to swim.

Typically the adventures have been Luffy gathering a crew, a three sword wielding pirate hunter, an girl whose navigation skill have been used to rob pirates so far. The villains of the series are a parade of oddities that rival Batman or Dick Tracy's rouge's galleries: Iron Mace Alvida, a heavy set mace wielding woman, Captain Axe-Hand Morgan a steel jawed navy usurper with an axe embedded in his arms and a poodle haired dandy for a son, and Pirate Captain Buggy The Clown, an explosive obsessed demon-pirate-clown.

The chief appeal of One Piece is it's manic oddity, which goes from Luffy wide-eyed antics (punching out sea monsters, getting carried away by giant gulls), passes through Water World-meets Yellow Submarine settings/architecture, and routinely overflows into some very amusing, very random title illustrations (Luffy sitting on a patio, trying to steal a straw full of a sitting dolphin's drink, who is batting/flippering away Luffy's hand).

The characters aren't meant to be believable, they are textbook "over the top" or "extreme example", but they, mostly the heroes have motivations that are believable and invoke empathy.

The boundless energy of the series, the fresh strangeness, and the weigh given by the tragedy in the characters' lives make One Piece on of Shonen Jump's consistent highlights.

This Week's Releases

Anime

• Beyblade - The Bladebreakers (Vol. 2)
• Big Wars
• Chance Pop Session - Session Three
• DNA2 - Turbulence (Vol. 2)
• Excel Saga - Going Way Too Far (Vol. 6)
• A Little Snow Fairy Sugar - Sweet Mischief (Vol. 1)
• Lupin the 3rd - Love Heist (TV Series, Vol. 2)
• Noir - Hit List (Vol. 2)
• Patlabor WXIII - The Movie
• Rune Soldier - Enter the Klutz (Vol. 1)
• Tokyo Babylon

Manga

• Blade Of The Immortal Fall Frost (Part 6 Of 6) #78
• Cardcaptor Sakura Master Of The Clow Vol 4 Gn (Of 6)
• Cowboy Bebop Shooting Stars Vol 1 Gn (Of 2)
• Ghost In The Shell 2 Man Machine Interface #1 New Prtg
• Ghost In The Shell 2 Man Machine Interface #2 New Prtg
• Ghost In The Shell 2 Man Machine Interface #3
• Gundam Wing Last Outpost Vol 3 Tp (Of 3)
• Happy Mania Vol 1 Gn (Of 5) (Mr)
• Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre Gn #6
• Hellsing - Complete Collection
• Inu Yasha Vol 13 Tp
• Iron Wok Jan Gn #4
• Kodocha Vol 6 Sanas Stage Gn (Of 10)
• Marmalade Boy Vol 6 Gn (Of 8
• Metropolis Tp
• Raijin Comics #18
• Rave Master Vol 2 Gn (Of 18)
• Record Of Lodoss War Welcome To Lodoss Island Book One Gn
• Shaolin Sisters Vol 2 Gn (Of 5)
• Shadow Star Nothing But The Truth Tp
• Story Of Tao Gn #4

A review of A Little Snow Fairy Sugar can be found here.

A review of the Patlabor WXIII movie can be found here.

Cowboy Bebop Shooting Stars is a manga (comic) revision of the end of the Cowboy Bebop anime series.

Metropolis is manga pioneer Osamu Tezuka's (Astro Boy) story inspired by Fritz Lang's Metropolis.

Happy Mania is a relationship drama, original markets for women in their early twenties.

Record Of Lodoss War Welcome To Lodoss Island Book is a super deformed (big head, small body) fantasy parody.

As marginally related side note, Anime on DVD points out that AnimEigo is now shipping samurai cross-over classic Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo.

Cowboy Bebop Movie DVD Release

Anime on DVD has confirmed that the Cowboy Bebop movie will premier on American DVD on June 24th at a retail price of $26.95 from Destination Films.

Akitar Daichi Clip Online

Anime director, and column favorite Akitaroh Daichi has posted an clip from Dango Gonta that was to be shown at his canceled Sakura Con appearence here

Mezzo Forte and Kite News

Studio Arms has confirmed the development of a Mezzo Forte television series that will be released by Media Blasters in the US.

According to the Screen Daily xXx/Fast and the Furious Director Rob Cohen is looking to do a live action adaption of Kite, minus some of the original's sexuality.

Kite and Mezzo Forte are slick and stylized hyper violent tales from Yasuomi Umetsu, with more than a bit of Luc Besson homage.

Kite is a dark, and gun-shot tragic story about a girl who is taken in after her parents are murdered, and forcibly trained as an assassin.

The original Mezzo Forte is sadistic edged-light hearted caper gone wrong about a trio of free lancers, a punk techie, a cute girl with amazing martial arts skill, and a retired cop, who accidentally kill the mob boss while attempting to kidnap him. A review of the OAV can be seen at here.

Viz Changes (Love and Pop News)

Due to Viz's new ownership by the partnership between Shogakukan and Shueisha Viz has changed its name from Viz Communications to Viz, LLC.

Anime News Service reports Viz has sold its live action film library to Kino Distribution. Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno's live action Love & Pop, about teenagers who becomes prostitutes to support their lifestyle, will be released next year.

The company's website has been redesigned and updated.

Bandai Picks Up New Spirit of Wonder

Bandai's Jerry Chu has hinted on Anime on DVD's that the company will be releasing the 2001 Spirit of Wonder OAV Series.

The original Spirit of Wonder anime, and the portion of the manga (comic) that has been translated into English (by Studio Proteus, available from Dark Horse), is a whimsical Victorian sci-fi romance about a Chinese innkeeper living in what creator Kenji Tsuruta describes as Sherlock Holmes' English, and two of her tenants, a mad scientist, and his handsome young assistant.

Non-Anime Animation of Note

Comics2Film points out that Mainframe (of ReBoot fame) has announced that their adaptation of Jill Thompson's Scary Godmother will be appearing as a Halloween special on Candian YTV in 2003. A trailer, screenshots, and wallpapers can be found on MainFrame's site.

From the site: Coming Halloween 2003, The Scary Godmother Halloween Spooktakular is based on the comics and children's books of popular artist and writer Jill Thompson who has won numerous awards for her fabulous watercolour paintings and illustrations.

Scary Godmother is a whimsical all-ages story that follows the first trick-or-treating adventure of Hannah Marie, a young girl whose rotten older cousin is babysitting her one dark Halloween. Unhappy to be saddled with Hannah, her cousin cooks up a scheme to frighten her. But his scheme backfires when Hannah gets help from her ScaryGodmother.

Online Articles and Periodicals

Galaxy Anime has new interviews with Scott Carleson of Animeigo, Keith Burgess of Manga Entertainment, Sakura Con corporate liaison Isaac Alexander, and Eastern Standard fanzine editor Derek Guder.

The anime section of the new Sequential Tart focuses on samurai series, with addition anime and manga reviews.

The April Anime Fringe has features on DNA^2, Neo Ranga, and CLAMP School Detectives with addtional reviews.

Dragonball Z Movie 8 Release Scheduled

Anime on DVD reprots FUNimation has announced that Dragonball Z movie 8, "The Legendary Super Saiyan," will be released in America on August 26th. Movie 8 includes the introduction of Broly, the evil Super Saiyan who reappeared in Dragonball Z movies 10 & 11.

His and Her Circumstances 4 Announced

Right Stuf International is proud to announce the release date for His and Her Circumstances DVD 4: Formulation of Truth and Sentiment for 6/24/03.

Summer might be ending, but things between Arima and Yukino are just heating up! While Arima's prolonged summer absence gives Yukino some time to think about their relationship, she's still left in doubt. Does she really love him? Meanwhile, Arima's thinking about taking the relationship to the next level. But will Yukino feel the same way?

Then it's time for the Culture Fest! It sounds rather boring to Yukino until she discovers it's a competition with class notes up for grabs. Now Yukino is determined to win, but can she stand up against Class F's secret weapon? And there's a new mystery man in school with some diabolical plans in store for Tsubaki! Who is he and what does he want with Tsubaki?

Anime Sites and Trailers

Domestic

AnimeNewsNetwork is hosting a trailer for Gene Shaft here.

Miramax has a trailer of Pokemon Heroes, the fifth movie here.

Japanese:

From Natsume Maya Rondo Robe's website for Texhnolyze will open on 16 April 2003.

TV Tokyo's website for Mugen Senki Portriss (Tank Knights Portriss) is now official open. In addition, Sunrise's website for the same TV anime is also open

TV Tokyo's website for Matantei Loki Ragnarok is also now officially open.

TV Tokyo's website for Bouken Yuuki Pluster World is now officially open.

TOKYOPOP Expands

TOKYOPOP has announced that it will be expanding into the United Kingdom.

TOKYOPOP U.K. has partnered with Red Route Distribution Ltd. to extend its manga business into the country's more than 2,000 bookstores. Red Route is the leading supplier of graphic novels to the British book trade and specialized retail market. The two companies solidified their relationship during this year's London Book Fair, at which they featured a joint exhibit.

The Comics Journal's Journalista has pointed out that TOKYOPOP is looking to hire an editior for original material. From the job description:

"POSITION DESCRIPTION: Provide editorial guidance for creation and production of original manga graphic novels as well as innovative new book formats. Mentor and motivate original artists and authors to create work on time and on budget. Guide and direct freelance and staff copy editors, graphic designers and interns to achieve this goal. Work with editorial and production personnel to attain company goals, contain costs, maintain good vendor relations, and improve quality." Gainax Character Designer at Fanime Frequent Gainax character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto will be appearing at the Fanime anime convention, which takes place June 20th in Santa Clara.

ADV Sakura Con 2003

From an Anime on DVD forum report on the Sakura Con 2003 convention:

ADV: David Williams (dlw) presented. He finds the last episode of Excel Saga to be just wrong.

As announced previously, the Sailor Moon box will be a 8-disc box. The set will come in 2 4-disc keepcases in a box.

ADV Music will start up in June with 3 titles a month. June highlights are the Nuku Nuku OST. July highlights are the Nadesico movie and Slayers movie OST.

New titles currently on the slate:

• Dirty Pair 005 and Flight Of {?}
• Nadesico movie (end of year)
• Najica (production starts soon)
• Angelic Layer
• Pretear
• Blue Seed OVA
• Sorceress Hunters OVA
• Slayers OVA/movies (start end of year)
• Steel Angel Kurumi 2 (end of summer)
• Lady Death (fall)
• Saint Seiya (in production)
• Full Metal Panic!
• Puni Puni Poemi (after Nadesico movie)
• SuperGALS

Other title news: ADV wants to put out more anime titles from 1970s and 1980s like Mospeda and Dunbine. Older shojo titles, like Rose Of Versalies, have been looked into.

ADV has an option on the other segments from the series Wonderful (where Colorful came from).

ADV Productions is looking into other titles. Mutineer's Moon has a trailer almost ready. The series may eventually get on TV, but probably first direct to DVD.

ADV has gotten good response to the Anime Channel and is looking to expand. The next location is New York City. ADV wants to have both a video on demand system as well a regular cable channel. They are working on getting sub content available and including other studio titles.

Future Newtype DVDs will have a subtitle option. The reason for dub only previously was a misunderstand on Newtype USA's part.

Excel Saga episode 26 on the DVD is the home video version.

Blue Seed and Sorceress Hunters OVA will try to bring back the original dub cast.

ADV is looking to do more Vid-Notes in the future. Commentary tracks for now will mainly be on ADV's live action titles (Andromea, Yokai Monsers, Princess Blade, et al.)

Samurai Pizza Cats is licensed by someone, he couldn't talk about Violinist of Hamlin and ADV does not have latest Macross entry, Macross Zero.

Urban Vision Sakura Con 2003 Announcements From an Anime on DVD forum report on the Sakura Con 2003 convention:

Urban Vision big focus was on Ninja Scroll TV. The series will start on WOWOW on 14 Apr. The show takes place after the original movie. The 13 episode series will be released 4/4/5, starting in early September. This is before the Japanese release (which is December). There is talk of maybe getting the series on US TV.

Parasite Dolls will premier at a film festival as a 35mm sub print in May. The movie will also get a limited theatrical run.

Urban Vision is working on the rights to get a Japanese language version of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust and more Strange Dawn. Focus is now on Ninja Scroll TV, so both won't be out until early next year.

Gundam Seed PS2 Game

Bandai will be releasing a Japanese Gundam Seed PlayStation 2 game this summer. Screenshots can be seen here and

Upcoming ADV Soundtracks

ADV Music will be releasing the soundtrakcs for Slayers the Movie, Lost Universe, and the Nadisco movie on July 1st.

ADV to Release Aura Battler Dunbine

From the press release: ADV Films announced that the firm will release the 49-episode anime classic Aura Battler Dunbine in the summer of 2003. Carl Macek, producer of ROBOTECH, Doomed Megalopolis and numerous other essential anime titles, is in mid-production in the studio at this writing.

Aura Battler Dunbine, first broadcast in Japan in the mid 1980's, is widely considered one of the finest and most significant titles from the "golden age" of televised anime. Conceived by Yoshiyuki Tomino (creator and director of Gundam) and based on Tomino's novel Wings of Lin, Aura Battler Dunbine has long been celebrated not only for its exciting plot and extraordinary mecha designs (by Studio Nue, of Macross fame), but also for the series' emphasis on strong and detailed characterization, and the consistently excellent quality of its animation (produced by Sunrise Animation). Combining elements of science fiction and fantasy, Aura Battler Dunbine tells the story of inter-dimensional warfare on an unrivaled, epic scale.

ADV Films' Macek is producing the English-language version of Aura Battler Dunbine. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring a truly classic anime series from a great creative team to our fans," said Macek. "Ever since I first became aware of Aura Battler Dunbine it has been a personal goal to make sure this masterpiece was brought to the attention of the American public."

ADV Films has not yet officially announced a release date for the first volume of Aura Battler Dunbine, but the company has confirmed that the first volume of the title is expected.

June Manga Releases

COMICSONE.COM

Bride of Deimos #5 (tpb)

Yoshiko is not one of the prettiest girls in school and feels everyone knows this. What happens when a handsome young man quickly falls in love with her? Nothing good, if Deimos is around. The skull shaped birthmark of a deceased friend begins showing up on others, is Deimos behind it?

Crayon Shinchan #5

Normal trips to the zoo, department store, and ski slopes turn into a roller coaster ride of chaos whenever Shinchan's around. Read as Shinchan mistakes janitors for zoo animals, tries on dresses at the store, and attempts to pick up snow bunnies on the slopes.

Iron Wok Jan #5 (tpb) Saijyo)

It's down to the finals of the First National Young Adult Chinese Cooking Contest. Jan, Kiriko, and Celine must use their knowledge of preparing desserts to win this battle. Will the judges pick Celine's roasted papaya pudding, Kiriko's triple sweet soup, or Jan's candied blood eggs?

Red Prowling Devil #5 (tpb)

For the first time in her life the Red Prowling Devil goes down. Meanwhile, Pierre Doupon, the man claiming to have killed the Red Prowling Devil, is receiving praise and promotions. However, unknown to Pierre, Naomi miraculously survived the crash and is on the road to recovery. Is this the beginning of yet another heated rivalry?

ComicsOne.com's kung fu comic releases include Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre #7 , Story of Tao #5 (tpb) and Weapon of the Gods #7 (tpb)

CPM MANGA

Record of Lodoss War: Welcome to Lodoss Island Book Two (tpb)

TO LODOSS ISLAND BOOK 2 TPB - B&W. (Rei Hyakuyashiki)

Woodchuck is missing and a new threat looms in the form of a fire demon.

Slayers Special Book 2: Notorious (tpb)

Ohtsuka Lina and Naga are back and pandemonium is sure to follow. They take on ninjas, clones, and lovesick fanboys in a fantasy world gone bananas.

Gutsoon! Entertainment

City Hunter Vol. 1 (tpb)

In the dark underworld of Tokyo, heinous crimes are committed against the innocent - crimes that the law won't touch. When these victims have nowhere else to go, they turn to mercenary Saebo Ryo - the City Hunter. 190

Fist of the Blue Sky Vol. 1 (tpb)

The prequel to The Fist of the North Star. In the1930s, Kenshiro, master of the assassin's martial art Hokuto Shinken, arrives in Shanghai to exact revenge on the local Triads in the name of brotherhood. 190 pp. MR.

First President of Japan Vol. 1 (tpb)

With the parliament abolished, the first popular leader of Japan faces an international crisis involving North Korea, China, Taiwan, America, not to mention his own country. 190 pp The story of a rebel who may be the high school basketball team's only hope. 190 pp

Raijin Comics Set (#25-28)

Featuring the international intrigue of First President of Japan. Also, Fist of the Blue Sky, Slam Dunk, City Hunter, Revenge of the Mouflon, Guardian Angel Getten, Keiji, video game and anime news and more. Squarebound. 190 pp. MR

Slam Dunk Volume 1 Gn by Inoue Takehiko

The megahit that sold over 100 million books internationally, collected for the first time in English! Slam Dunk is the story of a rebel who may be the high school basketball team's only hope. Combining intense sports action with hilarious humor, find out why Slam Dunk is popular worldwide!

Dark Horse

Collections:

Astro Boy 17

Lost World

The first of Osamu Tezuka's cycle of original science-fiction graphic novels published in the late 1940s and early 1950s. When a rogue planet approaches Earth, a team of scientists voyage to the world and discover a land populated by dinosaurs. But a group of crooks has stowed away aboard the spacecraft, and the scientists must fight for their survival against both crooks and hungry monsters.

Issues

Blade of the Immorta 79: The Wind and the the Crane

features a one shot story about the romance and intrigue of Anotsu's attempt to take control of the Shingyoto

Cannon God Exaxxion #14

Oh My Goddess! #98 The Phantom Racer part 3 of 4.

Super Manga Blast! #33

Bizarre science fiction and teen angst collide in Shadow Star. Sexy thrills and extraterrestrial mysteries abound in Seraphic Feather. 3x3 Eyes explores the connection between true love and mystical artifacts. Uncover the secret desires of house cats and college girls in Makoto Kobayashi's What's Michael? and Club 9. And don't forget the futuristic action of Appleseed Hypernotes, brought to you by Masamune Shirow.

DC Comics

DC Comics will be releasing the first of Warren Ellis' three issue Japanese pop-culture parody Tokyo Storm Wanring.

I C Entertainment

Amerimanga #7

MANTIS WOMAN V. 1 TPB by Sen'no Knife

A creepy anthology filled with ghoulish neighbors, a supernatural serial killer, and other creatures feasting. Original Japanese format. 180

Vampire Princess Miyu V. 6 Tpb

You & Me V. 5 Tpb

LAST GASP

BAREFOOT GEN V. 2 TPB

Cartoonist Keiji Nakazawa was seven years old and living in Hiroshima in August 1945 when the city was destroyed by an atomic bomb dropped by the U.S. Starting a few months before that event, the four-volume saga of young Gen show like in Japan after years of war and privations. 96 pp.

Marvel Comics

Quest #1 - (Andi Watson/Yuji Iwahara)

Katherine West, a.k.a. Quest, her best friend Kaori, and an unusually intelligent ant-eater named Laki, go on a globe-trotting adventure to finish the search Quest's father began for a collection of ancient scrolls, and hopefully find him along the way, too.

Wolverine: Snikt! #2 - [Of 6] (Daniel Way & Nihei)

Wolverine finds himself in an alien landscape, surrounded by forces hostile to anything human.

TOKYOPOP

Akira Cinemanga Vol. 4

Battle Royale Vol. 2 (tpb)

Chronicles of the Cursed Sword Vol. 1 (tpb) Yuy Beop-Ryong/Park Hui-Jin)

King Jaryoon of Hahyun is attacked by a monstrous emissary from the nefarious vizier, Shiyan. The swordsman Rayan appears and slays the monster with PaSa, a powerful blade.

Confidential Confessions Vol. 1 (tpb) Reiko Momochi

Deals with many of the hard-hitting issues that teens face today, such as teen prostitution, rape, HIV, stalkers, suicide, and sexual harassment. 192 pp. MR

DEMON DIARY V. 2 TPB - [of 2] Jee-Hyung Lee/Kara Lim

After failing his tutor, Eclipse, and sparing the life of an enemy, young Raenef decides to leave his homeland until he's become a Demon Lord.

Digimon V. 4 Tpb - [Of 12]

Erika Sakurazawa's Angel Tpb - B&W. Relisted.

Every day, we come across people who make a difference in our lives. But for some people who are truly in distress, an angel is sometimes sent down to lend a guiding hand.

Escaflowne V. 1 Tpb - [Of 3]

Hitomi Hoshino likes to dabble with tarot cards, but one day, her hobby somehow leads her to a world called Gaea. She soon meets up with Van Fanel, prince of the kingdom of Fanelia.

Fake V. 2 Tpb - [Of 7] Sanami Matoh

Dee and Ryo go on their first vacation together, but their break from crime-fighting doesn't last long. 192 pp. MR.

Gto V. 13 Tpb - [Of 25]

Kare Kano V. 4 Tpb - [Of 13]

Kodocha V. 8: Sana's Stage Tpb - [Of 10]

Love Hina V. 12 Tpb - [Of 14]

Lupin III V. 5 Tpb - [Of 14]

Man Of Many Faces V. 2 Tpb - [Of 2] By Clamp

Mars V. 12 Tpb - [Of 15] B&W.

Peach Girl V. 3: Change Of Heart Tpb - [Of 7]

Priest V. 7 Tpb - [Of 9]

Ragnarok V. 7 Tpb - [Of 10]

Rebirth V. 3 Tpb - [Of 11]

Saber Marionette J V. 1 Tpb - [Of 3] Satoru Akahori/Yumisuke Kotoyoshi

On a world with no women, men have reinvented females in the form of androids called Marionettes. With war close at hand and three Saber Marionettes at his side, Otaru Mamiya unlocks the emotions that may hold the key to the salvation of mankind.

Scryed V. 3 Tpb - [Of 5].

Wild Act V. 1 Tpb - [Of 3] Rie Takada

Yuniko worships celebrities, and it's her goal in life to snag at least one piece of memorabilia from each of her favorite stars.

Zodiac P.I. V. 1 Tpb - [Of 3] Natsumi Ando

Riri is just like any other normal girl - except she can foretell the future. This Zodiac P.I. transforms herself into the magic Detective Spica and looks to the stars to guide her way.

Viz

Animerica Extra #7 (July 2003) Vol. 6

Battle Angel Alita: Last Order Volume 1: Angel Reborn by Yukito Kishiro

Master manga creator Yukito Kishiroi brings back his most celebrated character, cyborg sweetheart Battle Angel Alita. If you're a longtime fan, prepare to meet Kishiro's latest bevy of bizarre and tormented characters, as well as revisit many of your favorite friends and foes in a post-apocalyptic universe where nothing is as it seems.

Bastard! V. 3 Tpb Kazushi Hagiwara Relisted.

Leaving the besieged kingdom of Metallicana, the mighty wizard, Dark Schneider, accompanied only by the dragon Lars, finds himself under attack from Arshes Nei's most lethal assassins.

Big O Part 4 #4 - [Of 4]

It's the showdown everyone has been waiting for: Roger Smith vs. Schwarzwald.

Big O, V. 3 Tpb - B&W. Hajime Yatate/Hitoshi Ariga

Original stories not seen in the anime series. The master criminal Beck breaks out of jail, enlisting his old cronies in a scheme to ruin The Big O's reputation. 2

Firefighter: Daigo Of Fire Company M V. 1 2Nd Edition Masahito Soda

Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect others and Daigo Asahina has always dreamed of becoming one. He's fresh out of the training academy and has been newly assigned to Medaka-Ga-Hama fire station. 208 pp.

Firefighter: Daigo Of Fire Company M V. 3

Inu-Yasha V. 14 Tpb - B&W.

One Piece V. 1: Romance Dawn Tpb Eiichiro Oda

In a world of pirates, one man wants to become the greatest of them all: Monkey D. Luffy, who gained strange powers from eating the cursed Gum-Gum Fruit. Luffy sets out to sea in a rowboat, in search of One Piece, the greatest treasure in the world.

Shonen Jump August 2003 V. 1 #8

Dragon Ball Z. Earth's heroes vs. Androids #16, #17, and #18. Yu-Gi-Oh! Yugi faces the mouth of Ammit the Devourer. Yuyu Hakusho. Yusuke has one last mission as a ghost. One Piece. Zoro, Nami, and Luffy face off against Buggy the Pirate. Naruto. A simple mission turns into a duel with the ninja Zabuza. Shaman King. The sister of evil shaman Ren resurrects a Hong Kong action star. Sandland. Separated from the others in a sandstorm, Beelzebub makes a shocking discovery. 352 pp.

Steam Detectives V. 6 Tpb - B&W.

Kia Asamiya

Vagabond V. 6

Video Girl Ai V. 6: Cutting Room Tpb

X/1999 V. 10: Fugue Tpb Relisted

Kamui finds himself sought by two opposing sets of occult forces. Hinoto's dreamgazing has become increasingly more disturbing and dangerous, and when Kamui joins her for a session, painful visions of the past are unearthed deep within his psyche. 192 pp.