Father Geek here with this week's Manga-Anime Column. Scott's put together another great regular weekly report for us covering all things related to the Anime & Manga industry, soooo with no further yakking from me here it is...

AnimAICN...

by Scott Green

Anime Preview: Kaze No Yojimbo Volume 1: A New Face In Town

to be released by Bandai Entertainment April 27th

Kaze No Yojimbo is the first in a micro-trend of remaking Akira Kurosawa's samurai classics as anime. It's an updated retelling of the story of a falsely named stranger who walks into a troubled town and begins to play both side against the middle, until his compassion gets in the way of the scheme. The story's lineage is traced to Dashiell Hammett's "Red Harvest", but has become defined by the Kurosaw/Mifune telling "Yojimbo". Few movies have received as many almost scene by scene remakes.

In Kaze No Yojimbo, a young vagabond and street brawler with the odd name George (the series is set in Japan) turns up in a run down former mining town divided by two bosses. One side immediately tries to employ him as muscle, the other to protect the boss's daughter. From the moment George walks into the dive run by pre-trouble old-timer it both conforms to and diverges from the Kurosawa standard.

The greatest divergence is that the series has constructed a teen Yojimbo, and its greatest accomplishment it that is accomplishes this without being condescending or trite. The story is bent well to accommodate younger, world aware but not world weary protagonist. He's in town to learn the truth behind events. George come across as more of toned down, not so blustery early Phillip Marlowe than Mifune or Eastwood. In that context the goal of understand the situation rather than tear it down, as well as his flirtations with the boss' daughter or the inn keepers he's freeloading off make sense. This adaptation of Yojimbo is building to revelations rather than confrontations and has more of a noir sensibility.

The series has the pacing of slowly unveiling mystery, peppered with startling turns. Action scenes are integrated as part of the flow the series rather than soul payoff or culmination.

It doesn't quite look or behave like the typical anime series. After opening with a black and white flashback to a snow driven train depot, it begins introducing its unique library of visual effects from an almost stage direction style use of static and color shifts to grab focus, at times seemingly mimicking film techniques such as rare projections to create the illusion of motion, and other times using largely anime techniques to warping the image to indicate thought processes, mental leaps, shifts in perceptions

A concern with Kaze no Yojimbo, though one that isn't backed by the contents of the first volume is whether the Yojimbo story can sustain a full 25 episode length anime series. Especially one what told in a more or less continuous manner rather than episodic increments. Yojimbo is an excellent source for a short story or movie, but even with the new material and alternate paths taken and added by Kaze no Yojimbo the ability to stay the course seems up in the air.

Kaze no Yojimbo provides a rare opportunity to view an extended, animated crime noir. It finds strength in leveraging a popular story, but remains to be seen whether the sum or new and traditional material and fill the allotted space.

Anime Spotlight: Kiddy Grade The Peacekeepers: Case One

Released by FUNimation

Kiddy Grade is one anime series that really could have used a name change for its domestic release. Though "Kiddy Grade" sounds more appropriate for early childhood development, or something more creepy, it's a teen sci-fi action which is frequently, and at least initially well described as an update on the classic Dirty Pair formula (a name which was more easily recognizable as tongue in cheek). The baseball cap packaged with the box set release is bound to be the most unused piece of anime swag since ADV packaged panties with Najica. Its a case where probably not even the purists would object to departure from the source. As such, it is at least a hurtle for the series to overcome.

Two young women, in this case very young, travel the space, tracking down criminals using their own off beat methods. Working under the cover jobs as facility receptionists, 16 year old Éclair and 10 year old Lumiere are one of the network of paired units comprising the Galactic Union of Trade and Tariffs' (GOTT) elite ES Force. Extroverted Eclair is gifted with super strength, and equipped with shield protection, and lipstick whip. The petite and elegant Lumiere can take control of machines through puppet string like strands of energy.

Three episode into Kiddy Grade, the series' most distinguishable quality is flamboyant design. For better or worse, fans of the anime action heroine will find everything that they're looking for in Kiddy Grade. If the series aimed to be a one stop, full service satisfier for the pulp end of anime style, it succeed grandly. Between the busty Eclair, and the petite Lumiere, and factoring in the other GOTTS ES officers, you have the full spectrum of the large eyed exceedingly vibrant anime adventure templates. This is expanded with plenty of panty shots, and uniform appearances (Eclair and Lumiere in their stewardess like receptionist outfits, frilly maid-esque numbers, and the typical Anime Chinese dress for example). Outfits like Éclair's navel and chest revealing combat tunic are titillating eye-pullers without screaming T&A. While it isn't as blatant as many series, and never approaches the incredible excess of the aforementioned Najica or its predecessor Aika, there is certainly a strong current of fetishism in the series.

So far, there are some interesting sci-fi big ideas floating through Kiddy Grade, but it hasn't mined its premise. There is little on the mechanics of inter stellar commerce, and while it would be probably be possible to create an engaging and exciting series starring commerce agents, but there is little to distinguish Kiddy Grade from generic law enforcement. You have to squint to see that they are escorting ambassadors and criminals or managing contrabands rather than just making arrests.

In the case of Kiddy Grade, it seems significant to note the reputation of the series from those who have seen the entire work. Episodes follow the formula of front loading the series with a number of episodic adventures to build a status quo before taking the path in a new direct which exploits the expectation built in the early chapter. Apparently the antagonism and levels of circumvention glimpsed in this first set of episodes builds into a more gripping factional conflict, with some nice Prisoner type twists. The effectiveness of the conclusion looks debatable, but there is a general consensus that the middle of Kiddy Grade provides some engaging sci-fi conspiracy material.

Despite having yet to fully capitalize on its setting, or the aspects that according to many advance viewers are going to truly distinguish the series, it's a draw to see pop sci-fi with modern sensibilities, such as of exerting control through regulation of economic interaction rather just cops and robbers or empire and rebels.

Kiddy Grade is directed by Keiji Gotoh, who is best known as the character designer of anime such Sorcerer Hunters, Gate Keepers, and Nadesico , and he directs Kiddy Grade as a character designer. He knows how to accentuate design (though he didn't create the character design in the series). He can softened some on arbitrariness of the uniform shifts, and get full mileage out of fan service. However, his action work is missing some kick. He doesn't seem to quite know how to exploit the mechanics of a scene to excite the viewer, or create anticipation for the next engagements. Standoffs, shootouts, running away from danger are missing verve.

The opening animation doesn't kick in with the overused upbeat tempo shift. For a while (probably right after Evangelion) every theme song has a point where it picked up, accompanied by rapid flash of animation. While the approach was radically over used, if you're going to have a big, galactic, bright colors, anything's possible sci-fi adventure, you want an introduction that gets the heart beating.

Kiddy Grade doesn't use an up tempo introduction, and this absence is indicative of the most frustrating aspect of Kiddy Grade's first volume. It seems to satisfied having Eclai and Lumiere look good. For a pair of girls with vast capabilities, who can travel the galaxy on mildly important missions, they can be pretty dull to watch in action.

The visual effects of Eclair's lipstick whip, Lumiere's computer control waves, the destructive capabilities of their space craft are all nice effects, but the use of super strength and force fields don't hold up. So far, Kiddy Grade hasn't built excitement at the possibilities of seeing Eclair and Lumiere go into action; a quality one would expect from vibrant super powered characters.

Manga Spotlight: Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

Released by TOKYOPOP

Fruits Baskets is probably slightly better known from its anime adaptation by ever energetic director Akitoroh Daichi. Where as the anime was a layered drama masquerading as a screwball comedy, its manga originator is a relationship drama that almost incidentally happens to be funny.

Fruits Baskets deals with ostracizion in it's acute form, hence the title, referrs to a duck-duck-goose like game in which children are named for items that would be included in a fruits baskets, until one child is name for an item that doesn't belong, and they are left out.

It follows a girl who, after the death of her mother, falls off the edge of her previous position on the social fringe, and after spending some time living in a tent, falls in with members of a clan of people cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when embraced by a member of the opposite sex.

Instead of a typical high school romance, or playing to its goofier aspects, the series looks a set people, and finds the pieces of personalities and social networks that need to be torn down and rebuilt.

People who turn into animal when interacting with members of the opposite sex is riff with comedic material, and the series does derive a great deal of humor and charm from the situation; a sullen teenage boy who turn into an adorable sullen looking mouse is going to be amusing, so you may as well run with the ball. However, Fruits Baskets is also highly successful at painting the affliction as a curse. A curse that requires constant vigilance, and caused the afflicted to form socially maladjusted personalities where the defense mechanisms are as problematic as the curse.

One catch is that many of these defense mechanisms are the character quirks that make the characters interesting and likable, or a least fun to watch. To that extend, Fruits Basket is examining what wrong's with living a wacky sitcom life, and how to fix it. Not by becoming a bland drone, but accepting what works, and abandoning harmful crutches.

As self-help-y as this sounds, there isn't a trace of sappiness in the work. Characters are cute in sweet in the endearing way of someone you would wish well through their hardships. For all their flaws, they seem to be attempting proactive solutions, and mostly incapable of the shoujo nail-on-a-blackboard story padding goofs.

There some cultural differences which are helpful for the reader to keep in mind to put Fruits Basket in perspective. While things have changed, traditionally in Japan the social pressure not to stick out is a more tangible force that it is the US. In American fiction the mutant or freak hides themselves so as not to be taken and dissected by government or chased down by the pick fork wielding mob. In Japan it is more the fear of being shut out of society.

In a relationship series like Fruits Baskets or the classic Kimagure Orange Road, the fear and need to hide felt by those living with extraordinary differences is less about mortal self preservation, and more about maintaining a level of social acceptance. Thus a wild idea, like Fruits Basket's shape changing connects to the audience at a more mundane, everyday level.

Anime fans may note that the manga doesn't vibrate at the same wavelength as Daichi's adaptation. The anime is firmly faithful to manga. They share much of the same physical humor, and working backwards, there are some surprises as to which gags originated in the manga, and how good some of the source material was in that respect. Yet partial due to the transition of mediums, and partially due to qualities Daichi brings to an anime series, the qualities not exactly match up. The manga feels more traditional shoujo, and for some, outwardly sitcom has a little more universal appeal that outwardly shoujo.

This Week's Releases

Anime

• The Big O II - Missing Pieces (Vol. 2)
• Blood Reign - Curse of the Yoma (Essential Anime Collection)
• Brigadoon:Day of Pasca Vol 6
• Fancy La La Vol 1
• Fancy La La Vol 2
• Fancy La La Vol 3
• Fancy La La Vol 4
• Fancy La La Vol 5
• Fancy La La Vol 6
• Happy Lesson - Mama-Palooza (Vol. 2)
• Ninja Resurrection:Anime Collection
• Once Upon a Time
• Plastic Little - The Adventures of Captain Tita (Essential Anime Collection)
• S-Cry-Ed - Evacuation (Vol. 5)
• Yu Yu Hakusho - Dark Indulgence
• The Last Unicorn

Manga

• B B Explosion Vol 1
• Banana Fish Vol 1 2Nd Ed
• Bride Of Deimos Gn #7
• Fist Of The Blue Sky Volume 4 Tp (Mr)
• Guardian Angel Getten Vol 3 Tp
• Legendary Couple Gn #7
• Maison Ikkoku Vol 4 Tp 2Nd Ed
• Mega Dragon & Tiger Gn #7
• Nadesico Book Two Tp New Ptg
• Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol 8 Tp '
• Project Arms Vol 4 Tp
• Vagabond Vol 9 Tp

Agatha Christie Anime Update

Natsume Maya reports that the "Agatha Christie no Meitantei Poirot to Marple" TV anime (Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple), will run 39 episodes on Japanese TV starting in July.

According to Shimbun reports, to attract a broader audience, the series will introduce the new character Mabel, who is a 16 year old girl working in Hercule Poirot's office and hoping to follow in the footsteps of her relative Miss Marple to become a detective, and a mascot character. In addition, Poirot's friend Captain Hastings' age will be reduced to the 20s.

FUNimation Early Indicators

Anime on DVD reports FUNimation has registered www.fullmetalalchemist.com and kodocha.tv, suggesting that they may have licensed Full Metal Alchemist and Kodomo no Omacha.

FUNimation has previously registered domain names for titles whose licenses were not finalized (ie One Piece).

New Steamboy Trailer

A new trailer for SteamBoy has been posted on the official site.

HELLBOY's Guillermo del Toro Mentions DOMU...

Comics2Fil reports Hellboy director Guillermo del Toro mentioned that he is sill working on a adaptation of the Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo urban horror manga Domu.

When asked if he would be working on a sequence to Daredevil he replied "Not true at all. I have been approached for other Marvel projects. But not this one. As of now I have no plans to do a comic movie in the future except for DOMU and/or COFFIN."

A review of the manga can be read at the end of this previous AnimAICN column

Yoko Kanno Reveals Latest Project

Animation reports fan favorite composer Yoko Kanno will provide the score for Shimotsuma Monogatari, a live action film adaptation of a novel by Takemoto Nobara. The trailer available on the official site reveals that the film will include at least one animated sequence here.

No Live Action Dragon Ball?

KyleHebert.com reports that Fox Studio has responsed to quieres about the live action Dragon Ball movie saying "The Dragonball Z movie? We don't have that. I 've got a lot of calls about that so I called around [the studio]. We won't be making that [movie].

ADV Halts Sailor Moon

ADV posted on their site that they will cease distribution of their uncut releases of the first and second seasons of Sailor Moon.

"ADV Films today announced that the first 86 episodes of the original Sailor Moon television series will no longer be available in the U.S. on home video after April 1, 2004. Although the response of the fans and sales of this video series in both the dubbed- and uncut-subtitled format have been tremendously successful, the creators of the program have decided against continuing the availability of the home video in the U.S. at this time. All episodes released under ADV Films will remain available for sale in retail outlets while supplies last."

Subtitled Innocence Cancelled

Anime News Network points out Toho has announced that they are canceling plans to release Innocence into Japanese theatres with English subtitles

New Appleseed Trailer

A new trailer for the upcoming Appleseed CGI movie, which will be released domestically by Geneon can be seen here

Raijin Goes on Hiatus

Anime on DVD reports that Gutsoon!'s Raijin manga anthology and trade paperback collections are going on indefinite hiatus.

Subscribers have begun receiving notices stating: Raijin Comics, Raijin Graphic Novels, and Master Edition books were going on hiatus, with issue 46 of the comic anthology the last one subscribers would receive. The letter included a check reimbursing me for the balance of my subscription (at $3.95 per issue after 46).

The reason for this? "Based on our research with readers, retailers and distributors, we have come to a conclusion - our publications, though appreciated by hard core manga fans, are not penetrating a larger market."

With Raijin Comics et al. on hiatus, what will Raijin be doing? "We will be taking time out to come up with ways to broaden the appeal of our publications, retooling stories and overall editorial content."

The letter included contact information for those with questions or problems concerning their reimbursement checks.

Dark Horse and Digital Manga present the explosive Trigun sequel, Trigun Maximum

The hottest manga on the market enters brand new storytelling territory! As an anime series, Trigun gained a multitude of fans across the otaku landscape, before gaining a burgeoning mainstream manga audience. Now, Trigun Maximum, coming May 2004 from Dark Horse and Digital Manga, brings readers more explosive action and adventure!

The bounty on Vash's head has been lifted since he was declared a "natural disaster" by the two insurance ladies, Millie and Meryl, but that's not the end of his troubles. An unmatched gunman, Vash has a mystery locked in his scarred body and a dark past he can't completely remember. Plus, he's also the target of a gang of assassins devoted to another enigmatic character named Knives. Knives knows about Vash's mysterious power, and at the end of Trigun volume two used it to turn Vash's arm into a giant gun that was used to blast a crater into a moon above the planet! Vash has since disappeared from society and has not been seen for a few years.

With Vash's long absence, legends begin to spring up all over about him and there are several Vash imposters showing up trying to lay claim to his legend. But now legend is about to meet reality when the traveling priest known as Wolfwood gets stranded in a seedy bar. The bartender tells him he can't leave because Vash is holding the town hostage. He wonders, can it be the real Vash? Wolfwood is intent on finding out, and events explode that lead him to believe he may have found the real Vash!

Trigun Maximum, featuring story and art by Yasuhiro Nightow, arrives on sale May 19 with a retail price of $9.95. Trigun Maximum will feature translated and overlaid sound effects.

The horror continues in The Ring Volume 2

The fabulously creepy story of The Ring takes a side step from the plot of the original Japanese film, drawing the reader into life after all that tragedy and mystery. It turns out Sadako, the psychic killer, isn't so easily disposed of. Beautifully illustrated by the adept Meimu, The Ring Volume 2 takes the reader into the life of Mai Takano, after her beloved Professor Ryuji is killed by Sadako. Adding to the sci-fi element, both Mai and little Yoichi, son of Ryuji and Reiko, have developed psychic powers and are often haunted by the powerful Sadako.

The Ring Volume 2 features story by Takashi Hiroshi and art by Meimu. It arrives on sale May 12 with a retail price of $13.95.

Yu-Gi-Oh Movie Coming to America

The Asahi Newspaper reports that Warner Brothers has acquired the rights to the new Yu-Gi-Oh movie.

Comic Party DVD 2 Release

Right Stuf Internatioal announced that the second volume of Comic Party, entitled "We Need Money!" will be released May 25th.

With direction by Norihiko Sudo (Assistant Director - CASTLE IN THE SKY) and scripts by Hiroshi Yamaguchi (NADESICO / GATEKEEPERS 21), Comic Party parodies the anime/manga industry.

The cover can be seen here

Upcoming ADV Releases (including Excel Saga Spinoff Puni Puni Poemy)

March 23

• Legend Of The Mystical Ninja: A New Villian, Volume Three

March 30

• Angelic Layer: Deus Ex Machina
• Pretear: Volume Four
• Saiyuki: Children Of Sacrifice, Ninth Volume
• Slayers: Excellent

April 6

• Puni Puni Poemy

April 6

• Kino's Journey: Emerging Lanes (volume 2)
• Saint Seiya: Cosmic Rift
• Steam Detectives: Case Five

April 13

• All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Tv: : Love Attack! (Volume 2)
• Final Fantasy: Unlimited-Phase 5
• Orphen Season Two: Revenge, Volume Four
• Super Gals!: A Gal'S Heart Never Stops! (volume 6)

Angelic Layer: Deus Ex Machina

Fifth Volume Of Clamp Studio'S First Shonen Title Angelic Layer: Deus Ex Machina, the fifth volume of the remarkable and completely original series. In a twist that could only come from the series creators, the all-female studio CLAMP (Chobits and X), the lead character of Angelic Layer is not the typical shonen adolescent boy, but a young girl freshly arrived in Tokyo.

The finals are about to begin, but the rules have changed. Misaki has to select a partner, forcing her to make a difficult decision-choosing between her friends.

As the first matches of the tournament spring into action, Misaki renews her dedication to Angelic Layer and displays incredible courage and valor. Not only are Tamayo and Kotaro there rooting for her, but Misaki discovers she now has many fans.

Angelic Layer is beautifully animated by the super-talented team at BONES, the animators of the highly acclaimed RahXephon and Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. The show's stylish animation and sympathetic characters has made critics cheer. "This show is maddeningly addictive," says AnimeOnDVD.com.

Angelic Layer: Deus Ex Machina (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release, including four complete episodes in both English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: production artwork; character sketches; commentary by voice actresses Sasha Paysinger (Hatoko) and Mariela Ortiz (Ringo); clean opening; clean closing; a mini poster with character bios; and ADV previews.

Saiyuki: Children Of Sacrifice, Ninth Volume

The road west is marred by the potholes from their past. Sanzo was an orphan baby, set adrift on the river until he was taken in by Buddhist monks. Growing up in a Catholic orphanage was enough to give Hakkai some issues with gods. When Gojyo becomes trapped in a cave with Dokugakuji, the brothers reminisce about a stepmother's resentment for her half-breed child. But it may very well be the burdens of youth are what molded Goku, Gojyo, Sanzo and Hakkai into the only men who could undertake this journey!

The Saiyuki series is the latest manifestation of the 16th-century Chinese novel Xiyouji (Journey to the West) by Wu Cheng-En, which tells a time-proven story of a band of eccentric travelers bound for adventure. In the Saiyuki tale, a pistol-toting monk and his three eccentric companions are assigned the task of traveling to India from China to quash the resurrection of a sinister demon, encountering a few unsavory characters and experiencing a smattering of mishaps along the way.

Ova Tie-In To Popular Slayers Fantasy-Adventure Series

The OVA Slayers: Excellent, the sixth tie-in (after Slayers: Book of Spells; Slayers: the Motion Picture, Slayers: Return, Slayers: Great, and Slayers: Gorgeous)

Fiery redhead Lina Inverse may be the most powerful sorceress around, but she can't hide from the exceptionally endowed Naga the Serpent. When Naga torches a tavern to get Lina's attention, the local townspeople demand that Lina and Naga make restitution by rescuing villagers lost in a labyrinth. Once inside, however, Lina and Naga find the rescue mission is a ruse for something else!

After seeing no profit in protecting the pampered Sirene Fitzmeier, Lina arranges a kidnapping to teach her a lesson. Unfortunately, Lina hands Sirene over to the wrong kidnappers! Naga helps in Sirene's rescue, but imparts a few frightening lessons of her own!

Formal fashion designer Tatjana Dayward and unisex clothing maker Marty Lenford separately approach Lina for help in vanquishing the other, but Lina could care less. That is until Marty discovers Naga and sets out to make her the next fashion craze. It's going to take everything Lina's got to stave off this disaster in Slayers Excellent!

Puni Puni Poemy

Tthe OVA tie-in to the runaway hit satire Excel Saga. In the spirit of Excel Saga, Puni Puni Poemy keeps the parody sharp, the plot wacky, and the animation vibrant, as it relates the bizarre adventures of Poemi, the daughter of Excel Saga's Nabeshin. The title reunites the dynamic and super-talented Excel Saga creative team, with production by J.C. Staff and Victor Entertainment and direction by Shinichi Watanabe.

Beautiful Girls! Naughty Aliens! Dead Fish! If this anime doesn't offend you somehow, we haven't done our job! When evil aliens kill Poemi Watanabe's parents, she doesn't get mad, she gets revenge. But first she moves in with the seven crazy Aasu sisters, discovers the magic power of dead fish, develops a serious crush on a local octopus, experiences the bizarre and varied wonders and joys of fighting terrorists, S&M, giant robots and becoming a super hero. All while pursuing her REAL ambition of becoming a professional voice actress! >From the creators of Excel Saga, it's the weirdest, wildest, rudest and out and out most demented anime ever made, Puni Puni Poemy!

All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku Tv

Second Volume Of Television Tie-In To Fan Favorite Ova The second volume of the All-Purpose Cultural Cat-Girl Nuku Nuku TV series is the television series tie-in to the fan-favorite OVA series All-Purpose Cultural Cat-Girl Nuku Nuku, based on a manga by Yuzo Takada (3x3 Eyes, Blue Seed). Nuku Nuku TV guarantees thrilling action and sidesplitting humor, as a teenaged boy juggles his new (and gorgeous) cat-brained android, wild attacks from robotic home appliances, and his parent's ongoing divorce.

Nuku Nuku and her friends are back for more madcap adventures! For starters, Futaba has finally met the boy of her dreams, a handsome bookstore clerk. But the fevered thoughts in her head come from a concealed device in a book that's brainwashing Futaba to advertise Mishima products! Then Mr. Kyusaku dives to destroy Mishima's newly opened underwater hotel, only to get discovered instead. To rescue him, Nuku Nuku must confront the Speedy Girls, a trio of pop idols with psychic abilities!

Worried about being on time, Nuku Nuku pedals so fast on the way to school that she and Ryunosuke travel back in time to when Kyusaku proposed marriage to Akiko. Events go terribly wrong, and Ryunosuke fears the Young President of Mishima will end up being his father! Finally, space mouse Michi-Michi wants to share one night of romance with Mr. Yamagata. But first she'll have to elude the mouse-hunting Nuku Nuku, as well as Mishima's alien retrieval squad!

Kino's Journey: Volume Two Of Intriguing Tale Of Journeys And Discoveries

The second volume of Kino's Journey, an inventive and original anime series by director Ryutaro Nakamura, famed for his clever and intriguing Serial Experiments Lain. Kino's Journey tells the story of the young adventurer Kino, who travels the world on Hermes, a talking motorcycle, spending no more and no less than three days at each stop. Throughout their travels, Kino and Hermes are observers of new cultures, witnessing both the differences and the similarities of peoples around the world.

Destination is a state of mind. The traveler knows that it is not the end of the journey that is important, but drifting through the beautiful world, the small unintentional destinations scattered along the path, that makes a worthwhile trip. Be it conversational contact with three men working on the rails, or the exertion of the body and the careful doling out of lead slugs and mercy in a Coliseum. Kino travels through it, drifting along with the breeze. Drift along for the ride.

Adapted from Keiichi Sigsawa's bestselling novels, this stylish, thought-provoking tale promises to grab hold of the audience's imagination, challenging expectations and stereotypes as it focuses on the discovery of beauty in things not beautiful.

Anime Game News

Screenshots of Bandai's Gameboy Advance RPG of Fullmetal Alchemist cann be seen here

http://www.the-magicbox.com/gaming.htm Bandai will release a 3D combat wrestling game Kinniku Man Generations (Ultimate Muscle) for PS2 in Japan on April 22. The game is based on the classic anime Kinniku Man, feature several game modes, include Story, 2 VS 2 Tag Battle, Battle Royal, Team Battle, Mask Hunt (Survival) and Kinkeshi (Gallery). http://www.the-magicbox.com/Mar04/game030504c.shtml

Tomy will release Naruto: Saikyo Ninja Daikesshu 2 for GameBoy Advance in Japan this spring, the sequel to the popular anime based action game. This time the game will have 3 playable characters: Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura, each one has different strengths and skills, you can swap between the three at anytime during the game.

Bandai announced DragonBall Z 2 V for PlayStation 2, an upgrade to DragonBall Z 2 (DragonBall Z Budokai 2). The game will feature brand new fighters from the DragonBall Z movies, plus several new fusion characters, such as Kuura, Cubit, Gokutan (Goku + Satan) and Potana. DragonBall Z 2 V is scheduled to release in Japan in April.

Batman Superfriends DVDs

ToonZone has learned new DVDs of the first season Batman: The Animated Series and the 17 episode Challenge of the Superfriends are being produced.

ADV Formally Announces Maburaho

ADV Films announced it has acquired exclusive home video and broadcast rights in North America for Maburaho, an "action-packed comic romance about magic, love, friendship and deception".

About Maburaho

High school student, Kazuki Shikimori attends school at the elite Aoi Academy where students learn the intricacies of using their magical powers. Blessed with highly sought-after DNA, Kazuki is cursed. He can only use his powers eight times until he turns into dust. Enter three magical hotties, Yuna, Kuriko and Yin. These lovely ladies join forces to help Kazuki increase his magical powers. But are they after his heart or his DNA?

New Happy Lesson Anime

Galaxy Anime reports KSS Productions of Japan has officially announced the May 28th debut release of the three episode OAV series "Happy Lesson: The Final."

Dark Horse Manga Previews

Dark Horse has posted new manga previews:

Blade of the Immortal #88

Hellsin g Vol. 2

Shadow Star Vol. 5

Sup er Manga Blast #40

Ultrama n Vol. 1

Upcoming Geneon Releases Anime:

June 1st:

Captain Herlock - The Decimated Planet (V.3) DVD

The Noo captures Tadashi and Maji, the engineers for the Arcadia, and forces them to fight a huge monster in hopes of luring Herlock to rescue them. While that part of the plan is successful, the spiritual battle leads to Herlock's victory and the Noo defeated! Unfortunately, the victory is short lived, for the Noo possesses Kei's unconscious body and begins using her to sabotage the Arcadia. Tadashi, feeling guilty for putting Kei in this situation, tempts the Noo with his own body and engages the Noo in a spiritual battle to save Kei and the Arcadia- will he have the willpower to defeat the Original Story: Leiji Matsumoto (Galaxy Express 999, Star Brazer: Space Battleship Yamato) Directed by: Taro Rin (Metropolis) Script by: Sadayuki Murai (Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress) Character Design by: Nobuteru Yuuki (Heat Guy J, Escaflowne) Music by: Takayuki Hattori (Nadesico) Animation Studio: Madhouse

June 8th:

Beyblade - Russian Challenges (V.9) DVD

Last Exile - Breakthrough (V.4) DVD

Master Keaton - Life & Death (V.7) DVD

Sailor Moon S TV Series (V.5) (Signature Series) DVD

The SoulTaker - The Monster Within (V.1) (Signature Series) DVD Kyosuke's normal life shatters with the knife's sharp entry into his heart. Why did mom do it? As Kyosuke recovers, his body reveals a dangerous secret... a secret proving his past is a lie... Kysouke searches for Runa, the sister he never knew, and the truth about his ability to transform into the powerful SoulTaker! But, Kirhara Heavy Industries and mutants from the mysterious Hospital will prevent Kyosuke from learning anything with as much violence as possible!

Tenchi In Tokyo - A New Legend (V.3) (Signature Series) DVD

Trigun - Angel Arms (V.5) (Signature Series) DVD

Soundtracks

June 8th

Rave Master - Music Side CD

Mood-inducing instrumentals from the popular action fantasy TV series. Also included are two vocal tracks featuring the original Japanese 2nd opening theme 'Higher and Higher' as well as the closing theme 'Airship.'

Texhnolyze Sound Track Cd - Music Only Music But Music Cd

In the futuristic, decaying city of Lukuss, getting 'texhnolyzed' is a sign of status, even if it means losing one's humanity and sanity. However, with TEXHNOLYZE - MUSIC ONLY MUSIC BUT MUSIC, there's no aftereffects to worry about, except for a compelling desire to listen repeatedly to the imaginative, wickedly beautiful scores that thoroughly permeate the nightmarish world found in the new anime thriller TEXHNOLYZE. From the aggro, propulsive techno opening theme, 'Guardian Angel,' by techno trance wizards JUNO REACTOR, to the contrastingly lush and eloquent ending song, 'Poem of the Moon' by international J-pop star Gackt, there are 22 additional, impressive instrumentals contributed by anime music leaders Hajime Mizoguchi (Jin-Roh, Rahxephon), Koji Kasamatsu (serial experiments lain), Tsuneo Imahori (Trigun, Gungrave), Keishi Urata (Akira) and others.

Utena the Movie Original Soundtrack - Adolescence of Utena ADOLESCENCE RUSH CD

Revolutionize your anime world with 'Utena the Movie Original Soundtrack - Adolescence of Utena ADOLESCENCE RUSH,' based on the masterfully artistic and radically symbolic theatrical film. Just beneath the film's intricate layered plot and luscious animation lies a marvelous auricular ballet of swooping duel choruses, regal waltz tunes, delicate piano-led melodies and dramatic orchestral salvos. This 14-track CD includes two dynamic vocal tracks, 'At times, love is"" and the remixed version of 'A Round Dance - Revolution' both sung by shining J-pop star Masami Okui (Slayers, Blue Seed, Sorceror Hunters).

Game Over Toned Down

IMDB reports producers of UPN's CGI animated prime time comedy Game Over were asked to tone down the first episode by removing a two-second shot of a female character's buttocks and cut a line of dialogue from the debut episode based on the sensative post Super Bowl atmosphere.

April ADV Manga Releases

To be releases 4/20

Aria, Volume 1 of 3

In the future, a young girl named Akari Mizunashi moves to the town of Neo-Venezia on the planet Aqua (formally known as Mars). Now she's away from everything she's ever known-her family, friends and the far more advanced lifestyle of her home planet of Man Home (formally known as Earth). But as she starts her life in Neo-Venezia, she's driven by the desire to achieve a single goal-to become a full-fledged Undine, and to have a gondola of her own to ferry down the rivers of Neo-Venezia.

The Ruler of the Land, Volume 1 of 31

The Ruler of the Land, ADV Manga's first Korean graphic novel. Swordsman Bi-Kwang and the protectress of the Sword of the Flowers, Hwa-Rin, lose their treasure to Sang-Pil "Gold Cobra" Jin and his men. As they regroup to retrieve it, they learn that a third group, Master Yoo and the Black Serpents are also seeking it. Why? Because the Sword of the Flowers is the key to finding Hwa-Rin's grandfather-the greatest fighter of the land!

To Heart, Volume 1 of 3

Akari Kamigashi is a sweet, shy high-school girl who is happiest surrounded by her best childhood friends Hiroyuki Fujita and Masashi Sato. But things get a bit complicated when she starts having special feelings for Hiroyuki. If confessing her feelings weren't daunting enough, a gorgeous senior saunters into the picture to compete for Hiroyuki's affections. Luckily Akira teams up with the spunky android (and wannabe maid) Multi to help her meet the challenge.

Azumanga Daioh, Volume 4 of 4

The fourth installment of this manga comedy tells of the hilarious adventures of a group of Japanese high-school girls (including the precocious young Chiyo-chan, who began high-school a few years early!), and ties in to the hotly anticipated Azumanga Daioh anime from ADV Films.

Everyone's favorite gang of high schoolers is back for their final year. This time, the gang takes a trip to sunny Okinawa, where Osaka plays with sea cucumbers and looks for something to eat. Yomi announces her intention to join the InterPol, and Sakaki gets a cat that will (gasp!) let her pet it! When the gang gets together for a camping trip, Mr. Kimura makes his big confession to one of the students! It's all the zaniness and tongue-in-cheek comedy you've come to expect from this popular series, culminating in the bittersweet graduation ceremony where everyone goes their separate ways.

Full Metal Panic! Volume 4 of 5

Jealousy starts sparks flying between Kaname and Sosuke. First, Kaname is willingly distracted by an upper classman crush, sending Sosuke undercover-again. Then, just when she steels herself to confess all to Sosuke, she spots the pretty exchange student Tessa walking out of his shower! No time to react, though, as terrorists start shooting up Sosuke's apartment, holding Kaname and Tessa at knifepoint!

TOKYOPOP Inc. Taps Former Sony Pictures Entertainment Senior Exec Mark Lebowitz For Cfo

TOKYOPOP Inc. has announced the hiring of Mark Lebowitz as Chief Financial Officer. Lebowitz comes to TOKYOPOP with over 15 years of proven financial and operational experience in the entertainment, distribution, media, international and manufacturing sectors. The former SPE pro will use his strong analytical, leadership and business development expertise to champion the company's financial and operating performance and build upon the phenomenal success TOKYOPOP has seen in the past several years.

Yu Yu Hakusho Kids' Meals

ICV2 reports Hardee's and Carl's Jr. will be including figures based on the Yu Yu Hakusho anime/manga series until April 20th.

New TOKYOPOP Series Sites

TOKYOPOP has posted pages for a number of upcoming series: He at Guy J(the manga version of the anime series)... To kyo Tribes... Th reads of Time

Original Harlock to Be Released on DVD

Toei announced that the 42 episode Space Pirate Captain Herlock television series will recieved a Japanese DVD release in July. The second series Eternal Orbit SSX will be released in October.

Wider Release for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Anime on DVD reports that over the coming months, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure will be receiving wider distribution. Previously handled just by Super Techno Arts and having a fairly limited number of retailers carrying it, the first three volumes (including the first volume with the box) are now being resolicited to retailers (notably DVD Empire updating yesterday) under the Broccolli International banner. The first three volumes and first volume+box are all listed with an 04/13/2004 street date through at least one retailer so far.

NuTech Announces Anime Licenses

NuTech Digital, best known for its hentai (adult/pornographic) releases has announced that the company has licensed 34 new animated titles with Ken Groove Productions.

No titles where specifically mentioned in the released, but a number of Ken Groove titles have already been announced by other companies such as Geneon's Mao Dante, and Media Blasters' Genma Wars.

Cartoon Network's Puffy AmiYumi Info

Icv2 reports Cartoon Network will be showing the animated "Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi" show, based on the popular J-Pop music duo Puffy AmiYumi (who performed the openning for Teen Titans) this December. The show will feature live action segements with the real band.

Domestic Yu Gi Oh Movie Releases Details

4Kids Entertainment, in Association with Shueisha, TV Tokyo and Nihon AD-Systems, Teams With Warner Brothers Pictures will be releasing YU-GI-OH! Motion Picture August 13th.

Burger King Corporation will launch a major YU-GI-OH!: The Movie premium promotion backed by television advertising in the U.S. and key territories. In addition, Warner Bros. Pictures and Japanese toy and video game maker Konami Corporation will be distributing special YU-GI-OH!: The Movie trading cards to movie-goers in the U.S. and in the international markets. Cards will be offered at theatres with ticket purchases, including a new, rare collector's card that will be introduced especially for the theatrical release of YU-GI-OH!: The Movie.

In YU-GI-OH!: The Movie, after the conclusion of the Battle City Tournament, deep below the sands of Egypt, an ancient evil has awakened. Anubis, who was defeated centuries ago by Yugi's mysterious alter ego - the ancient Pharaoh - has returned for revenge. Wielding the power of the Eighth Millennium Item, Anubis is determined to destroy Yugi and take over the world.

AnimEigo Drops VHS

Anime News Network points out AnimEigo will be dropping its VHS releases as of May 1st. In order to clear out their stock, they will be selling their remaining stock of anime tapes at only $3.48. They also state that this may be the last opportunity for fans to acquire certain (unspecified) titles as some of them may not be released on DVD. Their other item of note is the announcement that their future DVD releases would include the liner notes on the DVD as opposed to as an insert in the DVD case.

New Speedracer DVD Collection

A second DVD collection of Speed Racer will be released on May 18th. The set of 12 episodes will retail for $22.98

May Shonen Jump Premiums

Viz announsed that the May issue of their Shonen Jump manga anthology, due on newsstands April 6th will feature the first of seven exclusive pinups by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama , Dragon Ball GT playing card, and a preview of new manga series, The Prince Of Tennis.

Live Action Sailormoon to Introduce New Sailor

Natsume Maya a the live action Pretty Guardian Sailormoon series currently running on Japanese TV is set to introduce a new character. A silhouette can be seen here.

Ikari Shinji Ikusei Keikaku Website Opened

Natsume Maya points out Gainax has opened its webpage for the upcoming Ikari Shinji Ikusei Keikaku (Ikari Shinji Raising Project) computer simulation game in which you can raise the lead character from Neon Genesis Evangelion. The game will feature character designs by hentai manga artist Yonekura Kengo. The game is scheduled for Japanese release this summer. Previous games have been released for Evangelion's Rei and Asuka.

Viz on Hikaru no Go Anime?

An Animation World article has stirred more confulsion as to whether Viz hold the rights to the Hikaru no Go anime series. While the article suggests that it is being shopped around as part of the ShoPro division, Viz has been relucent to confirm the license.

ADV Toys Starts Up

Anime on DVD points out that Right Stuf has begun posting items from ADV's new toys merchadise line, starting with two figures of Kaleido Star's Jonathon the Seal here and here

Upcoming Anime in Japan

Starting April in Japan

1. Aqua Kids
2. Aishiteruze Baby
3. Amdriver
4. Dandoh!
5. Gantz based on the popular, violence horror action series
6. Godanner Second Season
7. Hanaukyo Maid Tai : La Verite
8. Initial D: Fourth Stage
9. Keroro Gunso (the manga is being released as Sergant Frog by TOKYOPOP)
10. Kinnikuman II Sei (second generations) Ultimate Muscle
11. Kyou Kara Maou!
12. Legendz
13. MADLAX
14. Mahou Shoujo Tai Alice (from from Studio 4C)
15. The Mars Daybreak (pirate mecha series from the Cowboy Bebop movie's Studio Bones
16. Melody of Oblivion (Produced by Evangelion's Gainax)
17. Midori no Hibi
18. Monster, based on the well regarded manga series. The series is currently scheduled for a year and a half run.
19. Mutsuenmeiryuu Gaiden Shura no Toki
20. Panda-Z
21. Pugyuru
22. Ragnarok The Animation
23. Saiyuki Reload Gunlock, the third series in the pop version of the Journey to the West
24. Sensei no o jinkan/Doki Doki School Hours
25. Shin Getter Robo!
26. S oukyuu no Fafnir (from Xebec of Nadesico, Love Hina)
27. Tenjou Tenge
28. Tetsujin 28 (aka Gigantor)
29. This Ugly and Beautiful World (From Gainax
30. Tristia of the Blue Sea
31. Ultra Q Dark Fantasy
32. Watership Down no Usagi-tachi
33. Bakuretsu Tenshi (From studio Gonzo)
34. Re: Cutie Honey a new anime series on the heels of the live action movie
35. DearS
36. Elfen Lied, an adpation of the Okamoto Lynn manga series
37. Gankutsu-Oh, an adpatation of Count of Monte Crist from Gonzo
38. Kashimashi by Satoru Akahori (Bakuretsu Hunter, Saber Marionette) scheduled for late summer
39. Mai - HiME, a new series from Sunrise scheduled July

    July Media Blasters Releases

    From Media Blaster's AnimeWork's Label

    Figure 17 - Memories Remain (Vol.6 Eps. 12&13)

    Saber Marionettes R (3 Episodes)

    Before "J" being a Marionette was dark and deadly! Romania is a kingdom far in the future, where the waning female population has been supplemented by androids called Marionettes. When the evil Starface is freed from prison, he executes a vicious plan to overthrow the kingdom. Employing a trio of bloodthirsty love dolls, he weaves a path of carnage straight to the throne. The only surviving member of the royal family is Junior, a harmless wide-eyed innocent, but he has three courageous Marionettes to protect him. Lime, Cherry and Bloodberry will think nothing of sacrificing their own lives and giving all to save the future king of Romania.

    NaNa 7of 7 - The Luckest Number (Vol.1 Eps1-5)

    As far back as Nana Suzuki could remember, her Grandfather wanted to capture the rainbow. After years of fruitless tinkering he finally discovered a crystal that would separate the light from a rainbow into its seven basic colors. The experiment only needed to bake for another few seconds. And that 's when Nana accidentally opened the microwave... Now there are seven Nanas!! Everything about her has been multiplied by seven. There's a grumpy Nana, a giggly Nana, a crybaby, a slowpoke, a cool Nana, and a Nana who's just a little strange in addition to the original Nana - but they're still all Nana. She's got seven times the problems, seven times the hopes and seven times the love for that cute boy Yuichi. How can Nana possibly compete with herself and what are her parents going to say when they find out that they now have seven daughters? Whoever said that seven was a LUCKY number?

    Knight Hunters - New Blood (Vol.1 Eps1-5)

    Hunters of Night, Deny these Dark Beasts their tomorrows for all Eternity! Koua Academy is a prestigious school for the future leaders of Japan. However, a dark plot between influential students and teachers spells doom for those who don't make the cut. During a rash of mysterious "suicides", Sena Izumi arrives as a transfer student. He seems to be an ordinary freshman, but by night he stalks evil as a member of the assassin group Weiss. Along with fellow classmate Kyou Aguri, he answers only to his enigmatic teacher Aya and they are joined by veteran assassins, Ken, Yoji and Omi to rid Koua Academy of evil once and for all.

    Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Era Premium Box

    Kenshin has learned the ultimate sword technique of the Hiten Mitsurugi Style and defeated his enemies from the time of the Revolution. Now he is a man ready to face the new era of Japan. But along with the Meji Era comes a host of new opponents. Reunited with Yutaro from Germany, Kenshin and his allies now cross swords with the legendary Sanada Ninja and the European Black Knights. This time, Kenshin's final opponent will be the deadly Shogo Amakusa, a rogue Hiten Mitsurugi master. 8 discs, 33 episodes, 825 mins.

    Media Blasters will be releasing t-shirts of Ichi The Killer, and Versus.

    New Oh! My Goddess Anime?

    Natsume Maya reports that the latest issue of Japanese magazine Afternoon states that an announcement regarding popular relationship comedy Oh! My Goddess will be made in the May issue (on sale March 25th). Pictures suggests that a new anime series may be in the works.

    Rave Master Air Date Moved

    Cartoon Network's debut date of TOKOPOP's Rave Master has been moved to Saturday May 1st. In August the series will be moved to a Monday through Friday time slot.