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Manhwa Spotlight: Shaman Warrior By Park Joong-Ki Volumes 2 and 3 Released by Dark Horse Manhwa
If the manhwa that have been released in North America are any of sort valid representation, low fantasy, wasteland epics, featuring wars of conquest between clan states (a bit Dune, a bit Ghengis Khan) seem to dominate the Korean imagination the way that Lord of the Rings does for the English speaking world. As the title suggests, this series deals with the hot potato of "shaman warriors": individuals able to tap into abilities that make them unparalleled deadly combatants. Since the last war was settled, the victor has used propaganda to promote the danger of what was a wartime asset, and in theory, has become a peacetime liability. In these volumes, an active extermination order against the shaman warriors. has forced desperate measures onto Horakaan, the young-ish survivor of a slaughtered shaman warrior family and Batu, a hulking fighter trying to protect the daughter of his shaman warrior master. Without hyperbole: Shaman Warrior holds its own against martial arts action from any medium. The explosive fight scenes make this manhwa one of the greatest action comics produced by any nation. Volume 1 had some nice choreography and Park Joong-Ki's attention to space and position was impressive. Volume 2 has a brutal take-down and cut sequence, Shaw Brothers-eque pole work and dizzying, blade-in-each-hand ambidextrous fighting. Three locks the series as THE action comic to read. It's definitely sexist to call what is featured a "ninja cat-fight", but, two women, skilled at obfuscation and traps engage in a rather unconventional duel, and it does have a "ninja cat-fight" appeal. That's the under-card for what amounts to a heavy weight, if not super weight MMA bout meets street brawl. In the realm of popular media, with sprint-tackles, one guy trying to choke the other with his own clothes, joint locks, throws, and the whole gambit, this fight calls to mind the kung-fu/judo/jujutsu Donnie Yen/Sammo Hung fight from Kill Zone/Sha po lang. However , Shaman Warrior's lethal unarmed match has a bit more realism, a bit more dynamism and it's set on a Sergio Leone dusty street. While the level of intensity to Shaman Warrior's fights is comparable to manga like Baki the Grappler or Tough, the thrust of the appeal is detail with speed rather than an exhibition of manliness. Here, the action is brutal without the brutality becoming the chief point of interest. Park Joong-Ki's fight's illustration is not just distinguished by what he fits into his exchanges of attacks. He captures what is generally overlooked: how the attacks are accomplished. Rather than storms of speed lines or sudden, impact panels depicting the fighter's grand maneuvers, Park Joong-Ki establishes how the fighter gets to the spot to launch the strike and what closing that distance entails. For example, one sequence has a fighter, positioning himself for leverage, THEN scrambling to their opponent's back to grab a choke. The strain of muscles as the hold is locked is captured, then, there is an attempted counter, and then, how that counter was defeated. The results are such that you don't need to be a fight geek to appreciate what is being done. The big moves are as apparent as they are any other comic. The difference is that you don't have to piece together or ignore what happens between the more thundering beats of the fights. With the additional insight on what's happening, the battles seem more furious, with quicker and more force behind the exchanges. Shaman Warrior is engaging in its own fictional politics, some of which is relevant, and it is going somewhere, but it is still a fight driven work. As well constructed as the scenario is, the manhwa is intriguing by virtue of wanting to see these characters tested further, and believing that those tests are to come. Volume three drastically raises the anticipation for future volumes, and especially an interest in seeing what fights will develop next.
Manga Spotlight: Blade of the Immortal volume 17: On the Perfection of Anatomy By Hiroaki Samura Released by Dark Horse Manga
Now that Blade of the Immortal has followed Hiroiki Samura's interests down a particular rabbit hole, the manga has become a victim of its success, in that if the earlier content hadn't been so outstanding, this phase would be easier to handle. Hiroaki Samura's addition of pastels, pencil and charcoal give Blade of the Immortal a particular feel. There are certainly other violent samurai manga series, but Blade of the Immortal's attitude and artistry put it is its own category. Early on, the serial duels between the titular immortal swordsman and representatives of a punk ethic sword school were compelling for how the bizarre spectacle showcased Samura's artistic design, and for their post-morality morality plays. Later, as the series extended the plot into more long form narratives, the complexity and interplay of characters took center stage. Now, the manga has deliberately come to a resolution free halt. Samura's works have suggested an intense fascination with the human body. The protagonist of Blade of the Immortal gained a form of immortality through flesh mending worms after being horribly scarred in a life time of duels. Samura has further torn this character apart and watched him mend, and poisoned him so that his wounds have all reopened. Given the detailed anatomy exhibited in Samura's work, this has been more than just an exercise in splatter. This interest has gone in disquieting directions. Blade of the Immortal had a remorseless, extended torture scene, but that pales next to his art book "The Love of the Brute", a collection of images of naked women being violently degraded that invites the term "torture porn." "On the Perfection of Anatomy" pursues an similar idea, but it's the antithesis of "torture porn": a dry, clinical dissection. Whether it is the hero of the manga being opened up in a plot to reproduce his immortality or character realignment, everything is simply laid bare in its ugly reality. With almost every actor direct with their intentions, the purpose is frustration rather than excitement. Conceptually, it's a fascinating denouncement of the period genre's duelist plots. In practice, the warped medical drama captures that frustration too effectively. Even when Samura tries for exciting interludes, such as the arrival of a Samura twist on legendary sword tester/executioner Yamada Asaemon, or the continuing adventures of the sociopath (possibly Ainu) spitfire Doa, the manga never kicks its depressed state.
Manhwa Spotlight Banya : the explosive Delivery man Volume 4 Ny Km Young-Oh Released by Dark Horse Manhwa
In its penultimate volume, Banya pulls together a wild diversity of elements for a spike of excitement, but nothing that will linger after the book is put down. fighting monks, marauding orcs, vicious bandits, realistically presented monster fauna, and even larger, more fantastic creatures, were all previously introduced, and for the most part they are all fit together for the final dust-up. With the end in sight, the Korean manhwa is proving that its been a fun journey by building a credible rationale for stacking all these forces together. There are five pages of throw down material in middle of this volume that peg the adrenaline raising macho scale. There's a wushu band of monks about to engage a Berserk style division of irregulars, and, in parallel, the comic's hero does the routine of sticking a small arsenal of weapons into the ground in preparation for slaughter, only in this case, the oncoming force is a team of Lord of the Rings inspired wolf riders. When the action is initiated, its a lot of charging or forward motion. The results are less elaborate than even earlier fights in the same series, but the rush does carry the necessary excitement. The narrative is still cognizant of the empty, dangerous space between geographical points and the isolation of segments of the manhwa's world is still a factor in this late stage. That established a credible need for the titular delivery man angle to the series. However, that unusual, interesting occupation has had little space to be anything other than a glue to hold episodic adventures together. This is not a retread, questing fantasy, and it is not a sloppy string of situations. It is evident that Kim Young-Oh has the nature of his story in mind, but he also allows the unique character of the work to be forgotten. Early on, there were nods to the particular career ethic that spawned the delivery business, and that had a compelling attitude around it, but Banya has taken on the role of the goofy hero with a tragic background, and the capacity to meet violence with violence. As thrilling as a constant state of action can be, it mutes the perspective of the parties involved. Kim Young-Oh's illustration is special, excitement builds with the turn of every page, but especially with the ending coming soon, the series fails to stake a claim on any mental real-estate.
Manhwa Spotlight Chunchu: The Genocide Fiend Volume 1 Written by Kim Sung-Jae Illustrated by Kim-Byung-Jin Released by Dark Horse Manhwa
Though Chuncho follows a conquest scenario and looks like a sword on sword action vehicle, the spirit of the manhwa should capture the interest of Final Fantasy fans. A number very distinctive, flamboyantly dressed personalities are quickly introduced, with swords and quests to suggest RPG rather than super-heros. The dynamic of these idiosyncratic young heroes, with their storied pasts has the feel of one of Square-Enix's grouped collection of protagonists. While the first volume of Chunchu gets to the action immediately, it is chiefly an introduction, and it needs a second point in order to map the trajectory. Still, the angry, revolutionary zeal of the heroes seems to have exciting potential. The development of a cadre of young adults who are talented in martial or political arenas, who are not particularly enamored with the old order could be an intriguing direction for the series. Prior to Chunchu's birth, there was a prophecy that he would bring pain and ruin to his family. Unfortunately, twins were born. To settle the matter, a demon stone was placed in between the sleeping newborns, after which matters immediately became bloody. Now that he's grown up, he has plenty of reasons to be violently angry, which are not helped by the presence of small demon head that gets ripped out of his chest. These are sufficiently fantasy based troubles. This title character's problems could have burden the work, and self-pity would have sunk the narrative, but the manhwa really only gives the issues enough time to establish the character's motivation. The manhwa is packed with sword work that is meant to look impressive. The speed and danger is conveyed in panels with the lead literally driving forward with his blade reaching out towards the head of someone he's trying to assassinate . The issue is that the manhwa is not entirely successful in building a flow of panels around these single, powerful in isolation, images. The action is frequently complex. The hero swings at an axe-man who parries with the axe's shaft. He rushes the guy to knock his opponent down, and golf swings to lop off the foe's head. He then raises his sword up for another blow. The manhwa gets into trouble cutting between full action shots and Bourne/Batman Begins tight focus on hands, faces or points of impact. Movies belong to a medium that has complete control over the pace of the narrative. In that, with close quick cut action, they can capture the tunnel vision and instant shifts of focus that mark a real fight. In comics, pacing is a comprised between what's on the printed page and how the reader approaches the images. When Chunchu starts cutting from broad view to a speadline obscured hand, the depiction almost defies interoperation. Going through the action sequences, it is easier to just focus on the general impression and the full perspective spectacles. There are impressive instants, but as a whole, the fights are slightly obscured.
Manga Spotlight: Satsuma Gishiden: The Legend of the Satsuma Samurai Volume 3 By Hiroshi Hirata Released by Dark Horse Manga
Satsuma Gishden is a distinctive work and one that is unique in the North American market. It is part of the adult audience gekigi "dramatic picture" tradition, but rather than a release like Golgo 13 or the Kazuo Koike pulp, it is closer to the grind depicted by Yoshihiro Tatsumi's work . Anyone who appreciates manga should read Satsuma Gishiden, but even a broad minded reader is going to have to work through its volumes. Digesting the motivations for each of its episodic stories is a task, and not one that is livened up by the typical high spots of manga. From the Battle of Sekigahara that carved the way to the Tokugawa shoguns to the revolt that is the loose inspiration for the Last Samurai, the warriors of the Satsuma domain left a legendary, Spartan reputation. However, in Hiroshi Hirata's story, after years of peace made them obsolete, grudges and politics dictated that the clan's warriors commit all their resources to a ruinous public works project solving the troubles of a flood ravaged region. Satsuma Gishiden is a manga of exasperation. The every day existence of its is protagonists tied to solving an immense problem. The third volume opens with a story in which the Satsuma samurai must mediate a dispute between highland and lowland farmers whose feels will not entirely drain of flood water. This nearly untenable issue exemplifies the type of situations that the Satsuma are forced to solve, and which they are entirely unsuited to deal with. It emasculates how they define themselves. Their ethics and means of solving problems are entirely wrong for the problem at hand. Considering the problem, it is easy to be taken aback by its complexity, and by its smallness in comparison to the larger body work. The Satsuma do draw swords, and a component of what makes the work amazing is the mental and physical pain that these men push through (after the issue is addressed in the first volume, women don't really register in Satsuma Gishiden), but action is not an outlet for the work. It seems like it should be a release for the ballled rage of the samurai depicted. And, it seems like it should be a release for a reader who enjoyed Ogami Itto fighting a phalanx of ladder armed fire-watchers in Lone Wolf and Cub. As breathtaking as watching the stoic commitment of these men might be, watching them sacrificing themselves, and sacrificing their families does not translate to positive feedback in the experience. In the staggering violence, It's unpleasantness is even not the showy sort used to raise questions about the ugliness of violence. Everything in Satsuma Gishiden is about the struggle to push through, and maybe outlast the problemic situation. Satuma Gishiden might be a chore, but it is also book shelf manga. There are plenty of works that are more enjoyable to read, but many of those works are ultimately disposable. Satsuma Gishiden is a horizon broadening experience that rewards the effort. Graphically, Hirata's forceful calligraphy and rendering that shifts between text book illustration and political cartoon are significant. As are his gekiga approach to the genre and his attitudes about the depicted period.
New Macross Staff
Anime News Network reports that Shoji Kawamori and voice actor Sho Hayami announced that Yoko Kanno will compose the score for the upcoming Macross television series, tentitvely titled Macross Frontier. Heroine Ranka Lee will be voiced by newcomer Megumi Nakajima Credits list Creators: Shoji Kawamori, Studio Nue (Macross, Crusher Joe) Series Script Editor: Hiroyuki Yoshino (Code Geass, My-HiME) Music: Yoko Kanno Character Designer: Risa Ebata (Gravion Zwei, Prism Ark), Y˚ichi Takahashi (Aquarion, Noein - to your other self's animation director) Animation Production: Satelight (Aquarion, Noien) Director: Yasuhito Kikuchi (Aquarion, The Legend of Black Heaven) Executive Director: Shoji Kawamori.
Akira Clib Released by Dark Horse
The long delayed art book Akira Club has finally been released, this week, by Dark Horse Comics. For a preview see here. The 256 page full color volume retails for $29.95
Anime Bento Theatre Run
NCM FATHOM, the entertainment division of National CineMedia has announced the four-day anime festival - "Anime Bento, 4 Nights, 4 Servings - The Hottest Anime Movies on the Big Screen." Debuting in more than 250 select AMC, Regal Entertainment Group and Georgia Theatre Company movie theatres nationwide beginning on Sept. 19th at 7:30 PM local time, the complete "Anime Bento" schedule will serve up one exciting title each night as follows: "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" Wednesday, Sept. 19th Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles is the latest exciting chapter of the Robotech saga. A heroic cast of returning characters, led by Scott Bernard and Vince Grant, fight to end a decades-long struggle against an enigmatic alien race known as the Invid. However, the mysterious disappearance of the legendary Admiral Hunter will unfold in a treacherous mystery that could tear apart our young heroes and threaten their very survival! "Full Metal Alchemist - Conqueror of Shambala" Thursday, Sept. 20th It is 1923 in Munich. Two years have passed since Edward Elricís sacrifice ripped him out of his world and into ours, separating him from his younger brother, Alphonse. In that time, Edís continued research into rocketry has allied him with Alphonse Heiderich, a fellow researcher who oddly resembles Edís brother. Progress has been slow, however, and Ed has become discouraged. But when he saves a quiet Gypsy girl with the power to read minds, Ed is quickly pulled into a plot by the Thule Society and the burgeoning Nazi Party that could drag both worlds into a terrible war. Back in his own world, Al has been unlocking new secrets of alchemy and gaining incredible powers, all in the hopes of finding Ed. Battling the occult, ideological extremists, and monstrous Homunculi lurking in the shadows, can the brothers find a way to reunite without causing chaos and bloodshed? What will happen when the world of alchemy and the world of modern science collide? "Lupin the III: The Castle of Cagliostro" Wednesday, Sept. 26th When master thief Lupin III, a.k.a. "The Wolf," inadvertently steals a fortune in counterfeit bills from a casino, he is quick to realize the high-quality printing plates that made them are worth even more. Tracing the source of the money to the small European country of Cagliostro, Lupin and his team of colorful outlaws cross swords with the local count over his forthcoming marriage to the last princess of the Cagliostro family. Itís a fast-paced adventure as Lupin must battle fearsome ninjas, rescue a damsel in distress and uncover the key to the lost Cagliostro fortune. This is the first feature film written and directed by Academy Award winning anime pioneer and visionary Hayao Miyazaki. "Karas - The Prophecy" Thursday, Sept. 27th MIKURA IS ON THE RISE AGAIN... Tokyo - a city populated by both humans and by ghostly beings. They exist in both dimensions, seen and unseen: spirits, apparitions, demons. The balance between these two dimensions has long been upheld by the city's guardian raven Karas and his masters. But that balance has been thrown into disarray as Eko, a former Karas, has attempted to seize power and bring order to the streets through force. The entity Yurine, who represents the will of the people, stands in his way with her newly risen Karas. Now an ageless battle stretching across both dimensions and killing humans and spirits alike is in progress between the two sides and their armies. Karas is humanityís last hope. Tickets for "Anime Bento" can be purchased for $10 at FathomEvents.com or at participating theatre box offices beginning August 17th. For a complete list of theatre locations, visit the website.
Philadelphia Anime Convention Announced
TCON Expressions of Philadelphia announced that the TandokuCon anime convention will be held November 9-11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. TCON describes the event as the first convention to run in Philadelphia, though other conventions have run in the region. The organization also explains that they are organizing the first anime convention produced by an African-American owned company, TCON Expressions, and an underlying purpose is a response to the epidemic of youth violence in Philadelphia and other cities by providing a place where youth can have an outlet for artistic expression. TandokuCon has received commitments from the top anime names in voice acting, art and music including Vic Mignona, Christopher Ayres, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Crispin Freeman, Kyle Hebert, Liam O'Brien, Lex Lang, Derek Stephen Prince, Aaron Dismuke, Lisa Furkawa, Johnny Yong Bosch and Eyeshine, and The Hsu-nami. Bios are on the web site. The con will include panel discussions by industry experts, a concert, Cosplay Fashion shows, Live Action Role Play (LARP), a Silent Auction, video game tournaments in the game room, video rooms where screenings of licensed anime, Anime Music Videos (AMVs) and fan parodies will be shown, a Merchants' Room, and Artists' Alley. Tommy Callahan, 22, of Downingtown, PA is Head Coordinator for Anime Music Video Screening and Fan Parody Screening.
Tachigui Selected in Competition at Raindance
Prodction I.G has announced that Mamoru Oshii's "Tachigui: The Amazing Lives of the Fast Food Grifters" (original title: Tachiguishi Retsuden) has been selected in competition for the 15th Raindance Film Festival, to be held in London, United Kingdom, from September 25 to October 7. The screening at the Raindance Film Festival is also going to be the movieís UK premiere. The "superlivemation" mockumentary retells Japan's history from 1945 to our days through the feats of self-proclaimed dine and dash professionals. Cast includes Toshio Suzuki (Studio Ghibli's producer), Kenji Kamiyama ("Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" director), Shoji Kawamori ("Macross" and "Aquarion" director), and Shinji Higuchi ("Lorelei" and "Sinking of Japan" director).
Upcoming ADV Releases
9/25 Air Tv Volume Two (of 4, also available with limited collector's box)Utawarerumono: A Song For Posterity (6 of 6) 10/2 Air Gear: A Battle Of Kings (5 of 6) Welcome to the NHK: First Conspiracy (volume 1 of 6) Yugo The Negotiator: Complete Collection ($39.98) 10/9 Kurau Phantom Memory: Mirror Image (4 of 6) Blood Reign / Kimera Double Pack ($19.98) 10/16 009-1 VOLUME 3 (of 3) Innocent Venus: Blood Of Betrayal (2 of 3) Blue Seed: Mitama Collection ($49.98) Welcome to the NHK From Studio GONZO (Afro Samurai, Chrono Crusade) and director Yusuke Yamamoto (Sgt. Frog) Synopsis: Satoís life is going down the drain. Heís dropped out of college, only goes outside once a week and sleeps sixteen hours a day. Surviving on a steady diet of internet porn sites, he finds himself falling further into a pit of despair. Then he has a sudden epiphany. Sato decides that the sinister broadcast company known as "The NHK" is trying to transform their viewers into jobless, societal recluses, and they bombard them with images of cutesy anime girls. Unable to resist the charms of such addictive programming, innocent victims like Sato are soon too busy watching TV, reading erotic comics, and playing pornographic computer games to pursue a normal life. In Satoís darkest hour, he has a chance encounter with a beautiful girl named Misaki, who claims that she can cure him of his perverse ways. Is this mysterious visitor an angel of mercy, or a devilish agent of the NHK? Will he get a job and counter the evil organization, or will he submit to his weakness and download porn all day? Swimming in a sea of corruption, Sato prepares for the battle of his life. Welcome to the NHK! Yugo The Negotiator Synopsis Pakistan: Episodes 1-6 A hostage has been taken in Pakistan; the chances of his survival are slim to none. Yugo Beppu, the worldís leading private negotiator, is called to the scene by the hostageís daughter to deal with a fierce anti-government faction. Walking a dangerous line between the powerful military and ruthless guerrillas, it will take more than words for Yugo to survive in the blazing desert. Synopsis Russia: Episodes 7-13 When the Soviet Union collapsed, a $200 billion legacy was left buried in its ruins. The key to uncovering it lies in the hands a young girl who possesses a mysterious Khristos ring. When Yugo is hired to bring her to Japan he finds himself trapped in a deadly web of greed and treachery. Traveling to the frigid land of Siberia, Yugo discovers that his contractor has a sinister ulterior motive for hiring him. Yugo must unlock the mystery of the Romanovski rings or be sentenced to death. Blue Seed The original anime series plus the three-episode OVA sequel, Blue Seed: Beyond, Synopsis: The countdown to extinction begins when the evil shape-shifting monsters known as the Aragami make their grand play to gain control of the Earth. Humanityís only chance for survival rests on the shoulders of Momiji, a young girl carrying an unborn Aragami in her chest, and Mamoru, a servant of the Aragami rebelling against his masters in order to ensure mankindís survival.
NYICFF Presents Kid Flix Mix
NYICFF will be presenting a series of international children works Sat & Sun, Aug 25 & 26 at 11:00 am Tickets can be purchased hereworks to be shown include: The Dog Who Was a Cat Inside UK, Animation, Siri Melchior, 2002, 3.5 min In this beautifully animated parable, a dog struggles with his "inner cat." 2CV France, Experimental, Charlotte Lowe/David Lowe, 2004, 3 min On a moonlit night Little Peter runs away with his true love, driving a car through land, sea, and sky, eyes open to the intoxicating mysteries of the night. A glorious helter-skelter, dreamlike romp, set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev. Shaun the Sheep: Bathtime UK, Animation, Christopher Sadler, 2006, 7 min A tale of ovine mayhem from Aardman Animations. The flock refuses to have a wash in the freezing sheep dip, so Shaun goes on a commando raid to hijack the hot water from the farmer's bath tub. Field Guide to Snapping Canada, Animation, Nihhil Adnani, 2003, 3 min. When a young girl breaks out her turntable in the woods, the animals have just got to get down! Tom and the Strawberry Mouse Germany, Animation, Andreas Hykade, 2003, 5 min Tom craves a slice of bread with strawberry jam and honey and must pick his way through a funny and unpredictable adventure before his appetite can be satisfied. Despite some mishaps, he never loses heart! Happy Horse and the Monster Germany, Animation, Gerhard Hahn, 1997, 3 min A cheerful and delicate ballet- dancing horse charms a toothy monster. Driving Alone Brazil/Germany, Animation, Rosangela De Aruajo, 2003, 6.5 min A film about creativity and imagination. With only a toy truck and a lime, a little boy creates a fantastic landscape full of joy and surprises. But when his colorful daydream is abruptly ended he is brought back to the reality of life on the street. Laughing Moon Japan, Animation, Kiyoshi Nishimoto, 2000, 6 min A moving tangram, twelve pieces divided from a circle and square combine to form different shapes and figures and act out elegantly simple scenes. Big Cat Little Cat Germany, Animation, Alexandra Schatz, 2000, 5 min Big Cat is worried that Little Cat's naÔve honesty will offend the clientele of a neighborhood clothing boutique. But as it turns out, Little Cat's advice is just what these customers need. Fowl Play USA, Animation, Christopher De Santis, 2003, 3 min Ducks and penguins face off on a virtual soccer field in the hopes of finding out which is the dominant species. Bring it on! Marbles Israel, Experimental, Maya Tiberman, 2005, 3 min Video image manipulation gives a new perspective on everyday surroundings. Montrose Avenue Canada, Animation, Marek Colek/Pat Shewchuk, 2006, 5.5 min Drawings feel as if they've leapt directly from the pages of a picture book in this colorful day in the life of Montrose Avenue, a bustling street in a Portuguese neighborhood.
Tentatively Scheduled Releases
Anime on DVD notes that the following titles have been tentative listened in Diamond Comic's specialty shop solicitations for November releases 5 Centimeters Per Second, Vol.1 Ah! My Goddess Season 1: Complete Collection ($59.95) Burn Up! / Plastic Little Double Pack ($19.99) Gantz: Perfect Score Collection ($99.99) Golden Boy Jing - King of Bandits: Seventh Heaven, Vol.1 Nadia: Secret of the Blue Water: Complete Tin Collection ($79.99) Neon Genesis Evangelion: Perfect Tin Collection ($129.99) Princess Tutu: Complete Collection Thinpak ($49.99) Shadow Skill: Complete Collection ($49.99) Shura no Toki: Complete Collection Thinpak ($59.95) Step Up Love Story $19.95 Tokyo Majin, Vol.1 Venus Versus Virus, Vol.1
Third Volumes 2 and 3 Planned
Right Stuf, Inc./Nozomi Entertainment and Kadokawa Pictures USA have announced the September 25 release of THE THIRD: THE GIRL WITH THE BLUE EYE, DVD VOL. 2: TENDING WOUNDS Extras include Reversible cover; Character bios A 12-page, color booklet featuring artwork, a guide to episodes 5-8 The 24-episode anime, also known as "The Third - Aoi Hitomi no Shoujo," is based upon a popular series of novels and short stories written by Ryou Hoshino and illustrated by Nao Goto. Spanning more than 16 volumes, the original fiction has appeared in Japanís Dragon Magazine since 1999, alongside the serialized novels that inspired the hit Full Metal Panic! and Slayers anime series. Additionally, a manga adaptation of The Third - which is scheduled for a 2008 North American release by TOKYOPOP - ran in Dragon Age magazine, home to the Full Metal Panic!, Slayers and Chrono Crusade manga. After their last devastating encounter with Blue Breaker, Honoka and the others try to pick up the pieces, but thereís not much time to recover. The cold blue enforcer is closing in fast, and this time, thereís nothing holding him back. She may be outmatched and outgunned, but Honoka isnít about to give up without a fight! Meanwhile, something dangerous has begun to stir out in the desert. Itís got the Third worried, and when the Third are worried, others should be terrified... Contains episodes 5-8.THE THIRD: THE GIRL WITH THE BLUE EYE, DVD VOL. 3: GRAVESTONE is scheduled to be released on November 27, 2007. The seriesí third volume will be available in two variations: a standard, disc-only edition ($24.99) and a limited edition that includes two, exclusive puzzles - featuring artwork from the series - plus an art box, designed to house the entire six-volume DVD release ($34.99). The deadly swirling vortex known only as "Gravestone" continues to expand, destroying everything in its path - and Honoka is headed straight toward it! Blissfully unaware of the danger lying ahead, sheís busy tracking sand dragons and dealing with an unexpected visitor, Paife. The mysterious, raven-haired beauty has invited herself along, claiming that sheís there to help, and Honoka is about to need all the help she can get! Contains episodes 9-12.
Gundam 00 Cast and ED theme
Gunota reports that Toru Furuya will narrate this falls Gundam 00. The rest of the primary cast includes Setsuna F Seiei: Mamoru Miyano Lockon Stratos: Shinichiro Miki Allelujah Haptism: Hiroyuki Yoshino Tieria Erde: Hiroshi Kamiya Sumeragi Ri Noriega: Youko Honna Alejandro Corner: Yasunori Matsumoto Wang Liu Mi: Kei Shindou Hong Rong: Kenji Takahashi Lasse Aion: Hiroki Touchi Felt Grace: Ayahi Takagaki Christina Sierra: Arise Satou Lichtendahl Caeli: Masataka Azuma Haro: Arisa Ogasawara Billy Katagiri: Yuji Ueda Graham Acre: Yuuichi Nakamura Patrick Corlasawar: Kenji Hamada Saji Crossroad: Miyu Irino Kinue Crossroad: Aya Endo Louise Halevy: Chiwa Saitou Marina Ismail: Ayumi Tsunematsu Sergei Smirnov: Unshou Ishizuka Ioria Schuhenberg: Chikao Ohtsuka ED Theme title "Wana" (English translation "Trap") is from The Back Horn.
New and Upcoming in Japan
Anime News Network reports that the October issue (on sale August 21) of Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh officially announced that a second season of the Gunslinger Girl anime series will be produced. According to the official site, the anime, scheduled for next spring, will cover the manga's Pinocchio arc. Eiji Otsuka and Sho-u Tajima's will be restarting in Kadokawa's Monthly Shonen Ace Action clips of BONES' Sword of the Stranger are on its site. AnimeNation notes that a fourth My Hime series, entitled My Otome S.ifl will be a My Otome prequel. A Flash trailer for Franz Kafka's A Country Doctor by Koji Yamamura is online A trailer from Comiket 72 for the Kodomo no Jikan OVA has been YouTubed here. The manga version of the comedy about a girl who makes sexual advances towards her teacher was almost released in North America has Nymphet, before it was preemptively cancelled. A trailer for the Aquarion movie is on its site Naked Ape's Switch will be adapated as an OVA. A trailer for Ayakashi can be downloaded here.
Utawarerumono on Blu-ray
Anime on DVD reports Imagica has announced a Japanese Blu-ray box set of the anime adaptation of adult strategy RPG/adventure game Utawarerumono. The set will be produced from an original HD master.
Manga/OEL Nomated For Library Award
The following title were nominated for American Library Association's Young Adult Library Services Association Award After School Nightmare Avalon High. Avril Lavigne's Make 5 Wishes. Dramacon, Emma Gothic Sports. Kekkaishi King of Thorn Love*Com. Manga Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet Me2 Mushishi Princess Resurrection. Spiral The Good Witch of the West The Moon and the Sandals Train + Train Vampire Knight
Figures News
Yamato USA has recently releases the following figures SIF EX: COMIC PARTY - Mizuki Takase 1/7 scale PVC from French Doll of Cerebus ProjectSIF EX: ONEECHANBARA - Aya 1/6 scale PVC figure from Shunji Hagii (Studio Saru Bunshitsu Kasetsujo) JSOCS: "whip x nonoko" - nonoko~noon~ from artist Kaoru From Figures.com Upcoming Gundam 00 figures from Bandai's MIA (Mobile Suits In Action) line include - GN001 Gundam Exia is due to be released in late November for 2,100yen ($17.75US). - GN002 Gundam Dynames is planned for a late December release at 2,625yen ($22US). - GN003 Gundam Kyrios has an expected release date of late December for 2,625yen ($22US). - GN005 Gundam Virtue will be available in late December for 3,150yen ($26.50US). Kaiyodo's Rebuild Of Evangelion Revoltech Figures are reviewed here Bandai has movie its release of the S.I.C. Movie Realization Eva 01 to December Max Factory's Bio Fighter Collection: ZOALORD PLUQSTAHL is reviewed here Previews on the site include Toynami's Robotech Line Kotobukiya's Witchblade Revoltech 2G OVA Black Getter Danny Choo looks at a pretty intense Rei Ayanami figure here
Upcoming Geneon Releases
Geneon has scheduled fhte following releases 11/13/07 Black Lagoon The Second Barrage 1 The Law of Ueki True Motive Revealed (volume 10) 11/20/07 Saiyuki Reload Gunlock Complete Box Set ($159.98) Paradise Kiss Complete Box Set ($59.98) Elemental Gelade Complete Box Set ($99.98) The company has also discontinued the Captain Herlock box set and the following UMDs: Ah! My Goddess The Movie Akira Appleseed Gankutsuou 1 Gungrave 1 Hellsing 1 Ikki Tousen 1 Last Exile 1 Onmyouji Paranoia Agent 1 ROD The TV 1 Sakura Wars The Movie Samurai Champloo 1 Samurai Champloo 2 Samurai Champloo 3 Samurai Champloo 4 Submarine 707R Tenjho Tenge 1 Trigun 1 Viewtiful Joe 1
Ex Machina Cast
Anime News Network has posted the cast for the Appleseed CG sequel here. Ai Kobayashi will return as Deunan Knute. Kouichi Yamadera (Spike Spiegel of Cowboy Bebop, Togusa of Ghost in the Shell, Ryouji Kaji of Neon Genesis Evangelion) will assume the role of Briareos. Other members of the cast include: Gara Takashima as Athena Kuwata Kong as Aeacus Miyuki Sawashiro as Hitomi Naoko Kouda as Dr. Xander Rei Igarashi as Nike Rica Fukami as Yoshino Shinpachi Tsuji as Commander Lance Takaya Hashi as Dr. Kestner Takaya Kuroda as Arges Yasuyuki Kase as Yoshitsune Yuuji Kishi as Tereus
TOKYOPOP TO Release Vampire Kisses OEL
TOKYOPOP and Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsChildren's Books announced the September 2007 release of Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, the first installment of a three-part graphic novel series based on Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber (Teenage Mermaid, Comedy Girl, Vampire Kisses) with art by rem, who was also the first winner of TOKYOPOP's popular Rising Stars of Manga competition with her entry Devil's Candy. Synopsis: The absolute last thing Goth girl Raven and her vampire boyfriend Alexander need is another hitch in their night-time only romance-but dark trouble hovers on the horizon when Raven and Alexander discover four freshly dug graves filled with empty coffins. When a crew of dodgy vampires takes up residence in Dullsville's lonely graveyard, Alexander finds this motley bunch is led by his very own blood-sucking cousin, Claude Sterling. Claude and his creepy crew can only spell out more problems for the pair, especially when Raven finds them in daylight attending Dullsville High-shocking! What could Claude and his invaders be doing-or searching for-in Dullsville?
Viz Talks Ping Pong Release
VIZ Pictures will debut its latest DVD with the release of the critically acclaimed PING PONG from director Sori Fumihiko on September 4, 2007 (reviewed here). The film will be offered as a 2-disc widescreen edition that also features bonus material including "The Making of Ping Pong," and two additional shorts, "Ting Pong" a brief parody of the film, and "How to Play Ping Pong," in addition to a director and cast profile and the original Japanese trailers. PING PONG is based on a popular 5-volume comic by bestselling artist Taiyo Matsumoto, who created several acclaimed youth-driven manga titles like TEKKONKINKREET: BLACK & WHITE, NO.5, and BLUE SPRING (all published in North America by VIZ Media). Director Sori Fumihiko, who also notably worked as an effects supervisor for the movie, TITANIC, went to great lengths to preserve the visual style of the original manga in the film, which ultimately was nominated for eight Japanese Academy Awards in 2003. Actor Shidou Nakamura also won the 'Newcomer of the Year' award for his performance as Dragon, a rival of the two main characters. PING PONG was a favorite at a the Montreal Fantasia Film Festival, the Philadelphia Film Festival, The San Diego Asian Film Festival and the New York Asian Film Festival, where it was the Audience Award winner. Best friends "Peco" Hoshino and "Smile" Tsukimoto have been playing ping pong since they were little kids. While the cocky and talented Peco plays to win and loves the sport, the quiet and introverted Smile thinks of it as just a way to kill time with friends and only plays because he secretly idolizes Peco, who taught him the game as children. Smile is initially the better player, however, and the object of his overzealous coachís attempts to make him a champion. Though he is more skilled, Smile frequently and intentionally loses to Peco out of a misguided sense of friendship. However, Peco is badly beaten and humiliated by his rival, Dragon, in an important inter-high school tournament, and he suddenly quits the game leaving Smile to become the newest amateur ping pong prodigy and celebrity. Eventually Peco is drawn back to the intensity of the game with the help of a chain smoking grandma who is a ping pong sensei. He begins training hard for the next championship, hoping to fulfill his destiny to become a ping pong hero, but to do it he must face his best friend for one last match.
Go! Comi Announces The "Black Sun Silver Moon" Doujinshi Contest
Manga publisher Go! Comi in association with the New York Anime Festival and TheOtaku.com today announced the first contest devoted to manga fan-comics, known in Japan as doujinshi. The contest is based on Go! Comiís best-selling manga series "Black Sun, Silver Moon," by Tomo Maeda. The series is the story of the complex relationship between the enigmatic zombie-hunting priest Shikimi and his apprentice Taki, who is destined to kill him. Go! Comi invites all aspiring artists to create their own one-to-five page fan-comic based on the characters, situation, or world of "Black Sun, Silver Moon," then upload their entries to the contest section of TheOtaku.com, the Webís premiere site for manga, anime and gaming fan art and blogging. In November, a selection committee will choose 15 finalists, whose manga will be put on display at the AnimeNEXT Manga Library at the New York Anime Festival, held December 7th through 9th. Festival attendees will be invited to vote for their favorites. The winner will be announced during the Anime Festival's Closing Ceremonies. The winning comic will be published by Go! Comi in an upcoming volume of Black Sun, Silver Moon in 2008. The winning doujinshi will also be put on permanent display in the AnimeNEXT Manga Library, and the winning artist will receive a prize package of Go! Comi manga. All the finalists will also receive a copy of Art of Otaku from TheOtaku.com. For more, see here
The Nightmare Factory Graphic Novel
A partnership of Fox Atomic and HarperCollins will be release The Nightmare Factory for $17.88 on September 4th. Based on the works of Thomas Ligotti, the graphic novel will feature the following stories. In "The Last Feast of Harlequin," writer Stuart Moore and artist Colleen Doran tell of an anthropologistís journey into a surreal winter carnival, where he witnesses an ancient rite of human sacrifice to grotesque worm-like creatures. Ben Templesmithís art accompanies Stuart Mooreís adaptation of "Dream of a Mannikin," the story of a patient and psychiatrist bound together in a horrific dream. In "Doctor Locrianís Asylum," writer Joe Harris teams with artist Ted McKeever to bring to life a small town living in the shadow of a looming asylum with a monstrous past. And in the final story, Joe Harris and artist Michael Gaydos team up to adapt a strange urban legend that robs artists of their desire to create art when theyíre confronted with horrible revelations.
Pinky Violence Returns
In non-anime news, Twitch points out the Panik House / Synapse Pinky Violence or "Poisonous Seductress" collection is scheduled for release November 13th.
Worth checking out
Studio Ghibli and JAL (Japan Airlines)'s "Sora wo Tobu" (Fly the Skies) collaboration has a trailer hereAnime Jump's forum, Moe-tan teaches English: Apparently Gundam also teaches English. Eva Monkey collects all the Rebuild of Evangelion previews for the new movies. Square Enix has opened its English language retail site. David Welsh's Flipped features an interview with CMX's Jim Chadwick and Asako Suzuki. Production I.G has posted an interview Blood+'s Junichi Fujisaku concerning phone comic XX here ComiPress translates part four of The Reason I Quit My Job as a Manga Editor here Patrick Macias interviews The Anime Encyclopedia for Japan Times here. JapanProbe looks at animated gagmanga. Otakuism has posted a series of parody based on the openning of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei My So-Called Japanese Life has posted images of wireframe characters from the Asagaya tanabata festival here In preparation for their 80 page zine, check out Same Hat! Same Hat!'s first kiss survey
