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Manga Spotlight: The Guin Saga Manga: Book Two: The Seven Magi by Kaoru Kurimoto (Author), Kazuaki Yanagisawa (Illustrator) Released By Vertical
Some background on the tangential anecdotes to preface the Guin Saga talk. The only sport I really follow for an interest in the endeavor itself is mixed martial arts. Beyond that, I keep tabs on what's going on because it is useful to be able to talk intelligently on sports related topic, and because I'm interested in it on a meta, procedural level. While it's not a sport, I also half-follow professional wrestling in a similar way for similar reasons, chiefly because the whole carnie effort to attract crowds and maintain their attention can be fascinating. First, while I'm not emotionally involved in sports, by proxy, watching the Super Bowl with other people from the Boston area was a fairly crushing experience. When it was over, I had a couple shots of Vodka and sat down to read volume two of the Guin Saga manga for the curative properties of a good, beat-something-up escapist story. Second, supposedly, when Dutch Mantell, arrived at TNA Wrestling to book (determine who's going to wrestling and who's going to win) the promotion, he looked at Raven and the wrestlers that Raven managed and pronounced that the organization had "too many damn vampire." This has been perpetuated as an old-school, not-getting-it moment. Admittedly, it doesn't make a ton of sense to look at a manga subtitled "The Seven Magi" and complain that there are "too many damn magicians," but even if the heroes end up tripping to Baba Yaga's world, and one of the magi is an amusingly nonplussed little old man, and pulp novel African style "The Black Witch Thamia" is a lot more exciting now that she's calling out The Hoofed Igsoggue as an "ugly thing born of a flask" and not just acting like a lusty movie stripper, all of these wizards are antithetical to what works best about Guin Saga. Based on the early trilogy of the 100+ novel Guin Saga series localized/released by Vertical, it seems like the Guin Saga functions, or functions best, like Conan, the other Howard works or the Lankhmar stories that keep wizards, and especially powerful wizards at arms lengths. As whily or obtuse as the magi of this manga are, it's problematic to have a number of characters who can bend the world to their will hanging around. The thrill to Guin Saga, and the reason why its leopard mask wearing hero is such a bad-ass, is that the stories deal with a deeply dangerous world, where there is always a malicious, angry something hanging in the shadows. The eponymous hero is significant because he can grab a sword and wade into the thick of this world full of nameless horrors ready to swallow him whole. The manga does have Guin making grand pronouncements, drawing then charging in on grotesquely titanic beasties, and the manga is quite bold and fun when it's focusing on Guin slashing away at the otherworldly bleeders. All of these magi who can wiggle their noses and light the skies on fire demonstrate a type of control over the environment that is showcased at the expense of the dark mystery of the world, and by extension, Guin himself. Guin's macho stoicism, played against the scope of various menacing factors in his world, make the franchise an exciting addition to the genre. If Seven Magi was adapted into manga because it featured large scale spectacles, suited to the medium, that makes sense. Vertical's attempt to establish the franchise through its manga, makes sense given the popularity of the format in North America and the willingness of readers to try a new manga title. Unfortunately, these two rational motivations don't perfectly complement each other. Though entertaining and diverting, the manga obscures the most distinctive qualities of Guin Saga.
Manga Spotlight: Translucent Kazuhiro Okamoto volume 3 Released by Dark Horse Manga
The biggest knock on this superlatively sweet manga series has been that it is strictly written for serialization. More than the fact that the stories largely concern distinct events, it is the consistent tone from chapter length story to chapter length story that necessitates breaks. Rather than grind on the relationship between Shizuka, a teenage girl with translucent syndrome, which periodically causes her to fade into invisibility, and her flighty but considerate boyfriend Tadami, the manga pulls back and spends more time on supporting cast and incidental characters. Unless you looking to finish the manga in one go for some reason (ie, want to have it read for a review), it's still probably better to spread out the reading, but this particular volume is easier to digest on-mass than previous ones. Essentially, Translucent is a nice manga; not really pastoral like Aria/Aqua, childish like Yotsuba&! or narrow cast like Azumanga Daioh, but very optimistic about human nature. The net result is that it demonstrates a faith in the bond between people. People connected by friendship, love or family mean well, and while sometimes things are made difficult through circumstances or mistakes, it might take days or decades, and it will require effort, but, eventually matters will be sorted out into a natural, positive state. With everything ending up with tears of joy or at least bittersweet, objectively, the stories are pat and predictable. At the same time, they are emotionally involving and credible. The secret to this success is in the level of abstraction by which the characters are presented. Shizuka and Tadami are specific people. She dreams and labors to be an actress. He's an artist with a childish streak. The manga introduces their families. There's a real sense of their every day lives. Yet, we're not really burdened with too much of these people. Despite some continuity between stories, the manga doesn't slow itself by building up history. A glance will tell you everything you need to know about the characters and their circumstances. As with the distinctive shapes of the cartooned design, the framework both clear and open enough for the reader to get involved and provide their own shading. In filling in or ignoring details, the character register as believable ideas. Twice on the back cover of Translucent, Dark Horse refers to the manga as a title for "fans of shojo." As far as the North American manga market goes, it is fair to stage a romance for "shojo fans," especially given that it's not a relationship comedy where a host of girl chase after a male cipher, but evaluating Translucent, it is significant to pay attention to the original, intended audience for the manga. In its Japanese release, Translucent was serialized in Comic Flapper, a seinen anthology for teenage males, and at times, the manga has struggled with defining Shizuka through Tadami. That issue was most pronounced in the early, introductory stories, and as the series has progressed, it has faded, leaving the manga in more neutral stance. There's a doctor who makes a concerted effort to encourage Shizuka and Tadami to get intimate. As a male, the character would be plain creepy. As a woman, the character rest easier in the role of a genre conceit/facilitator until the manga can find the opportunity to flesh out her motivation and make her a real personality. Beyond situations of necessity or preference like that, a lot of the spots in the manga are gender-neutral. It's all sufficiently sensitive that a lot of the people that interact with the principals could have been of either gender. Most of them are female, to reflect their relationship with Shizuka, but in a number of cases, it is possible to envision the character having the same sort of relationship with a male. And the women who are introduced aren't the sort of over-sexualized female characters that often make their way into male oriented manga. While Translucent isn't part of any sort of conversation regarding what might be the "best manga", if you wanted to deconstruct what works in manga, what makes the tradition so popular, Translucent is a prime candidate. What how it handles its character is a perfect demonstration of why readers connect to manga characters and why people care of the population of manga from Naruto to Fruits Basket.
News Anime Licenses
FUNimation announced that they have licensed Madhouse's anime adaptation of sword and monsters title Claymore, the manga version of which is released in North America by Viz. The announcement promo can be seen here and the official site is hereA John Sirabella Anime on DVD post reviewed that Media Blasters has licensed the anime version of Night Head Gensis. The adaptation of a live action TV series follows the exploits of a pair of psychic brothers.
Tekkonkinkreet Wins Japan's Academy Award for Animation
Anime News Network notes that Michael Arias and Studio 4°C's Tekkonkinkreet with the Animation of the Year award in the 31st Japan Academy Prizes on Friday. The film was competing with Hideaki Anno and Khara's Evangelion: 1.0 You Are [Not] Alone, Keiichi Hara and Shinei Animation's Summer Days with Coo, Masayuki Kojima and Madhouse's The Piano Forest, and Taiichiro Yamamoto and Shogakukan/TMS Entertainment's Detective Conan: Jolly Roger in the Deep Azure. This is only the second year that an award in the Animation of the Year category has been presented. Mamoru Hosoda and Madhouse's The Girl Who Leapt through Time won the first award in the previous year.
Timothy Harris To Write Imagi Studios' 'Astro Boy'
Imagi announced that Timothy Harris (Space Jam, Kindergarten Cop, Twins and Trading Places) has been signed to write their upcoming CG-animated feature film Astro Boy. David Bowers (Flushed Away) is the director of Astro Boy, slated for worldwide release in 2009.
Figures News
Dark Horse Deluxe recently announced the acquisition of a license to release a line of merchandise based on the popular Japanese NHK mascot Domo. The product line includes a unique self-mailer stationery set, an adorable sculpted refrigerator magnet, an embroidered patch, two separate journals and a flocked vinyl Domo in four variations. The first journal has a photo cover, reminiscent of a 1970s photo album that depicts Domo rolling in the grass with patches of flowers all around. The second journal is a silhouette, die-cut in the shape of Domo, and features a flocked surface that creates the sensation of fur. This is combined with laminates on board, so his teeth and mouth contrast in a tactile way, not just with color. His round black eyes are made of plastic affixed to the surface for a three dimensional effect, with a spiral binding concealed under his arm. The flocked vinyl journal is a first for Dark Horse and is scheduled as a precursor to the centerpiece of the Dark Horse Domo line: 8.5" flocked vinyl figures—not only in traditional Domo-brown, but also variant figures in pink, white, or blue. This is the first time Domo will be seen in a color other than brown, and Dark Horse is proud to present these notable, flocked vinyl figures in very limited runs. The stationery, photo journal, and patch will release in April, and will range from $4.99– $9.99. The flocked journal and sculpted magnet will be available in June for $7.99– $14.99, as well as the limited-edition flocked vinyl figures for $39.99—see edition size and info below. Classic Brown - Limited Edition Royal Blue - Limited to 500 Fabulous Fuchsia - Limited to 500 Polar White - Limited to 250 Organic Hobby, Inc in conjunction with Kaiyodo will be releasing Fraülein Revoltech #004 – Pocco in North America. The new line of “REVOLTECH” (also know as “FRAÜLEIN REVOLTECH”) created and sculpted by the brilliant Enoki Tomohide, comes equipped with another innovative newly developed joint & body system known as “E.L.F” that allows the figure(s) to demonstrate a large variety of realistic pose unlike any other PVC action figure. Fraülein Revoltech Pocco is originated from the picture & art book "Sweet Dreams," created by the famous Japanese illustrator Shunya Yamashita. "Fraülein Revoltech Pocco" is the fourth character/figure to be released as a part of "FRAÜLEIN REVOLTECH" line. The figure stands six and a half inches and has multiple articulation points (20 articulation points with 10 joint parts). "Fraülein Revoltech Pocco" comes equipped with “Replaceable” parts and accessories (such as 1 sword, 2 set of hands and 1 display base). Bandai America's 2008 American International Toy Fair in New York City lineup includes * The Power Rangers, back for its 16th season, mew features include aMega Mission Helmet that connects online to now download more than 50 role-playing missions into it. * Ben10: Alien Force * Tamagotchi Connection V5 “Familitchi,” which allows multiple characters to be raised simultaneously as a family clan. Familitchi also debuts an all-new TamaTown.com virtual world, called the Tama & Earth Expo, where kids can take their interaction with all the various Tamagotchi families to dynamic new levels. * Dragon Ball Z and Digimon franchises * The debut of BLUE DRAGON action figures From Figures.com DC Direct's Ame-Comi Poison Ivy Some hilariously bad bootleg superheo figures. Gentle Giant’s Hellboy Animated -- ABE SAPIEN SOTA's Street Fighter Revolutions and SOTA's AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE
Upcoming Dark Horse Releases
BERSERK VOLUME 24 By Kentaro Miura On sale July 23 b&w, 208 pages $13.95 TPB, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4"BLOOD + VOLUME 2: CHEVALIER Ryo Ikehata (W) and Chizu Hashii (A) On sale July 9 b&w, 256 pages $8.95 Novel, 5" x 7" DAYAN BOOKS 1-4 by Akiko Ikeda On sale March 26 FC, 40 pages $9.95 HC, 5 3/8" x 7 7/16" International best-selling author Akiko Ikeda has made the tales of the mischievous cat Dayan and his woodland friends in the magical realm of Wachifield a sensation around the world. Dark Horse brings these adventures to America for the first time in a series of durable children’s books for readers of all ages! This series is four individual volumes: Book 1 Dayan’s Birthday, Book 2 Thursday Rainy Party, Book 3 White Eurocka, and Book 4 Chibikuro Party. This is the first publication of the Dayan titles in English and in North America; the books have been an ongoing publishing series in Japan since 1988 with millions of copies sold. DOMO 8" FLOCKED VINYL FIGURE Available in limited quantities, our 8" Flocked Domo vinyl figure comes in four colors– Classic Brown, Fabulous Fuchsia, Royal Blue, and Polar White. These fun, furry-flocked figures are fuzzy to the touch, just like Domo. Domo 8" Flocked Vinyl Figure Classic Brown, limited edition $39.99 Domo 8" Flocked Vinyl Figure Fabulous Fuchsia, limited to 500 $39.99 Domo 8" Flocked Vinyl Figure Royal Blue, limited to 500 $39.99 Domo 8" Flocked Vinyl Figure Polar White, limited to 250 $39.99 GHOST TALKER’S DAYDREAM VOLUME 1 Sankichi Meguro (W) and Saki Okuse (A) On sale July 22 b&w, 216 pages $10.95 TPB, 5 1/8" x 7 1/16" Ghost Talker’s Daydream is a horror anime created by Saki Okuse and Sankichi Meguro. It tells the story of Misaki Saiki, a young woman with a troubled past, who is a professional dominatrix in one of Tokyo’s most exclusive S&M clubs. However, her real money is something she likes even less than being a dominatrix. Ever since childhood, Misaki has had the ability to see and communicate with ghosts, and that talent is put to use by the Livelihood Protection Agency, who pairs Misaki with Souichiro Kadotake, a martial artist who happens to be deathly afraid of ghosts. Using her gifts, Misaki is able to help troubled departed spirits resolve what is troubling them and allow them to move on to the afterlife. If all THAT isn’t odd enough, Misaki is an albino AND a virgin. MINDSTYLE On sale May 14 Jim Henson’s City Critters Trading Figures—assorted collectible figures in counter display 8 different figures packed “blind box” in 32-unit counter display, 9 1/2" L x 9 1/2" W x 6 1/4" H, each figure is approx. 2" tall $255.68 Brom’s Stickmen–Series 1–Set B (Guru & Pumpkin) Based on characters from Brom’s novel The Plucker, an Imaginosis book published by Abrams Books Guru is 12 1/2" tall and Pumpkin is 8 1/2" tall Limited to 1000 units $99.99 SAMURAI CHAMPLOO MINI-BUST: JIN On sale July 23 5" tall, hand-painted, limited-edition $59.99 From CollectionDX New Dynamic Action Figures from Yamato - Macross, Goshogun, Baxinger and more A review of Taito's Raideen figure Dr. Slump Chogokin from MegaHouse Space Battleship Yamato Mechanical Collection PART4 trading figures Toy Fair 2008 predictions Via Gunota GOD-KERON GUNDMA 00 HARO
Anime DVDs Down 20%
According to the ICv2 Guide #51: Anime/Manga, sales of anime DVDs in North America tumbled by more than 20% during 2007. The number of anime releases in the North American market also continued to fall, dropping another 21% after a 19% decline in 2006. ICv2 estimates the size of the North American anime market at $275-300 million (in retail dollars). The difficulty of ascertaining the scope of mass market anime sales (especially through Wal-Mart, which does not report its DVD sales) makes a precise calculation of the market size difficult. ICv2's Top Ten Manga Properties for 2007: 1. Naruto 2. Fruits Basket 3. Death Note 4. Bleach 5. Kingdom Hearts 6. Pokemon 7. Vampire Knight 8. Fullmetal Alchemist 9. Absolute Boyfriend 10. Loveless ICv2 Top Ten Anime Properties for 2007: 1. Dragon Ball Z 2. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children 3. Pokemon 4. Naruto 5. Afro Samurai 6. Howl's Moving Castle 7. Bleach 8. Robotech Shadow Chronicles 9. My Neighbor Totoro 10. Karas the Revelation
Game News
Anime News Network notes that Codemasters has announced that RF Online gamers who attend its Connect 08 event will be rewarded with an exclusive character armor set designed by manga artist Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell, Appleseed). The sets and Masamune's illustrations can be seen here Sanrio Digital announced the closed beta launch of “Hello Kitty Online”, a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) based on the famous Sanrio characters. Hello Kitty Online allows players to explore and adventure in Sanrio's fantasy world, a magical land that has recently fallen under the influence of a mysterious and malevolent power. Prospective players can apply at the official game site or community site and experience Hello Kitty Online in advance of the game release expected in the second half of 2008. Targeting female players from their pre-teens to twenties, Hello Kitty Online is the first installable MMORPG to set its sights on this demographic profile. Score Entertainment announced the release of Bleach TCG's fourth release, Bankai. Bankai is a 278-card expanded set featuring all-new starter decks and an updated rule book featuring 85 commons, 75 uncommons, 60 rares, 4 ultra rares, 20 promos, 6 hi-tech cards and the 13 card Soul Society Briefing subset featuring Squads 1, 6, 8 and 13. This is the first set in the Bleach TCG to feature Echo Cards, 15 original Bleach voice actor autographs, and can be found in every other box of Bankai. Packs retail for $3.29 and contains ten random game cards (one rare, three uncommons and six commons). Starter decks retail for $11.99 and come with a 70 – card pre-constructed deck, two hi-tech guardian cards and two bonus booster packs. Majoria's News notes Gamewatch has a new batch of Petit Eva (Nintendo DS) screens. The site for Super Robot Wars A Portable has opened . The site for Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier has new profiles The Magic Box has screenshots for Mobile Suit Gundam 00 for the Nintendo DS and Gundam Musou Special for the Playstation 2. The site also has screenshots for Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit Via Gunota Gundam Vs. Gundam from the AOU Amusement Expo 2008 at Gigazine The official site for the game is here Game Star posted details for the just-announced Battle Of Sunrise, a new simulation RPG from the staff of Sunrise Heroes coming for the PS2 on April 10. The Sunrise Interactive game features more than 200 mecha and characters from eight Sunrise anime: Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack Panzer World Galient Metal Armor Dragonar Armored Trooper VOTOMS SPT Layzner King Of Braves GaoGaiGar Zettai Muteki Rajin-Oh Round Vernian Vifam Clips of the Afro Samura game
NY INT'L CHILDREN'S Film Festival News
Tickets for the New York International Children's Film Festival can be bought through their site. Feb 29 to Mar 16 - at Four Theater Locations Best New Film and Video for Ages 3-18 Animated, Live Action and Experimental Shorts and Features Premieres, Workshops, Parties, Filmmaker Q&As, Audience Voting, NYICFF Awards The line-up of films include.: Nocturna - Spain/FranceRazzle Dazzle - Australia Under the Same Moon - Mexico Max & Co. - Switzerland 32A - Ireland 5 Centermeters Per Second - Japan The Prestidigitator - Spain Summer Days with Coo - Japan Caution: The Doors are Opening - Russian The Donkey Girl - Netherlands Lotte From Gadgetville - Estonia My Body and Me(dia) - Netherlands Owl & The Sparrow -Vietnam Lisanee - Germany Crank Ball - Spain/France recently added screening: Owl and the Sparrow - Mar 15, 11:30 am 5 Centimeters per Second - Mar 15, 2:30 pm Summer Days with Coo - Mar 16, 1:00 pm
ImaginAsian and Fujisankei Content Deal
ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc. (IA) announced that it has entered into an investment and content deal with Fujisankei Communications International (FCI), a subsidiary of Japan-based Fuji Television Network, Inc.Fujisankei joining the ownership ranks of ImaginAsian Entertainment marks the second such investment from an Asian media or entertainment partner for IA. Seeking to continue the strategic expansion that was initiated with Korea’s Sidus Corp. last year, the financial and content elements resulting from this deal are expected to further enhance IA’s overall programming quality. Through this agreement, Fujisankei will be making a financial investment in IA while also providing multiple hours of programming in the form of news and entertainment content, including popular Japanese dramas and variety shows for iaTV in the US.
More Volumes Confirmed for Struggling Eden
Mecha Mecha Media notes EDEN editor Phillip Simon confirmed that more the AICN Anime favorite manga is on the way through Dark Horse boards "Hello, friends -- I have an EDEN "scoop" for all of our message board readers. This is the first time this news is being posted anywhere. As you know, our EDEN series has been moved to a slower schedule, with EDEN 10 due out this year in early May. I just got the "green light" to proceed with production on EDEN volumes 11 and 12 -- meaning that things are moving slower in EDEN's endless world -- but things are still moving. All the great press and fan support this past year helped -- no, was KEY in getting another three volumes (10, 11, and 12) going -- I'm going to continue to push -- please continue to get the word out. EDEN being named WIZARD MAG's BEST MANGA OF 2007 helped. All the great press helped. (An Eisner nod this year would be phenomenal . . . ) Kumar is translating EDEN volume 11 -- Steve's ready to letter -- I'll get release dates for you as soon as our schedule's solidified. Thanks for your support! -P.S."
Music the Show at North American Cons
Anime Boston announced the pillows (FLCL) will perform at the convention on March 22 with opening act Luv and Response. The convention will also host nerdcore talent MC Frontalot. The convention previously announced that the tokyo pinsalocks will be performing. Newly announced non-musical guests include include voice actors Colleen Clinkenbeard, Aaron Dismuke, Todd Haberkorn, Brad Swaile, Michael Sinterniklaas and industry guest Tom Wayland. The New York Comic Con announced that Japanese pop star T.M. Revolution, known for "INVOKE," the theme song to the anime series Gundam Seed, will be performing at the convention on April 19th.
VIZ Announces Annual Art Issue Of Shojo Beat Magazine
VIZ Media has announced the content for its annual art edition of SHOJO BEAT magazine, which is expected to hit newsstands nationwide on February 15th. The special issue will feature an original cover illustration of this month’s Beat Girl, the magazine’s spokesperson, by noted Canadian comic book artist, Bryan Lee O’Malley (Scott Pilgrim). O’Malley also gives insight into his career and influences in an interview offering a step-by-step breakdown of his drawing process, and he also contributes a four-panel comic. This issue will also include an article on how some manga favorites are put together, and readers will be able to explore a collection of comics-friendly universities and video game design schools. The 330+ page March 2008 issue will feature the debut of SHOJO BEAT mascot Moko’s new friend, take a Manga Quiz and have the opportunity to win manga art supplies in a special contest.
More Princess Ai From TOKYOPOP
TOKYOPOP announced the March release of Princess Ai: Rumors from the Other Side, a collection of "untrue stories, rumors, gossip and bald-faced lies" based on the character created by D.J. Milky and Courtney Love. Creators working on the collection include Misaho Kujiradou (Princess Ai trilogy), Steve Buccellato (Battle of the Bands), Ashly Raiti and Irene Flores (Mark of the Succubus), Hans Steinbach (A Midnight Opera), Armand Villavert (Zapt!), Sara Winningham (Pride & Prejudice), Emma Viceli (Rising Stars of Manga UK), Mike Schwark and Ron Kaulfersch (Van Von Hunter), Erica Reis (Sea Princess Azuri), T Campbell and Amy Mebberson (Divalicious), Che Gilson, Brett Uher and Mara Aum (Dark Moon Diary), Pauro Izaki (Princess Ai of Ai-Land comic strips) and Kim Mi-Kyung (11th Cat for Ice Kunion).
Feb. 18 Deadline to Receive Name in DVD Credits on Emma
Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment announced that EMMA: A Victorian Romance The Season 1 DVD Collection, scheduled to be released June 24, 2008, with the anime’s entire 12-episode first season – will include a 96-page “Victorian Gazette,” featuring background information and illustrations that explore the Victorian era depicted in the series, from period fashions and travel in England to architecture and day-to-day life. This book also includes a full glossary, with in-depth, historical explanations, plus comments and comics by Kaoru Mori, the creator of the EMMA manga. The first 1,000 anime fans to pre-order the Season 1 DVD Collection from RightStuf.com before 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, February 18, 2008 will be recognized by name in a “special thanks” section of the DVD credits for the series’ first box set. Pre-orders will continue to be accepted for the EMMA - Season 1 DVD Collection. However, fans pre-ordering after February 18, 2008 will NOT be eligible to have their names in the DVD credits for the first box set. The first 1,000 pre-orders for the Season 2 DVD Collection – street date TBA and also currently available for pre-order at RightStuf.com – still have the opportunity to be recognized in the DVD credits for the second box set. A historical drama set in late 19th-century London, the series chronicles the love story – and the complications that result – when Emma, an honest and hardworking young maid, and William, an earnest suitor and member of the “gentry” class, fall for each other.
Theatrical Screenings Of Funky Forest
VIZ Pictures has announced a trio of theatrical screenings in New York, Seattle and Los Angeles for its newest film, FUNKY FOREST: The First Contact, throughout March and April. FUNKY FOREST features 21 free-associative episodes ranging from a nonsense "sci-fi" comedy to a dance-battle daydrea, from director Katsuhito Ishii (THE TASTE OF TEA, available on DVD from VIZ Pictures and distributed by VIZ Media, and SHARK SKIN MAN & PEACH HIP GIRL).The will screen March 7-13 in New York City, NY at the Imaginasian Theater. The film moves on to Seattle, WA, March 21-27, at the Grand Illusion Cinema, and finally April 18-24 in Los Angeles, CA at the Imaginasian Center. NEW YORK Theatrical Screening: March 7-13 IMAGINASIAN THEATRE 239 East 59th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Ave.) New York 10022 (212) 371-6682 SEATTLE MARCH 21-27 GRAND ILLUSION CINEMA 1403 NE 50th St. Seattle, WA 98105 (206) 523-3935 LOS ANGELES Theatrical Screening: APRIL 18-24 IMAGINASIAN CENTER 251 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 617-1033
Bakugan Makes Its U.S. Premiere on Cartoon Network
Cartton Network announced that anime series Bakugan makes its U.S. debut on Cartoon Network Sunday, Feb. 24, at 9 p.m. (ET, PT). The story begins with kids around the world finding interesting cards with different characters. They create a battle game with them, not knowing the cards actually correspond to an alternate world called Vestroia, where Bakugan warriors have been waging war. From the Japanese words “baku” meaning “to explode” and “gan” meaning “sphere,” Bakugan are small spheres from a far-off universe that morph into powerful warriors. When the war in Vestroia spirals out of control, the Bakugan spheres are sent to Earth trapped inside “field cards.” Now, it is up to Dan and his friends to save both Vestroia and Earth from destruction, using their Battle Brawling skills.
LDMS Partner with ADV Films for UK Distribution
ADV Films has announced that Lace Digital Media Sales will become their UK and Europe sales and distribution partners. Sales Director Andy Lyon is delighted with the partnership: "ADV has been an incredibly successful brand in UK DVD market and LDMS longest standing Sales & Distribution customer. We are incredibly proud and pleased to have been selected to manage ADV's business in UK and Germany which is testament to the hard work and success of our sales force over the past 5 years. We look forward to a very long and exciting partnership."
Steady Beat 3 Still Coming
Comics Worth Reading reports that though Diamond Distributor's Previews pre-order catalogue list Steady Beat Book 3 was listed as “cancelled by publisher”, book was just running late, with no reschedule date yet. Author Rivkah was having discussions with her publisher over whether the series should end with book 3 (Tokyopop’s choice) or 4 (her preference).
Voltron on Boomerang
Starting Monday, February 18, the Boomerang Channel will air the classic Voltron animated series. The weekly strip show, repackaged from the 1984 episodes, will run continuously for one year Monday through Friday during the 10:30 P.M. prime time slot.
Live Action News
Kaiju Shadedown reports that Minoru Kawasaki (The Calamari Wrestler, The World Sinks Except Japan) is working on GUILALA’S COUNTER ATTACK: THE TOUYAKU SUMMIT ONE-SHOT CRISIS for release this year. Claiming that he'll use no CGI and will instead use the special effects of the 1960's, Kawasaki says, "...although it was a legendary monster for enthusiasts, [Guilala] was a misfortunate monster that didn’t become a hit like Godzilla and Gamera." Twitch reports Michael Arias (Tekken Kinkreet) has a live action remake of German film Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door with Tomoya Nagase and Mayuko Fukuda already in production.
Mimei Sakamoto Signing
Manga artist and commentator will sign copies of her latest work from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at Kinokuniya Books, 123 Onizuka St., Los Angeles. Sakamoto, whose popular Nippon no Mimei manga series appears in the weekly Japanese magazine "Spa," is co-author of Harvey and Etsuko's Manga Guide to Japan.
Red Ant Enterprises Gets into DVD with Australian Eva Release
Red Ant Enterprises, has signed an exclusive agreement with Australasian Film Distributor, Rialto Distribution to enter into the home DVD market. Their first slate of releases include 'Evangelion 1.0: You Are (not) Alone,' 'The Sinking of Japan, ‘Michael Moore Hates America,’ Flavor Flav and James Russo in ‘Confessions of a Pit Fighter,’ Spanish horror ‘[REC],’ ‘Goodbye Bafana’, a film based on the memoirs of Nelson Mandela's Prison Guard, ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’, and ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’
Kon Ichikawa Passes Away
Anime News Network notes that Oscar-nominated director Kon Ichikawa (Burmese Harp and Fires on the Plain) passed away at age 92. His anime/manga related work include 1978's The Phoenix: Chapter of Dawn and 1979's Galaxy Express 999 Movie.
Worth Checking Out
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