Category > Manga
Fans of seinen manga will be pleased to hear that GEN Manga have just released GEN 7.
The on-line manga publisher distribute their monthly collection of doujinshi using a subscription model. You get to download and keep the PDF file for each issue too.
Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga
We've received news from US Anime Distributor Sentai Filmworks that they've licensed Grave of the Fireflies. The Ghibli classic is emotional story of the cold realities of war, and often forgotten victims, the children.
Sentai Filmworks will begin digital distribution of the title this winter and a digital restored DVD will be released next year.
Read More... | Souce: Sentai Filmworks
Category > Retail
Genki Gear the company best known for their t-shirt range have released a selection of Christmas Cards. A pack of five costs £3.50.
Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear
Category > Press Releases
We've received news from Beckii Cruel's team about her current chart success with the single You Can't Kiss Me.
This week the single is number 2 in the Music Week Club Chart Breakers, with Chase and Status coming in number 1. The chart tracks the up and coming music which is getting played in the clubs. The DJ's pick up on it and feed in the amount of play it is getting.
Read More... | Souce: Beckii Cruel
Category > Events
London based fans of Japanese themed clubbing can start of the Christmas season at the Harajuku! Winter Ball on Sunday 4th December 2011. The popular event returns to Proud in Camden. This time around they'll be 9 rooms, projectors and plasma screens for a fun Japanese themed night. The fun is set to start at 7pm and will run until late.
You can book your tickets here. Cosplayers, Lolitas and other fans of Japanese fashion will be pleased to hear that if you go in themed dress your tickets are cheaper!
Read More... | Souce: Criminal Records
Category > Retail
We've received some rather interesting news from Digital Manga Inc. They've just opened a new site Anime Cel Art, which like the name implies is dedicated to selling anime cel art. They've currently got Naruto, Bleach and One Piece cels for sale.
Collectors should note, that these are not production cels used to make the anime as production now is digital. These are officially licensed reproductions. They are hand painted, and made exactly the same as production cels, but these images have never been used to make anime. As a result you get more for your money. You get a high quality image along with a background for a reasonable price.
Read More... | Souce: Anime Cel Art
Category > Events
It's not even the end of 2011 yet, but it still doesn't hurt to plan ahead, Hyper Japan 2012 is set to run on 24-26th February 2012 at Brompton Hall in Earl's Court.
They've sent us the details of two cosplay competitions they'll be hosting during the weekend. The World Cosplay Summit and the European Cosplay Gathering.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Manga
Independent Manga publisher GEN Manga have sent us news that they're now on Graphicly.com.
Graphicly.com distribute comics on Apple, Android, PCs and Macs, along with the Barnes & Noble Nook.
We caught up with GEN Manga in their New York offices earlier this year. One of the things they mentioned was their intention to expand from the main monthly volume. They've just done this releasing the first 6 volumes as a single anthology with over 900 pages of content in one file for $2.99.
They've also release the whole of the moe title VS Aliens as a complete standalone collection for $0.99.
Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga
Category > Manga
UK-based independent publisher and comic collaborative Sweatdrop Studios have sent us details of their latest publication. Sun Fish Moon Fish by Morag Lewis. The 256 page volume is a self contained story and is available now from Sweatdrop Studios' online shop and Amazon.co.uk.
Read More... | Souce: Sweatdrop Studios
Category > Events
Hatsune Miku fans in the UK will want to visit London's Apollo Cinema Piccadilly for an exclusive screening of the vocaloid's exclusive premiere event. They'll be showing Hatsune Miku Live Party 2011 39's Live in Sapporo, which features a holographic light show of the virtual diva.
The Sapporo performance was recorded in August 2011. It's set for a London screening on 28th November at 6.30pm and 29th November at 8.30pm.
The same venue will also be screening L'Arc-en-Ciel in December 2011.
Read More... | Souce: Apollo Cinemas
Category > Events
Fans of the hugely popular band L'Arc-en-Ciel will probably already know all the details of their 2012 world tour.
To warm up they'll be screening a special performance (recorded live from May 28th and 29th 2011) around the world.
London based readers will want head over the Apollo Piccadilly to catch the screenings on the following dates:
5th December 2011 - 6:30pm
Tuesday 6th December 2011 - 8:30pm
Details of screenings at other countries can be found on this official site.
Full details of the world tour is are still to be announced, but we have been sent details of the following locations and dates -
Hong Kong, Hong Kong - Asia World-Expo Arena - March 3rd, 2012 (Saturday)
Bangkok, Thailand - Impact Arena - March 7th, 2012 (Wednesday)
Shanghai, China - Mercedes-Benz Areana - March 10th 2012 (Saturday)
Taipei, Taiwan - TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall - March 17th 2012 (Saturday)
New York, USA - The Theater at Madison Square Garden - March 23rd, 2012 (Friday)
London, UK - indigO2 - April 11th, 2012 (Wednesday)
Paris, France - Le Zenith de Paris - April 14th 2012 (Saturday)
As always with popular events, we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.
Read More... | Souce: L\'Arc~en~Ciel
Category > Anime
Just a quick reminder for those in the US (or those who can buy DVDs and Blu-rays from the USA). Section 23 films have sent us details of the Blu-ray release of Clannad. The complete collection is out now.
Buy Clannad now from Amazon.com.
Read More... | Souce: Section23 Films
Category > Events
NEO Magazine will be launching a Cosplay Idol Competition this weekend at the London Comic Con from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011. The winner gets a great load of swag including a laptop, pride of place in the NEO Cosplay Calendar, a dedicated feature in the magazine, plus a NEO goody bag. There are prizes for runners up too. So get sewing!
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
Category > Manga
We've received details of a new manga title just out. Breath Deeply is a controversial medical thriller with a dash of romance. It's written by the husband and wife team known as Doton Yamaaki. Published in English by One Peace Books the company suggest readers forget what they know about manga when approaching this title. It's out now from your favourite book sellers.
Buy from Amazon.com
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Update: We've now have a reviewed Breathe Deeply.
Read More... | Souce: One Peace Books
Category > Events
In London this time next week (Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011) the London Comic Con MCM Expo will be well under way. As it builds up it seems like every other press release we get sent is about the Expo.
We've just received two press releases from them.
Square Enix will be showcasing the new Final Fantasy XIII-2 game, along with Hitman Absolution.
Screaming Matriarch will be showcasing a new limited edition Little Apple Doll.
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
The good folks at Viz have sent us details of the up coming US release of Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Bonds which is due out on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday October 25th 2011.
To celebrate US based readers can watch on-line for a limited time a marathon of all five Naruto movies! The stream is avaiable this weekend until Sunday October 23rd 2011.
Read More... | Souce: VizAnime.com
Category > Events
Following on from our earlier coverage of the Zipangu Film Fest, we've just been sent the details of the full programme. The festival kicks off in London at the ICA from Friday 18th to Thursday 24th November 2011.
They've got lots of interesting things to watch. If you fancy some alternative animation then Beyond Anime: The Outer Limits will appeal.
Shirome has been described as somewhere between the Blair Witch Project and the X-Factor!
There's plenty more to enjoy, including some horror, retro films.
Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest
Category > Events
As the London MCM Expo gets nearer we always get sent more details about the event. It's set to run from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011. This time the good folks there are reminding us about the top voice acting talent that'll be attending. Vic Mignogna, Gideon Emery, Adam Howden and Philip Shahbaz are all confirmed guests at the event. They'll be there to host panels, meet fans and sign autographs, so get your DVD and game boxes for them to sign!
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
Category > Manga
Fans of alternative manga will be pleased to hear that publisher GEN Manga Entertainment's latest release GEN 6 is out now priced $2.99 for the digital copy.
If you're heading to New York Comic Con you can visit the GEN Manga at booth 2030.
We interviewed GEN Manga recently and asked them about their take on the manga publishing industry.
Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga
Category > Events
Fans of pop idol Beckii Cruel will be pleased to hear that on Monday 24th October she'll be launching her first mainstream Dance Track - You Can't Kiss me 2011 featuring the Clones.
You Can't Kiss Me 2011 (YCKM) is available worldwide on iTunes from 24 Oct 2011.
Beckii is appearing at MCM Expo. Excel. London Docklands 29-30 October 2011 and is available in London 27 and 28 October 2011. Beckii will be attending DokiDoki Manchester on 13 November and is available in Manchester on Saturday 12 November 2011.
Otaku News interviewed Beckii Cruel at the May 2011 London MCM Expo.
Read More... | Souce: Beckii Cruel
Category > Events
Regular readers will know about the London MCM Expo, which is scheduled for Friday 28th to Sunday 20th October 2011. The good folks behind it have sent us details of the games that'll be demoed at the Expo. Namco Bandai will be be demoing Soulcalibur V, Dark Souls along with some Naruto Shippuden and Dragon Ball Z based beat-em-up fun. Many other gaming companies will be there too including 2K Games, Capcom, Nintendo, PQube, Rising Star, Tecmo Koei, THQ, Ubisoft and WB Games
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
Category > Art
Japanese art and culture enthusiasts in London will want to pay a visit to the ICN Gallery to catch the Ryo Arai & ITARO - Essence of Edo-Tokyo exhibit. It's set to run from Thursday 27th October to Monday 19th November 2011.
Ryo Arai is a hariko artist (that's traditional Japanese paper mache) and ITARO is a netsuke and wood engraving artist.
The gallery can be found on 96-98 Leonard Street; London EC2A 4RH
Read More... | Souce: ICN Gallery
Category > Events
London based readers will know that Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011 is when the London MCM Expo hits town. Letraset the creative company best known for their popular marker pens will be hosting a manga school at the Expo. They'll be running 15 classes throughout the weekend.
The classes are aimed at different abilities from beginners to advanced artists. The classes will be run by talented artists Morag Lewis, Nana Li and Irina Richards.
The class cost £2 to £3 per person and last up to 1 hour. For some classes you will have to supply additional materials.
Letraset will also be running a spooky competition under the theme of Ghouls, gobins and mad scientists oh my! where the winner gets over £120 worth of Letraset products, plus there are runners up prizes.
Letraset will also be promoting a new marker in their line up - the FlexMarker.
Read More... | Souce: Letraset
Category > Events
London based readers who enjoy a good night out will want to keep Saturday 15th October 2011 free where the good folks at Japan Underground will be hosting a Chiptune Invasion from 3 of Tokyo's best.
This rare performance will feature 3 bands - Tokyo Pinsalocks, HONDALADY and GalapagosS.
The fun is set to start at 7pm at Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, London, WC1H 9EU.
Remember the club night is designed around gamers and fans of Japanese pop culture, so it's a perfect otaku night out! The event as always is worth going to as as previous events have received recommendations in Time Out London, The Independent, Absolute Radio and many more.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground
Category > Events
London based fans of Japanese culture will want to keep Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February 2012 free for Hyper Japan 2012 Spring. The successful J-Culture event returns for it's third run. Ever growing they'll be at a bigger venue - Earls Court - Brompton Hall.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Retail
With the London Comic Con MCM Expo just over a month away things are starting to rev up for it. T-shirt company Genki Gear have just unveiled their exclusive design for the October event, which is set to run from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011.
This is the exclusive t-shirt for the London Comic Con MCM Expo. The theme this time around is Ninja vs Kittens! The t-shirt is available for pre-order only, with a closing date of Thursday 20th October 2011. The design will retail for £16.99 for both men's and women's style.
With the classic debate of ninjas vs pirates, we know where we stand (we also reserve the right to change our mind depending on what we're reading or watching when asked, if you ask us when we're indulging in One Piece you'll get a different answer than if we're watching Naruto). However Ninja vs Kittens that's a whole different ball game. What kind of ninja is this? What kind of kittens? Are they related to Maru? These are all important questions that we need answering!
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
Category > Retail
Popular UK on-line DVD retailer Play.com have been bought by Japanese group Rakuten. Play.com is the UK's biggest seller of DVDs online with estimated annual sales of about £500m. It has 14 million registered users and a staff of 500.
It was sold to Rakuten for £25m. Play.com have been successful due to a tax loop-hole that allows purchases under £18 to be VAT free when shipped from the Channel Islands to the UK mainland thanks to EU rules drafted almost 30 years ago. In November 2011, the government will reduce the amount for VAT free purchases to £15 and intend close this loop-hole totally by March 2012. The sales tax issues along with declining DVD sales is why Play.com was sold for £25m and not considerably more. The Guardian article states that DVD UK sales dipped 6% last year, while downloading and streaming rose 18%.
Play.com is popular with the UK anime fans and is often the first port of call along with Amazon.co.uk when buying DVDs and Blu-rays.
Rakuten are keen to increase their global presence, which is why they've purchases Play.com along with the French site PriceMinister and German site Tradoria.de.
Souce: The Guardian
Nostalgic mecha fans in the UK will be pleased to hear that the Robotech the complete series is set for release on DVD on Monday 14th November 2011.
The 18 disc boxset features all 85 episodes of the series, plus over 10 hours of bonus material including a brand new documentary on creator Carl Macek.
For many the show was an introduction into anime and mecha shows. Lots of anime fans look back to Robotech as the series that helped them discover anime. Robotech itself is interesting, as it started life as three separate shows that were edited together for the American market.
The DVD's RRP is £69.99, we've found it for a pre-order price of £51.70 on Amazon.co.uk.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Manga
Fans of alternative manga will be pleased to hear about publisher GEN Manga Entertainment's latest release. GEN 5 is out now, priced $2.99, and available to download on PDF. Issue 3 is now free to download.
Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga
Category > Events
London based fans of Japanese music and movies will want to go to the Raindance Film Festival 2011 to catch Control Tower (Kanseitou). The film is inspired by music of the Japanese band Galileo Galilei. It's European premier at the festival on Thursday 6th October 2011.
Read More... | Souce: Raindance Film Festival 2011
Category > Events
Fans of J-Pop Idol Beckii Cruel will want to head to the MCM Expo London Comic Con on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October 2011 to see her perform her new single You Can't Kiss me.
Beckii will be performing on both Saturday and Sunday at the Expo. We were lucky to catch up with her at the last Expo in May.
Read More... | Souce: MCM Expo London Comic Con
Category > Events
The AM2 Convention in Anaheim in California is set to return in 2012 with more guests.
Read More... | Souce: AM2 Convention
Category > Events
The UK Summer Convention season is coming to an end, but fear not as AmeCon will be opening their 2012 registration on Sunday 25th September 2011.
AmeCon 2012 is set to run 10th - 12th August 2012, at Keele University, Newcastle-under-lyme. Registration will be on-line using the standard first come first served basis.
Read More... | Souce: AmeCon 2012
Category > Events
London based fans of cutting edge Japanese cinema will want to head over to the ICA from Thursday 17th to Thursday 24th November 2011 for the return of Zipangu Fest Japanese Film Festival. The festival will then move around the UK.
They'll have lots of treats lined up, including two titles that have never been shown in the UK, one being especially subtitled for the festival.
Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest
Category > Events
Fans of Japanese culture will want to head over to London's County Hall on Sunday 18th September for the Japan Matsuri 2011. This year it's at County Hall next to the London Eye.
They'll be over 130 stalls with lots of lovely Japanese things, from food and drinks to clothes and textiles, art, travel companies, tableware and so much more.
Entry to the event is free. It's set to run from 10am to 8pm.
Don't forget that the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September is the Open House London, many great places open to visit in the city.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Matsuri 2011
Category > Events
London based fans of Japanese cinema will want to keep Saturday 3rd September 2011 free for the Free Asian Cinema All-Dayer at Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, Tavistock Square, WC1H 9EU. It's organised by the good folks behind Japan Underground to raise awareness and support for the independent Asian film companies that lost their stock when the Sony DADC centre was burnt down in the England riots on 8 August.
Third Window Films and Terracotta Distribution are confirmed for the screenings.
Japan Underground have also sent us details about Unshin a Japanese pop/rock band based in the UK who'll launch their debut album at Japan Underground. This is event is scheduled to run 7pm-3am Bloomsbury Lanes, Bedford Way, Tavistock Square, WC1H 9EU after the Free Asian Cinema screenings.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground
Category > Events
San Francisco based readers looking for something to do this weekend (Saturday August 27th and Sunday August 28th 2011) will want to head over to J-Pop Summit Festival 2011. They'll also debut of the Hatsune Miku Arcade Game which has been shipped in from Japan especially.
Read More... | Souce: New People
Category > Manga
The good folks at Viz Media have sent us details of their latest title to appear on VIZManga. They've just launched Neon Genesis Evangelion with weekly digital chapters for $0.99. It's available on PC and Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android phones and tablets.
Read More... | Souce: VizManga.com
Category > Fandom
We've been sent details from the Maids of England (cleverly named as they're abbreviated as MOE). They'll be at Ayacon on 19th to 22nd August 2011. They'll also be running events every 2 to 3 months in London.
Plus they're also available for events to run a full maid cafe or a simple bake sale.
Their next event is on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 at Cafe VN, there are two time slots 12:00 - 4:00pm and 4:00pm - 8:00pm tickets are £7 in advance and £10 on the door. More details can be found on their Facebook page.
Read More... | Souce: Maids of England
Category > Events
Are you in London on Saturday 20th August 2011 and looking for a night of Japanese themed clubbing? Well the folks from Criminal Records are happy to oblige, with the return of the popular Harajuku! Autumn Ball. It's scheduled to start at 7:30pm and runs until late at The Miller, London Bridge, London - 96 Snowsfields Road, London, SE1 3SS.
Cosplayers, Lolita's etc are all actively welcomed and encouraged. Tickets at £6 in advance.
Read More... | Souce: Criminal Records
Category > Culture
Fans of Tezuka, the arts and dance will be pleased to hear about London's Sadler's Wells' up coming production TeZukA. The world premiere dance work is set to explore Tezuka's fascinating world with help of cast of 10 performers, two musicians and a calligrapher. They'll cover a wide range of his work, including Astro Boy and Buddha.
So keep Tuesday 6th - Saturday 10th September 2011 free and head over to London.
On Thursday 8th September 2011 at 6:15pm they'll also be a special pre-show director's conversation.
Read More... | Souce: Sadler\'s Wells Theatre
Category > Manga
San Diego Comic Con is well under way. This is the event that lots of companies have been waiting for to announce their news.
The Digital Comic Association have just announced a promising new digital manga service JManga. It's set for launch on August 17th 2011.
We've been sent the press release, and others are tweeting live from SDCC.
JManga.com will launch as website first in August, then for mobile devices later.
Sam Yoshiba (Kodansha) "JManga.com will have well-known titles & also the not-so-well-known titles that aren't always available scanlated."
We've been told that the titles will be limited to North America, but they should roll it out to other countries in coming months.
Additional thanks goes to Deb Aoki for Tweeting at SDCC.
Read More... | Souce: JManga.com
London based anime fans looking for something to do at the beginning of August will be pleased to hear that there will be some free screenings at Canary Wharf.
Manga Entertainment UK and the folks at the Barbican have teamed up to show these titles.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time - Tuesday 2nd August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review
Professor Layton and The Eternal Diva - Wednesday 3rd August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review
Summer Wars - Thursday 4 August 2011, 6.30pm, FREE
Review
As they're free screenings we suggest you arrive early to avoid disappointment. If you're coming to Canary Wharf from Central London, we suggest you take the DLR from Bank or Tower Gateway. DLR Trains going to Lewisham will stop at Canary Wharf. The Jubilee Line also goes to Canary Wharf, but we advise you to take the DLR if you've got the choice.
Please note space is unreserved and sometimes limited. Portable furniture, glass bottles or glasses are not permitted.
Souce: My Canary Wharf
Category > Events
London Japanese culture event Hyper Japan 2011 is less than a month away. Cosplayers will be pleased to hear that Square Enix will be hosting a cosplay battle on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 12pm. It'll be open to anyone dressed as a character from Square Enix releases (including older Square and Enix titles). Winning cosplayers will be treated to a selection of prizes such as plush toys, figures and CD soundtracks from Square Enix games.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
US based readers who can receive Mnet will want to tune in July 5th 2011 at 9:30pm ET/PT to catch Culture Japan which stars expert otaku Danny Choo. Each week Danny will explore different aspects of Japanese pop culture.
You can also catch the show on Crunchy Roll.
Read More... | Souce: Mnet
The good folks from Sentai Filmworks have sent us details about their latest license. They've got the US rights to Mardock Scramble The First Compression. We've seen it, it's good.
It's due out on DVD in the US this September 2011, both English dubbed and subbed. They're also planning a Blu-ray release sometime in 2012.
Read More... | Souce: Sentai Filmworks
Category > Current Affairs
We've been sent details about the Cosplay For A Cause 2012 Calendar. It contains some of the top cosplayers from all over the world, with all the proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross Society. 2012 may seem like a long way off, but it doesn't hurt to plan ahead and every little donation helps.
Read More... | Souce: Cosplay For A Cause
Category > Events
New York fans of fans of singing cosplay maids will be pleased to hear that Reni will be performing on Sunday June 26th , 12pm Amber Village NY, 432 6th Avenue (9th & 10 St). There's a $15 at Door charge, $10 in Cosplay.
They've also got a special guest this time around, geek stand up comedian Uncle Yo.
Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog
Category > Events
The London MCM Expo is over for May 2011, we've just been sent some details about it. The Expo attracted almost 60,000 visitors, with the outside show attracting crowds 5,000.
The next Expo is set to return to the same venue on Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011, where it will be paired with Memorabilia London for the first time.
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
Category > Current Affairs
The Comic Book Alliance have sent us details about their latest project Spirit of Hope. The comic anthology has been created to raise money for the the Japan and New Zealand disaster victims.
Read More... | Souce: Comic Book Alliance
Category > Events
US readers who can make it to Anaheim, California should head over to AM2 on July 1 to 3 2011 get a chance to view a special Passport holders only screening of Mai Mai Miracle.
We've seen Mai Mai Miracle, and must say it is worth seeing, especially on the big screen. It's everything you'd expect from a high budget Madhouse production. It's one of those films screaming out for a Blu-ray release. It's a title making the effort to get out and watch. It's in instant classic.
Read More... | Souce: AM2