Browsing Articles
Evangelion iPod
Date: 2004 December 28 17:06 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Retail
TechJapan have discovered that Bandai Networks will be releasing a special Neon Genesis Evangelion Edition iPod. Only 2,000 of them are available, it has the NERV logo featuring heavily, it's engraved on the back metal casing, it's also on the screen protector and the special headphones. The included carry case has been made to look like Rei Ayanami's plug suit too! ^_^
The Eva iPod based on is the 20 GB model and is set to retail for 47,250 yen.
Souce: TechJapan
Viz Announces The Debut Of Shonen Jump Advanced
Date: 2004 December 20 16:49 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Manga
Viz have just announced the launch of Shonen Jump Advanced, it's not a game for the GameBoy Advanced, but infact a new range that "will that will present the latest cutting-edge manga stories offering titles with progressive storylines and characters to older teens and young adults". At first glance this sounds a bit like Pulp - Viz's manga anthology taglined as "Manga for Grownups" which stopped in August 2002, or perhaps Pulp Junior since it's aimed at a slightly younger audience. However like the Shonen Jump manga line these titles will be sold individually, and should not be confused with the Shonen Jump Magazine.
So keep your eyes peeled in April 2005 when title like Hunter X Hunter, I's and Eyeshield 21 start hitting the shelves.
Read More... | Souce: Viz
ADV UK DVD Releases For January 2005
Date: 2004 December 19 16:52 | Posted By: Joe
Those nice people at ADV UK have sent us details for their January releases.
The list is as follows:
- Get Backers Volume 1
- Gad Guard Volume 1
- Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi Volume 2
- Rune Soldier Volume 4
- Final Fantasy: Unlimited - Phase 6
- Slayers Premium
Interestingly Get Backers has been rumoured for UK release since AmeCon, when the dub was given an official preview screening. So for the January ADV list the Otaku News Crew recommend Get Backers and Slayers Premium since the Slayers range is always popular with fans.
Read More... | Souce: ADV UK
PlayStation Portable Out Now In Japan
Date: 2004 December 12 17:41 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Gaming
Sony's new handheld games machine the PlayStation Portable was released in Japan today. At Yodobashi Camera in Shinjuku over 1,000 eager gamers waited overnight outside the store forcing it to open early at 6 am! After three hours the store was sold out. Apparently Sony has shipped 200,000 units, but this was not enough to meet the demands, so Sony intend to produce and ship another 500,000 units in Japan by the end of the year. The PSP is due out in the USA and Europe in the new year.
Souce: Mainichi Interactive
Move Over, Mickey Mouse-san
Date: 2004 December 12 17:31 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Anime
The Associated Press have a good write up on the Success of anime in the US, it features John Ledford of ADV Films, who describes ADV as the "anti-Disney". Since it's syndicated, it appears on quite a few news sites. Well known store Wizzywig Collectibles gets mentioned too. We recommend that you check out The Sun Herald's copy of it, even if you don't live in the South of Mississippi. ^_-
Souce: The Sun Herald
ADV Films Announces January 4 2005 Release Dates
Date: 2004 December 07 17:44 | Posted By: Joe
ADV US have just sent us details of their January 4th line up, just as 2005 starts they'll be releasing three titles:
- DNAngel, Volume 2
- Dragon Knight: Wheel of Time
- Aura Battler Dunbine, Volume 11
Read More... | Souce: ADV US
Newtype USA Vol. 3, Issue 12 Out Now
Date: 2004 December 04 12:09 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Anime
Newtype USA Vol. 3, Issue 12 Out Now
The folks from Newtype USA have just sent us details for their December issue, which is out now. It has a cover feature on Ah! My Goddess, with details on the OVAs, the movie and the TV series which is currently being produced in Japan.
Other features include details on shows like Chrono Crusade, Samurai 7, Wolf's Rain and Gankutsuou.
The Otaku News Crew recommend that you take a look at the two page feature on Howl's Moving Castle, which has some nice shots of the Ghibli artwork and we also suggest you read their Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide, since that way you'll know what to buy us for Christmas! ^_-
Read More... | Souce: Newtype USA
ADV Films Announces December 28 Release For Samurai X: Reflection Director's Cut
Date: 2004 December 03 15:01 | Posted By: JoeShortly after sending us the details for their December 28th releases, ADV Films US sent an additional press release for Samurai X: Reflection Director's Cut. Samurai X is also known Rurouni Kenshin, a wondering samurai with a reverse blade sword. The Reflection DVD concludes the Rurouni Kenshin story.
Read More... | Souce: ADV US
Yamato Announces Late Spring Releases
Date: 2004 December 01 18:29 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Toys
ICv2 have the details for the late spring 2005 releases from Yamato USA. They'll be releasing a Mizuho in Space Suit Resin Statue from Please Teacher. For Capcom fans there's Morrigan & Lilith Collectible Miniature from DarkStalkers.
Love Hina fans can expect Naru, Mutsumi, Motoko, and Shinobu PVC statues from the Love Hina Again OVA. They'll also be be releasing figures from Guilty Gear, Read Or Die (aka ROD) TV, Iron Leaguer, and Cyber Formula.
Souce: ICv2
ADV Films Announces December 28 Releases
Date: 2004 December 01 18:19 | Posted By: Joe
Following on straight their December 14 details ADV US have sent us the details for their December 28 Releases.
They've got Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum:04, Robotech Remastered: New Generation Collection 2, Volume 7 (which is the final volume of this series), Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 Volume 2 under their Essential Anime Collection range and Volume 8 of Wedding Peach.
The Otaku News Crew recommend Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 Volume 2 since it has 9 episodes of the shown on for $19.98, even if Sylvia looks amazingly like Ifurita from EL Hazard! Failing that, you can never really go wrong with some Evangelion.
Read More... | Souce: ADV US
ADV Films Announces December 14 Release Dates
Date: 2004 December 01 17:29 | Posted By: Joe
The good people over at ADV US have just sent us the release details for December 14. They've got quite a few titles coming out that week with:
- Get Backers Volume 3
- Mezzo Volume 2
- The third and final volume of New Fist of the North Star
- Saint Seiya Volume 9
- Sister Princess Volume 2
Get Backers is probably the most popular title out of this bunch of releases. Although it does depend on what your tastes are with anime others might enjoy Fist of the North Star more.
Read More... | Souce: ADV US
Bandai UK DVD Delays
Date: 2004 November 29 08:32 | Posted By: Joe
We've just heard from Bandai Europe that again some of their UK DVDs are going to be delayed.
Escaflowne Collection Box Volume 2 and Gundam Wing Box Set Volume 4 have both been put back to 13th December 2004.
Cowboy Bebop Volume 1 is now due out on 17th January 2005. Cowboy Bebop Volume 2 is set for 24th January 2005.
So if you get any money over Christmas you might want to save it for Cowboy Bebop Volumes 1 and 2! ^_^
Souce: Bandai Europe
ADV UK DVD Releases for December 2004
Date: 2004 November 28 16:45 | Posted By: Joe
On Friday the good folks at ADV UK sent us their press release for their December releases.
Anime wise they have the following:
- Last Exile Volume 1
- Kino's Journey Volume 2
- Mahoromatic Volume 2
- Azumanga Daioh Volume 3
- Angelic Layer Volume 5
- Generator Gawl: The Collection
They're also releasing Gun Crazy 2: Beyond The Law for fans of live action stuff. The Otaku News Crew highly recommend Last Exile, the UK edition's packaging will be similar to the Madman Entertainment's Australian release, and not the shiny US Edition from Geneon/Pioneer, which means you can clearly see the lovely artwork on the UK edition. We also recommend Azumanga Daioh since everyone needs to see the mishaps of Chiyo-chan and Osaka! ^_-
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films UK
Neo Magazine First Issue Out Now
Date: 2004 November 25 19:15 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Anime
Just a quick reminder to our UK readers that the first issue of Neo Magazine is out now. The publication covers anime, manga, videogames, gadgets, and all things Japanese. It's available from WH Smith, Borders, HMV, Martins Spar, Virgin Store, Forbidden Planet and some independent newsagents, it should also be available from Diamond Comic stockists.
For more information check out our previous write up on Neo Magazine, Anime UK News also has an interview with the editor as does UK-Anime.net
Souce: Neo Magazine
Kinnikuman Gets Trashman in Trouble
Date: 2004 November 25 17:47 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Toys
The Mainichi Daily News is currently running a story about Kinnikuman (better known as Ultimate Muscle In the USA), which has landed a 48 year old trashman in trouble. He took about 120 action figures from a waste disposal site where they were dumped after failing to sell in stores. Since the action figures were thrown away, they became property of the disposal company and as a result the trashman has been charge with theft. Strange, but true.
Souce: Mainichi Daily News
Hello Kitty Statuette Sold For $100,000
Date: 2004 November 25 17:16 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Fandom
The BBC are reporting that a Hello Kitty statuette made of platinum and studded with diamonds has been sold for 10.5 million Yen (that's about $102,450 USD)! The 4cm (2 inch) figure was made to celebrate Hello Kitty's 30th Birthday and has been on sale since August.
The Osaka branch of department store Mitsukoshi says that a local customer has purchased it. Otaku News have no idea who the buyer is, but we believe that they must be a pretty serious Hello Kitty fan! ^_-
Souce: BBC News
Educational Value of Manga In The UK
Date: 2004 November 16 18:33 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Manga
The Times Education Supplement (a Times newspaper for teachers and people working in the education sector) are running a story about the educational value of manga, interestingly enough they make the same common misconceptions about manga - "Mangas depict wide-eyed heroes, often in varying states of undress". The Reading Agency, an organisation that promotes literacy, is encouraging schools to buy Manga comics, it seems they want to get as many children to get into reading by introducing them to manga. They've compiled a list of 150 recommended Manga titles, deemed suitable for teenagers and are sending them to all libraries and schools. The Otaku News crew imagine that this will help TokyoPop UK's already very healthy sales figures! ^_-
Souce: TES
Bandai UK DVD Delays
Date: 2004 November 15 16:10 | Posted By: Joe
UK Anime fans better hold on to their cash just a bit longer. I've just heard that a few DVDs from Bandai are going to be delayed by a couple of weeks. This includes the first volume of Cowboy Bebop, which is well worth waiting for. I'm sure that those of you who already have the first Escaflowne DVD box set, can't wait to get hold of the second one. ^_^
The following titles have all be slipped back to Monday 6th December 2004
- Gundam Wing Box Set Vol. 4
- Gundam Wing Box Set Vol. 5
- Cowboy Bebop Vol 1
- Escaflowne Collection Box Vol. 2
Souce: Bandai Europe
Strong Yaoi Sales on Amazon.com
Date: 2004 November 14 08:34 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Manga
ICv2 are reporting an interesting trend with Amazon.com's manga best seller list. Apparently Yaoi is three of the top five, four of the top ten and six of the top fifteen manga titles. ICv2 point out that these sales are only on Amazon.com as the American Bookscan list doesn't not match with these sales figures, with only Del Rey's Tsubasa Volume 3 appearing at the top of both lists.
ICv2 speculate that people purchasing Yaoi prefer the privacy and relative anonymity that on-line reatilers offer and that the two main Yaoi publishers Digital Manga and CPM Manga don't have the marketing clout or number of titles compared to other publishers with titles at the top of the graphic novel lists.
Souce: ICv2
Ghibli Launches Clothing Brand
Date: 2004 November 13 07:06 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Retail
Ryoko Toyama on the Nausicaa.net's Miyazaki Mailing List has posted a message regarding Studio Ghibli's next enterprise, a clothing brand called Tailor Studio Ghibli:
Ghibli announced a new brand, "Shitateya Studio Ghibli (Tailor Studio Ghibli)," for its new clothining line for middle-aged men. The line includes a trench coat which was inspired by Porco Rosso. Ghibli clothes will be sold at Isetan department store in Shinhyuku.
The brand's logo was designed Studio Ghibli Director Hayao Miyazaki and features a crawfish.
Asahi.com have a picture of the coat along with Studio Ghibli Producer (and all round nice guy) Toshio Suzuki.
Souce: Miyazaki Mailing List
Neo Magazine UK Editor Interview
Date: 2004 November 12 14:42 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Anime
Paul over at AnimeUKNews.net has just interviewed Stu Taylor the editor of Neo Magazine, a new UK magazine dedicated to anime, manga, Cult Asian Cinema J-Pop and other things oriental. The interview covers how the magazine got started, how hard it was getting it stocked in high street shops such as Borders as well as the possibility of future cover-discs. There are also pictures of the magazine's Ghost In the Shell cover (originally it appeared they were going to have a Dead Leaves cover).
Souce: AnimeUKNews.net
NEO Magazine UK
Date: 2004 November 09 17:46 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Retail
Charlie from Crazy Ninja has sent us a the details about NEO Magazine. Neo Mag's publicity states that they are the UK's only newsstand magazine dedicated to Anime, Manga, videogames, gadgets, and all things Japanese.
Their market overview text states "Anime and Manga have been popular in the UK for over 10 years now, and the market has never had a dedicated quality publication which appeals to the core fan, and also provides for the broader mainstream markets". I always thought that this was part of Manga Mania / Max's brief.
Neo Magazine is due out on 25th November, with a Dead Leaves Cover and features articles on the American remake of The Grudge, Tekken, also interviews with Chiaki Kuriyama (of Battle Royal and Kill Bill fame), and voice actress Monica Rial.
Souce: Crazy Ninja
eigoManga Release Sakura Pakk
Date: 2004 November 08 17:41 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Manga
eigoManga have just sent us a press release for their latest pseudo manga for girls. It's a bit odd, because they've sent it to us almost a month late. Their pseudo manga is called Sakura Pakk and is out now.
Read More... | Souce: eigoManga
Otaku News UK DVD Reader Survey
Date: 2004 November 07 19:32 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Fandom
With your support Otaku News are keen to compile a definitive survey for 2004 about what anime titles our readers would like to see released onto DVD in the UK. This can include TV series, film, OAV old and new. We are not going to do a web based poll, since that would limit the options, we are going to do an open survey to hear what you really want to be released in the UK. To take part please email your suggestions to AnimeSurvey@otakunews.com
Your e-mail address will only be used for this survey and once the results have been collated your details will be deleted. They will not be passed on to a third party for any reason. This survey will run until the 24th of December.
Souce: Otaku News
ADV Films Announces December 7 Release Dates
Date: 2004 November 05 19:19 | Posted By: JoeThe people over at ADV US have just sent us the release details for December 7. Peacemaker Volume 2, the 3rd and the final volume of Aquarian Age, plus live action TV show Mutant X volume 5 will all be hitting the shelves in time for the holidays.
Read More... | Souce: ADV US
Advertising Industry Discover Anime
Date: 2004 November 05 18:42 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Retail
Recently it seems that anime and manga have become so cool that the American advertising industry have decided to use either real anime or adverts done in an anime style.
Anime News Network have made us aware that Nike are now airing adverts loosely based around Bruce Lee's Game of Death. The advert has NBA Star Lebron James facing Kung Fu Basket Ball challenges in a pagoda. The anime segments produced by Studio 4°C were originally intended only for Japan, but the advertising agency and Nike like them so much that they decided to air them in North America too.
Yesterday the Otaku News Crew also found details on Yahoo News about Asian themed restaurant chain Benihana who have just released an anime inspired commercial. After watching the Benihana commercial we thought it wasn't news worthy alone however it goes well in context with the Nike commercial.
Read More... | Souce: Anime News Network
Watching Anime, Reading Manga a Book By Fred Patten
Date: 2004 November 03 17:54 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Anime
Although it's old news, I'm sure many of our readers are not yet aware that Stone Bridge Press have published a new book by anime and manga guru Fred Pattern, - Watching Anime, Reading Manga. The book has 63 articles covering all aspects of anime from fandom and the industry, it also has articles on the first ads in America to current day mainstream hits like the anime sequence in Kill Bill and anime inspired live action films like The Matrix. If you want to know more be sure to check OnlyPubjab.com's write up.
Souce: Stone Bridge Press
Hello Kitty Celebrates Her 30th Birthday
Date: 2004 November 01 15:15 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Retail
Sanrio fans don't need reminding, but some other more causal otaku would need know that today, November 1st is Hello Kitty's 30th Birthday! Kitty and her twin sister Mimmy White were born on 1974 November 1st to her happy parents George and Mary White. The jolly Kitty lives with her parents and sister just outside of London.
Hello Kitty is hugely popular all over the world and ADV have published a very good article about it, interviewing some of the ADV crew behind the latest DVD release. They also interview the voice of Hello Kitty - Monica Rial, who we interviewed in August.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
Bandai and Atari Announce Release for GITS:SAC
Date: 2004 November 01 12:39 | Posted By: SpikeFor all you Playstation 2 owners out there, Bandai and Atari have announced the EU release of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. The game follows a similar format to the television series of the same name allowing the player to play as Motoko Kusanagi, Bateau, or the Tachikoma combat robot working for the mysterious 'Section 9' anti-terrorist division.
Read More... | Souce: GamesIndustry.biz
ADV US Announces Release of Cyberteam in Akihabara: Cyberteam Genesis
Date: 2004 November 01 11:01 | Posted By: SpikeThe guys over at ADV Films USA have sent us the details for Cyberteam in Akihabara: Cyberteam Genesis. The series is available from November 16th, it follows a group of school girls and their cybernetic pets, and subsequent efforts to combat evil using magical powers.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
Geneon To Release Star Ocean EX
Date: 2004 October 29 12:48 | Posted By: SpikeA press release from Geneon Animation USA has announced the immenent release of Star Ocean EX on DVD. The series, based on a game for the Sony Playstation, follows Claude Kenni, a crewmember on the spaceship Calnus, who is transported to an unfamiliar alien world and attempts to unlock the secret of a mysterious sattelite, will be available from January 4th.
Read More... | Souce: Geneon Animation
ADV UK October Newsletter Out Now
Date: 2004 October 26 18:25 | Posted By: JoeUK anime fans will want to take a look at ADV UK's October Newsletter. If you read Otaku News regulary you already know pretty much everything there already. Still it's better to read the same information twice than not at all! ^_-
Souce: ADV UK
GoManga.com Goes Live
Date: 2004 October 26 18:18 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Manga
Recently we ran a press release about Seven Seas producing original manga. Now their site Gomanga.com is live. So far they've got details of four titles on their site - Amazing Agent Luna, Blade for Barter, Last Hope and No Man's Land.
Read More... | Souce: GoManga.com
Nintendo Abandons Family Image for New Gameboy DS Adverts.
Date: 2004 October 24 17:34 | Posted By: Joe
Reuters are running a story about Nintendo's new American advertising campaign costing $40 million for it's largest product launch. The whole campaign is aimed at more "mature" audience with the tagline of "Touching is Good."
Print ads will appear in men's magazines Maxim and Blender, with a woman holding a DS saying "How to Score! ... Start listening to her needs, playa!".
TV ads are scheduled for ad slots in-between episodes of South Park too.
Souce: Reuters
UK Bandai November Releases
Date: 2004 October 23 19:21 | Posted By: Joe
We've got the release details for Bandai's UK DVD titles for this November.
Due out on the 15th of November:
- Escaflowne Collection Box Vol 1
- Gundam Wing Box Set Vol 4
- Gundam Wing Box Vol 5
- Hack Sign Vol 5
Due out on the 22nd of November:
- Cowboy Bebop Vol 1
- Escaflowne Collection Box Vol 2
So in one month the whole of Escaflowne will be available spread across two boxsets along with the first volume of Cowboy Bebop! That's a lot of great anime to watch. I cannot recommend Cowboy Bebop highly enough, it is to put it simply a fantastic show. Escaflowne is a great too and watching lots of episodes from the boxset in one go is advisable, since most of the episodes end on a cliff hanger meaning you just have to watch more!
A few years ago many anime fans in the UK thought they would never see the release of either of these titles, but to have them both being released on the same month is great news. The timing for the release of these shows is good too, being close to Christmas it means that you should give subtle hints to Santa! ^_-
Souce: Bandai
Newtype USA subscription offer - Get a Cosplay Cap and pay $7.50 per issue
Date: 2004 October 22 16:31 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Retail
Newtype USA have just sent us the details of a cool subscription offer. They'll be offering Cosplay Caps along with the 40% off subscription rate for 12 issues brining each issue down to $7.50
Read More... | Souce: Newtype USA
ADV USA November 23rd DVD Titles
Date: 2004 October 21 22:05 | Posted By: JoeADV have announced that they will be releasing the sixth and final DVD for Azumanga Daioh, titled "Azumanga Daioh:Graduation!" It looks like one very amusing title has come to an end. Oh, they'll be releasing the Aura Battler Dunbine: Terror from Byston Wells! (that's Volume 10) on November 23rd as well.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
ADV USA November 15th DVD Titles
Date: 2004 October 20 18:28 | Posted By: Joe
These days I swear ADV want to make otaku bankrupt! They've just sent us the US releases for November 16th. Here are the details:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum:3
- Chrono Crusade: Holy War
- El Paraíso de Hello Kitty: Aprendre con Cariño
- Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda: Season Four, Collection Three
- Wedding Peach: Scarlet Tears
I suggest you get hold of the second Chrono Crusade DVD, the first one proved popular with the readers of AnimeOnDVD.com
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
ADV UK DVD Releases for November 2004
Date: 2004 October 19 18:01 | Posted By: Joe
Those nice chaps over at ADV UK have sent in their November release details. The following titles are all due to hit the shelves on the 15th November:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Perfect Collection - Limited Edition
- Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi volume 1
- Mazinkaiser vol.2
- Go Nagai's New Cutey Honey: Collection 2
- Rune Soldier volume 3
- Final Fantasy: Unlimited - Phase 5
- Slayers Excellent
- Conduct Zero (live-action)
With this selection we recommend picking up Neon Genesis Evangelion: Perfect Collection, after all it is Eva and it is a revolutionary series. Perhaps it'll make a great Christmas present for the otaku in your life? Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi is also worth a looking at especially since it's another Gainax title.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films UK
Samurai History Papers - Quarterly Newsletter
Date: 2004 October 16 16:03 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
We've just got details in from Ridgeback Press, apparently they will be launching Samurai History Papers, a quarterly newsletter from Romulus Hillsborough (whose research on the history of the Meiji Restoration spans over twenty years). It focuses on the facts behind many samurai anime series, such as the Shinsengumi (central to Peacemaker Kurogane and Rurouni Kenshin).
Read More... | Souce: Ridgeback Press
ADV Films Announces Petite Princess Yucie: Princess Academy
Date: 2004 October 15 16:04 | Posted By: JoeThose good folks at ADV USA have sent us the details of their latest Gainax release Petite Princess Yucie, they're marketing as "From GAINAX The Producers of Nadia". Interestingly this is a joint project with Gainax and AIC.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
L'Arc~en~Ciel Otakon Concert DVD
Date: 2004 October 12 11:19 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Retail
Using CDJapan we've discovered that L'Arc~en~Ciel, one of the biggest rock bands in Japan are releasing a DVD of their live concert at Otakon. Titled L'Arc~en~Ciel - Live In USA - at 1st Mariner Arena July 31, 2004. The region 2 Japanese DVD is due out on December 8th 2004 and should retail for around 4300 yen (without tax). As yet no offical news of a US release.
Souce: L\'Arc~en~Ciel
Doraemon and Dragon Ball DVD Pirates Arrested In Japan
Date: 2004 October 10 09:39 | Posted By: Joe
According to the Mainichi Daily News 5 people in Japan have been arrested for selling pirate anime DVDs using on-line auction sites. One family of pirates were attempting to sell 4,500 copies of Doraemon netting around 6.2 million yen. The pirate claimed he did it "...because my family business faced financial crisis".
Another pirate plotted with his wife and brother to sell pirated copies of Dragon Ball (it's not clear which Dragon Ball), netting about 20 million yen.
As the author of the Pirate Anime FAQ, it's interesting to see some solid figures about how profitable piracy can be, usually the information I get is hazy to say the least when it comes to the quantity of pirate goods sold. Recently I have found that the authorities in Japan have started to clamp down on piracy making a more visible effort to close operations like this.
Souce: Mainichi Daily News
Nintendo will Debut DS With 12 Games In Japan
Date: 2004 October 07 16:30 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Gaming
Reuters have posted an article about Nintendo's new handheld, the Gameboy DS. It's a good synopsis of Gameboy, and states that 12 software titles will debuts on it's Japanese release on Dec. 2.
Nintendo will be releasing the handheld in the USA first on November 21st, timing it just right for Thanksgiving and the Christmas Holidays. The retail price is set to a very completive $149.99, to help compete against Sony's handheld the PSP, which is due out at the end of the year in Japan and hopefully March 2005 in North America and Europe.
Souce: Reuters
ADV USA November 2nd DVD Titles
Date: 2004 October 06 17:18 | Posted By: Joe
ADV US have sent us details of their releases for November 2nd. First up is Robotech Remastered: New Generation Collection 1, something for the more nostalgic anime fan. The 2-disc set retails for $29.98 and has never before seen footage with a fresh clean transfer from the original 16mm film stock for the 13 complete episodes in both English 5.1 and Spanish 5.1.
Next up is New Fist of the North Star: The Forbidden Fist, in which Kenshiro gets up to his normal tricks and has to detail with demons that practice a mysterious killing techinque!!!
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust To Hit The UK On DVD
Date: 2004 October 05 16:22 | Posted By: JoeThose nice folks at Optimum Asia have sent us the press release for Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust on DVD, which will hit the shops on 18th October. This is an interesting announcement and shows Optimum branching out releasing even more anime, previously Optimum have released the Ghibli masterpiece Spirited Away and also have the cinema rights for The Cat Returns (another Ghibli feature).
Read More... | Souce: Optimum Asia
Seven Seas To Produce Original Manga
Date: 2004 October 04 17:58 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Manga
I've just got hold of the press release from Seven Seas, a new LA based publishers dedicated to producing manga for the international market.
Although it isn't exactly clear, it seems that the company won't be licensing and translating manga, but actually getting artists outside of Japan to produce work in a manga style. This has been successful before with artists such as Adam Warren (Dirty Pair and Starwars manga to name a few), and Fred "Piro" Gallagher of MegaTokyo fame, it will be interesting to see if a company can work with such a specialist policy, personally I'm curious as to which artist they'll be using and if any of them are already well known in anime/manga fandom.
Read More... | Souce: Seven Seas
Newtype USA, Volume 3, Issue 10 Out Now
Date: 2004 September 30 17:43 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Retail
ADV USA have just sent us the details for the latest issue of Newtype USA. The anime/manga mazagine which is easily the best English language magazine out there.
I suggest you check out the Paranoia Agent article (Satoshi Kon can do no wrong in my book), as well as the Xebec feature. What's odd is that the press release doesn't mention that there's also a feature on L'Arc~en~Ciel too!
Read More... | Souce: Newtype USA
Terratag London Exhibition - 'Pornograffiti'
Date: 2004 September 29 17:49 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
We've just got an e-mail from Paul over at Terratag. Terratag t-shirts have been sold at most of the UK anime conventions and Paul even had a stall at the Japanese Food Festival in London this August.
Terratag are also very naughty and as a result, I've always debated if I should add them to the Pirate Anime FAQ. The more astute otaku will know there is a range of Terratag t-shirts with Gundam designs on, Terratag have not paid for a license from Bandai to use any Gundam images, or their likeness. Technically this is a copyright violation, and that generally flags them as a bootlegger. This could land Paul in trouble with Bandai's lawyers, and he could face a hefty fine at least.
Anyway, Paul wanted to point out that he's holding an art exhibition at the Notting Hill Arts Club, his show runs until November 1st, he helpfully points out on the night of October 4th there are going to be 4 scratch DJ's from Tokyo playing live. The crew is called En and features Mc Raita with Dj's Jif Rock, Kiccio and Kaitaro. There will also be a jazz/hip-hop dance crew. So fans of the Japanese music scene will want to get over there!
Read More... | Souce: Terratag
The Rise Of Madman Entertainment
Date: 2004 September 26 10:10 | Posted By: JoeThe Age have just posted an interesting article about the accomplishments of Australian Anime DVD firm Madman Entertainment. It mentions their success with Neon Genesis Evangelion and how the founders won the Ernst & Young's Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. UK fans will also note that MVM team up with Madman now and again to co-produce DVDs, saving costs and sharing resources.
Souce: The Age
Viz To Begin Publishing Rurouni Kenshin Manga Monthly Beginning October
Date: 2004 September 23 15:34 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Manga
Sales of the Rurouni Kenshin manga have been doing so well that the US publisher Viz have decided to release the title monthly, previously it was published bi-monthly, but due to the successful sales figures and the demand from fans, Viz have decided to narrow the gap between releases.
This is great news for fans who can't wait for the next instalment of the popular series, but also bad news for my wallet! ^_-
Read More... | Souce: Viz
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