Advanced Search

Browsing Articles

Manga UK's MCM London Fundraiser

Date: 2019 May 08 20:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK are getting ready for the May run on MCM Comic Con London. So to get things moving they've set up a fundraiser for the event. This time around they'll be supporting Mermaids the charity that supports gender variant and transgender children, young people and their families.

If you'd like to help you can buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a nice selection of Dragon Ball Super / Dragon Ball Z goodies.

Seven Seas Entertainment April 2019 Release Announcements

Date: 2019 April 21 19:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The good folks from manga publisher Seven Seas Entertainment have just sent us a load of details about their recent license acquisitions. They've got pretty much something for everyone, including Haruka Takachiho and Hisao Tamaki's Dirty Pair Manga Omnibus which is a manga retelling of the first Dirty Pair Light Novel.

We're very curious about the very interesting sounding My Father Is a Unicorn which tells the tale of Issei who's Mum has remarried to a shape shifting unicorn (as one does), so now Issei's step dad is a unicorn and hilarity ensues. We've not been as excited about a title like this since Seven Seas licensed My Girlfriend is a T-Rex (which you can also buy on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

The Ancient Magus' Bride - Season 1 Part 2 UK Blu-ray and DVD Release Details

Date: 2019 April 19 13:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK anime fans eager to see the second part of The Ancient Magus Bride will be pleased to hear that Manga Entertainment UK have announced a release date of 3rd June 2019 for the UK and Ireland.

You can read our review of part 1 (we really enjoyed it). You can also pre-order The Ancient Magus Bride Season 1 Part 2 on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

Part two continues the adventures of Chise and Elias with more dark fairy tail / folklore magic along with a revelation about about Joseph / Cartaphilus. If you enjoyed part one, you will enjoy part two as well!

Seven Seas Entertainment March 2019 Release Announcements

Date: 2019 March 19 21:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Manga Publisher Seven Seas Entertainment have just announced 3 new license acquisitions that'll arrive in shops in the final months of 2019. They've got Dance in the Vampire Bund: A.S.O. Volume 1 which will hit shelves on October 8th 2019. ASO stands for Age of Scarlet Order and continues the adventures of Mina and Akira. They'll also be re-releasing the original Dance in the Vampire Bund manga volumes in digital format in 2019.

If you fancy some fashionable cooking manga with a twist then Gal Gohan could be the title for you. Volume 1 will be out on December 10th 2019 on print and digital.

Finally they'll also be releasing the Kickstater hit ROADQUEEN: Eternal Roadtrip. The manga-style Girls' Love/yuri graphic novel about motorcycles and romance will be released in print and digital on October 8th 2019.

Perfect Blue Ultimate Edition UK Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2019 March 14 20:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have announced that they'll be releasing an Ultimate Edition of Satoshi Kon's psychological thriller Perfect Blue. Anime Limited normally have different grades of releases, for them a collectors edition generally has a nice artbook and maybe a soundtrack, all nicely packaged in a special box of some kind. While to earn the badge of ultimate edition, they generally go a lot further. This release includes a 48 page companion book, the complete storyboard book (which is a huge 384 pages), plus a CD soundtrack. Both books are A4 size which means the box will also be A4 size.

They've also included a new remaster of Perfect Blue on blu-ray. Anime Limited say "this Blu-ray is different as it's a brand new remaster of the film! This remaster - which you won't have seen in any cinema or other home video release before - improves on the overall visual quality of the film, giving you a new viewing experience that really show off its direction and composition as is befitting of such an important film."

The release is due out on Monday 29th April 2019.

The set retails for £99.99, but is exclusive to Anime Limited and Zavvi who both have it pre-order for £89.99.

Pre-order from Zavvi.com
Pre-order from Anime Limited

If you're curious about this amazing classic you can read our review of the 2017 cinema screening too.

Souce: Anime Limited

Mamoru Hosoda's Mirai UK Blu-ray and DVD Release Details

Date: 2019 February 26 21:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK based fans of Mamoru Hosoda's latest hit movie Mirai will be pleased to hear that Anime Limited have made the title available for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk. The Oscar nominated movie will be available from Monday May 27th 2019. The film follows the domestic life of 4 year old Kun and the upheaval that occurs when his little sister Mirai arrives, as a new born baby and then as a time traveller from the future!

It'll be released as a special Collectors Edition Combi, Standard Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD.

If did get a chance to catch the movie when it was in the cinemas last year, then now's your chance get it on DVD or Blu-ray. We really enjoyed Mirai and think it's an excellent family film. It's a rare joyful movie that has plenty of rewatch value. We've said it's an instant classic, and we'll say it again. If you want to know more then why not read our review of Mirai?

Souce: Anime Limited

The Ring Returns to Cinemas and Home Video in the UK for it's 20th Anniversary

Date: 2019 February 11 22:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Arrow Films are keen to tell us about some classic nightmare fuel they're releasing. To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Ring a special restoration of the film will be showing across the UK from Friday 1st March 2019. They've also got a showing at London's Prince Charles Cinema 21st February 2019.

The iconic horror movie has so many classic elements, urban myths and a more modern take on the chain letter. The iconic image of Sadako crawling out of a TV is burnt into Japanese pop culture on it's release.

You can find a screening near you by visiting the official UK Ring website.

If you want to watch it at home Ring will also be released on Monday 18th March 2019 on Digital, DVD, Blu-ray, Limited Edition Steelbook, and Limited Edition Collection featuring Ring, Ring 2, Ring 0 and Spiral.

You can pre-order the Limited Edition Collection Blu-ray now from Amazon.co.uk, which features a ton of content featuring Ring, Ring 2, Ring 0 and Spiral, plus a limited edition 60-page booklet containing new writing by Violet Lucca, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Jasper Sharp, Kieran Fisher and Kat Ellinger. They're also got Limited Edition Blu-ray Steel Book of Ring.

If you don't like Blu-rays in Steelbooks they've also got the regular blu-ray (that's currently priced the same as the steel book) or the film on DVD.

Dragon Ball Super The Movie: Broly SteelBook Blu-Ray UK Release Details

Date: 2019 February 08 21:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

While the latest Dragon Ball Super Movie - Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie is doing well at cinemas around the UK, it's distributor Manga Entertainment UK have just dropped us a message to tell us about the UK blu-ray release. The movie will be released as a special Limited Edition Blu-ray in the UK on 27th May 2019.

You can pre-order the title from Zavvi.

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas Light Novel and Manga Release Reminder

Date: 2019 February 07 21:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Manga publisher Seven Seas Entertainment have just sent a reminder about I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. The movie hits cinemas around the US soon. They're keen to remind us that they've recently released the original light novel and it's manga adaptation in print and digital platforms. The weepy romantic story has a legion of fans and we're eager to see it too.

As always you can buy the original light novel from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com. The manga is also available from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

If you want to keep track of other release dates we suggest you check our out sister site the Otaku Calendar, which lists events and release dates of interest to anime and manga fans.

Seven Seas Entertainment New Year 2019 Release Details

Date: 2019 January 15 21:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

A new year marks a new load of releases from manga publisher Seven Seas Entertainment. They've sent us a ton of press releases telling us all about them. Rather than spread them across a dozen pages, here's the full list:

There's pretty much something for everyone on this list. We're most excited about The Wize Wize Beasts of the Wizarding Wizdoms by Nagabe as we're really enjoying reading The Girl From the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún. Plus Neon Genesis Evangelion: ANIMA light novel, as it's always interesting to see other takes on the huge franchise.

Overlord II Collectors' Edition UK Release Details

Date: 2019 January 11 22:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us the release details for Overlord II. The title will be avaiable as a special collectors edition exclusively from Zavvi. It's out from 25th February 2019. It includes content on DVD and Blu-ray along with a 40 page artbook, some art cards and a fabric poster.

Overlord forms part of the whole reincarnated/transported in another world (isekai) genre. Momonga is a player for a MMORPG soon to be shutdown, staying on-line as the game servers are shut down he finds himself reborn as the skeletal lich character he used to play. Trapped in this new world the comedy adventure begins and season 2 continues the adventures. If you like D&D or a good RPG and want something like that with anime, comedy and adventure Overloard is a good start.

My Hero Academia: Two Heroes Movie UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2018 December 29 20:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us the home video release details for My Hero Academia: Two Heroes. The movie is due out on DVD, Blu-ray and Limited Edition Blu-ray Steelbook from Monday 8th April 2019.

The movie follows Deku and his classmates as they're invited to hero expo on a special research island fortress city called I-Island. Of course being My Hero Academia and such an important event, villains show up and All Might's protégé has to save the day.

As always you can pre-order it from Amazon.co.uk now.

You can also read our review of the movie from the recently cinema screenings.

We're very amused with Manga's genius tag line for this "Go Plus Ultra from your sofa!".

Cowboy Bebop Ultimate Edition UK Release Details

Date: 2018 November 07 21:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime Limited have been figuring out what to get the anime fan who has everything. So to answer this question they've been busy bunnies (or should we say corgis?) releasing the Cowboy Bebop Ultimate Edition. Intended to celebrate 20 years of the franchise, they've bundled together the whole show on blu-ray, including the full TV series and movie, along with 3 of the CD soundtracks (Cowboy Bebop, Cowboy Bebop NO DISC and Cowboy Bebop BLUE), along with a 120 page artbook featuring all sorts of lovely images. Of course to make it the ultimate edition they've taken it a step further and put it in a massive vinyl storage box with Cowboy Bebop branding, with the CDs and blu-rays in special sleeves that fit in the box.

It's available for pre-order exclusively on Zavvi.com and AllTheAnime.com.

The set will be limited to 1,000 copies and when it's sold out Anime Limited have made very clear that that's it for this edition. The set has a suggested retail price of £299.99, but both Anime Limited and Zavvi have it for £224.99. They intend to release it early December 2018, most likely around 10th December 2018, but the release date isn't set in stone as it's the Christmas period.

The Blu-rays are Region B, so fans in the UK, Ireland, the rest of Europe and Australia can enjoy the blu-rays with their normal players.

Genki Gear - Latest 2018 T-shirt Line Up

Date: 2018 November 06 20:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from geeky t-shirt company Genki Gear have sent us details of their new range. It includes their regular mix of cats, geeky stuff and of course a bit of D&D. We like the look of science cat, as of course cats would indeed to science to take over the world.

Yuri!!! On Ice - Complete Season - UK Release Reminder

Date: 2018 October 08 21:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Just a quick reminder to UK anime fans awaiting the release of Yuri!!! On Ice - Complete Season. We've just received a reminder from Funimation Entertainment that it's out now! It's available as a DVD and Blu-ray combi pack and is out now from Amanzon.co.uk and Zavvi.com.

This show is a fan favourite if you don't know about it already watch an episode on Crunchyroll.com to see if it's to your liking.

Studio Khara's Hibiki Yoshizaki to be MCM London Comic Con October 2018 Anime Guest of Honour

Date: 2018 October 03 20:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

It's October already, which means MCM London Comic Con's October 2018 run is almost here. As is tradition they've got a great anime guest lined up. The anime guest of honour will be Studio Khara's Hibiki Yoshizaki (whose notable credits include Evangelion, The Dragon Dentist, Japan Anima(tor) Expo).

Anime Limited have just revealed all the details which include a panel and signing session. They'll also be bringing an exhibition of short film ME! ME! ME! to MCM. The signing and exhibition will be free, but the exhibition is for over 18's only due to the mature nature of the exhibition.
MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October 2018 at London's Excel Centre.

Japan Matsuri 2018 - London Event Details

Date: 2018 September 28 20:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese Culture who can get to London on Sunday 30th September 2018 will want to head over to the Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square. The Japanese Culture festival is free to enter and is set to run from 10 am to 8pm. The Central London location will play host to two stages highlighting Japanese Culture. They'll be plenty of stalls selling Japanese goodies, plus a variety of Japanese Street food.

As always, we've had the event listed on the Otaku Calendar to help you keep track of what's going on.

Souce: Japan Matsuri

First Ever UK Exhibition to Celebrate an Anime Director

Date: 2018 September 17 21:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks at anime distributors Anime Limited have just sent us details of the first ever UK exhibition to celebrate The Works of Mamoru Hosoda. The exhibition will run for one week only from Saturday 13th October until Saturday 20th October 2018 in Central London just off Oxford Street at Noho Studios, 46 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 7PZ.

The exhibition will also feature a shop, where visitors can purchase merchandise that is to be made available for the first time in the UK. This'll be a great chance to pick up a great selection of goodies.

It'll be open from 10:00 to 18:00. The event is free to enter. If you can get to London in that time frame we suggest you give this excellent exhibition a look in.

This is a perfect refresher to Mamoru Hosoda's world before catching a screening. Mirai will be screened around the UK on 2nd November 2018 for subtitled screenings and 4th November 2018 for dubbed screenings. You can find a screening near you by visiting the official Mirai UK film website.

The film also features at the BFI Film Festival on Sunday 14th October 2018 (the Saturday 13th October screenings have sold out).

If you can't get to London then Scotland Loves Anime will be showing it on Sunday 14th October in Glasgow and Saturday 20th October 2018 in Edinburgh and the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival will be showing the film at Aberystwyth on Sunday 21st October 2018.

As always for screenings we advise booking early to avoid disappointment. We also suggest catching this movie on the big screen while you can.

Another World With My Smartphone UK Release Details

Date: 2018 September 11 19:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Funimation Entertainment have just sent us details about their up coming UK release of In Another World With My Smartphone. The anime is due out on DVD and Blu-ray combo pack from 29th October 2018. Based on the popular light novel series by Patora Fuyuhara and illustrator Eiji Usatsuka it tracks the adventures of Touya Mochizuk, who is killed and reincarnated in a fantasy world with his smartphone, which proves to be rather handy in his new world when surrounded by magic and cute girls.

RTX London 2018 Details

Date: 2018 September 07 20:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Are you a fan of the inspired by anime series RWBY? Looking for something to do in London? Well if so you should head over to RTX London 2018 which is set to run from Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th September 2018 at London's ExCel Centre. The show is run by Rooster Teeth the people behind popular anime like show RWBY.

Weekend Badges are 40% off with the code FLASH40.

Cutie Honey: The Classic Collection Manga Release Reminder

Date: 2018 August 24 22:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from manga publisher Seven Seas Entertainment have sent us a friendly reminder about Cutie Honey: The Classic Collection. The hard cover book captures Go Nagai's original 1973 story in print and is out on Tuesday August 28th 2018.

You can pre-order the manga from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

Manga Entertainment UK 2018 Autumn and Winter UK Release Details

Date: 2018 July 10 21:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from UK anime distributors Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us their release schedule for the autumn and winter of 2018. They've got a mix of good classic titles, include the fantastic Paprika, Cow Bebop: The Movie, Tokyo Godfathers (a perfect Christmas classic) along with some new movie collections and continuing some releases of popular long series. The line up is as follows -

September:
Digimon Tamers (17th September 2018) DVD
Paprika (24th September 2018) Pre-order on: Blu-ray or DVD
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (24th September 2018) Pre-order on: Blu-ray or DVD
Steamboy (24th September 2018) Pre-order on: Blu-ray or DVD

October:
Ghost in the Shell: Innocence (1st October 2018) Pre-order on: Blu-ray or DVD
Power Rangers: Ninja Steel Volume 2 (1st October 2018) Pre-order on: DVD
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie (8th October 2018) Pre-order on: Blu-ray or DVD
Tokyo Godfathers (15th October 2018) Pre-order on: Blu-ray or DVD
One Piece (Uncut) Collection 19 (22nd October 2018) Pre-order on: DVD
Pokémon Movie Collection 17-19:XY (22nd October 2018)
Digimon Frontier (29th October 2018) Pre-order on: DVD
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Complete Season 1-3 (29th October 2018)

November:
Naruto Shippuden Box 34 (19th November 2018) Pre-order on: DVD

December:
Digimon Adventure Tri Part 6 Future (3rd December 2018) 8) Pre-order on: Blu-ray or DVD
Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! Take On Me (10th December 2018) Pre-order on: Blu-ray or DVD
One Piece (Uncut) Collection 20 (17th December 2018) Pre-order on: DVD

Ghost In The Shell Stand Alone Complex Standard Edition UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2018 June 21 20:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Following on from the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Limited Edition Delux UK Blu-ray the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just announced that they're going to release the the title as a standard edition on DVD and Blu-ray.

It's due out on Monday 6th August 2018. We've noticed that the running time for every edition is 1337 minutes long. The elite number favoured by hackers. We're certain this is deliberate!

My Hero Academia Season Two - Part Two UK Competition

Date: 2018 May 22 20:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Funimation Entertainment have given us one copy of My Hero Academia Season 2 Part 2 to give away on DVD. The show hits the shelves on DVD and Blu-ray on Monday 11th June 2018. So read on to enter our competition!

Animerama: A Thousand and One Nights / Cleopatra UK Blu-ray and DVD Release Details

Date: 2018 May 12 20:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK fans of Osamu Tezuka's less mainstream work will be interested to hear about Third Window Film's upcoming release of Animerama: A Thousand and One Nights / Cleopatra. This forms the world's first blu-ray and remastered release of Tezuka's more erotic movies from the late 60's and early 70's. The double disc set is due out on Monday 18th June 2018 and is rated BBFC 15.

The extras bundled with the film make it even more temping including Audio commentaries for both films by Helen McCarthy (anime expert and author of The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga), plus a new hour long interview with director Eiichi Yamamoto.

You can pre-order the collectors edition on blu-ray and DVD from Amazon.co.uk

Japan Matsuri 2018 - London Event Details

Date: 2018 April 19 19:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese Culture in London looking for something to do at the end of September will be very excited to hear about the Japan Matsuri 2018. The regular festival held at Trafalgar Square brings Japanese Culture in the form of performances, stalls, street food and other entertainment to anyone who get to Central London on Sunday 30th September 2018. The event lasts from 10am to 8pm and is free to attend.

Of course September is a while away, so you might not remember, which is why we've added it to the Otaku Calendar which forms an easy to to keep track of all your otaku events.

Souce: Japan Matsuri

Japan House will be opening on Kensington High Street in 2018

Date: 2018 April 14 13:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

Readers heading to London will be interested to hear about Japan House. The new venue is set to open on Kensington High Street in 2018. It forms the London hub of an international project to spread the word about how awesome Japan is.

"JAPAN HOUSE is a project which aims to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community, by creating a number of hubs from which to showcase and communicate Japan as a country of countless charms, able to enrich the rest of the world."

"Each hub features an exhibition space, a multi-purpose space with theater facilities, a retail space, food and drink, books, online connectivity, and a cafe space".

To find out more visit their website and sign up to their mailing list, follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to find out more.

Pokémon Movie Collection: Diamond & Pearl UK DVD Release Details

Date: 2018 April 10 20:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us the release details for the Pokémon Movie Collection: Diamond & Pearl. It's due out on Monday 21st May 2018, as always you can pre-order the DVD set from Amazon.co.uk.

United Publications Spring Clearance Sale 2018

Date: 2018 April 09 18:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime and manga retailer United Publications have sent us details of their spring clearance sale for 2018.

Managing Director Martin Dudman tells us - "Chance to try new series or help fill gaps in your collection.
Spring Clearance Books, DVD & Figures, limited quantity first come first served.
All orders will be posted ASAP and can not be held waiting on other items"

United Publications are a retailer you may have met before on the UK convention scene, as they regularly have stalls at London Comic Con and fan run conventions around the country.

Souce: United Publications

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Limited Edition UK Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2018 March 28 20:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks at Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of the up coming release of Ghost In the Shell: Stand Alone Complex on Blu-ray. The limited edition set comes with the whole of the Stand Alone Complex Series, that's Season 1, 2nd Gig (that's season 2), The Laughing Man OVA, Individual Eleven OVA and Solid State Society (the TV movie).

The blu-ray set is limited to 1,000 copies and is out on Monday 4th June 2018.

It also comes with a ton of extras Interviews with Kenji Kamiyama (director), Yoko Kanno (composer), voice actors, writers, mecha designers, animation directors and more. Bundled in is an 140 page in depth book.

Ghost In the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is in our opinion the definitive version of the franchise, while the movie is amazing and ground breaking, SAC feels closer to the original manga, capturing the humour and spirit. You've got Tachikoma's too, you can never get enough robot spider tanks running around. That and well, Yoko Kanno's amazing score for the series. The show also gave anime fandom the iconic Laughing Man Logo. We interviewed the graphic designer behind this logo a while ago.

The set is available for pre-order from Zavvi, currently it's £99 for the whole thing on blu-ray.

My Hero Academia Season Two - Part One UK Release Details

Date: 2018 March 10 20:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Funimation Entertainment have sent us details of their up coming release of My Hero Academia Season 2 - Part 1. The fan favourite is due out on DVD and blu-ray on Monday 2nd April 2018.

Genki Gear New Year Sale 2018

Date: 2018 February 11 17:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good people from geeky t-shirt company Genki Gear have just dropped us a line to tell us about their new year sale. Readers can get an additional 15% off using the code happysale in the basket on their website.

Manga Entertainment UK Spring 2018 DVD and Blu-ray Release Line Up

Date: 2018 February 09 17:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us their release schedule for Q2 of 2018. They've got a mix of classic shonen action and some new stuff including BLAME!.

April 2018:

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Season 1
Occultic Nine Volume 1
Dragon Ball Z The TV Specials Double Feature: The History Of Trunks/Bardock The Father Of Goku
Ushio & Tora Complete Series Collection DVD
Naruto Shippuden Complete Series 8 Box Set
Pokemon The Movie 20: I Choose You! Blu-ray Steelbook

May 2018:

Power Ranger Dino Super Charge: Vol 2 Extinction
Naruto Shippuden Box 32
Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga Volume 2
BLAME!
Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal Season 3

BLAME! UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2018 February 09 16:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of their latest acquisition. BLAME! the CG animated film based on the popular manga of the same name. Originally released as a Netflix exclusive the movie will hit DVD and Blu-ray on Monday 28th May 2018. Manga UK will be partnering with Dybex to distribute the film in the UK, Ireland, France and Benelux.

You can pre-order the DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk now.

Attack on Titan Season 2 UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2018 January 13 11:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK Anime fans eagerly awaiting to get their hands on the home video release of Attack on Titan Season 2 won't have to wait much longer. The good folks at Funimation Entertainment have sent us details for the UK release on DVD and blu-ray. The hugely popular series will hit UK shelves on Monday 26th February 2018.

The DVD and blu-ray releases are packed with extras including episode commentaries, interviews with original creator Hajime Isayama, plus interviews with staff at Anime Expo 2017.

As always you can pre-order the DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

World's Largest Collection of CardCaptor Sakura Merchandise

Date: 2018 January 04 15:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

If you think your collection of anime merchandise is big then you might want to think again. Is it big enough to get a Guinness World Record? We've just heard from Sofia Pichihua a keen CardCaptor Sakura fan from Peru, who has the world's largest collection of CardCaptor Sakura merchandise with 1,086 items. Sofia writes for the Otaku Press blog (that's a name we like).

There are other collectors out there. Masao Gunji in Yotsukaido, Japan has the world's largest collection of Hello Kitty memorabilia with 5,169 items.

Can anyone else out there beat this? Do you have a large collection of anime merchandise that's worthy of a Guinness World Record?

Evangelion Ring Watch Details

Date: 2017 December 23 08:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from on-line anime shop Tokyo Otaku Mode have sent us details of a new Evangelion product available for pre-order that will be of interest to the fan who has everything.

We've covered the world of Evangelion merchandise before with the Transformers Mode Eva (which promptly sold out), along with an article covering all the stuff available, plus a follow up article (our favourite bit of merchandise is still an AT Field Umbrella).

With such a wide variety of Eva themed goods, the merchandise department khara must be looking for something a bit different to sell. So a tie in with character-based jewellery firm U-TREASURE seems like a good choice. They'll be releasing a "ring watch". It's a ring with a watch face on the setting. There's lot of interesting details such as the bezel featuring the Eva Pilot's synchro rates, and the jewel matching the patterns of the AT Field. What strikes us is the choice for the base of the ring. They've decided to use the pilots torso as the base, yes, you've read that right. Not their face, or some sort of montage, or some other Eva iconography like the Lance of Longinus or some nifty design featuring the angels or something along those lines, but a ring with the torsos of the pilots in their plug suits.

You can chose between two designs one with a red jewel, with Rei's torso in her 00 suit and 09 suit, or another design with a blue jewel featuring Shinji and Kaworu.

The ring watch will retail for ¥53,000 JPY which is about $468 USD / €394 EUR / £350 GBP (at the time of publishing). Both designs will be limited to 100 units each with serial numbers.

Pre-orders open from 10:00 am (JST) on December 22, 2017
Pre-orders period ends at 11:59 pm (JST) on January 31, 2018

Japan Matsuri in London September 2017

Date: 2017 September 21 15:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Japanese culture looking for something to do on Sunday 24th September 2017 will want to head to the Japan Matsuri. The festival is set to run from 10am until 8pm at Trafalgar Square.

The event has a central stage with performances all day long, plenty of Japanese food stalls selling hot street food to eat while you're there, plus lots of other stalls selling Japanese goodies. The event is free to attend, no booking is required. Just turn up and enjoy the celebration of Japanese Culture.

Souce: Japan Matsuri

Genki Gear Launches Exclusive T-shirt for London Comic Con October 2017

Date: 2017 August 16 15:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

It's August, but the good folks at geeky t-shirt company Genki Gear are already getting excited about the MCM London Comic Con. So much so they've just unveiled an exclusive design with a horror theme.

The design is available to pre-order until the 20th October and can be collected directly from the Genki Gear stand at hte MCM London Comic Con or posted to your home address so you can wear it at the event.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run on Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October 2017.

An Interview with Danny Choo

Date: 2017 July 26 15:27 | Posted By: Lee

Category > Features

One of the great things about writing for Otaku News is that you get to meet interesting people. At Hyper Japan we caught up with Danny Choo a professional otaku, entrepreneur, Japanese Cultural ambassador and inventor of the Smart Doll Fashion Doll.

Danny was born and raised in the UK and has been living in Tokyo since 1999. We managed to get an exclusive with interview him at his Smart Doll Booth and he revealed some interesting up products. Read on to find out more.

The Red Turtle UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 July 20 12:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Studio Canal have just sent us details the UK DVD and Blu-ray release of The Red Turtle. It's due out in the UK on Monday 25th September 2017.

The movie is produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit who was head hunted especially for the film with Isao Takahata acting as artistic director.

You can read our review of The Red Turtle and our interview with the director.

To be honest this movie is amazing. There's no dialogue, so you won't need to watch it subbed or dubbed. It's very intelligent, it's well animated, it doesn't talk down to you. Given the choice you can watch a few episodes of a long running shonen series or you can spend the time watching something that'll get you thinking.

There subtle things in this film, although there's no real dialogue apart from the occasional grunt, moan or the main character going "heeeeeeeeeeeeey", the attention to detail is stunning. They decided to record the sound of the characters breathing to make it feel more real. Repeat viewings will make you notice details you didn't spot first time around.

As always you can pre-order the DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

The Boy and The Beast UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 July 20 11:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've just heard from the good folks at StudioCanal that Mamoru Hosoda's The Boy and The Beast will finally be heading to DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on Monday 4th September 2017. The movie follows the adventures of Kyuta an abandoned boy who stumbles into the mythical world of beasts where he meets Kumatetsu the brash warrior. Kumatetsu takes Kyuta under his wing (shouldn't that be paw?) and adventure ensues.

You may be familiar with director Mamoru Hosoda other works, which include Summer Wars, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Wolf Children. We've seen this film and confirm if you like anything else by Hosoda you'll know exactly what to expect. You'll enjoy this!

As always you can pre-order the DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

It should be noted that Manga Entertainment UK have announced that they'll be releasing a premium Hosoda Collection of his other movies.

Hyper Japan Festival London 2017 Details

Date: 2017 May 04 16:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

If you're in London and looking for some Japanese Culture on from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th July 2017 you should head over to Hyper Japan to indulge yourself in the festival. It's got something for everyone, street food, cosplay, chiptunes and traditional Japanese crafts. The event will be at The Tobacco Dock,

Manga Entertainment and Animatsu UK Q3 2017 Anime DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 April 28 16:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Manga Entertainment UK and their label Animatsu have just sent us their release schedule for Q3 2017. They pretty much got something for everyone there. You like shonen? They've got Naruto Shippuden Box 29 and Box 30. If you like the A Certain... franchise they've got A Certain Magical Index II
A Certain Scientific Railgun S coming out in on 21st August.

Personally we're very keen on One Punch Man which is due out on 3rd July (it might be because our editor can convincingly cosplay as Saitama). We're also keen on fan favourite Himouto! Umaru-chan which is due out on 10th July.

Genki Gear Launches Exclusive T-shirt for London Comic Con May 2017

Date: 2017 April 13 16:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

It's mid-April, which means it's getting closer to May and the mega event that is MCM London Comic Con. As is tradition geeky t-shirt company Genki Gear will be releasing an exclusive official t-shirt for the event. The theme this time around is monster hoardes.

The design can be either collected at the Genki Gear stall at the London event or posted to you beforehand so you can declare your geeky pride comic con opens it doors.

Pre-orders are available now for £16.99 from the MCM Store at www.mcmexpostore.com or Genki Gear themselves. MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 26th May to Sunday 28th May 2017.

A Silent Voice UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 March 19 12:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks at Anime Limited have just revealed that they've put up Amazon.co.uk pre-orders for A Silent Voice on DVD and Blu-ray. Anime Limited announced on Twitter that you now pre order A Silent Voice on standard edition DVD, standard edition blu-ray or Collectors Edition Combi (with DVD and blu-ray). The tentative release date has been set for 18th December 2017.

Anime Limited did state: "NOTE: Until all details are signed-off, we can’t comment on details for our A Silent Voice home video release. Details to follow ASAP".

As the release is so far away, it's really a tentative release date, so we expect it could change as details become clearer., the contents of the collectors edition have yet to be confirmed, we imagine Anime Limited are trying to get some sing off for some nice content. You can still catch the film in select cinemas by checking out asilentvoice.co.uk.

We've written not one, but two reviews of the film for you to compare and contrast.

You can also get the original 7 volume manga from Kodansha Comics via Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. The movie follows pretty much the same story, but as manga has more time to explore the characters you'll get extra background details about their lives and also a few more chapters into their story together.

Souce: Anime Limited

Yokai Watch UK DVD Release Details

Date: 2017 February 09 15:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of their up coming release of Yokai Watch. They'll be releasing the spooky franchise on DVD on Monday 8th May in the UK.

The show focuses on a primary school student Keita who discovers and sets yokai Whisper free. As reward he gives Ketia a special Yokai Watch which allows him to see the other yokai around him. Adventures and a mutli-format franchise of toys, games and other merchandise ensues.

You can pre-order it from Amazon.co.uk now.

Sony DVD and Blu-ray Sales Down

Date: 2017 February 03 15:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

We don't normally post about business news, but it's relevant to otaku. Sony have had to take a writedown on the value of it's movie business (PDF details here). One of the factors is faster than expected decline of DVD and blu-ray disc sales. People are switching to viewing titles via streaming services instead.

The Financial Times and BBC News have more details.

Souce: The Financial Times

Genki Gear MCM Comic Con 2017 Tour T-Shirt

Date: 2017 February 03 15:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Geeky t-shirt maker Genki Gear have got in touch with to tell us about their official MCM Comic Con 2017 Tour T-shirt. Genki Gear have a clever innovation this time around. The t-shirt is a parody board game you can play! So you two things for the price of one. We see what you did there Genki Gear.

The T-shirt / board game will set you back £16.99 and is available from the MCM Expo Store or directly from Genki Gear.

Seven Seas License Dragon Half Manga

Date: 2017 January 13 18:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

It seems that Christmas has come early for some manga fans as publisher Seven Seas Entertainment have just announced that they'll be releasing Dragon Half as a manga omnibus from December 2017.

Certain anime fans will be aware of the much loved crazy title that follows the adventures of half human half dragon Mink, who has fallen for male idol and dragon slayer Dick Saucer (yes, that is his name). The 1993 two episode OVA was mad cap to say the least for many it was an early introduction into how crazy anime can be. That and how you can reinterpret Beethoven's Symohony Number 7 and the joy of omelettes (you really need to watch the anime to appreciate this). Yum! Tamago! *ahem*

Even if you haven't seen the anime If you love Japanese RPGs, you'll want to get a hold of this title.

Your Name UK DVD and Blu-ray Pre-order Details

Date: 2016 December 21 14:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Without doubt the surprise anime hit of the years has been Makoto Shinkai's Your Name. Anime Limited have just announced that the title is now available for pre-order from Amazon UK.

They've set the provisional release date for Monday 30th October 2017. They do however state that this date is likely to change and hopefully they'll be able to release it earlier.

You can pre-order one of 3 editions via Amazon.co.uk.
Your Name on DVD from Amazon.co.uk
Your Name on Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk
Your Name Collectors Edition on Blu-ray and DVD Combi-pack from Amazon.co.uk

Anime Limited have confirmed at this time they are uncertain if there will be an Ultimate Edition. All editions will contain the movie dubbed in English and in Japanese with subtitles. They've yet to clarify the contents of each edition as it's still early days yet.

You can read our review of Your Name and our interview with the film's director Makoto Shinkai.

Souce: Anime Limited

Advanced Search

@otaku_news

@otakunews.com

Browsing Articles

Recent News

Recent DVD / Blu-ray Reviews

Recent Manga Reviews