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September 2007 Shojo Beat magazine features Yuu Watase cover

Date: 2007 August 14 16:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The folks at Viz Media have sent us details about a special Yuu Watase Absolute Boyfriend cover for the September 2007 issue of Shojo Beat Magazine.

Hokusai's Mount Fuji

Date: 2007 April 02 16:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

The nice people at Abrams have sent us details of a new book they're publishing Hokusai, the artist who created one of the most famous bits of Japanese artwork, often called Tsunami by Hokusai or The Under the wave off Kanagawa. The book is printed excellent quality paper. At £15.95 it's superb value for money especially considering it's all in colour. It's due out 30th April 2007. We only wish the book was bigger so that they could print the artwork larger, but I guess we've been spoiled by looking at anime artbooks all these years. The book has some great examples of Japanese culture in the period and come highly recommend by the Otaku News crew.

Viz US DVD release dates until August 2007

Date: 2007 March 19 16:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Viz Media US have sent us their DVD release schedule for titles up until August. If you like Inuyasha, Bleach or Naruto on DVD, then check these release dates.

Udon release Megaman and Street Fighter artbooks

Date: 2007 February 20 12:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Capcom fans will pleased to hear about Udon Entertainment's new artbooks, one for Megaman Zero and another on Street Fighter.

Afro Samurai Figures From DC in 2007

Date: 2007 February 14 22:42 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Toys

Waiting for merchandise related to the hit recent anime series Afro Samurai? Well, you won't have to wait for much longer as DC Unlimited, DC Comics' new 3D brand which licenses pop culture products from outside the DC comic book universe and distributes them to all channels, has acquired the license to produce action figures, busts and statues related to Gonzo-produced series starring Samuel L. Jackson that aired on Spike TV last January. These will be the first line of collectibles based on the series outside of Japan, where a limited number of action figures based on the lead character were produced by toy company Cube back when series' creator Takashi "Bob" Okazaki first produced his original self-published manga.

The first series of collectibles were unveiled last weekend at the New York International Toy Fair. These include fully articulated action figures of two sizes, a regular 6.75 and a deluxe 14 , that spotlight the characters from the anime. The first wave of figures will include main character Afro Samurai, his sidekick Ninja Ninja, and deadly adversaries Kuma and Justice. A possible second wave of figures will no doubt include the Empty Seven, a group of monks determined to get the headbands worn by Afro and Justice, as well as possibly a young Afro. Busts and statues will also be available, though no details as to who they will be of, outside of Afro of course, have been given. The first series of collectibles will be shipped to retailers in the fall of 2007.

Souce: ICv2

Hellsing Ultimate website launches

Date: 2006 December 05 15:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Websites

The nice folks at Geneon Entertainment have sent us news that they've launched a website for Hellsing Ultimate, the OAV incarnation of the fan favourite anime series. The website contains some details about the series, it's creator, DVD release dates, along with a host of downloads like desktop wallpaper and chat icons.

Farewell Ranma

Date: 2006 November 07 14:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The nice people from Viz Media have sent us a press release detailing the conclusion of the long running fan favourite manga Ranma 1/2. Volume 36 of the manga ends the series with a letter to North American fans from Rumiko Takahashi, the author of Ranma 1/2 and another huge favourite Inu Yasha. The final volume is due out in North American on November 14th. So now's your chance to say goodbye to everyone's favourite gender changing comedy martial arts manga!

Seven Seas Goes Yuri

Date: 2006 October 27 08:18 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Manga

Seven Seas Entertainment will be launching a new publishing imprint for its library of manga titles. Called Strawberry, this new imprint will focus on yuri, or girl-on-girl, flavored romantic titles. The first titles of the new line are expected to be released sometime in 2007.

Naruto Wins Quill Award

Date: 2006 October 15 13:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The folks from VIZ Media have sent us details about Naruto winning the 2006 Quill Award for best graphic novel, apparently this is the first time a manga title has one the category. The Quill awards are unlike normal awards as they are more consumer orientated, so in other words it looks at sales figures rather than panellists decisions.

Samurai 7 Action Figures to be sold at Comic-con

Date: 2006 July 08 02:40 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Anime

According to Figures.com, Southern Island announced that has acquired the rights to distribute Samurai 7 Action Figures, statues and busts. At Comic-Con there will be an exclusive set of 5 " scale Samurai 7 action figures produced by Organic. The set of 7 pieces will be limited to only 50 pieces at the show and will be sold at $45. For a closer look at the figures click here.

Souce: Figures.com

FUNimation and Tokyopop Anime DVD Team-Up

Date: 2006 May 25 11:21 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

FUNimation teams up with Tokyopop to re-release DVD titles.

Anime Forest.com Closing Down

Date: 2006 April 18 11:31 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

Bad news for American anime fans. Anime News Network has reported that Anime Forest.com, the popular on-line rental site, will be shutting down after three years of service. An e-mail was sent out to customers of the site informing them of the closing, though reasons as to why were not given. Per-rental services ceased on April 7th, while subscription services will end on April 30. Anime Forest thanks their customers for their support in the e-mail. They will be missed.

Souce: Anime News Network

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children DVD Details

Date: 2006 April 06 16:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Otaku rejoice! The popular RPG game series Final Fantasy has stolen many hours of our lives, especially Final Fantasy VII, which is why a CGI movie was made. It's set two years after the events of the game, and features everyone favourite Cloud and Sephiroth. It's due for UK release on DVD and UMD on April 24th and April 25th in the USA, it looks like it's going to be good.

Update: We now have a review of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.

More Tenchi on the Way

Date: 2006 March 08 10:20 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

The release dates for the next volumes of Tenchi Muyo are out, though fans will have to wait a while longer.

VIZ Launches Shojo Beat Home Video

Date: 2006 March 01 10:14 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

VIZ announces launch of new Shojo Beat video line for titles of related genre.

Falsely Accused - Enzai The First Yaoi Game In The US?

Date: 2006 January 17 15:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > PC

We've just been sent the press release from JAST USA, about a rather novel PC game for a certain type of anime fan. Yep, we're talking Yaoi (or boys love). Appropriately for this kind of game, Enzai - Falsely Accused, the action takes place in a prison ^_- (our resident expert Spike's going to love this).

FUNimation to Release Negima!

Date: 2005 November 02 21:45 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

FUNimation announced that they will release Negima! on DVD sometime in 2006.

Anime on The iPod

Date: 2005 October 21 18:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The new Apple iPod can play video files and Central Park Media have announced that they are the first anime company to provide content for it. This is an adventurous move, since CPM have also started to release content on the PSP to download too. It's always good to see that anime companies are willing to experiment with new platforms to show anime.

Sony PlayStation Wins Emmy

Date: 2005 October 01 10:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > Consoles

When you think of Emmys you normally think of TV stars winning the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Awards. This year however the Sony PlayStation has been awarded an Emmy, for Outstanding Achievement in Technology and Advanced New Media. It should be noted that this award is for Sony's first computer games console, the original PlayStation due to it's pioneering work on 3D polygonal-based gaming experience.

Souce: BBC News

Sushi Pillows For Otaku

Date: 2005 September 10 11:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Every now and again, we see something so merchandise that makes as laugh. Have you ever wondered what to get the hungry otaku that has everything? Well, why not get them a novelty sushi pillow? It's literally a pillow made to look like sushi (since sushi made to look like a pillow would be wrong). The range includes California rolls, Tuna Nigiri, and other delicious treats to lounge on. At the moment the makers are only shipping in the US, which is a shame since we know a few people they'd be ideal for! Perhaps even a few restaurants could use them too.

Souce: The Original Sushi Pillow

Antarctic Press Release How To Break Into Comics Guide

Date: 2005 September 04 18:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The folks over at Antarctic Press have sent us the details for their new guide to becoming a professional comic book creator. It covers all aspects from writing, drawing and submitting comic book work. We think it's worth a look into since it's only $2.99, and concise at 22 pages long.

Cowboy Bebop Makes Record Sales

Date: 2005 September 03 21:33 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

Cowboy Bebop sells over one million copies in the U.S.

VIZ Announces Zatch Bell Clothing Line

Date: 2005 August 17 21:55 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

VIZ announces a clothing line based on hit anime Zatch Bell with Exquisite Apparel Corp.

ADV Announces September 13 Releases

Date: 2005 July 25 18:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those nice folks at ADV Films have sent us the details for their September 15 releases. The line up includes some more Full Metal Panic FUMOFFU, as well as the final part of Peacemaker, both of which are worth getting hold of.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

EigoManga Forms Partnership with Devil's Due Publishing

Date: 2005 July 14 06:24 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Manga

EigoManga have just sent us a press release of their latest announcement.

ICE Kunion Brings Manhwa to the US

Date: 2005 July 12 15:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've just got a press release from ICE Kunion, a joint enterprise between Korean publishing companies Sigongsa, Seoul Cultural and others. They mention their October line up, which includes Angel Diary, Chocolat, The 11th Cat and Bring It On, which have sold a combined total of almost a million copies in Korea alone.

The Otaku News crew note that this press release is interesting, since Korean comic books are normally incorrectly marketed as manga to people who automatically assume it is from Japan. ICE Kunion are marketing their titles are Korean and are taking pride in it claiming that "Korean Manhwa has taken over Japanese Manga to be the hottest books in the market".

ADV Launches Samurai Gun August 16

Date: 2005 July 12 15:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those folks over at ADV Films have sent us the details for the launch of Samurai Gun on DVD. As with most major releases ADV are offering the first volume as a standalone DVD ($29.98) or with a collectors artbox ($39.98) to put the whole series in.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

CPM Offers Anime Classics at Lower Prices

Date: 2005 June 29 19:46 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime > DVD

Central Park Media has announced that it will be re-releasing a select number of its classic titles at the lower, more affordable price of $9.95 Suggested Retail Price. CPM joins fellow distributors ADV Films and U.S. Manga Corps in offering anime titles at such prices.

Anime Action Figures to be Launched

Date: 2005 June 26 10:23 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Anime

According to ICv2 FUNimation has given the rights to Southern Island LLC. of Phoenix Arizona to create action figures for Case-Closed, Full-Metal Alchemist, Blue Gender and Fruits Basket.

The four-year licenses will allow Southern Island to develop highly articulated 6" to 8" action figures for all four popular anime series as well as deluxe 10" to 12" action figures, plus busts and statues for Fruits Basket and Blue Gender. Action figures from all four properties should be available in 2006, with prototypes exhibited as early as the American International Fall Toy Show in October.

Souce: ICv2

ADV Announces July 19 Releases

Date: 2005 June 23 18:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those nice people at ADV have sent us the details for their July 19th US DVD releases. They'll be releasing DNAngel Volume 6 and Peacemaker Volume 6 for anime fans. They're also rather keen to tell us about the Korean cinema titles too - Jail Breakers and Jungle Juice.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

New Eva Movie Box sets

Date: 2005 June 13 22:11 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

Manga Entertainment has announced that they will be releasing the two movies based on the hit anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion", "Death & Rebirth" and "The End of Evangelion", in a special edition box set. The set is set to be released on July 26, 2005 with a suggested retail price of $49.98.

TokyoPop to Launch New Children's Line

Date: 2005 May 24 18:41 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Manga

TokyoPop has announced that they will launch a new branch of their successful Cine-Manga line. This July, they will release the first of the new Jr. Cine-Manga books that will, they predict, revolutionize the children’s book market by bringing beloved characters and storylines from the screen to an original exciting visual format.

Brand New FUNimation

Date: 2005 May 18 21:12 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

FUNimation Productions, Ltd, which has brought numerous anime titles such as Dragonball Z, Yu Yu Hakusho and most recently Fullmetal Alchemist to American audiences, announced on its website earlier this month that they will be changing their name, following the recent purchase of the company by the Navarre Corporation. "Nothing major," according to the announcement, "just a name that more accurately reflects our company's evolution."

ADV Films Acquires Samurai Gun

Date: 2005 May 17 17:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those nice people at ADV Films have just sent us the details of a new title they've acquired - Samurai Gun, it looks like a interesting mix of Samurai and firearms. It doesn't seem to be for the faint hearted, since their marketing it as "Rurouni Kenshin With A Better Body Count", well Kenshin, was never keen on killing in his later years, since he did use a reverse blade sword after vowing never to kill again, but I digress, it looks like an interesting title and perhaps on to consider. The Otaku News Crew were cracking up at the last line on the trailer.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

Princess Ai Collectible Dolls out in Summer

Date: 2005 May 12 08:32 | Posted By: Davie

Category > Anime

According to ICv2 12" and 7" collectible Dolls of the famous series Princess Ai will be available for sale this summer. Bleeding Edge and LA Based Collectible Manufacturer will be manufacturing the line of collectible dolls.

Geneon Release Anime On PSP

Date: 2005 May 09 18:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime News Network are currently highlighting a story on Modojo.com about anime on Sony's PSP Handheld system, Geneon Entertainment plan to release Appleseed and Samurai Champloo on UMD on July 5 in North America. Appleseed will be priced at $19.95 only a few cents less than the DVD version, while Samurai Champloo will be $14.98, with the DVD version around $23. It should be noted that the UMD versions will not have the extras that the full DVD versions will have. For more details check a full report on Video Business Online

Souce: Anime News Network

Elfen Lied Thrills, Mortifies May 17

Date: 2005 April 18 18:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The gentle softly spoken people over at ADV Films have sent us the details of their latest DVD release - Elfen Lied, a violent, gruesome anime, with a surprisingly cute main cast. Appropriately they're marketing it as "an orgy of violence wrapped in pink satin". This anime won't be to everyone's taste, and is sure to be used as ammunition for those complaining that anime is all violent. Combined with Gantz, it seems that ADV has recently had a more darker streak than usual.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

ADV Announces May 10 Releases

Date: 2005 April 12 16:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Following on from their May 10 release of Full Metal Panic? FUMOFFU ADV Films have sent us the details of the other titles they will be releasing on that day. These include Chrono Crusade Volume 5 and Cromartie High School Volume 2.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

Full Metal Panic? FUMOFFU - The Panic Starts May 10

Date: 2005 April 11 18:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those nice folks over at ADV Films have just sent us the press release for Full Metal Panic? FUMOFFU, the DVD series follow up to the popular Full Metal Panic series, which is due to hit the US on May 10.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

ADV April Sale

Date: 2005 April 01 01:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

ADV Films are holding an anime sale on-line on their US site, they are offering 50 to 75% off selected titles from April 1-3 only. This also includes a range other merchandise. Look out for bargains like the Excel Saga and Noir lunch boxes!

Souce: ADV Films

ADV Films Announces April 26 Releases

Date: 2005 March 31 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The folks over at ADV Films have sent us the details of their April 26 DVD releases.
They'll be releasing:

- DNAngel Volume 4
- Shuten Doji Volume 1
- Divergence Eve Volume 2
- Petite Princess Yucie Volume 4

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

Newtype USA April 2005 Issue

Date: 2005 March 30 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Those nice folks from Newtype USA have sent us the details of their April Issue, which has features on Fearless Females (including the cute and shocking Elfen Lied and Gunslinger Girl), along an with interview from Seiji Mizushima the director of Fullmetal Alchemist. The free DVD includes the first episodes of Maburaho and Gravion Zwei.

Anime Sales Up In The US

Date: 2005 March 29 17:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

ICv2 have posted an article about anime sales figures, which have gone up 7.6% using a year over year comparison with Videoscan's figures. This is interesting, mainly because of the saturated anime market and also because Videoscan tracks sales of participating retailers (which is a considerable percentage), these figures are a lot better to go on that individual retailers top ten charts, which never really present data that can be used in metrics.

Souce: ICv2

Sony PSP Released In US

Date: 2005 March 24 18:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > Consoles

US gamers can finally stop waiting, Sony's handheld games console the PSP (PlayStation Portable) is out now! Reviews so far seem very postive. The Register has a good overview of the system from a techincal standpoint. Gamespot has a wide coverage of the US launch too.

European gamers will have to wait at least a few months before the offical launch. BBC News have more details on this.

Souce: BBC News

ADV Films Announces April 19 Release of Full Metal Panic! Complete Collection

Date: 2005 March 24 17:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those folks over at ADV US have sent us the details that many fans will be waiting for, the Full Metal Panic! Complete Collection, which is out in the space saving ThinPak format.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

Rumble Pak and Sakura Pakk Comics Are Headed For The Eisner

Date: 2005 March 15 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

eigoManga have sent us a rather strange press release. Their titles Rumble Pak and Sakura Pakk are curently competing for a nomination for an the 2005 Eisner Award. Basically it means they've submitted a form to apply for what is know as the "Oscars" of comics. Still they've put up some of their stuff to look at for free!

ADV Films Announces April 12 Release Dates

Date: 2005 March 14 17:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The nice folk over at ADV Films have sent us the details for their April 12 US DVD releases:

- Saiyuki: Double Barrel Collection Volume 2
- E’S Otherwise Volume 2
- Wrath of Daimajin Volume 2

As you can see, this time around ADV are releasing lots of volume 2s.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

ADV Films Announces April 12 Release for MADLAX: Connections

Date: 2005 March 14 16:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The people over at ADV Films have sent us the details for their US DVD of Madlax which is due out on April 12th. It's from the people that brought you Noir, so if you like your girls to have guns then this title is for you!

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

ADV Films Announces April 5th Release Dates

Date: 2005 March 14 16:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from ADV Films have sent us the details for their US DVD releases. Out on April 5th are the following titles:

- Gantz Volume 3
- Get Backers Volume 5
- Saint Seiya Volume 11
- Sister Princess Volume 4

The Otaku News Crew recommend Gantz, because it's from Gonzo and is a bit different from the normal anime fodder. We also recommend Get Backers, because Spike likes it!

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

ADV Films Announces March 15 Releases

Date: 2005 February 28 15:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The folks over at ADV US have sent us the details for their March 15th release dates, which are:

- Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Edition: 06
- Wandaba Style Volume 2
- Petite Princess Yucie Volume 3
- Shinobi Volume 3

So there's something for everyone with this batch of releases.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films