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Sweatdrop Studios At Comic Expo Brighton

Date: 2005 November 15 17:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Those nice people over at Sweatdrop have sent us a press release for their appearace at the Comic Expo in Brighton. Tokyopop and Letraset will be there too. It's certainly worth a vist if you like your comics or want to be more active in the independent UK comic scene.

Seven Seas Entertainment Aquires Boogiepop

Date: 2005 November 01 03:00 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Manga

Seven Seas Entertainment has announced it will move into the world of licensed Japanese material with the acquisition of Kouhei Kadono's Boogiepop series of novel and manga, the first volume is due out in 2006.

Atari Europe's Bandai Christmas Line Up

Date: 2005 October 30 15:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > Consoles

Fans of anime games should be pleased to hear about Atari and Bandai's Christmas game line up. They've got the following for PS2:

- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi
- One Piece: Grand Battle
- Digimon World 4

Along with Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2 for Nintendo DS and Ghost in the Shell®: Stand Alone Complex for PSP.

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.

VIZ Launches Shonen Jump Video Line

Date: 2005 October 20 22:58 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

VIZ announces plan to launch new video line featuring Shonen Jump titles.

PSP Ghost In the Shell:SAC Game Details

Date: 2005 October 20 15:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > Consoles

UK fans of the Ghost In The Shell Standalone Complex Series should be pleased to hear that a game based on the anime will be released on PSP this Friday. Atari have sent us the details. The game sounds really good, not only do you get to play as the main cast members, each with different abilities, but you also get to command Tachikoma, that is surely worth the price of the game alone! You even get to train and customize them (*hums Tachikoma themetune* ^_-).

UK DVD Releases for October and November 2005

Date: 2005 October 10 16:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

We've just been sent the UK DVD release details for the next two months from Manga Entertainment and Beez (Bandai).

It's a busy release period indeed! A few years ago UK anime fans could only dream of this sort of release schedule.

November 14th looks really promising with Cowboy Bebop being released across two DVD boxesets, Ghost In The Shell: Standalone Complex (1st Gig) also gets a boxset release. This is sure to break the wallet of many otaku, so it's best to hunt around your favourite real world and on-line retailers for good deals.

We're also looking forward to the release of Wolf's Rain because it's got great music from Yoko Kanno, along with a great storyline and character development to match.

The Manga Entertainment release of Appleseed should not be confused with the more recent 2004 CGI Feature film (released by Optimum Releasing), but is in fact the 1988 version.

J-Pop Go October Details

Date: 2005 October 10 15:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Music otaku should note that October marks a double feature for J-Pop Go, which will be held at Fluid, their regular venue on Wednesday October 19th and also at the London Expo on Saturday October 29th.

Japanese Manga and Cultural Politics Lecture

Date: 2005 September 29 16:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Author and anime expert Jonathan Clements has sent us details of the SOAS Japanese Manga and Cultural Politics Lecture and Discussion in London. This is due to take place at 7pm Tuesday 11th October, with free admission at the The Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS. Since it's hosted by The School of Oriental and African Studies, you know it should be good.

Kakurenbo Official Site Online

Date: 2005 September 27 15:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Central Park Media have just sent us details about their Kakurenbo: Hide & Seek website. In addition to information about the CG animation's awards, creators, and English and Japanese voice actors (including Junko Takeuchi - the voice of Naruto), there's a special video recorded at this year's San Diego Comic-Con.

The DVD is due for release on October 11.

Souce: Central Park Media

IMAF 2005 Lines Up Top Speakers and New Anime

Date: 2005 September 26 17:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

With the competition deadline edging ever close, the nice folks at IMAF have sent us some more details for their London event.

Highlights include Sweatdrop Studios, a special screening of Millennium Actress, along with the Europe Premiere of Streetfighter - Alpha Generation. Even Garnier will be their with its Manga haircare range. The IMAF is certainly worth attending to see the wonderful range of entrants.

CPM Outlanders Fan-Casting Contest Begins

Date: 2005 September 24 10:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The nice people at Central Park Media have sent us details of their Outlanders Fan-Casting Contest. More details can be found on-line here along with the chance to win some Outlanders goodies.

Rapture TV To Air Wolf's Rain

Date: 2005 September 24 09:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

The folks from new UK Station Rapture TV have sent us their latest press release with details of their first anime title - Wolfs Rain which will be screened on Thursday 17th November (and repeated on the 20th). What the press release doesn't mention is that the fantastic Yoko Kanno provided the music for Wolfs Rain (along with music for Cowboy Bebop and Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex).

Rapture will also reveal another anime title at the MCM Expo at the end of October. There is much speculation in fandom over what this title will be, if it will be another Bandai/Beez title or something else from another distributor.

Exclusive Howl's Moving Castle Preview Screening Offer

Date: 2005 September 15 18:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

With Howl's Moving Castle being launched in the UK from September 23rd every British anime fan is counting the days until they can see it on the big screen. It's already had a few special art house and festival showings in the UK, but these sold out ridiculously quickly. For our UK readers in the Hertfordshire area, we've managed to get exclusive preview screening tickets.

The good people at Cineworld in Stevenage have decided that Otaku News readers can come to this advanced screening for free! All you have to do is download this flyer, and be able to get to Stevenage Cineworld on Wednesday 21st September 2005 for 8:15pm. Present the flyer to the Cineworld staff to attend the screening. Please note that seats are subject to availability so turn up early if you really want to see Howl's Moving Castle!

Please note that the flyer is in PDF format, so if you have problems printing the file try downloading Adobe Acrobat.

Souce: Cineworld Stevenage

Howl's Moving Castle Media Clips

Date: 2005 September 15 18:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

With Studio Ghibli excellent Howl's Moving Castle being released in the UK next week, we thought it would be a nice idea for you to take a look at some of the media trailers available.

New Ameri-Manga From Tokyopop

Date: 2005 September 14 12:26 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Manga

Tokyopop announces November release of manga series from Rising Stars of Manga entrants.

J-Pop Go Date Change

Date: 2005 September 11 16:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Paul from J-Pop Go has sent us the latest details for the event. Apparently it looks like the date for the next London J-Pop Go is going to change. -

"Unfortunately the premiere of the new Ghost In The Shell film is on the same day (I only discovered this today) so the 28th is unlikely to happen."

They plan to push back until October, making sure the event doesn't clash with anything else.

Additionally J-Pop Go will also be providing music at the party for the forthcoming London Expo. - "Following on from the success of last year's event, this year's Expo continues to be a celebration of a variety of pop culture interests including film and TV. The Expo will see special guest stars, displays and a dealer's section. The event will also house a special Anime Village featuring a Cosplay Masquerade and exclusive big screen presentations. The Expo runs on the weekend of 29th/30th October".

It's good to see that the J-Pop Go Organisers are aware of other anime events and are proactively avoiding any calendar conflicts.

Souce: J-Pop Go

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.

ADV To Appear On G4

Date: 2005 August 30 21:03 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

Three hit anime series from ADV Films appearing on G4 this fall.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films

Nausicaa and The Cat Returns UK DVD Release Details

Date: 2005 August 30 15:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those nice people at Optimum Releasing have sent us the details for the UK DVD release of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and The Cat Returns, both of which are due out on 26th September just in time to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the ground breaking Studio Ghibli and just after the 23rd September release of their brilliant cinema release of Howl's Moving Castle.

Both DVDs have their fair share of extras include storyboards, original Japanese Theatrical trailers, Studio Ghibli trailer reel, the Cat Returns DVD has a making of featurette, while Nausicaa has a birth of Studio Ghibli Featurette. Since both titles are Studio Ghibli titles, they're a must see, but if you're strapped for cash and can only get hold of one, go for Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, since it's truly epic Sci-Fi. Both movies have profiles on fansite Nausicaa.net

Firecracker Showcase 2005

Date: 2005 August 30 15:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Jonathan Clements has sent us details of the Firecracker Showcase 2005 in London, which will be screening Studio Ghibli's excellent Howl's Moving Castle, Appleseed, along with a Sonny Chiba triple bill featuring the live action version of Golgo 13 too (otaku will know Sonny plays Hattori Hanzo in Kill Bill).

Square Enix Acquires Taito

Date: 2005 August 26 13:50 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Gaming

It's been recently announced that Square Enix have acquired Taito. Taito was a games brand I grew up with, through the cute 2D Bubble Bobble and Bust-a-Move games. They're also involved heavily in the arcades. And teaming up with CG and RPG kings Square Enix, well, we can only know the outcome will be interesting, overall.

Souce: Square Insider

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.

Appleseed UK DVD Details

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

Category > Anime > DVD

Those nice people from Optimum Releasing have sent us the press release for the UK release of Appleseed the movie, the recent CGI version of Masamune Shirow's popular manga title. The DVD version will be available in a limited edition steel tin as well as conventional DVD from 19th September and also on UMD for the Sony PSP from 31st October.

The press release also mentions a cinema release from 19th of August, we suggest that our readers who can get to the UGC Shaftesbury Avenue and UGC Glasgow check the film out while they can.

Kamikaze Girls to Hit U.S. Box Office

Date: 2005 August 11 21:25 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

VIZ Media, LLC, has announced that they will be releasing the award winning Japanese film Kamikaze Girls theatrically in several major North American cities. The film follows others such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away (which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature), Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence and most recently Howl’s Moving Castle. Kamikaze Girls will make its debut on September 9 in New York City at the Village East Cinemas, followed on September 16 at Los Angeles’ Landmark’s NuArt Theater, with additional bookings in Seattle, San Francisco and other cities.

Based on the hit novel by Novala Takemoto, which is set to be translated and released by VIZ Media in February 2006 as part of their Fiction Imprint line, Kamikaze Girls follows the adventures of two mis-matched girls, a Lolita-type named Momoko and a tough high school biker named Ichigo, whose strong personalities initially clash but eventually bind them together as they embark on a quest to find a legendary embroiderer. Starring hot young J-Pop talents Kyoko Fukada as Momoko and Anna Tsuchiya as Ichigo, the film became an immediate cult favorite in Japan with its complex, multilayered plot and eccentric and infectious brand of humor. It has also won several awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best New Actor at the Yokohama Movie Awards, and Best New Director at the Fujimoto Awards. Further information about the film can be found at the website, www.kamikazegirls.net.

Souce: VIZ Media

Japan Manga Tour

Date: 2005 August 04 16:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

UK Travel company Japan Journeys have sent us details of their package holiday Japan Manga Tour a package departing from London to Tokyo. The highlights include a visit to the fantastic Ghibli Museum, the historical Meiji Shrine, the fashionable Harajuku and the Aladdin's cave of an anime store that is Mandarake.

All of the above places are worth visiting for one reason or another from the cultural value, to the outright wacky. The Otaku News Crew suggest you add the locations to your list of places to visit, for when you're in Tokyo next! ^_-

AmeCon 2006 Details

Date: 2005 August 02 17:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

With AyaCon about to kick off in a few weeks, the AmeCon Crew have sent us the details of their Leicester based convention. Set to run from Friday 11th August to late on Sunday 13th in 2006 the convention looks like it's going to be good. The press release they've sent us has the full details and covers pretty much all the questions you could ask at this stage. It's great to see they've got the details sorted out even a year before the events set to run.

The guests include Monica Rial who was a real hoot at last years Amecon and interviewed really well, along with fellow voice actor Greg Ayres.

The AmeCon Crew have also decided to host a Cosplay Ball, which sounds exciting and attendees are advised to wear cosplay or formal wear (which basically means cosplay as Tuxedo Mask ^_-). The Otaku News Crew were at the first AmeCon and we've already paid the deposit for next years.

eigoManga Teams Up with Viz

Date: 2005 August 02 17:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The folks at eigoManga have sent us the details of their partnership with Viz Media. Apparently eigoManga will produce the English language versions of Basara and Flame of Recca. The press release is very thin on details and doesn't really explain what they mean by producing. It's uncertain if they'll be translating it directly or hiring a third party company or individual to do all the work and if they'll manage the logistics such as printing and so on.

Barefoot Gen UK DVD Release Details

Date: 2005 July 29 18:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those nice people at Optimum Releasing have sent us the press release for Barefoot Gen, which gets a UK DVD release on Monday 1st August. We delayed the publication of this press release so we could write a Barefoot Gen DVD Review for you to enjoy. Please note that since the details were sent out the BBFC gave Barefoot Gen a 12 rating.

NFT Screenings - Japanese Animation: Manga to Miyazaki

Date: 2005 July 28 17:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

It's always nice when you mention events before the press release is sent out, as we did with the Japanese Animation: Manga to Miyazaki season at the National Film Theatre.

The films selected are all a real treat, and anime who can get to London are spoilt for choice this August, Satoshi Kon's work is great and almost everyone would have heard about Hayao Miyazaki's superb films.

The Otaku News Crew will be attending a few of the screenings too, so if you see us (and know what we look like ^_-) don't be afraid to come up to us and say hello!

ADV UK DVD Releases for September 2005

Date: 2005 July 27 11:47 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Anime

ADV Films UK has sent us their press release concerning their September UK releases. This includes a special edition of Spriggan, which will include a soundtrack CD and new commentaries. September also sees the start of the UK release of Peacemaker. The September releases are as follows:

- Spriggan Special Edition
- Peacemaker Volume 1
- Mezzo Volume 2
- Aquarian Age Volume 2
- Chrono Crusade Volume 4
- Gad Guard Volume 5
- Get Backers Volume 5

The Otaku News Crew recommend Peacemaker if you like samurai anime (with pigs in) and Chrono Crusade since we're finding it enjoyable.

Tokyopop Makes Manga Deal With Henson and Neil Gaiman

Date: 2005 July 25 18:48 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Manga

Tokyopop announced it will be producing manga for two classic films from Jim Henson and Neil Gaiman's upcoming new film.

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

International Manga and Anime Festival Launches and Calls For Entrants

Date: 2005 July 25 15:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Art

This years IMAF has just launched. They're looking for international talent in the form of artists and animators to identify the best. Entrants have a chance to win some of the $75,000 prize fund which is divided between the categories. The best overall entry will win a generous $30,000!

The Otaku News Crew advise that our talented readers get to work, you've got until the 30th September 2005 to get your entries in!

Newtype USA to Launch Evangelion Serial Manga

Date: 2005 July 19 22:38 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Manga

Newtype USA will be releasing game-based Evangelion manga, Angelic Hearts, as serial starting in August issue.

Tokyopop and CosmoGIRL! to Produce Serial Manga

Date: 2005 July 14 18:05 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Manga

Tokyopop has announced that it will be teaming up with CosmoGIRL!, the fastest-selling teen magazine on newsstands, to produce a monthly manga serial in the magazine’s pages. This August will see the debut of "The Adventures of CG!", a shojo-style manga written and drawn by Svetlana Chmakova, the creator of Tokyopop’s upcoming release Dramacon.

Gollancz Manga Launch Details

Date: 2005 July 14 15:07 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

Gollancz Manga have sent us the details for their UK Manga releases. Starting August they'll be releasing manga on the first Monday of every month. Gollancz entered into an exclusive arrangement with VIZ to publish their titles in the UK. The titles available will include Yu-Gi-Oh!, Fushigi Yugi, Dragon Ball and Case Closed.

Many UK manga fans would have already got these titles from certain retailers offering the American import versions, but since these are the official UK versions it means that they'll be more easily available. Libraries for example will be able to order manga if they so wish through their distributors. The Otaku News Crew are excited to hear about this and look forward to seeing even more manga in the UK.

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

How to Draw Book From UK Artist

Date: 2005 July 03 13:47 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Art

Sweatdrop's Hayden Scott-Baren has announced a new how to draw book entitled 'Digital Manga Techniques', the UK edition will be out August 1st and the US edition October 1st –the only difference is the cover illustration. The title also features art from several other Sweatdrop artists.

VIZ Media Makes Licensing Deals for "Naruto"

Date: 2005 July 01 21:29 | Posted By: Jeremy

Category > Anime

VIZ Media, LLC has announced on its website that it has made licensing deals with Bandai America and Hot Topic, Inc. for one of its most popular titles, "Naruto", the action-comedy about a young ninja, infused with the spirit of a powerful fox-demon, who strives to be the greatest ninja of all and learns life lessons along the way. This comes following the announcement of the "Naruto" anime, currently one of the highest rated shows in Japan, debuting on Cartoon Network this fall. VIZ Media currently publishes the "Naruto" manga in the monthly anthology "Shonen Jump", as well as in graphic novel format.

Sky Blue eCard

Date: 2005 July 01 18:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

To remind our readers about the UK 8th July release of Sky Blue (the English name for Korean animation Wonderful Days), we're hosting a little eCard for you to feast your eyes on.

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.

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

ADV UK DVD Releases for August 2005

Date: 2005 June 19 15:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those nice folks over at ADV UK have sent us the release details for their August titles. The following should be hitting the shelves:

- D.N.Angel 1
- Divergence Eve 1
- New Fist of the North Star 3
- Gravion 2
- Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Edition 4
- Last Exile 5

Hopefully we'll have reviews of the above titles soon. In the meantime, the Otaku News crew recommend Volume 4 of the Eva Platinum Series (because it is Eva after all) and also DN Angel 1.

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.

Manga Special At Artists & Illustrators Exhibition

Date: 2005 June 12 14:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Sonia Leong over at Sweatdrop Studios has just sent us some details about a special discount at The Artists & Illustrators Exhibition (21-24 July, Business Design Centre, London, UK). For more details read the full press release.

IMAF 2005

Date: 2005 June 04 14:58 | Posted By: Azure

Category > Press Releases

Following on from last year’s competition, IMAF have announced a 2005 event and competition. The event part will this time will run for 5 days. The details have yet to be confirmed please click ‘ Read More’ for the press release.

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.

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