Lucky otaku who can get to London in the first weekend of February are in for a real treat. The Sci-Fi-London event will be running an anime all nighter with support from Redbull and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (make mine Chocolate Fudge Brownie) and with free Tea and Coffee everyone's sure to stay awake from the midnight starting time until 9:30 am the next day!
They'll be screening:
- Lady Death
- Parasite Dolls
- Sky Blue (a Korean animation also known as Wonderful Days)
- RahXephon The Movie.
We suggest that hardcore otaku go to the London Anime Club afterwards for a total weekend of anime!
Read More... | Souce: Sci-Fi-London
Those informative people at ADV US have sent us their release details for February 8th. They've got quite a few titles coming out on that day, looking through the list there's pretty much something for everyone with:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum:05
- Get Backers Volume 4
- Mezzo Volume 3 (Final Volume)
- Wedding Peach Volume 9
- Sister Princess Volume 3
- Saint Seiya Volume 10
Normally with these releases we suggest a title or two, but because this selection is so varied, we say go with your instinct this time!
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
ADV US have sent us the details for their DVD releases on February 1st. They'll be releasing volume 3 of the popular show Peacemaker along with a live action series Shinobi.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
The folks over at G4techTV have sent us the details about their anime line up. During January, they openly admit to taking a break from new episodes for their Anime Unleashed slot, showing repeats of Boogiepop Phantom and Banner of the Stars.
They're also proud to announce the first ever US airing of Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi starting February 8 at 1am ET/Feb. 7 at 10pm PT.
Read More... | Souce: G4techTV
Category > Manga
The folks over at eigoManga have sent us a press release detailing their achievements this year. A full HTML version with graphics can be found here, alternatively to just read the text, read the rest of this article.
Read More... | Souce: eigoManga
The people over at ADV Films US have sent us the details for a release due out on January 25th, Princess Tutu: Märchen, it's directed by Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon, Kaleido Star) and Shougo Kawamoto (You're Under Arrest! Season 2). ADV seem to be targeting the same fans who enjoy Sailor Moon and Kaleido Star with this title. So if you like your anime cute and cuddly this seems to be one for you.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
The folks over at Revolver Entertainment have sent us the details for Galerians: Rion, a CG film based on a PlayStation horror game Galerians, I've also wondered, would 3D CGI be classed as anime? Even if it is Japanese? Or is it one of those blurrily borderline questions? Anyway, it's out on the 24 of January, the same week as Cowboy Bebop Volume 1 and 2 are due to hit the stores in the UK.
Read More... | Souce: Revolver Entertainment
Category > Events
We've just got news from the nice people at UK manga style art studio Sweatdrop that they'll be representing the UK manga community at the Artists & Illustrators Exhibition 2005 event and also provide workshops, and four 90 minute long presentations covering aspects of Manga-styled art and it's creation.
The event is scheduled for July 21st - 24th at London's Business Design Centre, last years event attracted over 14,000 visitors!
The Sweatdrop crew can be seen regulary at UK anime events, such at the London Anime Club and other UK anime conventions like AyaCon and AmeCon. Recently Sweatdrop also ran a stall at the London Comic Festival, with great success. Regular readers of Otaku News, will also remeber some of our lovely Christmas Desktop Wallpaper created by Sweatdrop artist Wing Yun Man.
Read More... | Souce: Sweatdrop
Those nice people at ADV Films UK have sent us the details for their February releases. The selection looks very promising as always with:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Edition vol.1
- Last Exile Volume 2
- Mahoromatic - Automatic Maiden Volume 3 (Final)
- Kino's Journey Volume 3
- Azumanga Daioh Volume 4
- Angelic Layer Volume 6
- RahXephon-The Motion Picture: Pluralitas Concentio
The Otaku News Crew feel like their spoilt for choice this month, we recommend Eva Platinum Edition Volume 1, if you haven't already got Evangelion on DVD, Last Exile Volume 2, Azumanga Daioh Volume 4 and RahXephon The Motion Picture. Normally we tend to suggest two titles a month, but it's too hard to pick this time around!
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films UK
ADV Films have sent us details about their new US DVD release, the dark and cutting edge Gantz. ADV pride themselves on showing the uncut version of the show, not seen on Japanese television. If you're used to cute anime, this may not be the best title for you, if you like something at the more violent end of the spectrum, then go for Gantz! However readers should not confuse Gantz with a mindless violence anime show (*cough* we'll mention no names here), it actually tackles some issues in a thought provoking manner, the two main characters are actually killed in the first episode (and that's not a spoiler either). Gantz also has a very strong helping of fan service!
The Gantz Volume 1 DVD only has two episodes on it (we believe to licensing difficulties), however the price has been lowered to reflect that.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
Category > Culture
Phaidon Press have sent us details of a new book they are publishing - Japonisme: Cultural Crossings between Japan and the West, by Lionel Lambourne. It focuses on the history of Japanese of the West's extraordinary love affair with Japan. It's due out in May and sounds like an interesting read.
Read More... | Souce: Phaidon Press
We've got news in from the folks in ADV Films US, not only are they going to release Moeyo Ken: A Clash From the Past, but three other titles too:
- Burn Up!
- Chrono Crusade Volume 3
- The Super Milk-Chan Show Volume 4
So the years just started and ADV USA are churing out the titles, which is nice to see.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films US
The good folks at ADV Films have sent us the details for a DVD due out next week - Moeyo Ken: A Clash From the Past. Featuring character designs by Rumiko Takahashi (responsible for the hugely popular Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha) so it looks like one of her own productions. Moeyo Ken, is a standalone DVD (in other words 1 volume only) and is due out on Tuesday 11 January 2005.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films
Category > Cuisine
Since all Otaku News readers are sophisticated and as a result eat and drink Japanese food and drink at every opportunity, we're certain that they'll be interested in some Japanese beer news for this year.
Kirin Ichiban is to become the prime focus of marketing, promotional and sales activity for the Kirin brand in the UK. In other words, the company in charge of Kirin in the UK would like you to make Kirin Ichiban your beverage of choice.
Read More... | Souce: Kirin Ichiban
Category > Anime
AnimationHQ have just sent us details of a chat session they'll be hosting:
"AnimationHQ will be starting off 2005 with a special chat session with the cast from ADV's latest anime series, Wandaba Style. Come join us as we welcome voice actresses Monica Rial, Kira Vincent Davis, Nancy Novotny, Hilary Haag, and voice actor/series director John Swasey on Friday, January
7th at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. This will be Monica's third chat session with AnimationHQ and the first for Kira, Nancy, Hilary, and John. The chat session will be a moderated event.
For further information about our guests, instructions on how to reach our
chatroom, or to connect directly to the chat itself, visit AnimationHQ's "Current Events" page at http://AnimationHQ.net/v2/features/events.htm.
Mark your calendars and we'll see you all there!"
Otaku News readers should already know Monica Rial, she's a riot ^_-
Souce: AnimationHQ
We've just got the details in from ADV Films US about their latest DVD release on their ADV Kid's Label - Megaman: Upon A Star. Capcom's Hero is out to save Japan against the evil mad scientist Dr. Wily! It's out today.
Read More... | Souce: ADV Films US
Category > Events
We at Otaku News are offering our readers in L.A. (in the USA of course ^_-) a chance to attend the Sky Blue Screenings. We've got two pairs of tickets to give away!
OK, we know it's Korean animation and not Japanese anime, but Koreans have been doing inbetweening and other outsourcing for the Japanese animation industry for years now.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Gaming
The Square Enix website has recently announced news of their latest 'Dear Friends - Music From Final Fantasy' concert. The first of a series of concert performances, the event is to be held for the first time in Chicago at the classy Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Illinois. Exciting stuff, a definite event for diehard FF fans and orchestral-heads a-like!
Read More... | Souce: Square Enix
Category > 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
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
Category > Events
I've just received the details for AyaCon 5, the next edition of the successful UK anime and manga convention which always proves popular. AyaCon 5 will be held from 19-21 August 2005. Their venue will be the Warwick Arts Centre (University of Warwick near Coventry).
The convention will have use of the entire Arts Centre and extra faclities including a bar, restaurant and additional conference rooms, along with the full nightclub facilities in the nearby Students' Union for two parties on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Read More... | Souce: AyaCon
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
The Otaku News Crew have just received a newsletter from Anime Network the cable and satellite channel that broadcasts nothing but anime (yay).
They've issued a "call to arms for all Anime Fans" with the headline:
"Anime Fans of America: YOUR TIME IS NOW!"
The newsletter states that Anime Network's continued operation and expansion is in jeopardy and to help improve things the channel wants anime fans to either fax or e-mail the cable companies' decision makers directly via www.theanimenetwork.com. The Anime Network also advise you to get everyone you know to do the same. You can even phone Comcast directly on (215) 665-1700 and say that you'll switch for Anime Network.
The Otaku News crew are uncertain how necessary this is, if it's a marketing ploy from the very clever folks at Anime Network, or if they are indeed in trouble and need fan support.
Souce: Anime Network
Category > 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
Category > Anime
The folks at ADV US have just launched a new campaign ingeniously called Anime ADVocates. This sort of thing is a dream for a US otaku running an official anime club at their high school, library or college. Eligible applicants have the opportunity to get free anime preview DVDs, prizes and other goodies from ADV.
Read More... | Souce: ADV - Anime ADVocates
Shortly 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
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
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
We've just heard from Go Fish Pictures that Ghost In the Shell 2: Innocence has grossed an estimated $1,011,000 USD to date. According to Go Fish, this makes it the top grossing anime movie ever on a limited release with less than 100 screens, and the number 7 anime film in history.
Read More... | Souce: Go Fish Pictures
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
We've just got the latest press release from G4techTv, who will be showing episodes 14-26 of Last Exile from December 6. Christmas looks like it's going to be fun for otaku on G4techTV too, with the Anime Unleashed marathon showing the entire series on Christmas Day!
Read More... | Souce: G4techTv
The folks over at Go Fish Pictures have just sent us the press release for Casshern, a live action movie inspired by the 1973 anime Robot Hunter Casshan.
Read More... | Souce: Go Fish Pictures
Category > 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
G4techTV will be screening Gad Guard soon. The show premieres on Tuesday at 12am ET/Monday 9pm PT. New episodes air all week except for Wednesday 12am ET/Tuesday 9pm PT.
Read More... | Souce: G4techTV
Category > 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
Category > 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
The 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
Category > 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
For 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
The 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
A 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
Category > Anime
We've just got a press release from a group called IMAF, who will be holding an international competition to find the best manga and anime talent in the world, entrants stand a chance to win big bucks with a total prize fund of $75,000!
The entrants work will be shown at London County Hall from 16th - 19th December. Judges include Koike Kazuo who is best known for writing Lone Wolf and Cub and Crying Freeman.
Read More... | Souce: IMAF
UK 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
Category > 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
Category > Anime
Newtype USA sent us this press release yesterday. Due to being snowed under with e-mails and having to update Frightmoore University, I haven't been able to post it until today! Sorry! ^_^;;
In a nutshell the popular anime and manga magazine Newtype USA have got their readers to vote for the top anime of all time. This was an open ballot, and over 11,700 votes were counted!
Neon Genesis Evangelion was voted number 1, while Cowboy Bebop took 2nd place, InuYasha took 3rd and Kenshin took 4th place (oro). Trigun came in 5th, the Otaku News Crew believe that this is because of the large number of Vash The Stampede Cosplayers! ^_-
Read More... | Souce: Newtype USA
Category > Anime
According to the Samurai Champloo website and Animaxis a second series is scheduled for January 2005.
Souce: Offical Samurai Champloo website
Category > 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 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
The folks at G4TechTV have sent us details of their new season of Anime Unleashed. Our American Readers who watch G4TechTV can look forward to watching R.O.D-THE TV (that's Read or Die TV for those who hate lots of acronyms) Gungrave and Gad Guard.
Before merging with G4, TechTV had screened other Geneon / Pioneer Titles, such as Last Exile.
Read More... | Souce: G4TechTV
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
Category > Art
LA otaku are in for a treat from October 28 to November 26 The Perfect Exposure Gallery will be hosting an exhibit on cosplayers or "Photographic portraits of costumed anime fans" to be more exact. Shot at anime conventions around the US and Canada in 2003 and 2004, it sounds a bit like A Fans View only off-line!
Read More... | Souce: The Perfect Exposure Gallery