Advanced Search

Browsing Articles

Cowboy Bebop returns to the UK on DVD and Blu-ray Q3 2013

Date: 2012 December 22 13:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

New UK anime company on the block Anime Limited have just announced on Twitter (and other social media) that their first title will be Cowboy Bebop on DVD and Blu-ray. It'll be released sometime in Q3 of 2013. The TV show has been released in the UK a few times on DVD before but has been out of print for a while and UK copies of the DVD are hard to find.

It has never been released on blu-ray in the UK. A hi-def version of the series has the potential to look amazing as the series was cel animated with some CGI, if done properly the blu-ray release would be worth grabbing!

The series was voted number 2 on the top anime of all time list by 11,700 Newtype USA readers (Neon Genesis Evangelion the TV show was voted number 1).

Cowboy Bebop, like Evangelion is one of those landmark must have titles that all anime fans should see. Additionally, Bebop isn't just about the anime, it's also about the music, The Seatbelts (Yoko Kanno's band) do an amazing job on the Bebop soundtrack.

Souce: Anime Limited Twitter Feed

Dragon Ball Z Complete Season 1 and Season 2 on Offer on Play.com

Date: 2012 December 13 14:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us details about a great deal on Play.com selling Dragon Ball Z for £15.99 each. Both titles include free postage.

Dragon Ball Z Season 1 on Play.com

Dragon Ball Z Season 2 on Play.com

Our price aware readers will know that this is currently cheaper than Amazon.co.uk.

Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

NEO Magazine Issue 105 out now

Date: 2012 December 06 17:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks from Neo Magazine have sent us details of the latest issue - 105. It's out now from all good news agents.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

GEN Manga Issue 16 out now

Date: 2012 November 27 13:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The good folks from GEN Manga have just release their latest Issue GEN 16.

This issue continues the instalments of Psycho, Android Angels, Stones of Power, Anomal and Alive.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

MCM Scotland Comic Con - Set for August 2013 in Glasgow

Date: 2012 November 20 17:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Readers in Glasgow will be pleased to hear some news we've been sent from the good people at the MCM Expo who are launching their first Scottish event - MCM Scotland Comic Con a one day festival. The London event is popular with cosplayers, anime and manga fans, along with gamers. The event is set to run on 31st August 2013 at SECC Glasgow.

The Birmingham based fans will also be pleased to hear that the Birmingham MCM is set to expand too during 2013 becoming a permanent MCM event.

Trigun Badlands UK Blu-ray Competition

Date: 2012 November 12 15:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us one copy of Trigun: Badlands Rumble Movie to give away on Blu-ray.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

UK Anime DVD and Blu-ray release details for November and December 2012

Date: 2012 November 11 16:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Using our sister site Otaku Calendar we are able to present a list of up coming anime DVD and Blu-ray tiles for the rest of 2012.

Release dates as follows:

Monday 12th November 2012
Castle Of Cagliostro (Blu-ray)
My Neighbour Totoro (Blu-ray)
Towanoquon Complete Series Collection (DVD)
Trigun Movie: Bandlands Rumble (DVD)
Trigun Movie: Bandlands Rumble (Blu-ray)

Monday 19th November 2012
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OVA Collection (Blu-ray)
Sekirei Pure Engagement (Season 2) (DVD)

Monday 26th November 2012
Naruto Shippuden Box Set 11 (DVD)
Ninja Scroll (Blu-ray)

Monday 3rd December 2012
Clannad After Story Part 2 (DVD)
Phantom: Requiem Complete Series (DVD)
Tales Of Vesperia: The First Strike (DVD)
Tales Of Vesperia: The First Strike (Blu-ray)

Monday 10th December 2012
Hetalia Axis Powers Season 4 Collection (DVD)

Monday 17th December 2012
Freezing Complete Series Collection (DVD)

Monday 24th December 2012
Berserk - Film 1: Egg Of The King (DVD)
Berserk - Film 1: Egg Of The King (Blu-ray)
Gintama The Movie (DVD)
Persona 4 The Animation - Box 1 (Blu-ray)

Monday 31th December 2012
Shiki Part 2 (DVD)

Being Studio Ghibli fans we're most excited about the blu-ray releases of My Neighbour Totoro and Castle of Cagliostro. The blu-ray of Ninja Scroll has also been long awaited, you can read our review of it here.

Souce: Otaku Calendar

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Complete Series UK Blu-ray Competition

Date: 2012 October 24 17:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us one copy of Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Complete Series to give away on Blu-ray.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Manga Entertainment at the London MCM Expo October 2012

Date: 2012 October 02 15:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Manga Entertainment at the London MCM Expo October 2012

The good folks at Manga Entertainment have sent us details of what they'll be doing at the London MCM Expo, on Friday 26h October to Sunday 28th October 2012.

Highlights include-
Exclusive signings with Liam O'Brien who is best known as Gaara from Naruto.
Cosplay Area
Viz Media Bookshop
Plus a DVD sale with prices starting from £1.

Invasion of the Cute - Genki Gear Reveals Exclusive London Comic Con T-Shirt

Date: 2012 September 23 13:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

It's that time of year again! The fun is about to begin for the MCM Expo London Comic Con at the Excel Centre in London on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October 2012. To celebrate the event popular t-shirt creator Genki Gear will be releasing their traditional exclusive t-shirt for the event.

The theme this time around is very cute!

Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear

Genki Product Launches for August / September 2012

Date: 2012 September 06 17:04 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

UK based readers looking for some trendy t-shirts could always do with heading over to Genki Gear to check out their new designs. They've got a rather cute Chibli Cthulhu known as Cutethulhu, along with a mug that's erm, covered with germs.

They've also got 15% discounts off all mugs until 14th September. Just ender the discount code germ12 into the discount code box when you purchase a mug. There is no multiple limit so you'll get 15% off each time.

Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear

GEN Manga Issue 14 out now

Date: 2012 August 21 16:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The good folks from GEN Manga have just release their latest Issue GEN 14.

This issue continues the instalments of Psycho, Android Angels, One is Enough, Stones of Power, Anomal and Alive.

GEN will be giving away a short preview version of GEN 14 for free this month.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

Blue Exorcist Part 1 DVD Competition

Date: 2012 August 20 15:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us two copies of Blue Exorcist Part 1 on DVD to give away to two lucky readers.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Ninja Scroll Blu-ray UK Release Details

Date: 2012 August 14 15:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK based anime fans who are awaiting the highly anticipated blu-ray release of Ninja Scroll will be pleased to hear that it's due out on Monday 26th November 2012. Manga Entertaiment UK will be releasing a special limited edition Blu-ray/DVD Steelbook, along with separate Blu-ray and DVD editions.

You can pre-order the steel book edition now on Amazon.co.uk.

NEO Magazine Issue 101 out now

Date: 2012 August 09 19:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from Neo Magazine have sent us details of the latest issue - 101. It's out now from all good news agents. It includes a double cover with Blue Exorcist on one side and Graces f on the other (plus articles relating to said covers). That and a four page preview of the highly anticipated Level 5 and Studio Ghibli Game Ni no Kuni.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack UK Release Details

Date: 2012 August 08 15:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK anime fans looking for something different, will want to give Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack a try.

The title is due out on Monday 20th August 2012 and is available for pre-order now. We haven't seen it yet, and we're unsure how to pitch this, perhaps it's the cure for watching too many moe titles?! Forget regular zombies, a fish that sprout legs and attacks the land is not something you hear about everyday!

SFX Collection: The Ultimate Guide to Anime

Date: 2012 July 20 16:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from SFX Magazine have sent us the details of an anime special that hits the streets today (Friday 20th July 2012) in the UK. It's intended for everyone from seasoned otaku to those who haven't seen anime before.

It includes features on -
Dragon Ball Z
Toei
Nausicaa
Cosplay

Along with Tiger And Bunny, Welcome To The Space Show, Full Metal Alchemist, Blood-C, Berserk, Angel Beats, Ghost In The Shell and Neon Genesis Evangelion.

It comes with a double sized Full Metal Alchemist poster, a DVD with two episodes of Baka & Test, plus some Welcome To The Space Show Art cards.

NEO Magazine Issue 100 out now

Date: 2012 July 12 17:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Following on from the Neo 100th Issue Party, we've been sent the details of the 100th Issue of Neo Magazine, the UK's longest anime and manga magazine. Issue 100 is out now from all good magazine retailers.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Love Exposure UK DVD and blu-ray release details

Date: 2012 July 12 17:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The lovely people from Third Window Films have sent us the details of their new DVD and blu-ray release of the live action movie Love Exposure, which is due out in the UK on Monday 6th August 2012.

This is to coincide with the DVD and blu-ray of Sion Sono's newest film Himizu.

Readers may remember this film was shown on Film 4 a while back.

Himizu UK DVD and blu-ray release details

Date: 2012 July 12 16:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Third Window Films have sent us the details of their new DVD and blu-ray release of the live action movie Himizu, which is due out in the UK on Monday 6th August 2012.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Complete Series Collection Blu-ray now available for pre-order in the UK

Date: 2012 July 04 16:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks at Manga Entertainment UK have announced on Twitter that Puella Magi Madoka Magica is now available to pre-order on Play.com. The complete Blu-ray collection is listed at a pre-order price of £29.99. This set contains the the whole series of the highly anticipated magical girl show. It's due for release on Monday 29th October 2012. Note that the Play.com listing does not show the final box art.

Mayamada Anime Inspired T-shirt launch in London on Friday 20th July

Date: 2012 July 04 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime inspired t-shirt brand Mayamada have sent us details of an event they're running in London on Friday 20th July from 6pm until 11pm. Those interested in anime inspired t-shirt designs should head over to dessert shop Tutti Frutti near Covent Garden Tube station.

You'll have a first chance to look at the their designs. All ticket holders will also recive 20% frozen yoghurt on the night, plus a chance to win prizes. The event is free, but you'll have to grab tickets as space is limited.

NEO Magazine Issue 100 details plus free London Party on Saturday 7th July 2012

Date: 2012 June 27 17:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

Long ago on 25th November 2004 a new anime and manga magazine launched in the UK. Almost 8 years later, Neo Magazine is still going strong and has hit the 100 issue mark.

To celebrate it's 100th issue they'll be throwing a party in London on Saturday 7th July 2012. Everyone is invited to the free party, which starts at 8pm at the Bloomsbury Lanes. The party is for over 18's only, ID is required.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Necomimi Brainwave Cat Ears are now available to buy in the UK

Date: 2012 June 27 15:46 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Following on from our story on Brainwave Controlled Robotic Cat Ears, they've finally hit retailers in the UK! United Publications is now listing them for a very reasonable £73 a set. This will make an ideal gift for cosplayers, furries or those who just like wearing cat ears.

Souce: United Publications

Dragon Ball Z-Complete Season One DVD and Welcome to the Space Show Blu-ray competition

Date: 2012 June 26 15:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us a copy of a copy of Dragon Ball Z-Complete Season One on DVD and Welcome to the Space Show on Blu-Ray to give away to one lucky reader.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

NEO Magazine Issue 99 details

Date: 2012 June 15 17:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks at Neo Magazine have sent us the details of their 99th Issue. Out now this issue is spicy to say the least, as it features Spice and Wolf, along with the usual selection of exclusive features.

The numerate among you will also notice that the next issue due out in 4 weeks is issue 100, so no doubt Neo will have something special lined up.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

VIZ Media to debut 13th volume of Evangelion manga same day/date as Japanese release

Date: 2012 June 08 12:10 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Press Releases

US publisher VIZ Manga announces plans to simultaneously publish the 13th volume of the popular manga in English on November 2nd 2012.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex-Solid State Society Blu-ray competition

Date: 2012 May 17 16:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us a copy of a copy of Ghost In The Shell on Blu-Ray (Double Play edition) to give away to one lucky reader.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Tales Of Graces f release details and MCM London Expo game demo details

Date: 2012 May 16 16:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming

The good folks from Namco Bandai have sent us details of the Tales of Graces f, which is due out in Europe (that includes the UK), the Middle East and Australia on Friday 31st August 2012.

If you can't wait until then to play it, you should head over to the London MCM Expo from Friday 25th May to Sunday 27th May 2012. Tales of Graces F will be demoed from 5pm to 5:30pm on the Saturday. Namco Bandai will also be demoing the highly anticipated game made in conjunction with Studio Ghibli and Level 5 - Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch from 6pm to 6:30pm. Fans looking for some kinect action should go to the Sunday 10:30 to 11am demo of Dragon Ball Z Kinect.

NEO Magazine Issue 98 details

Date: 2012 May 15 15:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks at NEO have just sent us the details about their latest issue. NEO 98 is due out on Thursday 17th May 2012 from all good newsagents, Tesco and WH Smith. It features plenty of Dragon Ball Z, along with other articles on titles such as Ozma.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Genki Gear London Expo Official May 2012 Exclusive T-shirt

Date: 2012 April 21 12:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

With the London Comic Con MCM Expo just over a month away things are starting to rev up for it. T-shirt company Genki Gear have just unveiled their exclusive design for the May event, which is set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27h May 2012.

The t-shirt is available for pre-order from Genki Gear. You can collect at the Genki Gear stall at the Expo, or have it posted out to you after the event.

Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear

NEO Magazine Issue 97 out now

Date: 2012 April 19 17:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from UK anime, manga and Asian pop culture publication NEO magazine have sent us the details of their latest issue. It's out now both on the high street and digital outlets.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Manga UK DVD License Details for April 2012

Date: 2012 April 02 15:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us the details from their big licensing announcements at the Birmingham MCM Expo.

The big title in the line up is without doubt the highly anticipated Puella Magi Madoka Magica. Cosplay favourites Panty And Stocking With Garter Belt is dude for 2012 too. Along with Squid Girl which you may have caught on Crunchy Roll.

NEO Magazine Issue 96 out now

Date: 2012 March 24 17:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from UK anime, manga and Asian pop culture publication NEO magazine have sent us the details of their latest issue. It's out now both on the high street and digital outlets.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

GEN Manga releases Kamen Volume 1

Date: 2012 March 14 16:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've just been sent details from the good folk at GEN Manga about their latest release - Kamen Volume 1. The title will be available across the US through all good Diamond Comic Distributors and on Graphicly. You can also download the title from the GEN Manga Website.

Fans of comic books will be interested to hear that Marvel artist Harvey Tolibao did the cover for Kamen.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

JManga.com celebrates going global with a second sign-up promotion

Date: 2012 March 09 16:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The good people from JManga.com have just gone international. To celebrate the on-line manga service have launched a sign up promotion for new members.

From the Thursday 8th March 2012 to Wednesday 14th March 2012 if you sign up for a paid subscription you'll receive 5 books worth of bonus points with a $25 monthly subscription and 2 books worth of points a $10 subscription.

Distant Worlds: Celebrating 25 years of Final Fantasy - London November 2012

Date: 2012 March 06 16:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London Based fans of Final Fantasy will want to keep Friday 2nd November 2012 free as that's when the Distant Worlds: Celebrating 25 years of Final Fantasy concert hits the Royal Albert Hall.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra plus choir will be performing. Arnie Roth is the Conductor and Nobuo Uematsu will be in attendance too.

Tickets will start from £25 to £65, plus there's a special VIP meet and greet ticket for £125 which gets you lots of great things.

We know the event is in November, so why are we mentioning it now? Tickets go on Sale on Thursday 15th March 2012 9am London Time. As always with popular events we advise booking early to avoid disappointment, but with this we can't emphasise this enough.

NEO Magazine Issue 95

Date: 2012 February 22 15:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks from UK anime, manga and Asian pop culture publication NEO magazine have sent us the details of their latest issue. It's due to hit the shelves on Thursday 23rd February 2012 (available from WH Smith, Tesco and all good newsagents). It features their round up of the greatest anime movies of all time, with their own top 10 list, along with reader contributions.

Plus previews of anime, along with all the usual features and articles you'd expect. K-Pop fans will want to read the article on Korea's Japanese pop invasion with an analysis of the Oricon charts. We're interested in reading the report on the continuing aid efforts in Japan following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Cakes with Faces - New T-Shirt for Hyper Japan

Date: 2012 February 16 16:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Hyper Japan 2012 Spring is all set to start on Friday 24th February and will run until Sunday 26th February 2012. One of the many things we like about the Japanese culture event is the all the different stalls and the wide variety of things they sell.

Every time you go you're always going to find something new and exciting. Graphic artist Amy Crabtree of Cakes With Faces will be there. You may have seen her stall at other events such as the London MCM Expo. At Hyper Japan she'll be launching an appropriately themed t-shirt called All the best stuff is from Japan. The colourful design is great to show off your otaku side.

The design is launched at Hyper Japan and you'll be able to pre-order at a special price and collect it at the event.

Kaz

Date: 2012 January 07 13:08 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime > DVD

Kazé UK representative confirms via Twitter that the UK based division of Kazé will release Black Lagoon on Blu ray in May of 2012.

Bandai US and UK shuts down DVD/BD/Manga production

Date: 2012 January 05 13:34 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Retail

The US anime releasing division of Bandai has announced that from February they will cease publication of both new anime titles and manga titles. The company’s UK and French sister divisions have also released similar statements.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Cowboy Bebop Remix and Arrietty due for January 2012 release

Date: 2011 December 19 13:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Christmas is coming, but already many UK anime companies are looking ahead to January. There are two key releases UK anime fans should be waiting for.

First up is Cowboy Bebop Remix due for release on Monday January 2nd 2012. The lovely folks from Beez have re-released Cowboy Bebop Remix under their Anime Legends range. The Remix edition has Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Surround Sound, along with remastered video. The 6 DVD set contains all 26 episodes from the series.

If you haven't seen Cowboy Bebop yet, then you should. This is one of those truly rare must see titles. Plenty of anime fans agree as it was rated number 2 on the Newtype USA Top 25 Anime Titles of All Time. Number 1 was Neon Genesis Evangelion. You can pre-order the DVD from Amazon.co.uk for £16.99.

2011's big Studio Ghibli cinema release Arrietty is due out on Monday 9th January 2012. On DVD, Blu-ray, and a Collectors Edition Combi Pack, which contains both the DVD and Blu-ray and costs £2 more than the regular blu-ray only edition.

Souce: Otaku News

Genki Gear 2011 Christmas Cards

Date: 2011 November 30 13:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Genki Gear the company best known for their t-shirt range have released a selection of Christmas Cards. A pack of five costs £3.50.

Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear

United Publications November 2011 Sale

Date: 2011 November 04 16:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Popular anime, manga and related merchandise retailer United Publications have sent us details of their explosive 5th of November clearance sale. There are many bargains to be had, with up to 80% off some Manga/Anime books, DVD and figures! We've asked and they've confirmed they're not going mad. It's to clear out their inventory to make room for new stock for the new year. They've got some hard to find items up on the listing too.

Also if you're looking for something exclusive, remember a while ago we interviewed Japanese figure sculptor Momiji? Well the good folks at United Publications are now selling his exclusive Ms Fan Stand figure.

Breathe Deeply - a new graphic novel from One Peace Books

Date: 2011 October 26 16:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've received details of a new manga title just out. Breath Deeply is a controversial medical thriller with a dash of romance. It's written by the husband and wife team known as Doton Yamaaki. Published in English by One Peace Books the company suggest readers forget what they know about manga when approaching this title. It's out now from your favourite book sellers.

Buy from Amazon.com
Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Update: We've now have a reviewed Breathe Deeply.

London Comic Con MCM Expo Details - Games and Dolls

Date: 2011 October 21 18:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

In London this time next week (Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011) the London Comic Con MCM Expo will be well under way. As it builds up it seems like every other press release we get sent is about the Expo.

We've just received two press releases from them.

Square Enix will be showcasing the new Final Fantasy XIII-2 game, along with Hitman Absolution.

Screaming Matriarch will be showcasing a new limited edition Little Apple Doll.

Genki Gear London Expo Official October 2011 Exclusive T-shirt

Date: 2011 September 23 14:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

With the London Comic Con MCM Expo just over a month away things are starting to rev up for it. T-shirt company Genki Gear have just unveiled their exclusive design for the October event, which is set to run from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011.

This is the exclusive t-shirt for the London Comic Con MCM Expo. The theme this time around is Ninja vs Kittens! The t-shirt is available for pre-order only, with a closing date of Thursday 20th October 2011. The design will retail for £16.99 for both men's and women's style.

With the classic debate of ninjas vs pirates, we know where we stand (we also reserve the right to change our mind depending on what we're reading or watching when asked, if you ask us when we're indulging in One Piece you'll get a different answer than if we're watching Naruto). However Ninja vs Kittens that's a whole different ball game. What kind of ninja is this? What kind of kittens? Are they related to Maru? These are all important questions that we need answering!

Play.com sold to Japanese group Rakuten

Date: 2011 September 21 16:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Popular UK on-line DVD retailer Play.com have been bought by Japanese group Rakuten. Play.com is the UK's biggest seller of DVDs online with estimated annual sales of about £500m. It has 14 million registered users and a staff of 500.

It was sold to Rakuten for £25m. Play.com have been successful due to a tax loop-hole that allows purchases under £18 to be VAT free when shipped from the Channel Islands to the UK mainland thanks to EU rules drafted almost 30 years ago. In November 2011, the government will reduce the amount for VAT free purchases to £15 and intend close this loop-hole totally by March 2012. The sales tax issues along with declining DVD sales is why Play.com was sold for £25m and not considerably more. The Guardian article states that DVD UK sales dipped 6% last year, while downloading and streaming rose 18%.

Play.com is popular with the UK anime fans and is often the first port of call along with Amazon.co.uk when buying DVDs and Blu-rays.

Rakuten are keen to increase their global presence, which is why they've purchases Play.com along with the French site PriceMinister and German site Tradoria.de.

Souce: The Guardian

Robotech: The Complete Series on DVD UK Release Details

Date: 2011 September 19 16:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Nostalgic mecha fans in the UK will be pleased to hear that the Robotech the complete series is set for release on DVD on Monday 14th November 2011.

The 18 disc boxset features all 85 episodes of the series, plus over 10 hours of bonus material including a brand new documentary on creator Carl Macek.

For many the show was an introduction into anime and mecha shows. Lots of anime fans look back to Robotech as the series that helped them discover anime. Robotech itself is interesting, as it started life as three separate shows that were edited together for the American market.

The DVD's RRP is £69.99, we've found it for a pre-order price of £51.70 on Amazon.co.uk.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

GEN Manga Issue 4 out now, plus download free indie manga

Date: 2011 August 15 15:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

GEN Manga the company bringing us indie manga from the Tokyo underground have sent us reminder that issue 4 is out today.

They've also released issue 2 for free. They're even extending their subscribers discount. What makes GEN Manga interesting is that each issue is published on PDF, so you can download it and read it on any device that'll handle PDF documents. There's no nasty DRM to worry about, or installing extra naggy software, just one file per issue.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

JETRO Japanese Multimedia Seminar @ HYPER JAPAN 2011

Date: 2011 August 08 16:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of the JETRO Japanese Multimedia Seminar held at this years Hyper Japan on Friday 22nd July 2011.

JETRO is the Japan External Trade Organization, who would like to help people build a business with Japanese multimedia content.

We've been sent a link to videos of the seminar on YouTube.

Browsing Articles

Recent News

Recent DVD / Blu-ray Reviews

Recent Manga Reviews