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DS Breaks UK Sales Records With No PSP In Sight

Date: 2005 March 19 16:26 | Posted By: Azure

Nintendo's new handheld has broken console sales records in the UK selling almost 87,000 units with over 3 million being sold worldwide. Super Mario 64 DS, Wario Ware: Touched! and Rayman DS were the top three selling launch titles.

Ghost In The Shell SAC - Volume 3 UK DVD Details

Date: 2005 February 27 19:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Manga Entertainment have sent us the details for the UK release of Ghost In The Shell Standalone Complex - Volume 3. It's due out on 25th April 2005 and features more fun and games from the Laughing Man.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum 01 Out On 21st February

Date: 2005 February 20 17:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Our UK readers should be interested to know that the Platinum Edition of Neon Genesis Evangenlion is out on the 21st February. This is more of a friendly reminder really since we've already posted the press release for it. We don't normally post reminder stories however considering how popular Eva is it's bound to generate a lot of interest.

The Platinum edition has remastered video, with sharper colours that really do look more vibrant, a new 5.1 surround sound audio remix which to put it simply sounds great even when down sampled to standard stereo. ADV have also gone to town with the packaging, the DVD case comes in a shiny card sleeve cover features some nice artwork and also a 12 page booklet with sleeve notes on the series. If you haven't already got Evangelion this is the edition you should buy, if you've already got it on DVD and are a big fan you still might want to consider getting this remastered edition.

Souce: ADV Films UK

Shadow Hearts 2 UK PS2 Release Details

Date: 2005 February 19 08:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Gaming > Consoles

Midway have sent us the details for the UK PS2 release of Shadow Hearts 2. It's due out on 11th March and RPG fans will know that it's been developed by former SquareSoft employees.

Ghost In The Shell UK Manga Release Details

Date: 2005 February 10 08:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

We've got details from Titan Books regarding the UK release of the new edition of the groundbreaking manga Ghost In The Shell. This is Masamune Shirow's best known work and has been reprinted in a smaller format now uncensored. Titan will also be releasing the new manga Ghost In The Shell 2: Man Machine Interface. The sequel to the original manga has lots more CG art that Shirow has become known for in his popular Intron Depot artbooks.

Both books have been translated by Frederik L. Schodt and Toren Smith, which otaku know are famed for the quality of their translation work. Both books hit the shelves on 25th February and retail for £19.99, which is reasonable considering the page count and the amount of colour artwork in both books.

ADV UK DVD Releases For March 2005

Date: 2005 February 04 14:06 | Posted By: Spike

Category > Anime > DVD

ADV Films UK have just sent us details of upcoming UK releases for Febuary. A fantastic month of anime including:

- Lady Death: The Motion Picture
- Chrono Crusade volume 1
- Gad Guard volume 2
- Get Backers volume 2
- Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi volume 3
- Rune Soldier volume 5
- Final Fantasy: Unlimited - Phase Seven

The Otaku News Crew like the look of the next installments of the hilarious Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi and Get Backers.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films UK

Dinkybox Cool Japanese Toys

Date: 2005 January 24 15:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

Wil Overton who many of our readers will know was the artist for popular Super Nintendo Magazine SuperPlay published many moons ago (and also influenced a large amount of UK fan artists with his style), has sent us details of his latest enterprise.

Dinkybox is a shop selling you the very best in cool toys and goodies from around the world, it mainly focuses on the new wave of smaller designer group/artist toys. Why are Otaku News plugging it I hear you cry? Well Dinkybox stock anime related stuff like Dr Slump Kubrick figures, the parody show Panda-Z and also some nice Deleter Manga supplies like pads, pens and ink and also screentone.

We don't normally shamelessly plug companies here, but Wil's a nice guy and agreed to an interview when my first website Anime Digital was getting off the ground, so we owe him a favour or two. ^_-

Souce: Dinkybox

Galerians: Rion DVD To Hit The UK

Date: 2005 January 12 18:12 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

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.

ADV UK DVD Releases For February 2005

Date: 2005 January 07 20:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

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

Japonisme - Cultural Crossings between Japan and the West

Date: 2005 January 07 15:02 | Posted By: Joe

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.

Cover Competition - The Anime and Electronics Shopping Guide to Tokyo

Date: 2005 January 06 18:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

David Cotterill (aka Dragon) has dropped us a line about his new book - The Anime and Electronics Shopping Guide to Tokyo, a self published using print-on-demand technology to ensure that each copy ordered is as up to date as possible, it's due for publication in February. Currently Dragon is running a competition for his book to design the front cover and inside icons for the book. The winning entry will get a free copy of the book and DVD of your choice from United Publications. More details can be found on Anime.org.uk's News Section.

The Otaku News Crew suggest the winner selects a nice DVD boxset. ^_-

Souce: David Cotterill

Kirin Ichiban Now Prime Marketing Focus For Kirin Brand

Date: 2005 January 05 19:09 | Posted By: Joe

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.

UK DVD - Cowboy Bebop Volume 1 First Impressions

Date: 2005 January 03 11:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The Otaku News Crew have been sent a review copy of the UK edition of Cowboy Bebop Volume 1. Content wise it's mainly the same as the US Edition, featuring the first five episodes on disc one, English and Japanese Stereo tracks, and English subtitles. This hit series has been in the US since the year 2000, so some UK anime fans have had to wait almost five years to get hold of this show (or of course they imported the US edition, or a bootleg three disc edition commonly found from bad on-line retailers).

UK fans who haven't already got the US edition or taped it off cable TV when it first broadcast will probably want to know is the UK edition worth buying or should they go for the US edition instead? Read On to find out!

United Publications Price Cuts

Date: 2004 December 31 12:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

We've just heard from Dragon, the webmaster for United Publications (a popular UK import anime and manga retailer) that they've slashed their prices by up to 20% on most US DVDs due to the strength of the Pound, our UK readers with multiregion set-ups should check it out!

Souce: United Publications

ADV UK DVD Releases For January 2005

Date: 2004 December 19 16:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

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.

Bandai UK DVD Delays

Date: 2004 November 29 08:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

We've just heard from Bandai Europe that again some of their UK DVDs are going to be delayed.

Escaflowne Collection Box Volume 2 and Gundam Wing Box Set Volume 4 have both been put back to 13th December 2004.

Cowboy Bebop Volume 1 is now due out on 17th January 2005. Cowboy Bebop Volume 2 is set for 24th January 2005.

So if you get any money over Christmas you might want to save it for Cowboy Bebop Volumes 1 and 2! ^_^

Souce: Bandai Europe

ADV UK DVD Releases for December 2004

Date: 2004 November 28 16:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

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

Neo Magazine First Issue Out Now

Date: 2004 November 25 19:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Just a quick reminder to our UK readers that the first issue of Neo Magazine is out now. The publication covers anime, manga, videogames, gadgets, and all things Japanese. It's available from WH Smith, Borders, HMV, Martins Spar, Virgin Store, Forbidden Planet and some independent newsagents, it should also be available from Diamond Comic stockists.

For more information check out our previous write up on Neo Magazine, Anime UK News also has an interview with the editor as does UK-Anime.net

Souce: Neo Magazine

Educational Value of Manga In The UK

Date: 2004 November 16 18:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

The Times Education Supplement (a Times newspaper for teachers and people working in the education sector) are running a story about the educational value of manga, interestingly enough they make the same common misconceptions about manga - "Mangas depict wide-eyed heroes, often in varying states of undress". The Reading Agency, an organisation that promotes literacy, is encouraging schools to buy Manga comics, it seems they want to get as many children to get into reading by introducing them to manga. They've compiled a list of 150 recommended Manga titles, deemed suitable for teenagers and are sending them to all libraries and schools. The Otaku News crew imagine that this will help TokyoPop UK's already very healthy sales figures! ^_-

Souce: TES

Bandai UK DVD Delays

Date: 2004 November 15 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK Anime fans better hold on to their cash just a bit longer. I've just heard that a few DVDs from Bandai are going to be delayed by a couple of weeks. This includes the first volume of Cowboy Bebop, which is well worth waiting for. I'm sure that those of you who already have the first Escaflowne DVD box set, can't wait to get hold of the second one. ^_^

The following titles have all be slipped back to Monday 6th December 2004

- Gundam Wing Box Set Vol. 4
- Gundam Wing Box Set Vol. 5
- Cowboy Bebop Vol 1
- Escaflowne Collection Box Vol. 2

Souce: Bandai Europe

Strong Yaoi Sales on Amazon.com

Date: 2004 November 14 08:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Manga

ICv2 are reporting an interesting trend with Amazon.com's manga best seller list. Apparently Yaoi is three of the top five, four of the top ten and six of the top fifteen manga titles. ICv2 point out that these sales are only on Amazon.com as the American Bookscan list doesn't not match with these sales figures, with only Del Rey's Tsubasa Volume 3 appearing at the top of both lists.

ICv2 speculate that people purchasing Yaoi prefer the privacy and relative anonymity that on-line reatilers offer and that the two main Yaoi publishers Digital Manga and CPM Manga don't have the marketing clout or number of titles compared to other publishers with titles at the top of the graphic novel lists.

Souce: ICv2

Neo Magazine UK Editor Interview

Date: 2004 November 12 14:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Paul over at AnimeUKNews.net has just interviewed Stu Taylor the editor of Neo Magazine, a new UK magazine dedicated to anime, manga, Cult Asian Cinema J-Pop and other things oriental. The interview covers how the magazine got started, how hard it was getting it stocked in high street shops such as Borders as well as the possibility of future cover-discs. There are also pictures of the magazine's Ghost In the Shell cover (originally it appeared they were going to have a Dead Leaves cover).

Souce: AnimeUKNews.net

NEO Magazine UK

Date: 2004 November 09 17:46 | Posted By: Joe

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

Otaku News UK DVD Reader Survey

Date: 2004 November 07 19:32 | Posted By: Joe

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

Bandai and Atari Announce Release for GITS:SAC

Date: 2004 November 01 12:39 | Posted By: Spike

Category > Gaming > Consoles

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.

ADV UK October Newsletter Out Now

Date: 2004 October 26 18:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

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

UK Bandai November Releases

Date: 2004 October 23 19:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

We've got the release details for Bandai's UK DVD titles for this November.

Due out on the 15th of November:

- Escaflowne Collection Box Vol 1
- Gundam Wing Box Set Vol 4
- Gundam Wing Box Vol 5
- Hack Sign Vol 5

Due out on the 22nd of November:

- Cowboy Bebop Vol 1
- Escaflowne Collection Box Vol 2

So in one month the whole of Escaflowne will be available spread across two boxsets along with the first volume of Cowboy Bebop! That's a lot of great anime to watch. I cannot recommend Cowboy Bebop highly enough, it is to put it simply a fantastic show. Escaflowne is a great too and watching lots of episodes from the boxset in one go is advisable, since most of the episodes end on a cliff hanger meaning you just have to watch more!

A few years ago many anime fans in the UK thought they would never see the release of either of these titles, but to have them both being released on the same month is great news. The timing for the release of these shows is good too, being close to Christmas it means that you should give subtle hints to Santa! ^_-

Souce: Bandai

ADV USA November 15th DVD Titles

Date: 2004 October 20 18:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

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

ADV UK DVD Releases for November 2004

Date: 2004 October 19 18:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those nice chaps over at ADV UK have sent in their November release details. The following titles are all due to hit the shelves on the 15th November:

- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Perfect Collection - Limited Edition
- Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi volume 1
- Mazinkaiser vol.2
- Go Nagai's New Cutey Honey: Collection 2
- Rune Soldier volume 3
- Final Fantasy: Unlimited - Phase 5
- Slayers Excellent
- Conduct Zero (live-action)

With this selection we recommend picking up Neon Genesis Evangelion: Perfect Collection, after all it is Eva and it is a revolutionary series. Perhaps it'll make a great Christmas present for the otaku in your life? Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi is also worth a looking at especially since it's another Gainax title.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films UK

Samurai History Papers - Quarterly Newsletter

Date: 2004 October 16 16:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

We've just got details in from Ridgeback Press, apparently they will be launching Samurai History Papers, a quarterly newsletter from Romulus Hillsborough (whose research on the history of the Meiji Restoration spans over twenty years). It focuses on the facts behind many samurai anime series, such as the Shinsengumi (central to Peacemaker Kurogane and Rurouni Kenshin).

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust To Hit The UK On DVD

Date: 2004 October 05 16:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Those nice folks at Optimum Asia have sent us the press release for Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust on DVD, which will hit the shops on 18th October. This is an interesting announcement and shows Optimum branching out releasing even more anime, previously Optimum have released the Ghibli masterpiece Spirited Away and also have the cinema rights for The Cat Returns (another Ghibli feature).

Terratag London Exhibition - 'Pornograffiti'

Date: 2004 September 29 17:49 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've just got an e-mail from Paul over at Terratag. Terratag t-shirts have been sold at most of the UK anime conventions and Paul even had a stall at the Japanese Food Festival in London this August.

Terratag are also very naughty and as a result, I've always debated if I should add them to the Pirate Anime FAQ. The more astute otaku will know there is a range of Terratag t-shirts with Gundam designs on, Terratag have not paid for a license from Bandai to use any Gundam images, or their likeness. Technically this is a copyright violation, and that generally flags them as a bootlegger. This could land Paul in trouble with Bandai's lawyers, and he could face a hefty fine at least.

Anyway, Paul wanted to point out that he's holding an art exhibition at the Notting Hill Arts Club, his show runs until November 1st, he helpfully points out on the night of October 4th there are going to be 4 scratch DJ's from Tokyo playing live. The crew is called En and features Mc Raita with Dj's Jif Rock, Kiccio and Kaitaro. There will also be a jazz/hip-hop dance crew. So fans of the Japanese music scene will want to get over there!

Bandai UK DVD Release Details

Date: 2004 September 15 15:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

We've got the details for the UK release dates of the Beez / Bandai UK DVDs.
We'll also post more details as we get them.

27-09-2004 Gundam Wing Box Set Vol 1 - DVD
27-09-2004 Gundam Wing Box Set Vol 2 - DVD
-------
04-10-2004 Gundam Wing Box Vol 3 - DVD
-------
25-10-2004 Escaflowne Collection Box Vol 1 - DVD
25-10-2004 Hack Sign Vol 5 - DVD
-------
22-11-2004 Cowboy Bebop Vol 1 - DVD
22-11-2004 Escaflowne Collection Box Vol 2 - DVD

Souce: Beez

Yo! Sushi Tycoon to Launch Capsule Hotels in UK

Date: 2004 September 12 12:30 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Freaky Things

The Scotsman.com is running a story about Simon Woodroffe (the entrepreneur behind Yo! Sushi) latest plans to bring Japanese style Capsule Hotels to the UK.

Tokyo Godfathers UK DVD Release Details

Date: 2004 September 07 13:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

I've just heard from the good folks at Columbia Tristar Entertainment, Satoshi Kon's brilliant movie Tokyo Godfathers will be hitting the UK shops on 13th September.

This really is an wonderful film and one of the best anime films I've seen this year. So go get it from Amazon.co.uk, Play.com or any other good retailer.

ADV UK DVD Releases for October 2004

Date: 2004 September 01 15:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

It's that time of the month again, ADV UK have sent us their line up for October. They'll be releasing the following titles:

- Kino's Journey Volume 1: Idle Adventurer
- Mahoromatic - Automatic Maiden Volume 1
- Azumanga Daioh The Animation Volume 2: Festivals!
- Angelic Layer Volume 4: Faith, Hope & Love
- Full Metal Panic! Mission 7
- Gun Crazy: A Woman From Nowhere (live-action)

I think ADV hate my wallet. They've gone crazy and released a load of top titles all together. As always you can't go wrong with some Azumanga Daioh, but they're also releasing the last volume of Full Metal Panic! That and with Mahoromatic titles from Gainax always prove popular. They're so evil. If you've got a credit card, for crying out loud hide it!

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films UK

Anime News Network readers unhappy with Newtype DVD change

Date: 2004 August 24 17:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

The Anime News Network have just published an article regarding a recent reader poll. The poll asked readers for their opinion on Newtype USA's decision to remove the free DVD from non subscription issues of the magazine.

Final Transformers Series' Available On DVD in the UK

Date: 2004 August 05 17:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

We've just been sent the press release for the UK edition of Transformers. Seasons 3 & 4 are due out on August 30th, while Season 1 is set for October 11th. There's more than meets the eye with these titles!

Grave of the Fireflies UK DVD Details

Date: 2004 August 04 16:00 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

We've just been sent the details for the UK release of the brilliant Grave of the Fireflies, which is due out on 23rd August. A truly distressing tale of the victims of war, if you don't shed at least a single tear when watching this, then you have no soul!

ADV UK DVD Releases for September 2004

Date: 2004 July 30 16:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

It's that time of the month again, ADV UK have sent us their press release. September looks like an interesting month with the the following titles:

- Hellsing: The Collection
- Mazinkaiser vol.1
- New Cutey Honey vol.1
- Rune Soldier vol.2
- Final Fantasy: Unlimited vol.4
- Pretear vol.4
- Slayers Gorgeous

We recommend Slayers Gorgeous and Hellsing: The Collection.

Read More... | Souce: ADV Films UK

ADV UK July Releases

Date: 2004 June 01 21:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

ADV keep churning out those titles in the UK, which as always is a good sign.
In July they'll be releasing:

Rune Soldier vol. 1: Enter The Klutz
Final Fantasy: Unlimited - Phase 3
Pretear Vol. 3
King of Bandit Jing Vol. 4
Slayers Great
Queen Emeraldas

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