Old news

From April 2003. Stuff happened with things and people, likely relating to anime.


4/30/03 RSI has announced plans to re-release the Boogiepop Phantom DVD boxed set in a "Limited Collector's Edition Ultra Box" available exclusively through Right Stuf International and Best Buy stores beginning June 17th.

Psikyo, the development company behind video games including Capcom's Gunspike, Gunbird, and Strikers 1945, has closed its video game development branch and will no longer produce console or arcade games.

SNK Neo Geo USA president Ben Herman has revealed that new installments of Samurai Spirits, Metal Slug 3D and an online version of Baseball Star are in development. Furthermore, SNK Neo Geo (Playmore) is planning to supply game software for the next generation console systems.

Capcom's Network Biohazard / Network Resident Evil for PlayStation 2 will be renamed Biohazard Outbreak / Resident Evil Outbreak.

The new Astro Boy TV series has been picked up by Kids'WB according to Variety. No date has been set for the TV series, which is currently airing in Japan, but it is expected to air sometime in 2003-2004.


4/29/03 According to the latest press release talking about Bandai's June line-up, they release news on a new Bandai license. On the Blue Submarine No. 6 Special Edition, there's a bonus music clip that contains footage from Gonzo's aerial show called Yukikaze. Since this is a press release mention via the extras, there's no other information available at this time.

Many fans will remember the 4 anime music videos directed by Leiji Matsumoto, created for French pop music group Daft Punk, released in 2001. According to ICv2 News, a rumored new collaboration between Daft Punk and Matsumoto will premiere at the upcomming Cannes Film Festival in France.

A streaming Windows Media trailer for the upcoming anime family film Momoko, Kaeru no Uta ga Kikoeru yo is now available online. The film should hit Japanese theaters this summer.

Still to come from Tokyo Mint are: Naru Narusegawa in Bikini- December, 2002 (released); Shinobu Maehara in Bath Towel - June, 2003; Aoyama Motoko with Sword - July, 2003; Naru Narusegawa in Pink - August, 2003; Naru Narusegawa in Bath Towel - September, 2003; and Mitsune Konno in Purple - October, 2003. In addition, two more unnamed pieces are planned for November and December, before the Love Hina statuette series comes to an end.


4/28/03 I added a review of the first Patlabor movie to Other Reviews.

A press release from ADV talked about some of their new acquisitions. ADV Films has not yet announced release dates for "Neon Genesis Evangelion: Director's Cut" (note: this is a working title only). There will be two DVDs each containing three episodes and will have the original and director cut version episodes.

TOKYOPOP has acquired the English language publication rights to Katsu Aki's 7 volume manga adaptation of the Vision of Escaflowne anime TV series.

Eight months after the conclusion of the King of Bandits Jing anime TV series, Kodansha has officially announced plans for a Bandit King Jing OAV series titled "7th Heaven," to be released in Japan this winter.

The official Blame! Homepage has announced that the Blame! anime series will be released on DVD next month. The 40 minute long DVD, titled "Blame! Salvage Disk by CIBO" will include all 6 made-for-internet-broadcast episodes of the post-apocalyptic action/adventure, two bonus clips totaling 4 1/2 minutes, and optional English subtitles. Unfortunately, the DVD is only available for sale through the official site and is restricted to orders shipped within Japan.

A release concerning the Rurouni Kenshin manga by Viz said: Rurouni Kenshin will be published by Viz, but we have not yet announced how it will be published. It may be in SHONEN JUMP, it may be published as Graphic Novels--or it may appear in both. Rurouni Kenshin will make an appearance in Issue 7, however--in a feature article. Stay tuned for more details about the historical hit manga/anime.

Sega put out a press release today announcing the games that they would be featuring at this year's Electronic Gaming Expo (E3). Among the games listed was "Dororo," based on the classic Osamu Tezuka Manga of the same name.


4/27/03 I put up a new Pen Thought in the Pen Penny section and moved an old one to Previous Pennys.

The following will be released on Region 1 DVD Tuesday: Babel II Vol. 4, Dragon Ball Feature 1: The Path to Power, Gun Frontier Vol. 1: Hopalong Harlock, Idol Project Vol. 2: Final Concert, If I See You In My Dreams OVA Collection, Magic Knight Rayearth OVA Collection, Magic Users Club: The Magic Box, Saiyuki Vol. 1 (also w/box), Street Fighter II Box, and Wild Arms Vol. 3.


4/25/03 Not exactly anime: The Sci-Fi Channel will broadcast all three of Toho's "new" Mothra movies on May 31st. Rebirth of Mothra (1996) will air at 11 AM, followed by Rebirth of Mothra 2 at 1 PM and the American premier of Rebirth of Mothra 3 at 3 PM.

The Japanese Animate.TV homepage has instituted free online distribution of the TV series Princess Tutu and the giant robot adventure series Kikou Sennyo Rouran.

After months of being under construction, the new AniPike is online.

Yuki Kajiura, the music composer for Anime series such as .hack//SIGN and Noir, will be releasing a solo album in the U.S. this summer. She is also going to appear at Anime Expo 2003.

Spirited Away, which has now earned almost $9.9 million at the box office will break the $10m during the next week.

DiC is seeking at least $5 million in damages and an injunction against Speed Racer Enterprises, barring the company from selling rights to the Speed Racer show to any other companies.

Bandai Japan has released some images from their upcoming RahXephon PS2 game. The images can be seen at The Magic Box.

The Magic Box also has images of upcoming PS2 game, Prince of Tennis: Smash Hit based on the popular Prince of Tennis Anime.



4/24/03 Production IG has announced that its latest film, the 47 minute long "Summer Of Andalsia" will premier next month at the prestigous Cannes Film Festival in France, before its Japanese premier.

Pioneer has announced plans to release several new American re-pressings of popular Japanese anime soundtracks later this summer: Heat Guy J Soundtrack, August 5th; Hellsing: Ruins (soundtrack 2), September 2nd; Serial Experiments Lain: Cyberia Mix, September 2nd; and X TV Soundtrack 1, September 2nd.

Central Park Media has announced an "Utena Fan Farewell Contest." Three grand prize winners will receive a copy of the DVD boxed set release of "Revolutionary Girl Utena: Apocalypse Saga" and have their prize winning photo or fan art displayed as a feature on the disc.

Like many other Anime companies, Pioneer Entertainment is stepping into the live action arena with the Onmyoji live action movie, which will be released theatrically towards the end of April and on DVD in August.



4/23/03 I put up a new Pen Thought in the Pen Penny section and moved an old one to Previous Pennys.

AIC has officially announced that a sneak preview of the upcoming third Tenchi Muyo OAV series will be released to Japanese DVD on June 25th.

DVD Vision Japan has posted an interesting interview with Shawne Kleckner of TRSI that focuses on his company's production side.

FUNimation's Yu Yu Hakusho marketing continues with the upcoming release of a trading card game. The past success of such games with the Dragon Ball Z property has no doubt led FUNimation to believe lightning will strike twice. Score Entertainment will produce the game, due out this September.

Gutsoon! Entertainment, has signed a booktrade agreement with Diamond Book Distributors as the exclusive U.S. and non-exclusive worldwide distributor of English-language editions of Gutsoon! Entertainments graphic novels to the bookstore, library, warehouse, mass merchandise, and comic book specialty markets.


4/22/03 The Inu Yasha Movie Site has a preview of Inu Yasha the Movie 3, which is set to debut in theatres in Japan in December 2003.

4/21/03 Shogakukan's Big Comic Original Magazine has announced a new TV anime based on the work of Rumiko Takahashi. The only details known are that it will run under the title Rumiko Takahashi Theatre this summer.

4/20/03 Coming out this Tuesday on Region 1 DVD: Ai Yori Aoshi Vol. 2: My Dearest, Arjuna Vol. 4, DragonballZ World Tournament Box Set, Great Dangaioh Vol. 3, Inu Yasha Vol. 4, Inu Yasha Vol. 5, Mobile Fighter G-Gundam Box 3, Mobile Fighter G-Gundam Vol. 7, Mobile Fighter G-Gundam Vol. 8, Mobile Fighter G-Gundam Vol. 9, Orphen: The Collection, Project Arms Vol. 4, Rei Rei, Samurai, The, Speed Racer Limited Edition Vol. 1, and Trouble Chocolate Vol. 4.

4/19/03 From Anime Boston 2003: ADV Films has announced the director cut episodes of Evangelion (Yay!). Anyway, they said that the director cuts of Evangelion will be released on two seperate DVDs. Each DVD will come with the old version and the new version. Episodes 25 and 26 remain the same. ADV could not confirm whether they have the new remastered Revival episodes. Manga Entertainment has also given a release date of October 28th for an Evangelion movie boxset.

4/18/03 Due to a server malfunction earlier this week, the online release of Munto has been delayed until today. Part A is currently available for download, and the other two OVA segments will be distributed on the 19th and 20th.

4/17/03 Hana Yori Dango, Wedding Peach and Flame of Recca mangas are all confirmed and real and coming from Viz.

12 Kingdoms Vol. #1 will hit this summer and contain the first five episodes.

According to Moviehole, James Cameron has confirmed that he will direct 'Battle Angel Alita', "Battle Angel is a very real possibility, and that's the film that I fully intend to direct, that I *will* direct ? the issue is will it be the next film, or will it be the one after the next film? That's really all there is to it at this point. We've done a tremendous amount of design for the film, we're fine-tuning the script, it's just a matter of time." He also mentions the likelyhood of more than 1 part.

ADV announced that The Anime Network is expanding into certain parts of New Jersey.


4/15/03 According to Jagged Team, it appears that Sony has licensed the theatrical film Memories for US distribution.

According to Bandai Visual, Katsuhiro Otomo's Steam Boy movie will hit theatres on both sides of the Pacific at once. Bandai announced in March that the film would see release in October, and there is no word on whether or not this would affect that schedule.


4/14/03 Based on an ad in the latest Animerica Extra, it appears that Viz will be releasing a box set of Ceres on DVD sometime this summer.

Onegai Twins, the sequel to Please Teacher!, will air on the WOWOW sattelite network this June.

Less than a month after releasing the anime on DVD in Japan, Kyoto Animation is distributing Munto online for free. The 50-minute production has been split into three parts, each of which will be available for only 24 hours. Part A is currently available for download, and the other two OVA segments will be distributed on subsequent days.



4/13/03 I added a review of the sixth and final volume of Excel Saga to Other Reviews.

Coming out Tuesday on Region 1 DVD: Castle in the Sky, Dirty Pair Flash Collection, Dragon Ball GT Vol. 1: Baby: Affliction, Dragon Ball GT Vol. 2: Baby: Incubation, Gatekeepers 21 Vol. 1, Hyper Police Vol. 5, Kiki's Delivery Service, Neoranga Vol. 2, Reign: The Obsession of Alexander Vol. 2, and Spirited Away.


4/11/03 Spirited Away finally came to my area (the DVD comes out Tuesday) and I was able to see it. It's a good, solid film. Relating to this: According to Indiewire, Disney is officially pulling Spirited Away out of American theatrical release on April 15th to make way for the official American DVD release.

Despite prominent recgonition in past years' annual Eisner Awards and the past year being the biggest year in history for the publication of manga in America, this year's comic book industry Eisner Awards includes nominations for only 2 manga titles. Dark Horse's Super Manga Blast was nominated for Best Anthology, and Viz's Uzumaki was nominated for Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material.


4/10/03 The Daily Yomiuri (an English language newspaper in Japan) ran a story in its April 10th edition, entitled "Boys will be Lupin III, girls will be Fujiko", about an anime survey taken by Nikkei Entertainment Magazine. According to the survey of 10,000 Japanese adults, the most popular male anime characters were (in order of 1-5):Lupin III (Lupin III), Char Aznable (Kido Senshi Gundam), Doraemon (Doraemon), Conan (Meitantei Conan), and Joe Yabuki (Ashita no Joe). The most popular female characters were (in order of 1-5): Nausicaa (Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa), Minami Asakura (Touch), Fujiko Mine (Lupin III), Lum (Urusei Yatsura), and Kyoko Otonashi (Maison Ikkoku).

According to the Japanese GameOnline News Site, Konami has announced plans to develop an "adventure RPG" based on the current Juuni Kokki anime TV series, for release on the Playstation 2 late this summer.

TOKYOPOP's Cowboy Bebop volume 1 manga has been included on the New York Public Library's "Books For The Teen Age 2003 List." The esteemed "Books For The Teen Age 2003 List" is now in its 74th year of publication. Each year, titles are read, reviewed and recommended for this publication by librarians for young adult readers.

Manga Entertainment has announced that audio and video post-production on the English language release of Production IG's full digital samurai OAV Kai Doh Maru is now complete.


4/9/03 The first episode of the new Astroboy TV series that aired on Japanese television earlier this week drew an estimated 11.2% of the viewing market, peaking at a 13.6% share of the viewing market. These percentages are extraordinary for a premier episode, on par with the ratings of Inuyasha, Doraemon, Atashinchi and One Piece.

Anime Castle is liquidating its VHS stock, selling every tape in stock for $4.99.

The first episode of RahXephon, in untranslated Japanese, along with a short trailer for the RahXephon movie, is available in streaming Real Media through the Japanese Bandai Channel website.

The new anime OAV Munto will be available online for free in Real Media format from the Kyoto Animation Studio homepage for a short time.


4/8/03 I put up a new Pen Thought in the Pen Penny section and moved an old one to Previous Pennys. I also moved the rest of March news to Old News.

The Hollywood Reporter has learned that the live action Dead or Alive movie from Impact Pictures will be produced by Impact Pictures founders Jeremy Bolt and Paul W.S. Anderson, director of the Resident Evil and Mortal Kombat movies. The script will be written by J.F. Lawton ("Pretty Woman," "Under Siege"). The $30 million budgeted film is now scheduled for release in 2004 to coincide with the release of the Dead or Alive 4 fighting game from Tecmo.

More on the Kite live action movie: they plan to remove the graphic sex scenes but keep the action scenes. The script of the adaptation is currently being written.

The animation staff of the Bible Black OAV series have adapted the Discipline game into anime.

America's largest anime convention, Anime Expo, has announced its first two guests of honor: Goro Taniguchi and Koshi Rikudo. Goro Taniguchi worked as assistant director on Gasaraki, and storyboard artist on One Piece and Yu-Gi-Oh. Koshi Rikudo is the creator of Excel Saga.

The folks at Right Stuf, who put out their massive catalog twice a year, are considering ending the publication of it after ten years. They're looking via a poll on their main page as well as email feedback as to what they should do with this massive catalog of all things regarding domestic anime.

Gainax has announced via their Japanese news site that a brand new "side story" of their series Mahoromatic would premiere as a TV special.


4/7/03 In the poll asking for favorite domestically released DVD of 2002, GTO pulled out a win over Berserk and X tied for second. A new poll is now up.

Here's something rather surprising, The Hollywood Reporter has announced that XXX director Rob Cohen will produce and direct an American live-action version of Yasuomi Umetsu's Kite. The film will be produced and distributed by Distant Horizon Pictures.

Today is Astroboy's Birthday, if you didn't know.

The third AniMatrix short film, Detective Story, directed by Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe is now available for viewing and download.

Australia's Madman Entertainment has announced Australian distribution rights to the Abenobashi Maho Shotengai, Azumanga Daioh, Witch Hunter Robin, and Zaion: I Wish You Were Here anime TV series. Since all, or at least virtually all of Madman Entertainment's Australian licenses are sub-licensed from American distributors, chances are they have been licensed for American release.

According to the Anime on DVD Forum, Urban Vision is currently in licensing negotiations for "more Strange Dawn" and the Japanese language dub of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. Neither will be available in America until 2004.

The Jubei Ninpucho (Ninja Scroll) TV series will premier on Japanese television on the 14th. The series is a sequel to the original movie. The 13 episode series will be released to American home video in September, and Japanese home video in December.

According to the official Rahxephon website, there is a Rahxephon movie coming out in Japan on the 19th.

According to two seperate sources, Speed Racer Entertainment is facing two lawsuits, one from DIC and the other from E-Lan. DIC claims that SRE backed out of a deal that granted it sole distribution rights, while E-Lan claims it is the owner of the music used in the latest Speed Racer series airing on Nickelodeon.

Aura Battler Dunbine, a classic science fiction anime from 1983 is coming over thanks to ADV and Carl Macek.



4/6/03 The following are coming out on Region 1 DVD Tuesday: Big Wars, Chance Pop Session Vol. 3, City Hunter: .357 Magnum, DNA2 Vol. 2: Turbulence, Excel Saga Vol. 6, Four Play, Hellsing Box Set, Lupin the 3rd TV Vol. 2: Love Heist, Mama Mia!, Melty Lancer Vol. 2: Omega, Noir Vol. 2: The Hit List, Patlabor Movie 3: WXIII, Patlabor Movie 3: WXIII Special Edition, Rune Soldier Vol. 1: Enter the Klutz, Sugar Vol. 1 (also w/box), and Tokyo Babylon.

4/5/03 I put up a review of Martian Successor Nadesico volume 1 in Other Reviews. I also put up a new Pen Thought in the Pen Penny section and moved an old one to Previous Pennys.

4/4/03 Hobbylink Japan has disclosed that Japanese figure and toy production studio Reds (not to be confused with video game production studio Red Company), has suddenly gone out of business. The most significant impact of this announcement on American anime fans is likely to be the fact that as a direct result Kaiyodo has indefinitely delayed its new line of Evangelion action figures that were to be crafted by Reds.

The first American "clear poster" will be released. It is an FLCL wall poster of Haruka on her Vespa is printed with bright colors on transparent plastic.

TV Osaka has opened its official homepage for the new Di-Gi-Charat Nyo TV series.

TV Tokyo has opened its official homepage for Last Exile.

Studio Deen has opened its page for Matantei Loki Ragnarok.

Miramax now hosts a trailer for the upcoming American theatrical release of the fifth movie, "Gods Of The City Of Water," re-named for American release, "Pokemon Heroes."

Jerry Chu of Bandai mentioned that a trailer for Spirit of Wonder was in production. Because Bandai is working on the trailer, it may be inferred that they have acquired the distribution rights to the series.

Anime clubs in Bandai's A.Addicts received copies of the first volumes of Geneshaft and Please Teacher this week, more than a month before either title is set to retail. Bandai has confirmed that they will be sending more early preview copies of DVDs to A.Addict clubs in the future, and that upcoming press releases will spotlight the various clubs participating in the program.

The new website for Viz is now up.



4/3/03 Atlus has officially announced plans to bring the Game Boy Advance monster collecting game Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children Light & Dark to America under the title "DemiKids." The game will be released in separate "Light" and "Dark" versions.

Those who enjoyed "Ninja Resurrection" may be interested to know that a new live action version of the Yagyu Jubei vs. Shiro Amakusa Tokisada story, again titled Makai Tenshou ("Reborn from Hell"), will debut in Japanese theaters on the 26th.

In celebration of Astro Boys upcoming Birthday, a 10-centimeter scale replica, made of precious stones, of Astro Boy is on displar at the Nihonbashi Takashimaya Co., Ltd store.

Tokyopop has expanded across the Atlantic with its new London offices, Tokyopop U.K. The manga published has teamed up with Red Route Distribution Ltd.

Tokyomint has announced the upcoming release of their line of Love Hina statues, Naru. The 1/8th scale statue of Naru Narusegawa wearing nothing more than a bath towel will retail for $129 and be limited to 600 pieces.

New soundtracks announced: Slayers: The Motion Picture Soundtrack - 07/01/2003. Lost Universe - 07/01/2003. Nadesico The Movie: Prince of Darkness - 07/01/2003.



4/2/03 I moved most of March news to Old News and put up a review of GTO volume 7 in Other Reviews.

According to Jagged Team, Square Enix has officially announced development of Kingdom Hearts 2.

According to Patrick Macias, author of TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion and Shonen Jump USA contributing editor, Viz has sold its live action Japanese film catalog to Kino Distribution.

apanese anime production company Studio Arms has confirmed development of a Mezzo Forte TV series.

Viz Communications has formally changed its company name to "Viz, LLC." Viz, formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of Shogakukan, is now owned through a partnership between Japanese publishing companies Shogakukan and Shueisha.

Animefringe Magazine has published its latest online issue.



4/1/03 Considering it's April Fool's Day, if there's anything incorrect that I find out about tomorrow, I'll post saying so (woe to those whe deceive me).

Jojo's Bizarre Adventures DVD, originally scheduled for release on March 11th, then rescheduled to March 31st, has been delayed again until an unspecified date in the immediate future.

The new ADV catalog has some announcements (according to Animenation): Those Who Hunt Elves II will be released in two DVD volumes with optional English, Japanese & Spanish dialogue. All three Blue Seed 2 OAVs will be released on a single DVD titled "Blue Seed Beyond." All 7 Mazinkaizer OAVs will be released in two domestic DVDs. Episodes 1-22 of the 52 episode Super Gals! Kotobuki Ran TV series will be released in America under the title "Super Gals!".


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