Zoids ZERO, also known as ZOIDS New Century Zero, and Zoids Shinseiki Zero, is a 26 episode direct spin-off of the original Zoids anime. Unlike the other Zoids series, Zoids Zero was mainly produced by Avex and directed by both Yoshio Kato and Takao Kato. Viz Media licensed Zoids Zero and broadcasted it on both Cartoon Network and YTV (Canada).
Anime Series: Zoids Genesis
Zoids Genesis is a 50 episode series airing in 2005 and 2006 as part of the Zoids franchise; it has little relation to the other Zoids anime. Viz Media licensed Zoids Genesis, broadcasting it on the Toonami Jetstream internet streaming, however the company has yet to release it on home video.
Anime Series: Zoids
Zoids, also known as Zoids Classic, ZOIDS: Chaotic Century, and ZOIDS: Guardian Forces, is the 67 episode original Zoids anime series produced by Shogakukan for its original creators Tomy. Viz Media and Geneon Entertainment licensed Zoids, broadcasting it on Cartoon Network and releasing it on both VHS and DVD.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Anime Series: Zillion
Zillion, also known as Akai Kodan Zillion and Red Photon Zillion, is a 31 episode television series airing in 1987 on NTV. It’s 2387 and a space colony is under attack by the Noza Empire, an unstoppable alien force; the only power that could possibly stop them is the Zillion Weapon System. Zillion was licensed for US distribution by Best Video and Orion years ago, however releases are scarce now.
Anime Series: Zetsuai 1989
Zetsuai 1989, also known as Desperate Love 1989 and Everlasting Love 1989, is a single episode yaoi OVA adaptation of Minami Ozaki’s manga, produced by Madhouse Studios and Shueisha. This 1992 OVA, directed by Takuji Endo, following the short drama between Koji Nanjo and takuto Izumi. Zetsuai 1989 has not been licensed outside Japan.
Anime Series: Zeta Gundam
Zeta Gundam, also known as Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Z Gundam, and Kidou Senshi Zeta Gundam, is a 50 episode series airing from 1985 to 1986. This series is known as receiving the highest Japanese television ratings out of the entire Gundam franchise. Bandai Entertainment licensed Zeta Gundam for English distribution and is releasing it on two DVD sets.
Anime Series: Zero Sum Game
Zero Sum Game, also known as Sex Crime: Zero Sum Game, is a single episode adult-oriented OVA from Naizo Kudara and produced by Blue Eyes and Green Bunny. The 2001 OVA was licensed for US distribution by Adult Source Media.
Anime Series: Zero no Tsukaima
Zero no Tsukaima, also known as The Familiar of Zero, is a 12 episode anime adaptation of Noboru Yamaguchi’s manga of the same title. Produced by GENCO and directed by Yoshiaki Iwasaki in 2006, the story follows the young magician Louise and her classmates. Zero no Tsukaima was licensed by Geneon Entertainment (USA), but never released in English; this is yet another anime title that is currently in stasis due to Geneon’s withdrawal.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Anime Series: Zero no Mono
Zero no Mono, another raunchy erotic OVA from Milky, released in 2001. Zero no Mono was licensed by NuTech Digital and released on DVD in 2004.
Anime Series: Zenki
Zenki, also known as Kishin Dôji Zenki and Demon Prince Zenki, is a 51 episode series airing in 1995, created by Kikuhide Tani and directed by Junji Nishimura. Media Blasters licensed Zenki and released it on DVD; unfortunately distribution has ceased and copies are rare.
Anime Series: Zatch Bell
Zatch Bell, also known as Gash Bell, Golden Gash Bell!!, and Konjiki no Gash Bell!!, is a 152 anime series airing from 2003 to 2006. Fuji TV and Toei Animation adapted the series from Makoto Raiku’s manga of the same title. ShoPro Entertainment and Viz Media released Zatch Bell in English, including broadcasting it on Cartoon Network’s Toonami and on YTV in Canada, and distributing the first 52 episodes (so far) on DVD.
There are also two Zatch Bell films, Gash Bell The 1st Movie: Unlisted Demon “#101″ and Konjiki no Gash Bell!!: Attack of the Mechavulcan.
Anime Series: Zambot 3
Zambot 3, also known as Muteki Choujin Zanbot 3, Invincible Superman Zambot 3, and Zanbot 3, is a 23 episode anime series from Sunrise that aired from 1977 to 1978. Directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, Zambot 3 has not been released outside Japan or Italy.
Anime Series: Zakuro Yashiki
Zakuro Yashiki is a single episode OVA airing in 2006 produced by Toei Animation; the anime has not yet been licensed for English distribution. The series is often confused with Zakuro Fujiwara, a Tokyo Mew Mew character.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Anime Series: After Class Lesson
After Class Lesson, also known as Houkago ~Nureta Seifuku~, is a 3 episode erotic OVA from 2005, directed by Masato Kitagawa. JapanAnime licensed After Class Lesson and released it on DVD (18+).
Anime Series: Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is the 2007 five episode anime adaptation of Takashi Okazaki’s manga by the same name; the production cost is a reportedly over $1 million, incredibly high for such a short series. FUNimation licensed Afro Samurai and has released a variety of merchandise including a “Director’s Cut” DVD
Anime Series: Afro Ken
Afro Ken is a single episode OVA produced by Sunrise and directed by Takashi Imanishi in 2001; Afro Ken of course is a dog with a rainbow colored afro. Bandai Visual distributed the OVA, which was aired across the world on Animax. Afro Ken has not been released or distributed in English.
Anime Series: Aesop’s World
Aesop’s World is a 26 episode short series from Hajime Yatate airing in 1999, telling the story of Pico, Tocho, Fufu and the giant fish Aesop. Aesop’s World was canceled after 21 11-minute episodes, but the remaining five aired later in 1999. The series has not been licensed or released in Englished.
Anime Series: Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Adventures of Tom Sawyer, also known as Tom Sawyer no Boken is a 49 episode anime series following the story of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer. Saban Productions brought over Adventures of Tom Sawyer, but a home video release is not available.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Anime Series: The Adventures of the Little Prince
The Adventures of the Little Prince, also known as The Little Prince and Hoshi no Ojisama Petit Prince, is a 39 episode anime series airing in 1978 to 1979. The story follows The Little Prince and his adventures on Earth and Asteroid B612; the series was licensed by Koch Vision and broadcasted by both Nickelodeon and TV Ontario.
The Adventures of the Little Prince is currently available in a DVD box set.
Anime Series: Adventures of the Little Koala
Adventures of the Little Koala, also known as Koala Boy Kocky, is a 51 episode series airing from 1984 to 1985, produced by TOHO. Adventures of the Little Koala was dubbed and broadcasted on Nickelodeon in the US from 1987 to 1993.
