ICv2 has uncovered that the first of three FLCL novels from Tokyopop will be released in March 2008; it will contain 192 pages with an MSRP of $7.99.

This update will cover notable anime & manga news from the past two weeks. Sorry, the 17 month gap between these updates is a little too much to cover today. I’m sure I’ll find something to make up for it :sweatdrop:

ICv2 gave some praise for Naruto and a bit of doubt on Bleach’s behalf as the release of Bleach manga volume 1 sold only 52% of the Naruto’s debut. To put it in prospective, volume 1 of Naruto, which was released over two years ago is outselling the first volume of Bleach by 32%. Ouch! ICv2 says it’s “far too early to tell” whether Bleach can come close to Naruto and that they believe Naruto “gives every appearance of being a once in a lifetime phenomenon.” This is in reference to the Naruto manga’s unrealistic success in the US, including ranking 21nd on the USA Today’s best seller’s list back in August.

Anime News Network reports that Blood+ may very well be hitting Cartoon Network soon, but that no broadcasting date has been scheduled. Cartoon Network has yet to confirm this rumor.

Viz has confirmed that two companies will be releasing Bleach merchandise in the US and Canada, including magnets, shoelaces (WTF?!), post cards, jewelry, stickers, patches, pins, buttons, plushes, key chains, wall scrolls, and “arm, hand, and headwear” (ugh…here we go again).

Former up again down again Britney Spears is divorcing that twat Kevin Federline. Holla for prenup! PRENUP!! Oh wait…this isn’t anime news…

Death Note: The Last Name topped the Japanese box office earlier this month. Anyone know if the “spoiler” was in either of the first two death note movies? Will it completely kill all hope for the rest of the entire franchise? :v

The FLCL Ultimate Edition release has been delayed ’til December 26th. Apparently releasing possibly popular merchandise after the holidays is the new craze! Sorry Timmy, you won’t be able to get your fill of wacky guitar whacking anytime soon!

Yesterday, Dragonball returned to television in America on the CoLours TV network. It will air weekdays at 10pm (e/p) and there will also be a six hour marathon on Thanksgiving Day. In December, the series will begin airing on the Funimation Channel. Thank you Funimation for striking deals with cable networks, including yourself, that nobody freaking watches.

The day after I was once again bitching to Atreus about how many different DVD releases Dragonball Z has and how confusing it’s become, ANN reports that beginning next year, the entire series will AGAIN be “digitally remastered” in high definition and released in box sets beginning in February.

4Kids is yet again receiving more than they deserve. They have reported a $256k loss in the last quarter, citing $2 million in a loss of revenue compared to Q3 2005. It just goes to show that relying on a bunch of ninja turtles and an anime that fairs better with youtube parodies will land your ass on a burning fire.

The last volume (36) of Ranma 1/2 was released today, marking the longest running manga released by Viz (unless of course you count Dragonball the way it was meant to be “count”) and it only took them 14 short years. Congrats, Viz.