A new Ah! My Goddess TV special (Ah! My Goddess: Fighting Wings) will air this winter. It is expected that story installments cut from the previous television series will be the back-bone of this new special.
12:36pm EDT |
A new live-action film adaptation of When They Cry (Higurashi no Naku Koroni) will debut in Japanese theatres in 2008, directed by Ataru Oikawa.
12:27pm EDT |
4Kids has released their quarterly earnings report for 2007 Q2. With the failure of One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh GX and the diminished Pokemon, 4Kids has posted a 28% decrease in revenue from last year, resulting in a net loss of $2.2 million this past quarter. The children-oriented animation company thrived in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, rivaling Yahoo!’s stock ROI.
11:24am EDT |
Despite a low amount of releases this week, there were so many I enjoy, making it a bit difficult to choose my top suggestions for this week.
Top DVD Release
Kurau Phantom Memory DVD #3 [ ADV ] - This series is one of my all time favorites; it’s often overlooked, so I have “pimp” it as much as possible!
Top Manga Release
O-Parts Hunter Volume #5 [ VIZ ] - Despite all its fluff, O-Parts Hunter (666 Satan) is a fun read.
Top New Series
Air DVD #1 [ ADV ] - Despite another late release and dubious marketing, this series is one to check out; you’ll either love it or hate it!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
FEATURE: DVD Releases for August 12 - 18
12:25pm EDT |
Air DVD #1 [ ADV ]
August 14, 2007 | $29.98 | 100 min.
Yukito is a traveling performer; a wanderer. He survives with only the clothes on his back, a puppet, and a story from his mother: the story of “The Girl in the Sky.” He doesn’t know who or where she is; only that he must find her. On the verge of starvation, he is befriended by a young misfit named Misuzu, whose eccentricities serve to hide a troubled home life. Misuzu offers Yukito a place to stay, and in return he listens to her dreams - dreams in which she lives in the sky.
Buy now from Rightstuf for only $26.98
Buy now from AnimeNation for only $26.98
Buy now from Amazon for only $22.49
Kurau Phantom Memory DVD #3 [ ADV ]
August 14, 2007 | $29.98 | 100 min.
Arriving in California, Kurau and Christmas seem to have briefly escaped the GPO, but the discovery of a facility designed to extract Rynax power quickly reveals the global scale of the conspiracy set against them. Before they can take further action, Ayaka’s task force closes in once again and a series of pitched battles follow, leaving Christmas captured and Kurau with her powers severely impaired.
Buy now from Rightstuf for only $26.98
Buy now from AnimeNation for only $26.98
Buy now from Amazon for only $26.99
Pani Poni Dash! DVD #5 [ ADV ]
August 14, 2007 | $29.98 | 100 min.
What’s worse than having a sick teacher? Having your sick teacher be a really cranky 11-year old, that’s what. When the sick bug quarantines the whole school, both temperatures and tempers are rising to dangerously hilarious health levels. Things get even weirder when Ichijo electrocutes Himeko, turning her into a world-conquering maniac, while the Drama Club and the Film Club finally come to blows in their longstanding war against each other.
Buy now from Rightstuf for only $26.98
Buy now from AnimeNation for only $26.98
Buy now from Amazon for only $26.99
FEATURE: Manga Releases for August 12 - 18
12:24pm EDT |
Battle Vixens Volume #12 [ TOKYOPOP ]
August 14, 2007 | $9.99 | 192 pages
Sonsaku Hakufu returns with a vengeance and takes her rightful place as head of Nanyo Academy. To draw out her natural powers, Hakufu pays Chouko a visit on top of up a mountain. He explains to Hakufu that her destiny is to defeat Sousou, and attempts to teach her the legendary Water Dragon strike. Will it be enough to defeat Sousou in his new form?
Buy now from Rightstuf for only $7.49
Buy now from AnimeNation for only $8.99
Buy now from Amazon for only $9.99
Tenchi Muyo Volume #11 (2nd Ed) [ VIZ ]
August 14, 2007 | $9.99 | 184 pages
When her childhood nanny lies dying, Mihoshi remembers the one thing the old woman always wanted: “I want to see you in your wedding dress one day!” In no time at all, she’s rushing off to Nanny’s bedside with her “fiance” Tenchi in tow, and Ryoko and Ayeka are in a panic! Then, Ayeka mysteriously vanishes on the day of a strange earthquake, only to return as a ruthless killer! Can her old friends undo her amnesia and bring her back to normal, or will this volume contain a wedding - and a funeral?
Buy now from Rightstuf for only $7.49
Buy now from AnimeNation for only $8.99
Buy now from Amazon for only $9.99
O-Parts Hunter Volume #5 [ VIZ ]
August 14, 2007 | $9.99 | 192 pages
Jio’s friend Ball always dreamed of being strong - strong enough to help the resistance movement stop the maniacal governor Jaga who has a stranglehold on his hometown, and strong enough to defend his friends and his sister. Now that he too is an O.P.T., it looks like Ball might stand a chance! Can he, a novice when it comes to O-Parts, defeat a powerful member of the Zenom syndicate single-handed?
Buy now from Rightstuf for only $7.49
Buy now from AnimeNation for only $8.99
Buy now from Amazon for only $9.99
Friday, August 10, 2007
3:28pm EDT |
It would seem the Dragonball “Dragonbox” releases has spurred on more insanely long all-in-one box sets. Legend of the Galactic Heroes will be the next to see such an expensive box set release on December 21. Retailing for ¥262,500 (roughly $2200), the aluminum box set will include all 162 episodes, three movies, an extras disc, information booklet and new commemorative items in celebration of the series 20th anniversary.
FEATURE: Death Note Review
2:31pm EDT |
New Review: Death Note
11:05am EDT |
ImaginAsian has stated that it will again be delaying its releases of Cat’s Eyes, Nobody’s Boy - Remi, and The Super Dimension Century Orguss due to DVD CCA still not approving the DVD encryption used. ImaginAsian will begin looking for new copy-protection methods to use for these releases.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
9:32am EDT |
Despite being a little late with their confirmation, Dark Horse has finally announced the acquisition of the GANTZ manga in a press release. That’s not surprising in itself, but the way Dark Horse is pushing this series is. They have dubbed it as “Inarguably the most highly demanded manga in the last half-decade” and are considering its popularity to be equal to Ghost in the Shell and AKIRA.
The hype is slightly overbearing, but I do hope Dark Horse continues. Scheduled for a summer-2008 release, GANTZ could completely revitalize the slumbering state of the seinen manga market in North America. Full press release after the jump.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
4:10pm EDT |
To celebrate its one-year anniversary, Toonami Jetstream will begin adding a few more popular anime to its lineup. One Piece will begin airing on August 13 and Dragonball Z on September 10. Zoids Genesis, Eyeshield 21, and IGPX will also be added at an unconfirmed date (as early as this fall).
The free online video service currently airs new episodes of Hikaru no Go, MÄR, Mega Man Star Force, The Prince of Tennis, as well as reruns of Dragonball, Naruto, and Pokemon.
3:55pm EDT |
Navarre has reported their sales for its fiscal 2008 Q1. Overall the corporation was slightly up in net income, however its Funimation branch has posted a staggering 60% increase in sales. This increase has been highly attributed to the Dragonball Z Box Sets and Afro Samurai, stating the new Dragonball releases have completely revived the property. A small decrease is expected in Q2, with no large releases, but growth is predicted for both Q3 and Q4.
Funimation now controls 32% of the North American anime DVD market share, up from last quarter’s 24%.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
3:58pm EDT |
Rumors have been developing lately regarding a dedicated anime channel heading for the UK. Currently dubbed as “AnimeCentral,” this television channel looks to have already applied for a OFCOM license in the UK. Interestingly enough, this weekend’s AmeCon has been strongly advertising one of its panels, entitled AnimeCentral.
We’ll keep you updated with any further information.
NEWS: Blu-ray forges ahead
3:44pm EDT |
While the HD-DVD format has been less than dormant, Blu-ray continues to gradually push its way into the anime community. A Japanese release of the Yukikaze Box Set is set to release on January 25, 2008 for ¥26040.
Furthermore, UK online retailer, Play.com, has re-listed a Blu-ray release of Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society, citing an October 15, 2007 debut.
2:43pm EDT |
Once again Viz dominated this week’s manga releases, while DVD box sets and shounen series took over the dvd releases.
Top DVD Release
Naruto Uncut DVD Box Set #4 [ Viz Media ] - The chuunin exams are coming to a climax in what I personally see as the last decent story arc of the series.
Top Manga Release
D.Gray-man Volume #6 [ Viz Media ] - With Bleach and Fruits Basket staring me in the face, I just had to look elsewhere! D.Gray-man really deserves more attention, so help it out!
Top New Series
Pretty Face Volume #1 [ Viz Media ] - Default win, no reason not to check it out though.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
FEATURE: DVD Releases for August 5 - 11
10:02am EDT |
.hack//Roots DVD #3 [ Bandai Entertainment ]
August 7, 2007 | $24.98 | 100 min.
TaN has been forced to disband, the leaders of the guild prohibited from accessing the game. However, the mysterious disappearance of Ovan has left little time for the Twilight Brigade to rejoice. And as rumor concerning his possible location and motives spread dissent through the ranks, the Brigade finds itself facing its final days together. Meanwhile, the bizarre appearance of the player Tri-Edge will shatter the lives of Haseo and everyone else in The World.
Buy at Right Stuf for only $22.48
Buy at AnimeNation for only $22.48
Buy now at Amazon for only $18.69
Kannazuki no Miko DVD Box Set [ Geneon ]
August 7, 2007 | $59.98 | 300 min.
Shy, timid Himeko happily attends school with both the popular and beautiful Chikane and her childhood friend, Souma, blissfully unaware of what’s in store for her. However, the destiny of these three changes on Himeko’s 16th birthday when the mark of the sun appears on her chest. What does this solar mark represent? At the same time, why has a black aura of agony burst forth from Souma? Who is the enemy? The legend of the eight-headed beast returns to Japan!
Buy at Right Stuf for only $53.98
Buy at AnimeNation for only $53.98
Buy now at Amazon for only $44.99
Naruto Uncut DVD Box Set #4 [ Viz Media ]
August 7, 2007 | $49.98 | 325 min.
After barely making it out of the Forest of Death, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura proceed to the next stage of the Chunin Exam: a one-on-one sudden death elimination battle! Pitted against each other in individual combat, an assortment of young, bright-eyed ninja reveal their true colors and brandish their hidden powers! Can Naruto beat the odds and prove to his fellow shinobi that he’s good enough to be a chunin?
Buy at Right Stuf for only $44.98
Buy at AnimeNation for only $44.98
Buy now at Amazon for only $34.99
Rumbling Hearts DVD Box Set [ FUNimation ]
August 7, 2007 | $49.98 | 325 min.
Meet four high school friends: Haruka, Takayuki, Mitsuki, and Shinji. Life’s promise shines brightly on them until an accident leaves Haruka in a coma. Her boyfriend, Takayuki, can’t forgive himself, and seems determined to follow Haruka into a comatose state. Mitsuki dedicates her life to taking care of the tragic young man, and the pair fall into a relationship floundering in guilt.
When Haruka awakens after three years, everyone must pretend no time has passed. Torn between his unhappy real-life relationship with Mitsuki and the daydream high school romance with Haruka, Takayuki feels the tiny silver lining left in his life being mercilessly and methodically stripped away.
Buy at Right Stuf for only $44.98
Buy at AnimeNation for only $44.98
Buy now at Amazon for only $37.49
FEATURE: Manga Releases for August 5 - 11
10:02am EDT |
Bleach Volume #20 [ VIZ ]
August 7, 2007 | $7.95 | 200 pages
The shocking truth behind the collapse of the Soul Society is finally revealed! The magnitude of the conspiracy is far-reaching, and the perpetrators wield staggering power. Is this the end of the Soul Society?
Buy at Right Stuf for only $5.96
Buy at AnimeNation for only $7.16
Buy now at Amazon for only $7.95
Buso Renkin Volume #7 [ VIZ ]
August 7, 2007 | $7.99
Kazuki’s black kakugane, which powers his Buso Renkin weapon and keeps him alive, will soon advance to the point where it begins draining life from others around him. Teaming up with his partner Tokiko, Kazuki leaves on a mission to find out more about the black kakugane in hopes of keeping this from happening. Meanwhile, they encounter an elite group of Alchemist Warriors that have been assigned to hunt them down and kill them!
Buy at Right Stuf for only $5.99
Buy at AnimeNation for only $7.19
Buy now at Amazon for only $7.99
D.Gray-man Volume #6 [ VIZ ]
August 7, 2007 | $7.99 | 200 pages
A horde of akuma is closing in on Allen, but instead of attacking him they mysteriously head right for another exorcist, Suman Dark! His tragic story and the secret of his unique Innocence are revealed, but in the process Suman’s life is threatened. Allen tries his best to save his comrade by putting himself in grave danger!
Buy at Right Stuf for only $5.99
Buy at AnimeNation for only $7.19
Buy now at Amazon for only $7.99
Fruits Basket Volume #17 [ TOKYOPOP ]
August 7, 2007 | $9.99 | 192 pages
Akito has more than skeletons hiding in the closet. The curse is not the only reason Kureno won’t leave Akito. Who can make Arisa understand Kureno’s devotion to Akito? Kureno must talk with Shigure if he ever wants to be free from Akito. Meanwhile, the dark shadow that hovers over the Sohma Estate has fallen on Tohru. Is there any cure for this curse?
Buy at Right Stuf for only $7.49
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Buy now at Amazon for only $9.99
Thursday, August 02, 2007
FEATURE: Code Geass Review
9:17am EDT |
New Review: Code Geass
I’ll warn you now, I did not think highly of this anime.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
NEWS: Gonzo on YouTube
12:46pm EDT |
Gonzo has opened “Gonzo Doga” on YouTube Japan, which will feature promotional videos for their series.
12:39pm EDT |
This is really old news (April 07) and may very well be false, but it’s still funny.
The beta version of the Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Chouzetsu Hakkutsu ONLINE mmorpg ended in mid-April. New reports are stating this closure of the beta testing was actually brought on due to faulty game software that corrupted the Windows registry. As many should know already, screwing up your registry can effectively destroy your Windows OS. On top of this, Konami has supposedly sent out 500gb backup hard drives to the victims of this ordeal.