Following up on the first set pics from the Dragonball movie, Mexico’s El Siglo de Torreon has posted up a set pic from a fight/training sequence in the film. Nothing says Dragon Ball like pink… err, light red uniforms.
HoyCinema has posted a few pictures taken by a fan while passing by the set for the new movie Dragonball. Justin Chatwin will play the role of Goku while the article mentions Emmy Rossum taking up the role of Bulma. While it’s too early to tell how it will turn out (you can guess my opinion), the fact that the writer/director is James Wong (famous for crap such as Final Destination, Jet Li’s The One, and Final Destination 3)… I think I’ll just see Iron Man, The Dark Knight, and Indiana Jones 4 a second time right now.
I bet you’re glad that the Evangelion movie is still stuck in pre-production funding hell right now, aren’t you?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES SIX NEW MANGA SERIES FOR FIRST QUARTER 2008
Diverse New Titles To Kick Off The New Year
San Francisco, CA, January 8, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of six highly anticipated new manga comic series for the First Quarter of 2008.The new releases are designed for Teen and Older Teen readers and include SAND CHRONICLES, HIGH SCHOOL DEBUT, HONEY AND CLOVER and MONKEY HIGH, to be published under the popular SHOJO BEAT imprint, RAL Ω GRAD, under the SHONEN JUMP ADVANCED imprint, and SWITCH, to be offered by the VIZ Media imprint.”We open 2008 with an exciting and diverse collection of new manga titles designed for fans of everything from gritty crime dramas and fantasy/action tales to bittersweet romance stories and zany high school comedy,” says Alvin Lu, Vice President, Publishing VIZ Media, “The debut of DEATH NOTE artist Takeshi Obata’s latest manga series RAL
Ω GRAD continues to show the versatility of this very talented creator as he tackles the genre of fantasy adventure manga. New teen-oriented series like SAND CHRONICLES and HONEY AND CLOVER present softer but equally intriguing stories about growing up, entering adulthood and dealing with life’s dramas. The unique stories and characters presented in our newest collection of titles should strike a chord among even the most discriminating fan and we look forward to their success in the New Year.”SAND CHRONICLES • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $8.99 • Available Now!Twelve-year-old Ann and her divorced mother move from big city Tokyo to her mother’s rural hometown, where the menu consists of mystery meat, the village kids are totally uncool, the cute woodland creatures are not destined to be her faithful companions, and there aren’t even any bookstores! How will she survive her exile from civilization? When Ann’s mother unexpectedly dies, she must grow up fast, relying on the kindness of her new friends
—Daigo and aristocratic siblings Fuji and Shika. But after her father reappears and moves her to Tokyo, will Ann be able to maintain a long-distance relationship with Daigo ?And do Fuji and Shika harbor romantic feelings for each other that will rip apart these childhood friendships…?
SAND CHRONICLES was created by Hinako Ashihara and won the 50th Shogakukan Manga Award. The ten-volume series sold more than 5.7 million copies in Japan and also spawned a live-action television series and a feature film, set to be released next year. The series currently appears in SHOJO BEAT magazine and also has been published in Italian, German and Spanish.
HIGH SCHOOL DEBUT • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $8.99 • Available Now!Can a junior high tomboy turn into a high school sweetheart overnight?
When Haruna Nagashima was in junior high, her life consisted of playing softball and reading comics. Now in high school, Haruna decides to put all of her energy towards getting a boyfriend and having the high school romance of a lifetime. She enlists the help of a cute upperclassman named Yoh Komiyama to help her transform into the kind of girl who can catch a guy. Yoh agrees to the challenge with one catch – Haruna had better not fall for him!HIGH SCHOOL DEBUT was created by Kazune Kawahara, who drew her first manga series at age 18. Since then, Kawahara has developed a variety of comics for Shueisha’s Bessatsu Margaret magazine. HIGH SCHOOL DEBUT is also previewed in the December issue of SHOJO BEAT magazine.
RAL Ω GRAD • Rated “T+” for Older Teens • MSRP: $7.99 • Available Feb. 5, 2008
Renowned manga artist Takeshi Obata, artist of HIKARU NO GO and the wildly popular DEATH NOTE, introduces a new series of fantasy and action set in medieval times. In the midst of a meaningless war, a child named Ral is born during a bloody battle at the cost of his mother’s life.
From this baby’s shadow comes forth a huge and powerful dragon named Grad, which lays waste to the landscape within minutes. A quick-thinking knight locks the baby in a cage of darkness, where he grows to be a young man, knowing only the kindness of his young female tutor named Mio, but never seeing her face. One day an army attacks and the people of Sphaein are put under siege by horrendous monsters knows as Shadows.
With the castle walls collapsing and their doom within sight, the people are persuaded to set Ral free knowing he also has a Shadow within him—the large blue dragon. Released from his black cell, Ral finally meets his beloved teacher face-to-face and discovers there are differences between men and women…differences he deems worth fighting for!RAL Ω GRAD artist Takeshi Obata won the 2003 Tezuka Shinsei “New Hope” award and the Shogakukan Manga award for his wildly popular Shonen Jump title HIKARU NO GO. RAL
ΩGRAD is his newest series and the latest addition to the Shonen Jump Advanced imprint and will appeal to fans of fantasy RPGs.MONKEY HIGH • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $8.99 • Available March 4, 2008 After her politician father is disgraced in a scandal, Haruna Aizawa transfers to a new school where she becomes convinced that school life is like a monkey mountain—all the monkeys form cliques, get into fights, and get back together again. She even meets a boy called Macharu who reminds her of a baby monkey! Will Haruna remain jaded and distance herself from everyone around her, or will Macharu win her over with his monkey magic?MONKEY HIGH was created by Shouko Akira, who made her manga debut in
1995 with THE SOLAR SYSTEM IS YOURS, which was serialized in Japan’s Deluxe Bessatsu Shojo Comic. Akira is notable for her Betsucomi style art which features rosy cheeks and cute, clean designs. She is also the creator of TIMES TWO, a collection of five romantic short stories that’s currently available from VIZ Media. MONKEY HIGH will be previewed in SHOJO BEAT magazine in February.
HONEY AND CLOVER • Rated “T+” for Older Teens • MSRP: $7.99 • Available March 4, 2008 Takemoto is a student who lives in a run-down student apartment, where his greatest worries are when he’ll next be able to afford to eat meat and whether he’ll get to class on time. Along with a crazy cast of five friends, Takemoto sets out to discover life and his true self. Set in a Tokyo art college, HONEY AND CLOVER realistically blends comedy and pathos to bring to life a very unique set of individuals. One day, one of the art professors introduces Takemoto to his cousin’s daughter, Hagumi Hanamoto, a first-year art student who has come to live with him. Takemoto is immediately smitten and the plot thickens as Hagumi becomes embroiled in a complicated love triangle that also includes Takemoto’s friend, Shinobu Morita. HONEY AND CLOVER showcases the journey from adolescence into adulthood and the long and challenging road these five young people must navigate to balance the demands of school, work, and love.
Chica Umino is the creator of HONEY AND CLOVER, which debuted in 2000 and received the Kodansha Manga Award in 2003. The series was extremely successful and was also nominated for the Tezuka Culture Prize and an award from the Japan Media Arts Festival. Over 7.8 million copies of the 10-volume series have been sold in Japan and the series inspired both and anime series and live-action film, set for release by VIZ Pictures in 2008. Chica Umino is also a merchandise designer and created an array of HONEY AND CLOVER bags, purses, hats, and clothing available in Japan.
There is even a HONEY AND CLOVER café in Tokyo. The series has been translated into Dutch, Korean, Chinese, and German and is also serialized in SHOJO BEAT magazine.
SWITCH • Rated “T+” for Older Teens • MSRP: $9.99 • Available March 11, 2008 Kai Eto may look like a squeaky clean kid, but the Greater Kanto Narcotics Control Division’s new investigator hides a violent alter ego and a dangerous past. Together with his stoic partner, Hal Kurabayashi, Kai is assigned to track down and stop the distribution of a dangerous new drug called Dragon Speed. But the hard-boiled syndicate trafficking the drug is almost impossible to infiltrate and combined with street violence and a jurisdiction war with the Meguro Police, poor Kai is in for some very long days at the office.SWITCH was created by the Naked Ape duo, a collaboration of artist Tonomi Nakamura and writer Otoo Saki. The two women also produced an array of posters, album covers, phone cards and manga series such as BLACK TAR and the futuristic crime thriller DOLLS. SWITCH was originally published by Square Enix, the Japanese company behind FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST and FINAL FANTASY, and will appeal to fans of crime dramas such as Miami Vice, CSI, and NCIS.
LIBRARY EDITIONS • MSRP: $15.99 • Available January 2008 In January, the company will also publish new hardcover Library Editions of the first volumes of several popular manga series including BLEACH, DEATH NOTE, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, INUYASHA, NARUTO and RANMA ½. The content of these editions will match their original manga counterparts but now packaged with a rugged hardcover to make the volumes viable for years of library use.About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
Jan. 7, 2008
Wii-kly Update: Two New Classic Games Added to Wii Shop Channel
Can’t believe it’s already 2008? Soothe that sense of future shock with a
visit to the Wii Shop Channel, where we’ve just added a pair of awesome
vintage games from way back in the 20th century. This week’s new offerings
include an unpredictable island-hopping adventure and a legendary fighting
title, each guaranteed to deliver classic gaming excitement throughout the new
year and beyond.
Two new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games
to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii™ owners with a high-speed Internet
connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be
purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games
are:
Star Tropics™ (NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Fantasy Violence,
500 Wii Points): Find out just how resourceful you can be in this classic
game, with its mixture of adventure and RPG elements. Step into the shoes of
Mike Jones, a teenage star pitcher from Seattle who has come to the tropics to
visit his famous archeologist uncle, Dr. Jones. After being told that his
uncle has been abducted, Mike begins a perilous quest in order to rescue him
and figure out the mysterious plot behind his disappearance. Luckily for Mike,
he meets helpful villagers and finds more powerful weapons as he explores
numerous locations and island-hops using his uncle’s submarine. You’ll never
know what to expect next as the cosmic story unfolds over the course of eight
action-packed chapters, ranging from Dr. Jones’s lab on C-Island to an alien
spacecraft. Who knew a tropical vacation could turn into a mission to save the
world?
THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’94 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen—Animated
Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Alcohol & Tobacco Reference,
Violence, 900 Wii Points): As the first game in the long-running KING OF
FIGHTERS series, THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’94 brought together popular characters
from other well-known franchises and pitted them against each other. Match
warriors from Fatal Fury against favorites from its sister series, Art of
Fighting. Or see if the casts of the Ikari Warriors and Psycho Soldier series
better suit your fighting style. Plus, there’s a set of brand new characters,
exclusive to the KOF series, who are willing to join the fray. But there’s a
twist: Instead of the standard best-two- out-of-three-rounds fight setup,
players choose one of eight teams, each made up of three teammates. To win,
all members of the other team must be eliminated before your fighters are
knocked out. Use the game’s power gauge to inflict maximum damage and end the
round with a devastating finishing move. It’s a battle royal unlike anything
else—a game whose inspiration is easily seen in the fighting games that
followed it. Can your team be the last one standing?
Daisuke Ichijyo’s “Career Dramatic Practice” has been pretty popular with the students and faculty alike. However, his encounters with Nao, Mitsugu, and Ms. Touko in Lecture One are going to get him into some new trouble now. Nao is waiting for Daisuke at home and Mitsugu isn’t far behind on wanting another encounter with her teacher. Based on the popular Crossnet-Pie hentai game boin and animated by Milky comes Boin: Lecture Two from JapanAnime. (more…)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV ANNOUNCES FEBRUARY 19 TITLES
HOUSTON, January 4, 2008—ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan, is pleased to bring you three great titles, including the third volume of Welcome to the NHK, the second volume of Tokyo Majin, and the first volume of Moonlight Mile. These titles will be available on store shelves February 19.
MOONLIGHT MILE: ONE SMALL STEP
ADV Films is pleased to present a near-future sci-fi series chronicling mankind’s first steps in the struggle to conquer space. Volume one of Moonlight Mile will be available everywhere on February 19.
Produced by powerhouse studios Klockworx (Chrono Crusade, Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu) and Imagica (Divergence Eve, Gravion), Moonlight Mile follows two globe-trotting adventurers as they join the international effort to mine Helium 3, a new energy source discovered on the moon. The gritty early days of space exploration make for engaging visuals and exciting plotlines.
Synopsis: For daredevil mountain climbers Goro Saruwatari and Jack “Lostman” Woodbridge, conquering the highest peeks on Earth is just the beginning. When a virtually limitless energy source is discovered on the moon, and the world’s space agencies join forces to launch a mining operation, Goro and Lostman see their next frontier. But can the super powers of the world really share such a valuable resource? As yet another war erupts in the Gulf, and shadowy government agencies vie for underhanded supremacy in this new frontier, our two adventurers must face their own hardships in their struggle to make their dreams of reaching the moon a reality. Who will make it there first? Just how far are they willing to go? What will be waiting for them when they get there?
Moonlight Mile (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only anamorphic release including the first four episodes, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 with English subtitles. Extras include clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
DVD Product Details
Volume: 1 of 3
Running Time: 100 minutes
Age Rating: TV MA (V, S, L)
CAT: DMLM/001
UPC: 702727186929
Pre-Book Date: 1/22/2008
Street Date: 2/19/2008
Format: DVD
SRP: $29.98
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
TOKYO MAJIN – DARK ARTS: PREDESTINED POWER
Also Available With A Limited Edition Collectors Box
ADV Films is pleased to present the second volume of Tokyo Majin, an exciting, action packed anime series that everyone is talking about. Dark Arts: Predestined Power, is due to hit store shelves February 19.
Produced by AIC Spirits (Tokko) and Bestack (The World of Narue), Tokyo Majin is a 26 episode series loaded with lots of action, great characters, and cool monsters. Launched on Japanese TV in January, Tokyo Majin is one of the hottest new shows of 2007! “A fantastic production by AIC… Recommended” (DVD Talk).
Synopsis: As a mist of evil envelops Tokyo, new waves of monstrosities emerge from the shadows! Preying on the souls of the living, wearing forms both bestial and human, they converge in an unholy alliance to strike against the one force that may be able to stop them: the students of Tokyo Majin! Now guided by an old friend versed in the Dark Arts, the five students of Magami High must face the renewed fury of demon beasts, psychic-powered delusionals and insect girls as they burn a path towards their ultimate nemesis. And while they have the courage of a hundred, the bloody battles of this holy war will take its toll, and not even Tokyo Majin will have the strength to survive against an endless army of the demons unscathed! The scales tip towards the side of darkness in the second stunning volume of Tokyo Majin!
Tokyo Majin – Dark Arts: Predestined Power (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only anamorphic release including episodes six through nine, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 with English subtitles. Extras include clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Collectors Edition Available!
A limited edition Collectors Box for Tokyo Majin is available. This special collectors edition contains the second volume of Tokyo Majin in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire six volume series (SRP $39.98).
DVD Product Details
Volume: 2 of 6
Running Time: 100 min.
Age Rating: TV MA (V)
CAT: DTMG/002
DTMG/BX1 Collectors Box
UPC: 702727184529
702727185021 Collectors Box
Pre-Book Date: 1/22/2008
Street Date: 2/19/2008
Format: DVD
SRP: $29.98
$39.98 Collectors Box
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
WELCOME TO THE N.H.K.:
THIRD CONSPIRACY
“The Requiem for a Dream of Geek Obsession
And Insecurity” – Ain’t It Cool News
ADV Films is pleased to bring you the third volume in Welcome to the N.H.K., the dark comedy that shines a light on a serious social problem all geeks, nerds, and otaku can relate to. Welcome to the N.H.K.: Third Conspiracy hits store shelves February 19.
From Studio GONZO (Afro Samurai, Chrono Crusade) and director Yusuke Yamamoto (Sgt. Frog) comes Welcome to the N.H.K., the series that turns a humorous eye to the NEET generation (Not In Employment, Education, or Training). Throw agoraphobia into the mix and you’ve got comedy gold!
Originally a hit novel from critically-acclaimed author Tatsuhiko Takimoto, Welcome to the N.H.K.has also been adapted into a manga series of the same name (published in North America by TOKYOPOP). Welcome to the N.H.K. is a dark comedy filled with social satire, interesting characters, and crazy conspiracy theories that is sure to appeal to anyone with a little nerd in them. “Whether you are a proud otaku, a fan that lives in constant fear of being perceived as a geek by your friends, or a borderline hikikomori, you will see a part of yourself in it, and have lots of fun in the meantime” (Protoculture Addicts).
Synopsis: With the Summer Comic Market just weeks away, the guys are frantically scrambling to finish their video game. Unfortunately, Sato’s real-life girl troubles are transferring into the game, where Misaki keeps turning up in all sorts of cyber-sexy scenarios! Meanwhile, Yamazaki’s own romantic issues are stealing valuable programming time, and it’s not exactly clear whether this new fascination with “real” girls is a replacement for anime girls or some kind of bizarre research! Is a romantic getaway the solution? Not when you’re certain that love is a conspiracy! Sato’s paranoia continues to tell him that he’s being shadowed… but is it paranoia when they really ARE out to get him? Love is a battlefield and Sato may not survive contact with the enemy in the third volume of Welcome to the N.H.K.!
Welcome to the N.H.K.: Third Conspiracy (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 9 - 12, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
DVD Product Details
Volume: 3 of 6
Running Time: 100 min.
Age Rating: TV MA
CAT: DNHK/003
UPC: 702727177828
Pre-Book Date: 1/22/2008
Street Date: 2/19/2008
Format: DVD
SRP: $29.98
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
About ADV Films:
In the 15 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside of Japan and has the largest English-language anime library in the world. With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films’ extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as the new Guyver, Le Chevalier D’Eon, Gantz, and Elfen Lied. ADV Films’ library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company’s Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X. In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime convention. The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.
Parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. encompasses a variety of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is “America’s #1 Anime Channel,” reaching more than 40 million households. Anime Network is the nation’s top video-on-demand (VOD) offering as well as a 24/7 linear cable channel and is the first television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide. The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, North America’s top-selling anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels. Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIZ MEDIA BRINGS NEW PERSPECTIVE TO MANGA ARENA WITH DEBUT OF VIZBIG EDITION IMPRINT
New Imprint To Offer Omnibus Editions Of Popular Manga Series With New Cover Art, Color Pages And Bonus Content
San Francisco, CA, January 3, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, brings a new perspective to the manga marketplace with the launch of a new imprint called VIZBIG Edition. The new imprint will release omnibus editions of top-selling manga series in a larger 5-3/4 x 8-5/8 size (larger than the standard 5 x 7-1/2 manga) with special premium presentations including new cover art.RUROUNI KENSHIN will be the first series to receive the VIZBIG Edition treatment this month, with DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z set for May release and Takehiko Inoue’s VAGABOND will follow in Fall of 2008. These VIZBIG Edition titles have an anticipated initial cover price of $17.99 and will be released quarterly. Several other titles are also presently being considered for future VIZBIG Edition publication.
Each debut VIZBIG Edition will contain the first three volumes of the original graphic novel series presented with larger trim size, bonus color pages and added content such as author interviews, updated text and character art. The new editions serve as ideal comprehensive introductions for new readers to some of manga’s best-known titles, and a great way for seasoned fans to see their favorite titles in a new perspective.
RUROUNI KENSHIN, the internationally bestselling series created by Nobuhiro Watsuki, depicts the adventures of Himura Kenshin, a “rurouni,”
or wandering samurai, who was once an assassin of ferocious power but now fights to protect the honor and safety of those in need. The story, set during the Meiji era of Japan during the 1800s, has been adapted into a hit anime series, three films and several novels. This title was also the first manga to be placed on the notable USA TODAY top 150 list.
DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z, created by Akira Toriyama, are universally recognized as modern manga classics. With a unique blend of martial arts, science fiction and memorable characters, they update the classic Chinese legend of the Monkey King. DRAGON BALL follows the life of a monkey-tailed boy named Son Goku in a 16-volume series that has since become one of the most successful manga properties ever created.
Goku’s life changes when he meets a girl named Bulma and sets out to help her gather all seven Dragon Balls, which are scattered all over the world. If all seven are gathered, a powerful dragon will appear and grant one wish. The 26-volume series sequel, DRAGON BALL Z, picks up when Goku has grown up. Earth’s ultimate warrior now has a son named Gohan who is even more powerful than his father. Together they use martial arts and other powers to battle time travelers, aliens, deities and the mighty Super Saiyans to save the universe. DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z together have sold more than 500,000 copies in North America and the 400+ episode anime series was a consistent ratings winner on Cartoon Network.
Also coming out in a VIZBIG Edition in September 2008, VAGABOND is an action-packed portrayal of the life and times of the quintessential warrior-philosopher–the most celebrated samurai of all time! Striving for enlightenment by way of the sword, Miyamoto Musashi is prepared to cut down anyone who stands in his way.
Alvin Lu, VIZ Media Vice President, Publishing, is excited about the debut, saying, “VIZBIG Editions are more than just an alternative format to read your favorite manga — with full color pages, eye-opening larger trim size, and a premium presentation – they change the very experience of reading manga. For fans of these series, they are a great opportunity to relive their favorite stories from a completely new perspective, and for new fans, this is a great way to jump in and quickly get up to speed on what everyone’s been talking about – the world-renowned stories and characters behind RUROUNI KENSHIN, DRAGON BALL, and DRAGON BALL Z.”About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.
Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone
(415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN EPISODE OF ANIMETV
Episode 11 Of Popular Anime Magazine Style Webcast Streams For Free On GoAnimeTV.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YEAR¹S RESOLUTION-NEW SPJA BOARD MEMBERS
Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation Adds Quan and Wong
Anaheim, California (January 2, 2008) ‹ The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), the overseeing body of the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention (Anime Expo®) announces two (2) new additions to the current Board of Directors. More information can be found on the website <http://www.spja.org> .Mr. Bryant Quan, hails with a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Arizona and is currently enrolled in its Eller Executive M.B.A. program, has been a volunteer staffer for Anime Expo® since 2005.
Mr. Quan¹s background stems from a professional work history in Business Management, Information Systems and Creative Design. ³I look forward to working with the organization and sharing my experiences in order to help the organization succeed and prosper² states Mr. Quan.
Mr. Hank Wong, a B.S. graduate from the University of California-Berkeley, has been involved with Anime Expo® for 11 years and brings with him a rich background of experience and perspective. Previously, he served for several years as a coordinator, manager, and assistant division director within Anime Expo®¹s Programming and Interactive Events Divisions.
Quan and Wong join existing SPJA Board of Directors Ross Johnson, Lionel Lum, H. Roderic Onodera, Chairman-elect Mr. Marc Perez and Paul Wilson.
About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (<http://www.spja.org/> ).The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company’s assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
December 31, 2007
Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Added to Wii Shop Channel
What are you doing New Year’s Eve? Thanks to the Wii™ Shop Channel, you’ve got
some outrageous new options. This week’s classic game additions offer
brilliant fantasy and crackling action to help you ring in ’08. So if you
haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions yet, allow us to suggest a few: pop
more bubbles, battle more medieval beasts and try to save the universe a
little more often.
Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new
games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii™ owners with a high-speed
Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points
can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new
games are:
BUBBLE BOBBLE® (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points):
BUBBLE BOBBLE’s release in 1986 introduced the two bubble dragons, Bub and
Bob, and brand new play mechanics, with players defeating enemies by trapping
them in bubbles and then popping them. Although the puzzle-action game can be
beaten by clearing all 100 rounds, it also contains secret elements such as
not being able to get the “true ending” in single-player mode; hidden
commands that lead to secret rounds; and a ton of different items. These
elements are some of the game’s most memorable and important features. Each
round even has different air currents that are not visible, so bubbles rise in
unpredictable patterns. Aspects like forcing players to understand and utilize
these different patterns while playing help make this a revolutionary game
that is fun to play anytime.
Light Crusader™ (Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Animated Violence,
800 Wii Points): Each day, more good townspeople of Green Row have been
mysteriously disappearing, and beleaguered King Weeden summons the knight Sir
David to investigate. Armed with his wits and his sword, Sir David must find
the cause of this strange evil and save the citizens of Green Row before
things get any worse. Take the role of the brave knight in this action RPG and
get to the bottom of the mysteries of Green Row as you fight enemies, solve
puzzles and use your best combination of brains and brawn to save the kingdom.
TOP HUNTER (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and older—Cartoon
Violence, 900 Wii Points): Take on the role of either Roddy or Cathy, bounty
hunters in this side-scrolling action game set far in the future when humans
have colonized space. But all is not well: Space pirates called the Klaptons
are making their way through the galaxies, wiping out peaceful settlements
along their path. This disgraceful behavior leads to them having a price on
their heads, so now Roddy and Cathy must travel through four distinct worlds
on a mission to defeat their leader, Captain Klapton. Both characters have
retractable arms—used to grab enemies or other objects in the scenery—that
can then be thrown at others to destroy them. Also, be on the lookout for
rings or levers to pull, as this might reveal special bonuses. Further adding
to the mix, the game uses a unique system where the action happens on two
planes, with the player switching between them at will. Can you prove yourself
worthy of the Top Hunter name and help save the universe?
“Lewd Consultation Room” English Voice ver. Released on DLSite.com
December 24, 2007
Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Added to Wii Shop Channel
If you hear a rumbling on the roof tonight, don’t assume that it’s reindeer
when there are gorillas on the loose. Yes, this week’s merry Wii™ Shop Channel
lineup includes a classic adventure title to entertain every reveler in your
household, from the nicest to the naughtiest. Plus, you’ll find a wicked-cool
dose of ice hockey action and a thrilling secret-agent sequel to help keep
spirits bright all winter long. You were expecting lumps of coal? Sorry—maybe
next year.
Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new
games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii™ owners with a high-speed
Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points
can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new
games are:
BLADES OF STEEL™ (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Violence, 500
Wii Points): With stick in hand and confidence brimming, you are looking to
bring home the cup, win the MVP award, get on the covers of major sports
magazines and date a beautiful model (not necessarily in that order). But soon
you will learn that, in this league, nothing is ever given to you, and before
you can reach your goals, you’ll have to put the puck in the net and score
some. You’ll need both the artful skills of a finesse player and the bone-
crushing brutality of an enforcer. Defend your own goal against unrelenting
power plays, or put the pressure on your opponent’s goalie and try a slap shot
of your own. Don’t forget to defend yourself when anger flares because the
gloves come off and fists start flying. So strap on blades of steel and
prepare to either make a name for yourself or be put on ice.
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble™ (Super NES®, 1-2 players,
Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Revisit Donkey Kong Island and join the
Kong family for their latest adventure. The Kremlings have a mysterious new
leader named KAOS and are up to their usual mischief, even capturing Donkey
Kong and Diddy Kong. Now it’s up to Dixie Kong and the newest Kong, a giant
infant named Kiddy, to rescue the two missing apes. They’ll travel across
previously unseen parts of the island in their search, and even take to the
skies in a rocket at one point. Lucky for them, Dixie and Kiddy’s powers
complement each other (including Kiddy’s talent for rolling like a barrel), so
they form a powerful team capable of major Kremling damage. They’re not
completely on their own, either, since returning favorites like Funky Kong and
Enguarde the swordfish provide help along the way. And in a series known for
its abundance of secrets and high replay value, this entry doesn’t disappoint,
with enough hours of game play to satisfy Donkey Kong himself. Anyone else
have a sudden urge for some bananas?
Rolling Thunder™ 2 (Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Violence, 800
Wii Points): In this follow-up to the original classic, you are once again a
member of Interpol’s Rolling Thunder task force, and it’s up to you to stop
the return of the evil Geldra organization. Now known as Neo-Geldra and led by
a newcomer named Gimdo, the bad guys are bent on destroying several valuable
outer-space satellites. In this one- or two-player game, you can play as Leila
or Albatross—both characters from the original—as you venture through
several different levels, trying to put a stop to the nefarious efforts of
Gimdo and the rest of Neo-Geldra. Use your bullets wisely and make Rolling
Thunder proud.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV ANNOUNCES FEBRUARY 5 TITLES
HOUSTON, December 20, 2007—ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan, is pleased to announce two great titles, including the first volume of Devil May Cry and the second volume of Magikano. These titles will be available on store shelves February 5.
MAGIKANO: WITCH HUNT
Also Available With a Limited Edition Collectors Box
ADV Films is pleased to present the jiggly new magical comedy that will have you laughing straight out of the gate! MagiKano: Witch Hunt is the second of three DVD volumes, and it hits store shelves February 5.
Magikano is a magical comedy filled with mayhem, laughs, and good old fashioned fan service! Produced by Studio GONZO (Welcome to the NHK, Chrono Crusade) and directed by Seiji Kishi (Ragnarok The Animation), Magikano is just what the doctor ordered for fans of Maburaho.
Synopsis: Haruo’s life hasn’t gotten any easier since Ayumi came flying into it. And now, Ayumi has to deal not only with crushing the curse on her, but with a bumbling witch hunter out to get her, too! With all she’s got on her plate, Ayumi’s goal of “turning Haruo into a real man” seems even further out of reach. Especially with interference from that stupid witch hunter! But it is bikini season after all, and Ayumi plans to use her body to her full advantage! That is, if she can
keep Haruo in good health! Wait a minute! Another new maid has arrived? And she’s going to
“take care” of Haruo?! Is she another witch, too?! What will Ayumi and Haruo’s sisters do about this?! And what will they do when Ayumi’s bad-girl sister comes into the picture?
Magkiano: Witch Hunt (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes six through nine in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Collectors Edition Available!
A limited edition Collectors Box for Magikano is available. This special collectors edition contains the second volume of Magikano in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire three volume series (SRP $39.98).
DVD Product Details
Volume: 2 of 3
Running Time: 100 mins.
Age Rating: TV 14 (S, L)
CAT: DMGK/002
DMGK/BX1 Collectors Box
UPC: 702727177224
702727177422 Collectors Box
Pre-Book Date: 1/8/2008
Street Date: 2/5/2008
Format: DVD
SRP: $29.98
$39.98 Collectors Box
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
ADV ANNOUNCES
DEVIL MAY CRY: THE ANIMATED SERIES
DVD Launch Corresponds With New Capcom Game Release
ADV is pleased to announce that volume one of Devil May Cry: The Animated Series will hit store shelves on February 5, the same day that Capcom’s much-anticipated Devil May Cry 4 video game is released for the Playstation and Xbox 360 game systems.
Capcom is also releasing a special Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition on February 5, including both Capcom’s new video game and the first volume of ADV’s anime series. The Collectors Edition sports an attractive Steelbook case holding the game, the anime DVD, and a bonus DVD including a “making of” feature on the new game and many other cool game-related extras. Fans purchasing the Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition will be able to enter their address at the ADV website to receive a volume 1 DVD case plus a coupon for $5 off volume 2 with the limited edition anime Collectors Box.
When the first Devil May Cry game was released on the PlayStation 2 in 2001, a legend was born. Selling over 4 million copies, the dark hero Dante took a nation of gamers by storm with his relentless quest to rid the world of darkness. Two sequels only added to the series’ success, and with a new version on both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 coming, Devil May Cry remains one of the hottest franchises in gaming.
From the acclaimed production team at Madhouse Studios (Death Note, Ninja Scroll) in conjunction with the original creators at CAPCOM (Street Fighter II, Megaman), Devil May Cry is the must-see title of 2008 – not just for gamers, but anyone who enjoys a healthy dose of monsters, mayhem, guns, girls, swords and slayings. Fans can now re-live the excitement of the games with crisp, clean animation that makes for one spectacular thrill-ride.
Synopsis: His name is Dante. Half demon and half human, he is charged with ridding the world of the demons that plague it…for the right price. The doors to his business, Devil May Cry, are always open to those with money in pocket, and occasionally to some without. Dante is approached by a man named Morrison to deliver a young heiress Patty to her inheritance. He thinks it’s a job not worthy of his time – that is, until a group of demons intent on killing Patty crash the party. With guns drawn and sword ready by his side, Dante will have to mow down the opposition to delivery the mark and discover just who is behind the series of attacks. It’s only the beginning for this iconic character, as familiar faces and foes test their mettle against the crew of the Devil May Cry.
Devil May Cry: The Animated Series volume 1 (SRP $26.96 DVD) is a DVD-only anamorphic release including the first four episodes, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 with English subtitles. Video extras include an interview with Japanese voice actor Toshiyuki Morikawa (Dante), cut scenes from the Devil May Cry 4 videogame, various promos of the new game, and game previews, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
DVD Product Details
Volume: 1 of 3
Running Time: 100 minutes
Age Rating: TV MA (V)
CAT: DDMC/001
UPC: 702727171925
Pre-Book Date: 1/8/2008
Street Date: 2/5/2008
Format: DVD
SRP: $26.96
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
About ADV Films:
In the 15 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside of Japan and has the largest English-language anime library in the world. With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films’ extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as the new Guyver, Le Chevalier D’Eon, Gantz, and Elfen Lied. ADV Films’ library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company’s Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X. In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime convention. The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.
Parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. encompasses a variety of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is “America’s #1 Anime Channel,” reaching more than 40 million households. Anime Network is the nation’s top video-on-demand (VOD) offering as well as a 24/7 linear cable channel and is the first television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide. The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, North America’s top-selling anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels. Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.
ANIME NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW BROADBAND SERVICE
New Hit Series Gurren Lagann Leads Off Lineup
December 19, 2007 – Anime Network, America’s #1 Anime Channel, today announced a new broadband service to stream high-quality anime on the Internet. This new service is free to the consumer, who can expect to find over 20 full episodes of classic and brand new anime series available at any given time. For the full range of Anime Network’s Internet offerings, visit www.theanimenetworkonline.com.
Anime Network’s online programming is ad-supported, with five or more new episodes rotating through every Thursday. The Network’s lineup includes anime classics like Rahxephon and Saiyuki as well as new, ongoing series such as Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy and Kurau Phantom Memory. Anime Network Online will present these series in their entirety over the coming months. Already more than 60,000 anime episodes have streamed since the beta launch in mid-November.
Beginning today Anime Network will broadcast brand new series over the Internet, including series that have not yet been released on home video in North America. These “First Look” Internet broadcasts, which will begin running months before the DVD series is launched, will feature the Japanese language track with English subtitles and.
Anime Network’s inaugural First Look program is the much-anticipated mecha series Gurren Lagann, from Studio GAINAX (Neon Genesis Evangelion). According to Anime Insider, Gurren Lagann “captures giant robot anime at its soaring, smashing, brilliantly explosive best,” and it’s one of the few series rated “Excellent” by the readers of Anime News Network. The first DVD volume of Gurren Lagann won’t hit stores until February 26, but fans can watch the first episode today at www.theanimenetworkonline.com.
“We know there’s a demand for fresh, unreleased anime on the Internet,” said ADV President and CEO John Ledford. “Through Anime Network’s First Look broadcasts, we can engage fans in a lawful way and at the same time help build the audience for our DVD releases. Everybody wins.”
Anime Network’s streaming content is free and requires only the Flash 9 player and Java Script to view. As some of the programming is rated TV-MA, however, content is restricted to viewers 18 and older. At this time Anime Network’s Internet offerings are restricted to the US and Canada.
About Anime Network
Anime Network, a subsidiary of A.D. Vision Inc. (parent company to ADV Films and Newtype USA), is America’s #1 Anime Channel, reaching more than 40 million households with thousands of hours of exciting, eye-catching serialized programming. Launched in North America in late 2002, Anime Network is the nation’s top video-on-demand (VOD) offering, and is also available as a 24/7 linear channel in several U.S. markets. The network continues to broaden its national roster of multi-system operator (MSO) agreements, bringing the elusive 18–34, tech-savvy male demographic back to television and driving demand for additional digital services offered by MSOs. For more information, visit www.theanimenetwork.com.
ANIME NETWORK ANNOUNCES FOUR NEW ANIME SERIES PREMIERING IN JANUARY
Magikano, 5 Centimeters Per Second, Welcome to the NHK and Moonlight Mile
HOUSTON, TX — December 18, 2007 — Kicking off the New Year with a healthy dose of anime, America’s #1 Anime Channel – Anime Network – announces the VOD television premieres of four exciting new series:
Premiering January 3, 2008
Premiering January 17, 2008