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Welcome to our News archive for February 2009 - to see this month's news please click on the button below.
 


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27th February 2009

Death Note on Telly!

The live action Death Note film is on Film4 on Saturday 28th February at 10.55pm, whilst the sequel - Death Note: The Last Name - is on the same channel next Saturday (7th March) at 11.20pm!  Get watching!

Source: TV Listings
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24th February 2009

More Azumanga Daioh?

A new 10th Anniversary Edition of the Azumanga Daioh! manga is set to be released in Japan later this year!  The project, which has been in development for over a year, is set to include brand new material, although it has yet to be announced whether this is just new artwork or brand new manga strips.  Whatever form it takes, we can't wait!

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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24th February 2009

Anniversary Gundam Announced

A new Gundam series has been announced in Japan's Monthly Gundam Ace magazine this month.  The new series, which has yet to be named, is to mark the 30th anniversary of the Gundam franchise and unites veteran Gundam designer Hajime Katoki with Gasaraki character designer Tatsuya Suzuki.  It seems to be very much a return to Gundam's roots too, with the story set shortly after the One Year War from the original Gundam timeline and focusing on a battle between two talented pilots on opposing sides.  It's even going to feature an updated version of the original RX-78 Mobile Suit from the original series, the RX-78-7.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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24th February 2009

VIZ Media Restructure in America

Leading US manga publisher VIZ Media are the latest anime and manga company to shed staff as part of a restructure.  The number of employees who lost their jobs as part of the move has not been announced.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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24th February 2009

Miyazaki At Work Once Again!

Oscar winning anime director and Studio Ghibli supremo Hayao Miyazaki is reportedly planning his next anime project, according to producer and long-time collaborator Toshio Suzuki.  Miyazaki's latest film, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, has received much critical acclaim since its Japanese release and is set to be the subject of a 14 hour (yes, fourteen hour) making-of documentary.  But the 68 year old is not resting on his laurels, and unlike previous films he won't be taking a break before launching into his next one.  No details are available as yet, but with both Miyazaki and his long time friend and Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata working on new projects, the future is looking good anime-wise!

Source: GhibliWorld
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23rd February 2009

Anime Gets Another Oscar!

Kunio Kato's short film La Maison en Petits Cubes - the only anime nominated at this year's Academy Awards - has been awarded the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.  The short, which is animated with paper drawings and 2D computer graphics focuses on the memories of an old man as he adds blocks to his house to stop it flooding.  The style is reminiscent of the French cartoon Belleville Rendezvous, and it beat Pixar's Presto to the coveted award.  Japan also won the Best Foreign Language Film for the live-action Departures, the first time the county has won the award despite eleven previous nominations.

Source: Academy Awards
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22nd February 2009

Panda Go Panda Gets UK Release!

Online retailer Play.Com has added Panda Go Panda to its forthcoming releases listings.  Panda Go Panda is a relatively obscure children's anime from the 1970's about a young girl who befriends a talking panda and it's cub.  However, it boasts direction, writing and animation from Studio Ghibli co-founders Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, and was one of Miyazaki's first creative projects.  It's unknown which company is releasing it, but considering the Ghibli connection our money is on Optimum.  The DVD is slated for release on the 6th July, to pre-order it from Play, click here.

Source: Play.Com
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22nd February 2009

New Street Fighter Anime Short!

A new Street Fighter anime short has been produced to tie in with the Japanese release of the forthcoming live-action film Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.  This new anime is to be screened exclusively in cinemas as a double bill with the movie, and is set to be shown after the film's end credits.  The short focuses on the Japanese schoolgirl character Sakura, and has been made by the same studio who created the recent anime film bundled with the special edition of the Street Fighter IV game.

Source: Ain't It Cool Newx
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22nd February 2009

Another FUNimation License

FUNimation have now added another series to their every-expanding catalogue.  This time it's 26 episode adventure El Cazador de la Bruja, a series about a bounty hunter who joins forces with her bounty to uncover a mysterious secret.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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18th February 2009

Haruhi Spin-Offs on Youtube!

Two spin-off series to the hugely popular anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya are being streamed via Youtube by Japanese publisher Kadokawa.  The two series of anime shorts are based on parody manga published in Japan, and best of all both feature English subtitles!!  The series are The Melancholy of Haruhi-Chan Suzumiya, a cute and extremely surreal series focusing on the trials of the long-suffering Kyon, and Nyoron Churuya-san, an even cuter series focusing on a chibi Churuya and generally revolving around her love of smoked cheese.  Both series are excellent and bizarre in the extreme, to see the episodes visit Kadokawa's channel here.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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18th February 2009

Dragonball Sequel Already Scripted

Justin Chatwin, who plays the lead role of Goku in the forthcoming Dragonball Evolution film, has stated in SciFiNow magazine that a script for a sequel has already been written.  Should the follow up get greenlit the actor promises more focus on the 'intergalactic world of Dragonball'.  We're hoping that means everyone's favourite anti-hero Vegeta may make an appearance, but we'll have to see if the first one is successful before anything concrete emerges.

Source: DBTheMovie.Com
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18th February 2009

Another FUNimation License!

Yep, the omnipotent US distributor has nabbed another anime title!  This time it's the romantic comedy My Bride is a Mermaid from leading anime studios Gonzo and AIC.  As always there's no news as to whether it will come out here, but a US license always brings things one step closer.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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17th February 2009

Solty Rei Clips!

Those good folks at MVM have released clips of the upcoming Solty Rei vol 1 for your viewing pleasure!  Click on the links below to view, to read our review click here.

Clip 1
Clip 2
Clip 3

Source: MVM
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17th February 2009

Triad Toys Nabs Lone Wolf & Cub License

US collectible toy manufacturer Triad Toys have picked up the rights to release merchandise based on Kazuo Koike & Kojima Goseki's long running Lone Wolf & Cub manga.  The deal lasts for three years and gives the company the right to create a range of merchandise including action figures and statues.  Triad Toys are known for catering to collectors, and their jaw-droppingly detailed 12" action figures usually cost around $90 (£65), so don't expect kid's stuff!

Source: ICv2
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16th February 2009

Ayacon registrations are now open!

Registration for Ayacon - one of the most popular UK anime conventions - are now open! 

Back after a four year absence, Ayacon 2009 promises anime screenings, cosplay, panels, parties, more parties and everything you could want from an anime event.  It will be held at Warwick University and held from 14th August 2009 to 16th August 2009. 

There are 1250 places available and places are going to go fast!  Registration is £45 for the whole weekend and onsite accommodation is £50 a night. 

To register for the event, and for further information, visit the Ayacon website here

Source: Ayacon
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16th February 2009

Oozaru to Make an Appearance in Dragonball Evolution?

MTV's Splash Page has posted images of the tie-in action figure range for the forthcoming live-action Dragonball Evolution film.  The figures include a range with punching and kicking actions, and another conventional range of (slightly crap looking) action figures.  However, each figure comes with a piece of a larger figure that can be assembled if you buy the whole range.  The shock is that this larger figure is the Oozaru, a giant monkey that Goku turns into in the manga when he sees the full moon!  It suggests that it will be making an appearance in the film, and even better it appears to be wearing Saiyan armour!  Yes!  To see the images click here.

Source: MTV
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16th February 2009

Bandai Acquire Gundam 00 Manga

Bandai have announced the acquisition of three tie-in series to their Gundam 00 anime.  The three titles include two manga series, one an adaptation of the anime and the other a side story, plus a series of light novels.  Gundam 00 is one of the most recent incarnations of Sunrise's epic mecha franchise and is slated for a UK release by Beez.

Source: ICv2
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16th February 2009

Udon to Release Silent Möbius

Kia Asamiya's epic sci-fi manga series Silent Möbius is to get a reissue courtesy of Udon Entertainment.  The series was originally issued years ago by VIZ Media in the Western left to right format, but Udon will release it in the Japanese style.  Udon's re-release will also include three volumes of Silent Möbius manga not previously released in English, including a prequel story and a two volume collection of short stories.

Source: ICv2
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15th February 2009

Bandai Stream Code Geass on Youtube!

Bandai have started streaming the first five episodes of the highly anticipated Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion anime on their Youtube channel!  Also on there are the forthcoming Beez release Gundam 00 and numerous trailers, click here to check it out.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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15th February 2009

Live Action Blood The Last Vampire Trailer Streamed

Yahoo! Japan has posted a teaser trailer for the highly anticipated live action Blood The Last Vampire film.  The trailer takes ages to stream from there though, so click on the this Youtube link to view!

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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15th February 2009

Voice Actor Greg Ayres Overcomes Heart Attack

Well-known American voice actor Greg Ayres is recovering after suffering a mild heart attack after a US convention last weekend.  The actor, who fans will mainly recognise as Negi Springfield in Negima! and Shinji Kazama from Full Metal Panic!, is recovering at home and has issued a statement thanking the doctors for lessening the potential damage to his heart following the attack.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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15th February 2009

Yotsuba&! vol 6 Licensed by Yen Press

Volume 6 of Yotsuba&!, the ongoing series from Azumanga Daioh author Kiyohiko Azuma, has finally been picked up by a new publisher.  Yen Press are to distribute the sixth volume of the series, which has been on a protracted hiatus after ADV's manga department effectively closed over a year ago.  Yen Press have also picked up the Spice and Wolf, Crescent Moon Story and Isuna Hasekura manga series .

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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15th February 2009

FUNimation Snap Up More Titles

Yes, FUNimation have licensed more anime titles.  This time it's four Gonzo series Blassreiter, Dragonaut - The Resonance, The Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk and The Tower of Druaga: The Sword of Uruk, plus kendo anime Bamboo Blade.  Meanwhile Right Stuf have announced that they have the 4th season of Maria Watches Over Us, a series about an all-girls academy.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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15th February 2009

New Miyazaki Manga on its Way

The Japanese Model Graphix magazine has announced that Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki will launch a two part manga series called Kaze Tachinu (The Wind Rises) in their next issue.  Out on 25th February, the short series will focus on the designer of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero WW2 fighter plane, Jiro Horikoshi.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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15th February 2009

New Takahashi Manga on its Way

Shonen Sunday magazine has announced that a new manga from Inu-Yasha and Ranma 1/2 author Rumiko Takahashi is due to start this Spring!  Absolutely no details have been released about the manga, but such is the interest in Takahashi's work that VIZ Media have already licensed it for US release.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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15th February 2009

D.Gray-Man and Nodame Cantibile to Resume

A bit of good news now, Shonen Jump magazine in Japan has confirmed that Katsura Hoshino is to resume work on D.Gray-Man, with the next chapter out on the 9th March.  The hugely popular manga had been on hold since November after the author contracted an unspecified illness.  Also back is Tomoko Ninomiya's Nodame Cantabile, which has been on hold since October when the author took time off to have a baby and subsequently contracted Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Although she is still suffering some of the effects of the condition, which causes extreme muscle pain and stiffness, she is able to draw again and the manga will return on the 10th March.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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15th February 2009

Gonzo to Lay Off 100 Employees

More doom and gloom from the anime industry, with news emerging that leading anime studio Gonzo is to lay off nearly 80% of its creative staff.  The move, which will reduce their current staff from 130 to just 30, comes after falling DVD sales pushed the company into the red.  The reduction will take place over the next five years and puts several of Gonzo's future projects in doubt.  It's a sad day for anime fans as the company has been involved in seemingly every major title of the last few years.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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9th February 2009

Release Dates Announced For Anime Adaptations!

UK cinema release dates have been announced for three live-action anime adaptations.  First up is 20th Century Boys, which is out on 20th February.  The film is the first of three based on a manga by Naoki Urusawa and has been a massive hit in Japan, click here to see the trailer!  Next it's the turn of the film that some anime fans seem determined to hate, and they'll get their chance to rip Dragonball Evolution to shreds when it hits UK cinemas on 10th April.  Last, but by no means least, is the intriguing Blood The Last Vampire which hits UK screens on 16th June.  The film appears to be heavily based on the anime film of the same name, and looks quite impressive from the shots released so far.

Source: Various
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3rd February 2009

Tokonatsu Registrations Open!

Registrations are now open for Tokonatsu - the UK's only outdoor anime convention! 

Held between 31st July - 3rd August 2009, it promises anime screenings, dealers, cosplay masquerade and several physical outdoor activities.  One unique is 'Otaku Royale' - a big ol' treasure hunt with waterguns!  There will be many more events to look forward and you'll have all the fun of camping which creates a great festival atmosphere. 

For more information and/or register for Tokonatsu visit the website here.   

Source: Tokonatsu
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9th February 2009

January News Roundup

  • UK anime conventions Alcon, Fuyucon and Tokonatsu open their registrations, click here to sign up for Alcon, here to sign up for Fuyucon and here to sign up for Tokonatsu.

  • Press releases are issued for Jonathan Clements' forthcoming book Schoolgirl Milky Crisis and Revelation Films' Tsubasa anime series.  Check them out here and here.

  • Anime missed out at the Oscars once again, with The Sky Crawlers and Sword of the Stranger overlooked for the shortlist in favour of Bolt, Kung-Fu Panda and WALL-E.  Anime short La Maison en Petits Cubes has made it in though.

  • One anime-based film is up for an unwanted award though, with Speed Racer unfairly in the running for a Razzie for Worst Remake, Rip-Off or Sequel.

  • 20th Century Fox have confirmed that the proposed live action Cowboy Bebop film has been greenlit.  Keanu Reeves is tipped for the lead role, and anime studio Sunrise and producer Masahiko Minami are acting as production consultants.  Several of the original Japanese staffers will also be involved - the producers are original series director Shinichiro Watanabe, original script supervisor Keiko Nobumoto and Sunrise president Kenji Uchida.

  • The official website for the forthcoming Dragonball Evolution live-action film has posted a high quality trailer for the film, check it out here.

  • Trailers for several other new anime titles and live action films are streamed online.  Click here for Strawberry Marshmallow: Encore, here for Kamui Gaiden and here for Yatterman (click the centre button to view).

  • Upper Deck's dispute with Konami over the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game escalated further, with Konami refusing to supply Upper Deck with new cards.  Konami has instead announced that they will release the new sets themselves and accused Upper Deck of selling pirated cards to US gamers.  Upper Deck have refuted the allegations, and claim that Konami have breached contractual obligations by not delivering stock of the new Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament Packs and Crimson Crisis game.  So far courts in Europe and America have ruled in Upper Deck's favour.

  • Bandai USA are the latest anime distributor to announce job cuts, although the exact number of people leaving their 19-strong staff has not been confirmed. 

  • FUNimation pick up loads more anime titles, an event which is such a regular occurrence now it's unclear if it even counts as news.  Several of the titles are already licensed in the UK by MVM, but Gankutsuou and Evangelion 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone are not, and will no doubt be interesting several UK companies.

  • Production IG have completed a new 7-minute anime segment for the planned re-issue of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill.  The new segment is to form part of the O-Ren Ishii chapter.

  • GetBackers is to return for a one-off manga short in the next issue of Magazine Special (out 20th February).

  • Shonen Sunday magazine has announced a crossover story that brings together Monkey Punch's Lupin the 3rd and Gosho Aoyama's Detective Conan (aka. Case Closed).

  • Leading manga author Tomoko Ninomiya announced that she has carpal tunnel syndrome and remains unable to resume work on the hugely successful Nodame Cantabile manga.  However, author/artist duo Peach-Pit have have returned from their health-induced sabbatical and work on Rozen Maiden, Shugo Chara! and Zombie Loan has resumed.

  • ADV USA have announced that new licenses Clannad and Princess Resurrection will be released in 12 episode sets rather than their traditional 3-5 episode volumes.  No news as yet on whether either series will be coming to the UK.

  • Major Japanese publisher Kodansha announced the termination of their relationship with Tokyopop Germany.  This doesn't seem to have affected the UK or US though.

  • Pioneer have stopped production of Laserdisc players after 27 years.  Numerous anime titles were released on the format, but it never really took off in the UK and has seen sales in the US and Japan dwindle since the advent of DVD.

Source: Various
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