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Welcome to our News archive for May 2012 - to see this month's news please click on the button below.
 


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31st May 2012

Manga Confirm Sekirei Season 2

After initially stating they hadn't licensed it, Manga have confirmed via Twitter that they will be releasing the second series of the fighting anime Sekirei.  The series, called Sekirei Pure Engagement, is set to be released as a complete series box set but no release date or further information is known at this stage.  We would expect it to be a 2013 release, but more info when we get it.

Source: Manga
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31st May 2012

Greg Ayres Confirmed for Nemacon

Organisers of the Middlesbrough convention Nemacon have confirmed that voice actor Greg Ayres will be appearing as a guest at the event, which will be held on the 23rd and 24th of June.  Ayres is best known for roles in Negima! and Ouran High School Host Club, and is set to be involved in a Q&A panel as well as other activities.  The convention will be held at Middlesbrough's Town Hall, for more information check out their website here.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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30th May 2012

Vic Mignogna Confirmed for Manchester Expo

The MCM group have confirmed through their twitter feed that prolific voice actor Vic Mignogna is to appear at the forthcoming MCM Manchester Expo.  Mignogna, who is best known for voicing Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist, will appear at the event on 21st July presumably as a guest of Manga Entertainment who will be promoting the September release of the second Fullmetal Alchemist film The Sacred Star of Milos.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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30th May 2012

Madoka Magica Blu-Ray Set Confirmed

Manga Entertainment have confirmed via Twitter that they will be releasing Puella Magi Madoka Magica on Blu-Ray this October.  They had previously said that they a Blu-Ray release was 'very likely', and today's confirmation states that the 12-episode fantasy series will be released as a complete collection on both DVD and Blu-Ray on 22nd October, costing Ł29.99 and Ł39.99 SRP respectively.  The price significantly undercuts that of the US Blu-Ray release, which is something that's certainly refreshing!  Further details when we know them.

Source: Manga Entertainment
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30th May 2012

Live Action Mardock Scramble on its Way?

According to a report in the entertainment magazine Variety, Mark Davis (Shoot 'Em Up, Monster Man) has been signed up to produce and direct a live-action adaptation of sci-fi anime and novel series Mardock Scramble!  Few details are available as yet, but the film rights have reportedly been licensed by Japanese agency Dentsu and Hayakawa Publishing.  Considering the dark subject matter, which sees a 15-year old prostitute who's brutally murdered and resurrected as a cyborg to hunt down criminals, it will be interesting to see how the story is translated to live action.  More news when we get it.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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29th May 2012

Manga Announce Towa no Quon

Following a surprisingly quiet Expo for Manga Entertainment as far as license announcements were concerned, they have tweeted confirmation that they have picked up the sci-fi fantasy series Towa no Quon.  The series, which consists of six 45-minute episodes, is set in a future Tokyo where a group of people with special powers fight to evade the clutches of a secretive organisation.  Manga have scheduled a complete collection set for release on DVD in November.

Source: Manga
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28th May 2012

Manga & Kazé Release Dates

 Following yesterday's post about the license announcements from the London Comic Con MCM Expo, we have now updated our release schedule to include all of the release dates Manga and Kazé confirmed at the Industry Panel.  We've also added MVM's release dates where known.

Highlights include the excellent Trigun Badlands Rumble on DVD & Blu-Ray (1st October), Black Lagoon Seasons 1 & 2 on Blu-Ray (2nd July) and Berserk The Golden Age Arc: The Egg of the King on DVD and Blu-Ray (31st December).  Check out our release schedule for full listings.

Source: Kazé, Manga, MVM
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28th May 2012

Out Today

  Plenty of HD goodness from Manga today, and also two series that took us by surprise:

Baka & Test: Summon The Beasts Complete Collection (Manga)
Bleach The Movie: Memories of Nobody Blu-Ray (Manga)
Bleach The Movie 2: Diamond Dust Rebellion Blu-Ray (Manga)
Bleach The Movie 3: Fade to Black (Manga)
Bleach The Movie 3: Fade to Black Blu-Ray (Manga)
Clannad Series 1 Part 1 (Manga)

Source: Manga
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27th May 2012

License News from MCM Expo

 The Anime Industry panel has come and gone at this weekend's London Comic Con MCM Expo, and unusually it was MVM who had the most licenses to announce.  In recent years MVM have focused more on live-action Asian film and their anime acquisitions have been dwindling, whilst Manga and Kazé made all of the big announcements.  However, Manga and Kazé just confirmed the release dates of their previously announced titles (see our release schedule for details), the only new license revealed was the first Gintama film, with the supernatural actioner due for release on DVD only in December.  They also confirmed a complete collection release for Puella Magi Madoka Magica in October, with a later twitter post stating that this could be on both DVD and Blu-Ray.

MVM on the other hand announced a glut of new titles, and confirmed that they intend to release at least one anime title a month.  They confirmed the acquisition of both series 1 and 2 of Rosario+Vampire, a series about a human boy who is accidentally enrolled in a private school for demons and monsters, Bodacious Space Pirates, a sci-fi series where a schoolgirl inherits her late father's space pirate ship and crew, Dream Eater Merry, a fantasy series about a high school student dragged into a world of dreams and demons, Shakugan no Shana Season 2, the sequel to MVM's earlier release Shakugan no Shana and Rozen Maiden Ouverture, the two-episode OVA side story to the surprisingly good Rozen Maiden.

One other interesting tidbit from the panel was Manga's rep Jerome Mazandarani noting that Japanese distributor Toei was pleased with the forthcoming UK Dragon Ball Z release, and that this may make future licenses from them more likely.  Hopefully this makes a UK release for One Piece a little more likely!

Source: Kazé, Manga, MVM
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26th May 2012

Kazé Rename Latest Makoto Shinkai Anime

 Manga Entertainment and Kazé have announced that the forthcoming anime film Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below is to be retitled Journey To Agartha for the UK.  The modern fantasy film, which follows a schoolgirl who finds herself embroiled in a strange new world when she meets a boy from the mythical land of Agartha, is the first anime work from the celebrated Makoto Shinkai since the excellent 5 Centimeters Per Second.  It is Shinkai's longest work to date, clocking in at nearly 2 hours long, and is set for UK release on both DVD and Blu-Ray in July.

Source: Kazé
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26th May 2012

Tiger & Bunny Release Date & Film Confirmed

 Following their tweet on Thursday, Manga have tweeted their apologies and confirmed that the first volume of Tiger & Bunny will be released in the UK on the 29th of October.  Originally Manga had given the release date as the 23rd of September, before Kazé advised that it was actually coming out in October but didn't give a date.

Manga's tweet links a picture of an Expo banner ad for the series, which also confirms that the first Tiger & Bunny film will be premiered in the UK on 22nd September 2012.  Further details are expected at the Anime Industry Panel at the London Comic Con MCM Expo on Sunday, but later tweets suggest that the premiere will be held at the Scotland Loves Anime event.

Source: Manga / Kazé
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25th May 2012

Gundam Unicorn Episode 5 Released on Consoles

 The fifth episode of the mecha anime Gundam Unicorn has been released for download on XBox Live and PlayStation NetworkGundam Unicorn is the latest installment in the epic Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, and sees rival forces piloting gigantic robot suits in a battle for galactic supremacy.  The episodes have been released worldwide on an irregular basis since 2010, and it's been over six months since episode 4.

Source: PlayStation Network
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24th May 2012

Kazé Confirm Tiger & Bunny Release, Drop Black Lagoon Hints

 Kazé have confirmed via their Twitter feed that the first volume of the action-packed superhero anime Tiger & Bunny will be released as a Blu-Ray / DVD combi pack in October.  The series will be distributed by Manga Entertainment, who had earlier tweeted that it would be out on 23rd September.  However, Kazé have confirmed the October release and have hinted that they have 'something planned' for the series in September which is what led to the confusion.

Kazé have also pretty much confirmed that Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail will be coming to the UK in 2013, although they are waiting for an English-language dub to be completed in the US before scheduling it.  Roberta's Blood Trail is a five episode OVA series that follows on from the excellent Black Lagoon 2nd Barrage, and sees the Lagoon company smugglers dragged into a deadly battle with a psychotic maid hell bent on avenging her master's death.  More news when we get it.

Source: Kazé
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24th May 2012

MVM Confirm Broken Blade Will Be Available at the Expo

 MVM have tweeted up a picture showing their DVD stock of Broken Blade has arrived in time for this weekend's London Comic Con MCM Expo, and will be available to buy at their stall ahead of its 11th of June release!  Unfortunately the Blu-Ray stock did not arrive in time, so HD-philes will have to wait a little longer.

Source: MVM
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22nd May 2012

Expo Schedule and Map Online

 Expo forum mod Granny Gertrude has uploaded the map and schedule for this coming weekend's London Comic Con MCM Expo, so you can start to plan your weekend in advance of the full guide being uploaded!  Click the following links to check them out, and keep an eye on the Expo Forum for further updates and check out our Expo Preview!

Expo Schedule
Expo Map

Source: MCM Expo
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22nd May 2012

Final Episode of Madoka Magica to be Streamed to UK

  Japanese video website Niconico (formerly Nico Nico Douga) has announced that it will stream the final episode of Puelle Magi Madoka Magica through its Niconico Live program.  The episode, entitled 'My Very Best Friend', will be shown dubbed in English with Japanese subtitles at 8pm PDT on Friday the 8th of June (3.30am GMT on the 9th) in six countries - Japan, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.  Visit Niconico's website for further details.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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21st May 2012

Manga to Release Ninja Scroll on Blu-Ray!

  One of Manga's Expo announcements has leaked early, with the news that they intend to release the classic Ninja Scroll on Blu-Ray in October!  Manga confirmed the news on Twitter, saying that the Blu-Ray was slated for release on the 15th of October and that a UK exclusive limited 'steelbook' edition - similar to the Akira one they release last year - is planned.  Ninja Scroll was one of the cornerstones of Manga's anime catalogue for years, boasting gory battles, fast paced action and high quality animation as the ninja Jubei crosses swords with a variety of enemies who boast their own special powers. 

The design of the tin won't be revealed until late June but Manga are state that it will be 'a bit flash', and that further Blu-Ray steelbook releases of classic anime films should follow at a rate of about one a year.  We'll be looking forward to this one!

Source: Manga
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21st May 2012

Steins;Gate to Get UK Release Once Dub Complete?

  Manga have revealed that they intend to license the intriguing sci-fi drama Steins;Gate once FUNimation have completed a dub.  In posts on their Twitter channel the distributor stated that a UK release will 'definitely happen' and admitted frustration at how long its taking.  Steins;Gate focuses on a self-proclaimed 'mad scientist' who invents a machine capable of sending message into the past, and thus alter the flow of history.  It's an interesting idea for a series, and we hope that Manga's contract negotiations go as smoothly as it seem they will. 

Source: Manga
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21st May 2012

No Plans to Re-Release Gunslinger Girl Season 1, Say MVM

  MVM have been re-licensing a number of old series recently, but it looks like Gunslinger Girl Season 1 will not be following the likes of Kiddy Grade and Ergo Proxy back onto UK shelves.  MVM have confirmed via their Twitter feed that their license for the series has expired and the rights have reverted back to FUNimation and Revelation Films, adding that they had no plans to re-license it.  This potentially leaves the door open for another distributor to pick it up, and with Manga Entertainment already holding the license for the second season and the Il Teatrino OVA it could be one on their radar, depending on how well the other series did for them.

Source: MVM
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21st May 2012

Out Today

  Two anime and one live action release today, courtesy of Manga Entertainment and Eureka Films!

Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society Blu-Ray (Manga)
Fairy Tail Part 2 (Manga)
Yatterman (Eureka Films)
Yatterman Blu-Ray (Eureka Films)

Source: Manga, Eureka
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19th May 2012

Beez Expo & License News

  Beez, the European anime distribution arm of Japanese entertainment giant Namco Bandai, have revealed some details of their presence at next weekend's London Comic Con MCM Expo.  The company's very future had looked uncertain after it was announced in January that they would no longer be licensing new titles, following a similar decision by Bandai Entertainment in America.  Since then news from the company has been scarce, and some of their existing titles remain difficult to get hold of following the destruction of their warehouse and materials in a fire during last year's riots.

Beez have confirmed on their Twitter feed that they will be attending the Expo, and will be selling 'select titles' on Kazé's stall.  Titles available will include Tatami Galaxy, Sound of the Sky, Saraiya Goyou, Durarara!!, Sword of the Stranger (Blu-Ray) and the Anime Legends versions of My HiME, Gundam Wing, Gundam SEED, Eureka 7, The Big O, Planetes and Gurren Lagann

The company has also revealed that it will have no new license announcements and will not be releasing the previously announced Anime Legends version of Code Geass R2, but have suggested that the original Code Geass series has been picked up by another unspecified distributor.  None of this bodes well for the company's survival and it's possible that this could be their last appearance at Expo.  If that is the case they'd be sadly missed.

Source: Beez
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19th May 2012

MVM Deal of the Week

  Worth mentioning as it's a good series at a very good price, MVM are currently selling the Rozen Maiden & Rozen Maiden Traumend Complete Series Collection for just Ł9.99 through their retail website Anime_on_Line!  This is a great deal for a surprisingly good series, and it's only available at this price for a few days so be quick if you want to get it.

Source: MVM
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19th May 2012

Anime Films Make SFX Greatest Sci-Fi/Fantasy List

  Six anime films have been included in a reader-selected list of the Top 100 Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror films of all time for the UK sci-fi magazine SFX!  The list was voted for by around 10,000 people on the SFX website, and has been published as a special collectors issue of the magazine which will be released separately from the normal monthly issue.  The films on the list are Laputa, Castle in the Sky (79th),  Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind (70th), Ghost in the Shell (66th), Howl's Moving Castle (42nd), Akira (33rd) and Spirited Away (32nd).  The highest placed non-Japanese animated film on the list was WALL-E at 29.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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18th May 2012

Manga Entertainment Launch X-Box Live App in America

  The US arm of leading anime distributor Manga Entertainment has launched a new X-Box Live app that enables streaming of anime through the console.  The service has front-loading 30-second commercials, and is free to X-Box Live Gold subscribers.  Titles streaming include Ghost in the Shell 2.0, Gurren Lagann and Monster.

At the moment this service is limited to the US, and when asked if it's coming to the UK on their Twitter channel Manga UK responded with a promising but noncommittal 'stay tooned'.  More news as and when we get it.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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18th May 2012

First Images of Cities of Gold Sequel!

  The first images from the long-awaited sequel to the classic children's series The Mysterious Cities of Gold have been revealed by French TV channel TF1!  The original series, which aired on UK television in the 1980's, was a co-production between French production house DIC and Japanese animators Studio Pierrot, and focused on the adventures of three orphaned children as they searched for the legendary seven cities of gold in 16th century South America.

The sequel series is wholly French animated, but we're still really looking forward to it.  Check out the images here.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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16th May 2012

Namco Bandai to Showcase Ni no Kuni at MCM Expo

  Some gaming news has started sneaking out for the forthcoming London Comic Con MCM Expo, and it makes for very interesting reading.  Amongst the games being previewed will be Namco Bandai's Dragon Ball Z Kinect and the latest entry in the popular Tales RPG series, Tales of Graces f.  There will also be a Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations tournament (entry form here), but the biggest news is that they will be presenting the forthcoming RPG Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch - a game from Professor Layton developer Level-5 but featuring animation from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli.  The game is the first one Ghibli had worked on since providing some designs for the 2004 PlayStation 2 game Magical Pengel: The Quest for Colour, and is the first they have been heavily involved in.  The game presentations are set for the following times:

Saturday 17:00-17:30 - Tales of Graces f presentation

Saturday 18:00-18:30 - Ni no Kuni presentation

Sunday 10:30-11:00 - Dragon Ball Z Kinect presentation

This annoyingly will put the Saturday presentations opposite the EuroCosplay Qualifier and cosplay masquerade, major crowd draws which will lead give many fans a bit of a dilemma.  Check out the the (incredibly Welsh) trailer for Ni no Kuni here, and our preview of the Expo (written before this news was announced!) here.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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16th May 2012

Princess Jellyfish Collectors Edition Details

  Manga Entertainment have revealed a snippet of information about their forthcoming release of Princess Jellyfish with their Twitter feed!  Princess Jellyfish is a curious drama series which revolves around an apartment building and the people who live there.  Manga are intending to release the title on DVD on the 3rd of September, and have also revealed that there will be a 3-disc Collectors Edition which will come with a jellyfish plush toy!  More news on this release as and when we get it.

Source: Manga Entertainment
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16th May 2012

MVM to Re-issue Ergo Proxy

  Following the recent re-releases of Kiddy Grade and Fruits Basket, MVM have continued to bring back popular older titles by re-licensing the gothic sci-fi Ergo Proxy from Japanese licensor GeneonErgo Proxy was originally released in the UK nearly four years ago and is the latest in a recent burst of anime announcements from the company, following on from new titles Broken Blade and .hack://QUANTUM.  The complete 24 episode series is set to be released as a 6-disc DVD set on 6th August, with an RRP of Ł29.99.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork, MVM
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15th May 2012

Manga Artist Arina Tanemura on NHK World Tomorrow

  Full Moon author is set to appear on NHK World's imagine-nation program tomorrow!  NHK World is the Japanese public broadcaster's world service channel, and is broadcast in English.  Tanemura will be interviewed on the channel's flagship pop culture show along with fellow manga creator Kenichi Kiriki, and will discuss her life and career.

For fans of manga in the UK it's quite rare to see interviews like this, so be sure to check it out.  NHK World can be found on both Sky (channel 507) and Freesat (channel 209) satellite services or alternatively you can stream the program through their website here.  The program will be shown on Wednesday 16th May at 0.30am, 8.30am, 4.30am, 8.30am, 12.30pm, 4.30pm and 8.30pm.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork, NHK
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15th May 2012

New MVM Releases Added to Play.Com

 Play.Com have listed two new anime titles from MVM, including their first foray into the anime Blu-Ray market.  The titles in question are the intriguing fantasy film Broken Blade, which is slated for DVD and Blu-Ray release on the 11th of June, and .hack://QUANTUM, a three episode OVA series and one of the more recent entries in the .hack:// sci-fi/fantasy franchise on 9th July.  It's good to see MVM releasing some new anime titles as they have been shifting into more live-action territory of late, and it's good to see them taking a punt on blu-ray too.  To keep up to date with 2012's forthcoming anime releases check our release schedule here.

Source: Play.Com
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15th May 2012

Manchester Play Expo Returns 

 Gaming convention Play Expo is set to return to Manchester's EventCity on the 13th and 14th of October.  The Play Expo will include a dedicated cosplay area alongside its various gaming areas, which promises 'masquerades, talks, anime and plenty more!'.  There's not a huge amount of solid information about what'll be there as yet, but keep an eye on their website here for more details including ticket prices and event updates.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork
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14th May 2012

Expo Preview Online!

  With the London Comic Con MCM Expo (previously just the London MCM Expo) fast approaching we've put together a quick guide of what to expect!  Check it out here.

Source: Animetion
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14th May 2012

Like Animetion on Facebook

  We've relaunched on Facebook with a new page!  Check us out here and feel free to like us

Source: Animetion
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14th May 2012

Out Today

  A couple of releases today, one each from Manga and MVM!

Bleach Series 8 Part 2 (Manga)
Kiddy Grade Complete Series Collection (MVM)

Source: Manga, MVM
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