Squaresoft has announced a new line of “Square Masterpieces” for release on the Wonderswan Color hand-held console system. The first games released this winter will be re-makes and upgraded versions of Romancing Saga, Hanjuku Eiyuu, Dice de Chocobo, and Makaitoushi SaGa.
Source: The Magic Box
The official theatrical trailer for Seijin Suzuki’s latest film, Pistol Opera, has been posted online by the Japanese Shochiku film studio. Suzuki has been recognized worldwide for his audacious yakuza films that, during the late 1960s and 1970s, caused massive controversy in Japan and several times got him fired. The significantly odd-ball style and visual flair of Pistol Opera clearly prove that the director has lost none of his trademark style. Please be aware that the trailer includes violence and gunplay that may not be suitable for all viewers.
Source: Ain’t it Cool News
Question:
I was wondering if anime is bigger than live-action movies and shows in Japan. Also, do animators ever put real life celebrities in anime?
The Japanese Gamespot page has posted the first trailer for the 80 minute long Sakura Taisen motion picture due out in Japanese theaters this December.
Source: Anime News Network
The official Japanese Rurouni Kenshin OAV series homepage has published color character bible sketches for the upcoming second Rurouni Kenshin OAV series including the familiar TV series characters, as they will appear in the new OAVs, and a seemingly new character named Kenji.
AD Vision has reported that the total number of episodes in the new OAV series has not yet been determined, but the Japanese homepage still claims that the series will be 2 episodes, the first due out in Japan at the end of this year.
Source: Anime News Service
The official homepage for the Studio Ghibli museum in Mitaka, Tokyo is now online and features several photos of the beautiful museum interior as well as a photo of the life sized Laputa robot.
Source: Anime News Network
Cowboy Bebop returned to the Cartoon Network this past Sunday with the broadcast of episodes 5 and 7. Episodes 6 and 8 have apparently been removed from the Cartoon Network broadcast. It’s possible that episode 6 was not broadcast because of its focus on a seeming child with homicidal tendencies. It’s likely that episode 8 will not broadcast because it opens with Spike and friends foiling an attempted airline hijacking.
Anime News Network has published a detailed list of the edits and alterations made to the Cartoon Network versions of episodes 5 & 7.
Figures.com has published images of Irwin Toy’s prototype figures of the Amazoness Quartet from Sailormoon SS. This new line of 9 inch Sailormoon action figures for collectors has net yet been confirmed for production, but if Irwin Toys does decide to press forward with this new action figure line, the toys should be available in stores near the end of 2002.
Idea Factory, the studio behind video game series including Run=Dim and Spectral Force, is at work on a Playstation 2 action game titled Gunhearts. The play mechanics and game story seem to be roughly the same as the much-hyped but critically and commercially unsuccessful American “anime-style” Playstation 2 game Oni. The game places the player in the role of a male or female member of the counter-terrorist team Sleep Sheep. Players must engage enemies with hand-to-hand combat or weapons, and can even wrestle weapons out of the hands of enemies. Gunhearts is due out in Japan this winter.
Source: The Magic Box
Question:
Is there a such thing as Dragonball GT. If there is tell me about it.
Studio Ironcat has officially announced that they are accepting artwork and story submissions from established and amateur artists and will be publishing original works in addition to their current line of translated manga titles. All art styles will be considered, meaning that works sent in for consideration need not be “manga.” All questions and submissions should be directed to the Studio Ironcat website.
According to a report from last weekend’s Anime Weekend Atlanta, Media Blasters will be releasing Mezzo Forte, the follow-up to Kite, in November in the same format as Kite. Mezzo Forte will be released in America in a heavily edited general audiences version under the Anime Works label, and apparently in a less edited, but not entirely uncut Kitty Media version.
Source: Anime News Network
“The first episodes of Excel Saga will be completed in the spring or summer of 2002,” meaning that the series likely won’t see release until late 2002 or some time in 2003.
Spriggan will go into theatrical release on October 12th. The live-action Gamera II and Gamera III movies will be released theatrically as well, with the first being a sub-only release, while the second will be both subtitled and dubbed.
The following titles will be released throughout the rest of 2001 and most of 2002:
Notable is the fact that ADV licenses including Dai-Gard, Neoranga, Devilman Lady, Melty Lancer, Spectral Force, The Samurai, Those Who Hunt Elves Second, Sakura Taisen TV, and Chance! Triangle Session were apparently not mentioned.
Source: Anime News Network
Apparently yesterday’s report that Manga Entertainment had licensed the Shadow Skill TV series was an error. According to Anime on DVD, Manga Entertainment has not licensed the Shadow Skill TV series for American release, yet.
According to The Magic Box, Sega is planning to develop a 3D “sound attraction” site in Japan, featuring the popular Japanese pop band Morning Musume. Sega operates numerous “attraction centers” in Japan that contain mini movie theaters and virtual reality amusement rides.
