AnimeNation Anime News Blog

Square Enix’s subsidiary DigiCube has declared bankruptcy in Japan. The company owes a debt of 9.5 billion yen. DigiCube has suffered from a decline in sales due to the decrease of market size and low demand for their wireless content services. DigiCube’s CEO has mentioned that the delay of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XII has had a major impact on DigiCube’s sales forecast for the year. The company’s 21 billion yen in projected sales has been reduced by over 50% because of the delay.

It’s unclear if this event will have an impact on the availability of DigiCube produced CD soundtracks for video games including Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy Tactics, Xenogears, and Saga Frontier II.

Source: The Magic Box

Canada’s YTV network has officially announced that the 2003 Astro Boy anime TV series will begin airing on YTV on Saturday, January 31 at 3:30 pm.

YTV will also welcome the new year with an anime marathon. Series including Dragon Ball GT, Yu Gi Oh, Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon and Pokemon will air back-to-back from 2:30 pm on Wednesday, December 31 until 6 am on Thursday January 1.

Source: Zannen Canada

The official Japanese Cutie Honey live action movie homepage has updated with a photo gallery revealing all of the film’s major characters, including its assortment of bizarre looking villains.

Source: Jagged Team

Question:
While everyone knows about the old anime plotline of many girls living with one guy (Tenchi Muyo, Love Hina, Ai Yori Aoshi), have there ever been series where it was the other way around: many guys living with one girl? The only example that comes to mind for me is Fushigi Yugi. Have there been others?

(more…)

The official Japanese St. Seiya Movie Site now hosts a streaming trailer in Windows Media and Real Media formats. The St. Seiya Tenkai Hen Jyosou Overture movie will open in Japan theaters next February.

Source: Natsume Goushin Ryu Dojo

Yumeta Company has confirmed that Akitaro Daichi’s Animation Runner Kuromi 2 OAV will be released in Japan on January 28, 2004 and will include optional Japanese subtitles. According to MovieWorld, the DVD will be 43 minutes long and retail at 4,800 yen ($44).

The third Hunter x Hunter OAV series will be titled “G.I. Final” (Greed Island Final). The first DVD volume containing episodes 1 & 2 of 14 episode series will go on sale in Japan on February 18th at 6,800 yen ($62).

Source: Natsume Goushin Ryu Dojo

AD Vision has announced two new titles for American release.

The 13 episode long City Hunter ‘91 (TV season 4) will be released in a single subtitled only DVD set retailing at $44.95 on December 16th.

Legend of the Mystical Ninja (1997’s Ganbare Goemon TV series) DVD volume 1 will contain 5 episodes and retail at $19.98 beginning on December 30th.

Slayers Great, the 60 minute long third Slayers theatrical movie from 1997 will hit American DVD on January 6, 2004 and retail at $19.98.

Source: Anime on DVD

TOKYOPOP has announced release dates for a pair of new manga licenses.

Koge Donbo’s PitaTen will debut in America on January 13th.

Katsu Aki’s Psychic Academy will debut in English on March 2, 2004.

Source: Jagged Team

NuTech has announced plans to release the 2 episode Wind of Edenbourg adult anime series to American DVD next February. The series was released in Japan last summer.

Source: Anime on DVD

Conspiracy Games has announced plans to bring all 14 of Japan’s “Sega Ages” Playstation 2 remakes of classic Sega games to the American and European markets next year. The first five titles to be released in first quarter 2004 are Phantasy Star, Monaco GP, Fantasy Zone, Space Harrier and Golden Axe. The remaining titles are:

Tanto-R & Bonaza Bros.
Columns
Virtua Racing
Puzzle & Action
Alex Kidd in Miracle World
Phantasy Star II
Phantasy Star IV
Gain Ground
Streets of Rage
Last Bronx

Source: The Magic Box

Question:
What is the purpose of the folded towel on a person’s head in a hot spring? It seems like it is only the women who have the folded towels on their heads. I have noticed this from Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket and Outlaw Star in all their hot spring episodes.

(more…)

Digital Manga, Inc. is looking for an experienced, creative manga artist and storywriter for an upcoming manga publication project. The candidate hired for this project must be able to create a manga and original script based on materials provided from Digital Manga. Job requirements include 5 years (or equivalent) of professional drawing experience and familiarity with Japanese style art and Japanese culture. Experience visiting or living in Japan, and familiarity with Japanese language are a plus.

For full qualification details and contact information, visit Digital Manga’s hiring page.

FUNimation has updated its official Kiddy Grade homepage with an extended trailer available in QuickTime and Windows Media formats.

Source: Anime on DVD

Due to a replicator error, some copies of Haibane Renmei DVD 2 are missing the free limited edition pencil board advertised on the packaging. Geneon has opened the toll free telephone number (888) 228-2094 for consumers to call to receive a free replacement for the missing pencilboard. This offer will remain open until Friday, January 30, 2004.

Source: Anime on DVD

Anime fans in the Austin, Texas area will be treated to a theatrical screening of Interstella 5555, the 70 minute long anime music video produced by Daft Punk and character designer Leiji Matsumoto with the animators of Toei Studios. The film will screen at 9:45 PM on Saturday, November 29th at the Alamo Drafthouse.

On Tuesday, December 2nd at 9:45 PM, the Alamo Drafthouse will screen the classic 1987 anime film Robot Carnival with a live turntable score by DJ Nick Nack.