The Japan Times has covered Studio 4°C’s latest motion picture, Tekkon Kinkreet with an article introducing director Michael Arias, the first foreigner to direct an anime motion picture, an interview with Arias, and a very positive, spoiler-free review of the movie.
Source: Kung Fu Cult Cinema
A FUNimation representative has published an extensive, technical explanation responding to fan speculation about the upcoming Dragon Ball Z remastered season DVD sets. The explanation confirms that FUNimation has changed the release from a 5 disc set to a 6 disc set in response to speculative criticism from fans. The explanation also explains FUNimation’s decision to transfer the series in widescreen instead of the original full screen format.
Source: Anime on DVD
Gonzo Digimation has announced the cancelation of its planned Mardock Scramble anime series. The cancelation is blamed on “various reasons.”
Source: Anime News Network
Question:
Would you consider it abnormal to seek erotic material focused on characters of your favorite anime, or anime that you are currently watching? I personally have no quarrel with doing so, yet I have friends who press the idea that it is disrespectful to the creators of these characters and the essence of the characters themselves to seek materials in which they are involved in erotic/sexual atmospheres. What is your personal take on this habit/action and would you consider it out of the ordinary?
The January 2007 issue of Anime Insider Magazine (issue 40) reports that AD Vision has licensed distribution rights to the current 009-1 anime television series and will begin releasing the series in America in March 2007.
The Anime Network has announced that the first episode of Coyote Ragtime Show will be available through the Anime Network Video on Demand service beginning January 11, 2007. The first episode of the Moeyo Ken television series will be available through Anime Network Video on Demand beginning January 18, 2007.
The first full theatrical trailer for the American produced live action Transformers motion picture is now available online.
Source: Ain’t It Cool News
Question:
Why are Japanese online doujinshi shops unwilling to sell doujinshi to the international market? International customers would be willing to pay extra expenses the shops would incur in shipping internationally, so why the stubborn refusal? I’m interested in purchasing them, especially the non-adult ones, because I’m very interested in their creative visual stories.
Kodansha’s Shonen Sirius magazine has announced announced (via a cover image published by Toranoana) that Mitsunaga Yasunori’s gothic horror manga series Kaibutsu Oujou ~Princess Resurrection~ (“Monster Princess ~Princess Resurrection~”) will be adapted into an anime television series.
The Kaibutsu Oujou manga serial was recently licensed for English language release by Del Rey Manga.
Source: Moon Phase
The official Japanese Kaleidostar homepage has announced that “Kaleidostar Special Selection,” a selection of 13 episodes selected by the animation staff from among the show’s first 26 episode season, will air weekly on Japanese television beginning in January.
Source: Moon Phase
Question:
I wanted to know, how long is Night Shift Nurses? And has it all been released here in the States? And how much is it uncut?
The official websites for the upcoming Kouchuu Ouja Mushiking Super Battle Movie ~Yami no Kaizou Kouchuu~ and Oshare Mahou Love and Berry: Shiawase Mahou motion pictures now host streaming trailers. To watch the trailers, click the fifth button from the left on each site.
Source: Moon Phase
Japanese fan site Moon Phase reports that Shonen Sunday has confirmed that Kenjiro Hata’s romantic comedy manga series Hayate no Gotoku ~ Hayate the Combat Butler will be adapted into an anime television series next year.
IGN reports that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release a Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Limited Edition Collector’s Set in America on February 6, 2007. The $49.95 set will include all the content from the current Advent Children DVD plus the Final Fantasy VII: Last Order anime short, ten collectible postcards, an English movie script, and a biographical character booklet.
The Japan Media Arts Festival has announced the winners of its 10th annual international contest for excellence in art, entertainment, animation and comics. Winners this year which may be relevant to anime and manga fans include:
The Clover/Capcom Playstation 2 game Okami was awarded the grand prize in the “Entertainment” category.
The Madhouse produced anime film Toki wo Kakeru Shojo was awarded the grand prize in the “Animation” category.
Kawaguchi Kaiji’s “Taiyou no Mokushiroku” manga serial was awarded the grand prize in the “Comics” category.
Azuma Kiyohiko’s “Yotsuba to!” manga series was recognized with an excellence award in the “Comics” category.
Source: Anime News Network
