Archive for February, 2011

Ask John: How Much Character Copying Occurs in Early Anime?

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Question:
I was watching a classic anime called Rainbow Sentai Robin. I noticed one of the character looks like cyborg 008. Was there a lot of character coping in the early days of anime tv?

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Mai no Mahou Trailer

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Anime studio P.A. Works (CANAAN, Angel Beats!) has released a trailer for its upcoming TV special Mai no Mahou to Katei no Hi (Mai’s Magic and Family Day). The half-hour special is based on a “Family Day” contest winning story created in 2005 by fourth-grader (at the time) Moeko Shimizu. The magical family drama will be broadcast on television and streamed on YouTube this month and next month to promote the “Toyama Prefectural Family Day,” scheduled as the third Sunday of every month.

Source: Anime News Network

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Install Anime Revealed

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Anime producers Anipicture and Asahi Production have revealed their co-development of a supernatural adventure anime titled “Install.” The story about a teen boy with the ability to control 108 divine seals known as “In” was created by Yoshinobu Sena, who wrote and directed the anime, and provided the protagonist’s spoken dialogue.

This trailer doesn’t really look especially unique or tremendously interesting, but the development of new original anime is always something to be commended.

Source: Anime News Network

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More Yurumates Anime Announced

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Reportedly the March issue of Monthly Manga Club magazine that goes on sale in Japan this Friday will formally announce the development of a second anime adaptation of saxyun’s four-panel slice-of-life gag comedy manga Yurumates. The manga about the aimless lives of the residents of a small apartment complex in Tokyo was adapted into an OVA in 2009.

Since it’s been a while since the first anime adaptation, I’m mildly surprised to hear about this one. But I’m pleased to hear of it because the first OVA was fairly amusing.

Source: Anime News Network

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4°C Animates Rhymester PV

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Japanese hip hop group Rhymester‘s new album, Pop Life, will be released in Japan on March 2 in a limited edition that includes a bonus DVD with a music video for the album’s single “Hands” animated by Studio 4°C. Studio 4°C has previously created original music videos for artists including Ken Ishii, Hikaru Utada, Glay, Ayumi Hamasaki, Kumi Koda, and m-flo.

Source: Anime News Network

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Sub Only SoreKake?

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

I’m quite surprised to learn that Bandai’s April 26 release of The Girl Who Leapt Through Space volume 1 DVD will be subtitled only. Say what you will of my “elitism,” as I don’t mind the absence of an English dub in the least, but I’m surprised that this particular show isn’t getting a bilingual release. The early 2009 series didn’t quite become the breakout smash hit that Sunrise probably hoped it would be. But the show is quite good and did develop a devoted fan following. This is a show which, it seems to me, would definitely attract a bigger audience with an English dub. So I wonder why it isn’t getting a dub. Are there bizarre objections to an English dub from the Japanese master licensor? Does Bandai believe the show doesn’t have the audience or sales potential to warrant the extra investment? Can Bandai simply not afford to dub the show? This does seem to be a budget-conscious release since consumers will be getting a single 175 minute DVD (presumably 7 episodes) for a $29.98 SRP. At least subtitle fans, like me, will get to enjoy our soaring cake.

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Opening A Day

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

To refresh your memory or introduce you to an interesting opening animation sequence, I offer the opening of the 1987′s Machine Robo: Butchigiri Battlehackers TV series. The opening theme is “Butchigiri Battle Hackers” performed by Toshiya Igarashi.

It’s a pretty good opening for a very forgettable show.

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