Despite the initial rejection of my press pass, the very kind staff let me in without a problem on Sunday morning, which was good, since Noah and I were to give the first panel of the day. Due to a variety of circumstances we were only able to attend AnimeNext on Sunday.

Although I have been to AnimeNext several times since it began in 2002, I have only ever attended on Saturday. I was surprised to find a relatively high number of attendees still there on Sunday. Overall I had a good time, despite getting up at 6 AM and accidentally deleting my PowerPoint presentation the night before.

Usually, AnimeNext is less than a 30 minute commute from New York City, so I have never opted to stay in the con hotel. It is a relatively small convention; in 2007 AnimeNext had around 6,700 attendees. By Sunday afternoon the 2008 convention had exceeded last year’s numbers. According to security staffer Tim Rodriguez, AnimeNext has enjoyed a steady growth. This is in contrast to Anime Boston’s explosive growth over a similar time period. According to Tim, AnimeNext has some of the shortest lines of any east coast convention, largely thanks to Karl Otto, “The best line wrangler in anime fandom.” One guest complained about having to wait for ten minutes.

I know AnimeNext to be primarily a cosplay con and more of a “fan” con than an “industry” con. The field in front of the Holiday Inn typically fills up with a crowd of cosplayers enjoying the nice weather, and two or three years ago, the throng of fans were all Narutards. This year there was no one break-out hit costume (at least not on Sunday), but I did notice a fair number of Akatsuki clan members (from Naruto), Soul Reapers (from Bleach), as well as Final Fantasy Advent Children costumes. The number of Death Note cosplayers had dropped drastically this year.

One great mainstay of AnimeNext is the Manga Library, which originated at AnimeNext in 2003. Since then the Library has gone on tour to nearly every east coast anime convention. I spoke with Erin Siegwarth, who acts as the head of the library when it’s on tour.

Siegwarth and the Library staff keep statistics on which books get checked out and when. As of my visit on Sunday, 400 con attendees had dropped by the Library, with visits lasting from 15 minutes to the entire day. Some con attendees check out only a volume or two, but others manage to read entire series. The most popular series checked out by individual volume in the Library over the weekend were:

1. Death Note
2. Bleach
3. Hellsing

The most popular series to be checked out of the Library were:

1. Bleach
2. Death Note
3. Her Majesty’s Dog

The Library’s selection is limited to what manga companies have donated over the years.

Despite its small size, AnimeNext has attracted big names in the past, like Rintaro (in 2006). This year, however, the Japanese guests canceled at the last minute. Even local voice talent Mike Sinterniklaas (Dean on Venture Brothers, Leonardo on the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) canceled for work reasons.

AnimeNext often manages to attract big-name musical guests, like 2006 guest D’espairs Ray. This year’s Rentrer En Soi concert was described by one staff member as “jumping.” The typical AnimeNext attendee is about 16-20, and they really get into the concerts.

AnimeNext is not known as a con where licensing announcements are made. Del Rey and Media Blasters both held panels, as both companies local to New York City, even though they had no announcements. I didn’t notice a Vertical Books booth, but perhaps they were busy as sponsors of the New York Asian Film Festival over the weekend.

ADV had a tiny booth in the dealer’s room selling only anime, mostly at a significant discount. And of course it wouldn’t be an East Coast convention if Erica Friedman wasn’t there promoting ALC Publishing.

In case you haven’t noticed, the anime DVD industry has been collapsing for about a year. Although in the far distant past one attended an anime con primarily to buy anime, those days are behind us. Besides Media Blasters and ADV, very few dealers were selling anime. There were a few manga dealers, but primarily the dealer’s room was filled with toys, swords, cosplay items, Japanese music, and cat ears.

Noah and I gave two panels, “The Japanese Commercial Apocalypse” and “Manga Madness,” in the first and last timeslot of the day respectively. I didn’t expect many people to show up to our panels, but I was pleasantly surprised and slightly terrified to get a rather large turnout for both. A lot more people are interested in watching Japanese commercials than I anticipated–and those people are willing to wake up before 10 AM to see them! During “Manga Madness” I blew a few minds talking about Saint Oniisan (which I mistakenly called Saint Oniisama) and other more unusual manga titles like the Cup Noodle story.
[I really wanted to do the Manga Madness panel at Otakon, but was rejected for the third year in a row. To be fair, Otakon rejected about 40% of its panel applications this year. I keep changing my proposal, but the second year I applied I swear to god in the instructions there was something like, “No one wants to hear your panel on obscure manga genres.” Finally I have proof: 35 people at AnimeNext were totally interested. Someday, Otakon, someday…]

Ask any otaku what she aspires to be when she grows up (or how she’d rather be making her living), and chances are good that she’ll name voice acting as her career of choice. What many anime lovers don’t realize, however, is just how challenging voice acting can be. Not only is the field difficult to enter, but it also requires considerable vocal conditioning and acting chops. So how does the aspiring Naruto fan find out what it’s really like to provide the voice for Sasuke? That’s where Bang Zoom! Entertainment’s three-volume set Adventures in Voice Acting comes in.

As Bang Zoom! president Eric P. Sherman explained to PCS last December, the series’ primary goal is to educate fans about the profession by giving them behind-the-scenes access to animation and video game productions. “We tried to make this film so as to create the feel of having a back stage pass, or access to a movie set,” he explained.

The Bang Zoom! Crew interviewed hundreds of voice actors, from greenhorns to seasoned pros such as Steve Blum (Cowboy Beblop), Yuri Lowenthal (Naruto, Noein, Hellsing) and Kate Higgins (Bleach, Naruto). Each volume is divided into five episodes exploring different aspects of the craft, from technique to technology. Volume one “takes the viewer from the very basic ‘What is a Voice Actor?’ all the way up through ‘How did you break into the business?’” Sherman explained. “These questions are really at the very core of the film, and they are answered here, but in several different ways in the film. And in later episodes, actors and casting professionals give their own very thoughtful, personal nuggets of advice on what you should do if YOU wanted to do this for a living.”

Veteran voice actor Yuri Lowenthal (Naruto, Noein) is one of seventy-five professionals to appear in the final cut of Adventures in Voice Acting.

In addition to the actor interviews, Adventures in Voice Acting includes vocal warm-up exercises, practical advice for breaking into the business, and studio tours that help the fan better understanding the dubbing process. Volume one, for example, features the following episodes:

• Process and Techniques While In The Booth
• Audition Preparation Tools
• Finding Your Way into the World of Voice Acting
• What to Expect on the First Day in the Studio
• Advice from the Pros

To celebrate the release of Adventures in Voice Acting, Bang Zoom! will be sponsoring free clinics at Anime Expo 2008 in Los Angeles. These one-hour sessions will provide fans with an opportunity to chat with industry experts as well as try their hand at dubbing with a professional audio engineer. Workshops will be held July 3rd – July 6th; to register, visit the Bang Zoom! booth (#811) in the Exhibit Hall. For more information about the workshops, click here.

Adventures in Voice Acting, Vol. 1
Available: July 3, 2008 at Anime Expo® 2008
Run Time: 131 minutes plus 30 minutes of extra features
For more info: www.AdventuresInVoiceActing.com

Distributed by Viz Media
Running time: 87 minutes

Bleach fans gathered in New York City on Wednesday night and again on Thursday (June 11th and 12th, 2008) for a screening of Bleach: Memories of Nobody. Producer Ken Hagino and character designer Masashi Kudo attended and introduced the sold out show. (This reporter was 15 minutes late and missed it.) Cosplay was encouraged, as TV Tokyo cameras were on hand to record fans’ reactions after the film. However, the Wednesday night crowd was less rambunctious than it could have been in the 80 degree heat. Very few attendees wore costumes beyond the free armbands given away to the first 100 guests.

The arm bands were really cool, but the movie was a little disappointing. Preceding the film was a long behind-the-scenes video of the Viz offices in San Francisco with a little too much Johnny Yong Bosch prancing and not enough footage of the Japanese talent. The video also featured Bleach creator Tite Kubo drawing a sketch of Ichigo in a long continuous shot before giving a short announcement about his upcoming appearance at San Diego Comic Con.

Film adaptations of existing long running anime series can be a bit of a let down. They never further the continuity of the TV show. Exceptions include the shockingly good Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer and a Doraemon film about Aztecs which I have only seen dubbed in Cantonese (Nobita and the Legend of the Sun King). That aside, compared to Naruto The Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow, Bleach: Memories of Nobody is like Masterpiece Theater. I really hated Clash in the Land of Snow, because the Naruto characters seemed to be inserted into an entirely unrelated film about non-Naruto ninjas - a film with it’s own color palette, characters, ninja tribes, and ninja magic power rules.

Memories of Nobody creates a pocket dimension to contain the insanely complex plot, coins a half-dozen new terms to help explain the plot, and introduces a Mary Sue-like soul reaper to guide us through. But it does successfully incorporate characters from the TV series, as well as familiar music cues. Bleach has a huge cast, and nearly all of the soul reapers get at least one speaking part in the movie, plus you get to see nearly everyone’s bankai. In short the film fulfills the minimum requirements of what one would hope to see in a Bleach movie.

The animation is very nice during the fight scenes, but falters a little during the less important conversational scenes. I noticed both Korean and Chinese names in the end credits, as well as Japanese names. I assume the more off-model scenes were done overseas.

The highlight of the film in terms of money-saving animation techniques is a long explanation of the plot by Urahara (Mr. Hat-and-Clogs) involving a flip-chart held by the muscular and silent Tsukabishi. The chart/analog-PowerPoint presentation got a great reaction from the audience. It’s a talented director who can both please the crowd and save money at the same time! It so happens Noriyuki Abe is a seasoned director of long running shows like Flame of Recca, Yu Yu Hakusho, Tokyo Mew Mew, Banner of the Stars, and GTO.

Unfortunately, the film suffers from a nauseating number of flashbacks to earlier in the film. The film is only 87 minutes long, and scenes from the first 15 minutes are used over and over again. Consider; there are only 87 minutes to establish Senna (the Mary Sue character), and have Ichigo grow to care about her enough to fight for her. Unfortunately 87 minutes is not enough time to make the audience care about Senna.

I’ve only seen Bleach through episode 40 or so, and I really feel like Rukia is a continually short-changed. In the TV show she’s put in prison for several seasons, and she is largely absent from the film. One audience member complained openly about the horrible skirt Rukia wears in the finally scenes of the film. Although it’s rude to talk in the theater, I agreed - that was a horrible skirt. I suspect that Rukia is every American fan’s favorite character, but not Kubo-sensei’s favorite.

Chances are good that your favorite character is in this movie and they do their bankai move. If your favorite character happens to be Toshiro Hitsugaya, and you’re not a film connoisseur, you might really enjoy this movie.

Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody will be available on DVD in October of 2008.

There is only one place in North America to buy Uniqlo’s manga T-shirts, and I work and live just a short subway ride away! These T-shirts combine my love of classic manga with my love of screen-printed T-shirts, and with a price point at a very reasonable $15.50 (about $16.50 after taxes)… well… let’s just say I’ve spent my manga budget for the month on T-shirts. It’s a good thing I can wear them to work!

The T-shirts were created to promote the 50th anniversary of Shonen Sunday.

Very few of the images I’ve seen on the web correspond to the designs at the Uniqlo NYC location. Here are some of the properties featured on T-shirts I’ve seen:

Ashita No Joe (Tomorrow’s Joe)
Cutey Honey
Cyborg 009
Devil Man
Ge Ge Ge No Kitaro (new this week)
Golgo 13
Hajime No Ippo
Star of the Giants (Kyojin No Hoshi new this week)
Tekkon Kinkreet
Touch
Urusei Yatsura

The Astro Boy and Gundam T-shirts were also available in children’s sizes, but the adult Astro Boy T-shirts had sold out by my third visit, and I didn’t notice any Gundam shirts at all today. One of my coworkers claims there were Ranma 1/2 shirts, but all of them sold out immediately.

Each T-shirt has a tag with a little blurb in both English and Japanese about the artist and/or the title featured on the shirt. The text on the tags is written with a lot of heart, but the translations are a little awkward. From the Ashita No Joe tag:

“Joe Yabuki is a tender-hearted boxer who is clumsy in life. Joe bulldozing through in pursuit of fiercely burning moments was depicted first in comic, then in TV animation and in a movie, and stirred the hearts of millions of people. His fire and passion, which still live on today, are now featured in this T-shirt.”

Note that the fire and passion are not just on the front of the T-shirt, but in the 100% cotton garment.

The titles chosen for the T-shirts are classic manga by Japanese standards - many of the featured titles are not available in English, and totally unfamiliar to the U.S. anime fanbase - thus, the Ranma Shirts sold out while UY designs are still available. A giant Detective Conan decal on the front windows welcomes customers into the store - but Detective Conan bombed on Adult Swim in this country. I think the Cyborg 009 shopping bags are really, really cool, but the Cyborg 009 manga was one of the biggest flops ever in the U.S.

The manga T-shirts are located on the mezzanine level. A note on the sizes: I usually wear Medium T-shirts, but the extra-small shirts fit.

As a Japanophile planning a trip to Soho, you might want to check out the nearby Kid Robot store, Anna Sui and Muji.

Headed to New York Comic-Con next weekend? If so, you’ll want to bookmark this page to help you plan your visit, as there will be hundreds of events taking place at the Javits Center, from movie screenings to autograph signings. Here’s a list of all the anime and manga-centric events on the official NYCC schedule…

(Continued)

San Francisco, CA, February 29, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the U.S. debut of the highly anticipated BLUE DRAGON animated series on Cartoon Network this spring.

The BLUE DRAGON series is based on the exclusive Xbox 360 videogame “BLUE DRAGON,” developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of “Final Fantasy,” and features character designs by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling DRAGON BALL series of manga (which is published in North America by VIZ Media and featured in SHONEN JUMP Magazine). The animated series debuted in Japan on TV Tokyo on April 7, 2007 and is produced by Studio Pierrot, which is well known for its work on NARUTO and BLEACH, also licensed by VIZ Media.

“We are pleased to announce the U.S. launch of BLUE DRAGON on Cartoon Network,” says William Germain, Director, Animation Production, VIZ Media. “This fun-filled action adventure story of good vs. evil, magical powers, courage and friendship is set to join the ranks of other popular VIZ Media series such as NARUTO, DEATH NOTE and BLEACH on the premier cable animation network in the United States.”

The BLUE DRAGON animated series, with an anticipated TV rating of TV Y7FV, is a classic adventure story of magical Shadow powers, flying air fortresses, and unbounded heroism! Brought together by fate, Seven Soldiers of Light must awaken the Shadow within themselves in time to overcome a despotic power and bring peace to their land. Their ensuing journey through a rich fantasy world is also an internal journey to awaken the great power within each of them. Journey with them into the world of BLUE DRAGON!

About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

I fell a little behind with my news postings, so here’s a round-up of Viz’s most recent anime announcements. You’ll find more information about all of these properties at www.viz.com.

NARUTO, BLEACH, AND DEATH NOTE AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON UNBOX

San Francisco, CA, January 25, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) has announced the availability of three of its most popular and successful animated action series – NARUTO Uncut, DEATH NOTE and BLEACH – for digital download from Amazon Unbox, Amazon’s digital video download service. Amazon Unbox offers customers thousands of television shows, movies and other innovative video content from numerous studio and network partners from Hollywood and around the world. This service can be found at www.amazon.com/unbox.

NARUTO Uncut, DEATH NOTE and BLEACH are available now with episodes costing $1.99 each. NARUTO Uncut initially features episodes 1-25 dubbed, DEATH NOTE features the full series dubbed, and BLEACH features episodes 1-25 dubbed.

SECOND SEASON OF BLEACH TO DEBUT ON ADULT SWIM

San Francisco, CA, January 28, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) has announced that the 52-episode second season of the hit supernatural action animated series BLEACH is expected to begin airing on Saturday, March 1st on Adult Swim…

BLEACH is based on a best-selling manga graphic novel of the same name by Tite Kubo which is published domestically by VIZ Media and rated TV 14. The manga has been translated into more than seven languages and has sold over 33.5 million copies in Japan. Both the manga and the animated series have become extremely popular in North America and have spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise. The first season of BLEACH is also currently available in a 3-disc DVD box set from VIZ Media, which is rated ‘T’ for Teens and has a suggested retail price of $89.98. For more information on BLEACH go to www.bleach.viz.com.

“BLEACH is a riveting story and the debut of the second season on Adult Swim has been highly anticipated by millions of fans,” says William Germain, VIZ Media Director of Animation Production. “The plot thickens in Season 2 as Ichigo and his friends battle soul reapers. With 52 episodes there will be plenty of surprises in store for viewers. BLEACH possesses a story and style that has transcended the graphic novel genre to become a very successful animated and video game property and we are committed to continuing its development.”

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW ANIMATED RELEASES FOR FIRST QUARTER 2008

San Francisco, CA, January 31, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media has announced an exciting array of new DVD releases for the First Quarter of 2008 that expand some of the most popular animated series in North America.

The new releases include DVD box bets, special editions containing collectible figurines, and the latest single disc editions for series including BLEACH, NARUTO, DEATH NOTE and PRINCE OF TENNIS, as well as much-loved classics like RANMA ½ and POKéMON.

BLEACH

BLEACH Volume 8: THE ENTRY
Rated “T” for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $24.98 · Available Now!
Ichigo and his comrades are chased from one end of the Seireitei to the other while fending off furious attacks of the Soul Reapers that guard the city from intruders. When he and Ganju capture a meek member of Squad 4, they are shown a secret way into the White Tower where Ruika is being held prisoner. But at the steps of the fortress, an old nemesis named Renji Abarai appears, and a rematch pits Ichigo against the spirit energy of a powerful lieutenant.

BLEACH Volume 9: THE ENTRY
Rated “T” for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $24.98 · Available March 18, 2008
In the world of the living, Ichigo’s sisters find themselves in the spotlight as “Karakura Superheroes,” while in the Soul Society, an all-out war is declared against Ichigo and his comrades. But unrest stirs in all corners of the Seireitei, including among the ranks of the Soul Reapers themselves, when a prominent captain meets an untimely fate. Ichigo and the others attempt to ride the waves of chaos straight to the White Tower to rescue Ruika, but they’ll have to face a massive outpouring of spiritual energy to get there.

NARUTO

NARUTO Volume 19: PUSHED TO THE EDGE!
Rated “T” for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $19.98 · Available Now!
The Third Hokage summons his last ounce of strength in an attempt to seal away Orochimaru’s soul forever, while the shinobi of the Hidden Leaf bravely defend all they hold dear. And far from the village, Sasuke finally catches up with Gaara! But the Sand Ninja has begun an eerie transformation that may be more than Sasuke’s newly mastered Chidori jutsu can match. But there’s a certain scrappy ninja on his way that might just have what it takes – Naruto!

NARUTO Volume 20: LIGHT VS. DARK
Rated “T” for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $19.98 · Available Now!
With Sasuke’s strength wasted and Sakura slowing being crushed to death, Naruto must battle Gaara alone to defend what is precious to him. Can he prove that the path of friendship is stronger than the path of hate? In the battle-torn Hidden Leaf Village, the Third Hokage and the Leaf Ninja make their final stand against Orochimaru and his minions.

NARUTO Volume 21: EYE TO EYE
Rated “T” for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $19.98 · Available March 4, 2008
In the aftermath of Orochimaru’s attack, the Hidden Leaf Village mourns, but the life of a shinobi goes on! An eager Naruto departs on a training mission with Jiraiya to find a legendary kunoichi, while a troubled Sasuke reflects on the past. But who are the mysterious strangers that have slipped into town? And why are they looking for Naruto?

NARUTO Volume 22: THE LAST OF THE CLAN
Rated “T” for Teens· 4 Episodes · MSRP: $19.98 · Available March 25, 2008
Sasuke faces the brother he has longed vowed vengeance against, but finds that he is still no match for Itachi. Jiraiya steps in, but Sasuke has fallen into a deep coma, and the only one who can save him is the woman Jiraiya and Naruto seek – the legendary medical ninja, Tsunade. Their search takes them to a town festival, where after a little rest and relaxation, Jiraiya teaches Naruto a new, powerful jutsu – using water balloons and rubber balls!

NARUTO UNCUT BOX SET SPECIAL EDITION Volume 6
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 3 DVDs, 14 Episodes · MSRP: $69.98 · Available February 12, 2008
This special set includes a limited edition; hand sculpted and painted collectible figure of Pakkun as well as an illustrated storyboard booklet.

NARUTO UNCUT BOX SET STANDARD EDITION Volume 6
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 3 DVDs, 14 Episodes · MSRP: $49.98 · Available February 12, 2008
Sasuke returns at last to face Gaara in the final round of the Chunin Exam with his powerful new jutsu, Chidori. But the match is interrupted when Orochimaru’s scheme to bring down the Hidden Leaf Village is put into motion. While the Third Hokage faces his former protégé Orochimaru and his dreadful forbidden jutsu, Sasuke takes off after Gaara and the Sand Ninja, and Naruto, Sakura and Shikamaru take off after Sasuke. Will the ninja of Hidden Leaf survive the evil that has befallen them? (DVD-only collection of episodes from the hit series.)

DEATH NOTE

DEATH NOTE Volume 3 With Limited Edition Collector’s Figure
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $39.98 · Available February 19, 2008
For genius detective L, Light’s behavior is too perfect to be true, and to get closer to him, he enrolls at the same university and even invites Light into the investigation. The murders continue, but with a new twist – there appears to be a second Kira at work! L has Light pose as the original Kira in order to lure out the copycat, and Light agrees, hoping to divert suspicion from him. But he’s surprised to discover that this new Kira has an ability that even Light lacks. This set is available both as a standard, single disc edition, and also as a limited edition with a collectible figurine of L.

DEATH NOTE Volume 3 Standard Edition
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $24.98 · Available February 19, 2008
DVD-only collection of episodes from the hit series, no figure included.

PRINCE OF TENNIS

PRINCE OF TENNIS DVD BOX SET Volume 4
Rated “A” for All Ages · 3 DVDs, 13 Episodes · MSRP: $39.98 · Available Now!
The second half of the Metropolitan Matches begins! Kikumaru and Oishi start their doubles match against Yamabuki Junior High’s Higashikata and Minami. Oishi confronts the same pair that he was unable to beat in last year’s match. Sengoku counters Momoshiro’s signature dunk smash and the match slowly shift in his favor. Finally, Ryoma’s match with Akutsu from Yamabuki Junior High begins. With all the trouble Ryoma encountered with Akutsu a few days ago, everyone is worried for his safety.

RANMA ½

RANMA ½ SEASON 5: MARTIAL MAYHEM
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 5 DVDs · MSRP: $49.98 · Available Now!

RANMA ½ SEASON 6: RANDOM RHAPSODY
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 5 DVDs · MSRP: $49.98 · Available March 25, 2008
It’s not easy being teenage martial artist Ranma Saotome, but it’s even worse when your martial artist father takes you from home at an early age to go on a decade-long training mission. He doesn’t speak a word if Chinese, and yet he insists upon bringing you to a cursed training ground known as Jusenkyo, where falling into one of the many springs there instantly turns you into whoever, or whatever, drowned there last. And then, the two of you have this little accident… From now on a splash of cold water turns Ranma’s father into a giant panda, while the son turns into a red-haired (and problematically well-built) female version. Hot water reverses the effects, but only until the next time. What’s a half-guy, half-girl to do? Find out in the exciting fifth season of the timeless anime classic.

POKéMON

POKéMON SEASON ONE BOX SET, Volume 3
Rated “A” for All Ages · 3 DVDs · MSRP: $39.98 · Available February 12, 2008
Join Ash, Brock and Misty on their continuing quest to collect Pokémon, make friends, and battle their way to the Indigo League!

Burbank, CA, February 6, 2008 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, has announced the exciting finale of the first season of AnimeTV™ with the availability of Episode 12, which will stream for free with never-before-seen content beginning February 8 at http://goanimetv.com/. A special review segment from the episode is now streaming on IGN’s dedicated anime website.

The new episode has been eagerly awaited and features an array of compelling segments sure to delight fans. Of special note is a rare sit-down interview with the three lead Japanese voice actresses from the critically acclaimed anime series The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Aya Hirano, who plays the lead of Haruhi, is joined by Yuko Goto and Minori Chihara (who play Mikuru Asahina and Yuki Nagato respectively) for an insightful chat in their hotel room during the 2007 Anime Expo. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya follows a high-school freshman as she forms a quirky middle school club called the SOS Brigade which sole purpose is to find and have fun with aliens, time travelers and espers, resulting in all manner of hilarious escapades. The series, which is distributed by Bandai Entertainment, has become very popular in North America.

Also included is a special segment of AnimeTV LIVE, taped live from the Comcast Stage on the main show floor at the 2007 Anime Expo. Show host Johnny Yong Bosch joins the entire AnimeTV cast as they answer questions from an enthusiastic packed audience. Fans might especially enjoy an over-the-top surprise appearance of anime internet uber-geek Otaku Otoko as he attempts to crash the stage. A review of Funmation’s School Rumble anime series and cos-play fun with The Girls From Haruhi – The SOS Brigade, shot on-stage doing the Haruhi Dance at the 2007 Anime Expo, round out the conclusion to the first season.

“The first season finale of AnimeTV is packed with fun new segments and fans should especially enjoy the exclusive interview with the original Japanese voice actresses of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya as well as some comical moments with AnimeTV LIVE shot at last year’s Anime Expo,” says Eric P. Sherman, President and CEO of Bang Zoom! Entertainment. “As fans begin to prepare for this year’s convention season, the special episode is a wonderful way to revisit all the fun from last year’s Expo, which is now the largest anime gathering outside Japan. I am happy to also report that a second season of AnimeTV is in development and we anticipate producing new episodes in the coming months. In the meantime we look forward to fans going to goanimetv.com to check things out and get involved in reviewing anime!”

ABOUT AnimeTV™
AnimeTV™ is a free fifteen (15) minute online video program produced by Bang Zoom! Entertainment and appears on www.goanimetv.com and a host of other media outlets including iTunes and YouTube. More information can be found on the show’s official web site at www.goanimetv.com.

ABOUT BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT
Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading full-service audio post production studio for feature films, television, interactive gaming, anime and direct to home entertainment content. Founded in 1993, the company offers a range of specialized services including a critically acclaimed staff of recognized voice talent, ADR,/Foley recording, sound design, and 2.0, 5.1 and 7.1 Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II mixing and encoding. Bang Zoom! Entertainment is also committed to developing a range of independent projects that contribute to the promotion of innovative cultural awareness internationally. For more information, visit www.bangzoomentertainment.com

San Francisco, CA, January 22, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has provided details on an array of hot animated properties it plans to showcase at the 2008 National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) Conference and Exhibition, taking place January 28-31 in Las Vegas, NV. VIZ Media will operate from Suites 7904 and 7906 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, where the conference will be held.

The company will offer several new properties available for license, including NANA, BUSO RENKIN, HUNTER X HUNTER, NAOKI URUSAWA’s MONSTER, HONEY AND CLOVER, BLUE DRAGON as well as series such as DEATH NOTE, NARUTO, BLEACH, and DEKO BOKO FRIENDS, which have already established strong domestic followings.

NATPE is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to the creation, development and distribution of televised programming in all forms across all mature as well as emerging media platforms. The NATPE conference develops and nurtures opportunities, both commercial and educational, for the buying, selling and sharing of content and ideas.

“Japanese animation fulfills a variety of critical programming needs and VIZ Media continues to be a major force in licensing compelling content designed for every viewer demographic,” says William Germain, Director, Animation Production, VIZ Media. “This year’s NATPE Conference will present the opportunity to showcase new action properties aimed at tweens, adolescents and young adults with properties such as BUSO RENKIN, HUNTER X HUNTER, BLUE DRAGON, and NAOKI URUSAWA’s MONSTER, and will also feature also more romantically-themed titles like NANA and HONEY AND CLOVER, which will extend the popularity of shojo manga, or comics for girls, to the broadcast arena. The interest in Japanese animation continues to be strong from broadcasters both domestically and abroad, as witnessed by the popularity of shows like NARUTO, DEATH NOTE and BLEACH, and we look forward to welcoming a global audience of key buyers and executives at this year’s conference.”

NANA
Author: Ai Yazawa
Broadcast runtime: 30min - 50 Episodes
Rating: TV 14 (Anticipated)

Twenty-year-old Nana Komatsu has endured an unending string of boyfriend problems. Moving to Tokyo, she’s hoping to take control of her life and put her capricious love life behind her. Singer Nana Osaki arrives in Tokyo at the same time, with plans to kick down the doors to Tokyo’s rock ’n’ roll scene. Though from completely different backgrounds, the two Nanas meet and become best friends in a whirlwind world of love, music, fashion, gossip, and all-night parties!
(Not available in Europe)

BUSO RENKIN
Author: Nobuhiro Watsuki
Broadcast runtime: 30 min - 26 Episodes
Rating: TV 14 (Anticipated)

Alchemist Warrior Tokiko Tsumura comes to Ginsei City and uses herself as bait for the homunculi, artificial life forms that lurk in the darkness to devour unsuspecting humans. Unaware of Tokiko’s intentions, high school student Kazuki Muto tries to save her and is killed in the process. Tokiko restores Kazuki’s life with an alchemic talisman called a “kakugane,” and now he fights at Tokiko’s side to save his friends.

HUNTER X HUNTER
Author: Yoshihiro Togashi
Broadcast runtime: 30 min - 62 Episodes
Rating: TV 14 (Anticipated)

Being a “Hunter” is a profession. A person who tracks down people, searches for treasure and explores lands of mystery. A person that protects the order of mankind and nature is called a “hunter.” HUNTER X HUNTER depicts the fantastic adventures of Gon, the son of a famous Hunter. Wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps, young Gon works hard to learn how to seek treasure and master Nen, a mysterious power. But in order to truly become like his father and a licensed Hunter, Gon must pass the arduous and dangerous Hunter Exam. It is said that only one in hundreds of thousands can pass the test. Now Gon sets out on a dangerous and exciting adventure to become a great Hunter like his father. HUNTER X HUNTER is based on a popular manga comic, (rated T+ for Older Teens) by Yoshihiro Togashi, which is also published domestically by VIZ Media. The HUNTER X HUNTER series has developed a fanatical following in Japan, selling more than 44 million copies, and spawned several original video features and an array of video games and trading cards in addition to the animated series.

NAOKI URUSAWA’S MONSTER
Author: Naoki Urasawa
Broadcast runtime: 30 min - 75 episodes
Rating: TV 14 (Anticipated)

Brilliant doctor Kenzo Tenma risks his reputation and promising career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy instead of a politician’s. Nine years later, the child has grown into a serial killer… Can Kenzo stop him? Or will he make another fatal decision?

Conspiracies, serial murders, and a scathing depiction of the underbelly of hospital politics are all masterfully woven together in this compelling thriller!

HONEY AND CLOVER
Author: Chica Umino
Broadcast runtime: 30 min - 38 episodes
Rating: TV 14 (Anticipated)

Based on the bestselling shôjo manga comic by Chica Umino, HONEY AND CLOVER is a romantic comedy that focuses on five college students and the art school they attend. When talented painter Hagumi Hanamoto enrolls in the program, her presence and unique approach to art affects the entire school and her new friends.

The plot thickens as Hagumi becomes embroiled in a complicated love triangle as she struggles to find her artistic voice. HONEY AND CLOVER showcases the journey that everyone must take to transform from adolescence into adulthood and the long and challenging road these five young people must navigate to balance the demands of school, work, and love. The English version of the HONEY AND CLOVER manga graphic novel is currently serialized in VIZ Media’s SHOJO BEAT magazine. VIZ Media is also set to publish the title as a self-contained comic in March 2008.

BLUE DRAGON
Concept based on the Xbox 360 game “BLUE DRAGON”, Character Design by Akira Toriyama
Broadcast runtime: 30 min - 51 episodes
Rating: TV Y7FV (Anticipated)

BLUE DRAGON features characters designed by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling DRAGON BALL series of manga (which is published in North America by VIZ Media and featured in SHONEN JUMP Magazine). The anime series is produced by Studio Pierrot, which is well known for its work on NARUTO and BLEACH, also licensed by VIZ Media. The Xbox 360 video game “BLUE DRAGON” was developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy) has already established itself in Japan as one of Microsoft’s hottest releases in the RPG category. The BLUE DRAGON animated series is a classic adventure story of magical Shadow powers, flying air fortresses, and unbounded heroism. Brought together by fate, Seven Soldiers of Light must awaken the Shadow within themselves in time to overcome a despotic power and bring peace to their land. Their ensuing journey through a rich fantasy world is also an internal journey to awaken the great power within each of them. Journey with them into the world of BLUE DRAGON!

DEATH NOTE
Story by Tsugumi Ohba, Art by Takeshi Obata
Broadcast runtime: 30 min - 37 Episodes
Rating: TV 14

DEATH NOTE is based on the Shueisha graphic novel series of the same name (rated T+ for Older Teens and published in North America by VIZ Media) and is currently one of the hottest animated titles in Japan. The series follows the adventures of Light Yagami, an ace student with great prospects but who is bored out of his mind. All of that changes when he finds the Death Note, a strange notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god named Ryuk. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals mysteriously begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal - or his life?

NARUTO
Author: Masashi Kishimoto
Broadcast runtime: 30 min - 220 Episodes
Rating: TV PG

The NARUTO series depicts the adventures of a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki who trains to become a ninja. Naruto, cursed with the spirit of The Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within his body, is forced to live a bullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers.

But Naruto is resilient and undaunted and his determination often inspires those around him. Through the adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity and right vs. wrong. Today, NARUTO is considered one of the most popular animated series in Japan and has also drawn millions of fans in North America. It continues to achieve immense international success not only as a graphic novel and TV title, but also in the realm of licensed categories such as toys, trading cards and video games.

BLEACH
Author: Tite Kubo
Broadcast runtime: 30 min – 104 Episodes
Rating: TV 14

Ichigo Kurosaki is an ordinary 15-year-old boy who happens to be able to see ghosts. His fate takes an extraordinary turn when he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who shows up at Ichigo’s house on the trail of a Hollow, a malevolent lost soul. Drawn to Ichigo’s high level of spiritual energy, the Hollow attacks Ichigo and his family, and Rukia steps in to help but is injured and unable to fight. As a last resort, Rukia decides to transfer part of her Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo. Ichigo, now a full-fledged Soul Reaper, and Rukia, minus her powers, join together to face the challenges that lie ahead. BLEACH is based on a popular graphic novel comic (rated T+ for Older Teens) by Tite Kubo which is also published domestically by VIZ Media.

DEKO BOKO FRIENDS
Author: Momoko Maruyama & Ryotaro Kuwamoto
Broadcast runtime: 30 sec - 234 Episodes
Rating: TV Y

DEKO BOKO FRIENDS is positioned as an educational and fun animated series for preschoolers and consists of 30-second animated shorts that feature 12 unique characters that help teach children about diversity and tolerance. The characters and messages are heartwarming and positive and have been embraced by parents and children alike.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com .

Atari and Namco Bandai have announced that Dragon Ball Z fans will have something new to look forward to soon. The everly popular anime will be making a debut on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles soon. The titles will support Next-gen graphics and online gameplay.

Will they be able to outdo Naruto’s Xbox 360 debut? Who knows, but we’ll be keeping an eye out. The full release can be found below.

NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2008 – Atari, Inc. one of the world’s most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher and distributor, today announced that Dragon Ball Z®: Burst Limit is in development for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Exploding into the next level of intensity with next-gen graphics, online gameplay and lightning fast action, Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is being developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. and is slated for a 2008 release.

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is revolutionizing the series by entering the realm of next-generation gaming. Complete with fierce online battles and radical 3D graphic effects only possible on Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system, Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit will blur the line between video game and iconic anime series. Jam-packed with graphically enhanced playable characters, realistic battle stages and environments, players can take hold and experience Dragon Ball Z® as never before.

“Atari is excited and ready to offer fans the next iteration of the Dragon Ball Z video game series on the next-gen consoles,” said Donny Clay, Producer, Atari, Inc. “With explosive cinematic graphics and online gameplay, fans of the series and of the fighting genre will surely enjoy Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit.”