July 2004

-Subject: FUNi's Events for Otakon 2004 /& Inuyasha Come to Mobile Phones.
   Friday, July 23, 2004 @ 8:40 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -FUNimation have sent out a press release about their event plans and their are different videos playing and premiering during Otakon 2004. Informer: AoD.com

Also ANN has a press release by Viz stating that a partnership with Sorrent, Inc. was formed in order to offer Inuyasha messaging, wallpapers and games for mobile phones. Informer: ANN.com -- Sam.

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-Subject: Adult Swim Comic-Con Panels! and some News by the FUNi Rep.
   Friday, July 23, 2004 @ 9:05 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -Straight from the Official Adult Swim site:
Thursday, July 22, 5-6 PM (Room 5AB) -- "When They Touched Me, I Died: A Panel About Pitching." Featuring Nick Weidenfeld, program development manager of Adult Swim; Kim Manning, chanteuse/muse of Adult Swim; Loren Bouchard, creator of Home Movies, and maybe even Chip Duffey (SwimBuddha).

Saturday, July 24, 5:30-7 PM (Room 6AB)-- "Touch Me On the Inside: An Adult Swim Panel" -- Moderated by Keith Crofford, VP Production Adult Swim. Panelists: Matt Maiellaro, Dana Snyder, Matt Thompson, Kate Miller, Chris Ward (mc chris), Jackson Publick III and Michael Cahill. Also check Adult Swim out at the Palisades Toys and Acme Animation Archives booths.

SIDE NOTE: "The FUNi talkback" page has been updated with more fan questions. And there was some new information released by the Rep.

- Full Metal Alchemist DVD (dubbed/subbed & uncut) tentatively scheduled for release January 2005. The Official Full Metal Alchemist Website is located www.fullmetalalchemist.com
- FUNi is in the process of gathering and developing the Fullmetal Alchemist Web site. The official 'staff and cast' list will make its debut on the official website.
- Funimation (FUNi) has decided, that FMA's the L'Arc~en~Ciel intro will be used for the Adult Swim broadcast.
- FUNi is definitely bringing the Case Closed movies to the U.S. market, starting with "The Time Bombed Skyscraper" and "The Fourteenth Target." No specific dates yet.
- The Case Closed 2nd opening and ending will show up on Adult Swim broadcast and DVDs when its time for it to start.

Informer: [adult swim] or vist FUNi's talkback page

Update: the "Official Ask FUNimation thread is located here". And you can go ask the Rep any question you want. -- Sam.

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-Subject: Japanese culture is weaving its way into the American Culture
   Thursday, July 22, 2004 @ 10:09 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -Here is another article on how the Japanese culture's values, norms and products are becoming so dominant in the U.S. that they are diminishing the strengths of our American culture. btw Sociology is one of my favorite subjects and this is a real good article, please take 2secs to read it. If they are any socio buffs out there we are witnessing 'Hegemony' right in front of your eyes. This is phenomenal.

"The U.S. has for a very long time been the center of global culture. It is the only place that had that kind of cachet -- movies, music, food -- but now that's no longer true," says Anne Allison, chair of cultural anthropology at Duke University.

The Influence of Japanese culture is now so mainstream in the U.S. as it influences American movies, TV shows, cartoons etc.. U.S. consumers are embracing the Japanese style. The distinctive look of anime, with its wide-eyed characters, is influencing toys, cartoons, comics, video games, even movies. And while U.S. kids have been enthralled with Japanese exports before -- from Godzilla to Nintendo -- the breadth of products has never been greater and their acceptance goes far beyond the Cartoon Network crowd.

"Some of my friends think everything Japanese is cool."

Indeed, anime is just the most visible sign of a growing trend. In the last few years, Japan has become a rising force in a wide swath of fashion-focused industries, from kids' toys to entertainment, cell phones, and car racing.

Japan's cultural exports, including music, books, magazines, films, handicrafts, collectibles, patent royalties, and performances at $15 billion in 2002, up from $5 billion in 1992. As evidence almost 3 million people outside Japan are now studying the Japanese language, up from 1 million in 1990.

Informer: Business Week cited by ANS -- Sam.

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-Subject: You can Ask FUNimation any questions about their titles airing on [adult swim]
   Thursday, July 22, 2004 @ 12:32 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -A few more new question/answers were added to the FUNimation's Talkback page.

Btw if you are have some unanswered question regarding FUNimation's titles airing on Adult Swim or just have a general question on any of FUNimation’s titles please go the adult swim boards and ask your questions. There is No guarantee that your question might be answered. But if your dieing to get a some information of FUNimations past actions or future plans this might be a good time to do so.

SIDE NOTE: Here is some more intersting news. FUNimation is working in concert with the folks at UGO to pick one lucky winner in their contest to become a voice actor where they'll fly you down to Texas to star in an episode of one of their anime series! Informer: AoD -- Sam.

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-Subject: Naruto fans getting too desperate for a company to license Naruto in the U.S?
   Wednesday, July 21, 2004 @ 6:42 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -Some Naruto fans will go to this extent as to fake the most popular anime news site on the net. While surfing the ANN forums I found an interesting link. The link is a carbon copy of one of the most leading anime news site, ANN. The fake site states that Naruto is Finally Licensed by 4Kids Entertainment. ANN has not yet released any statement on their main site, but they say 4Kids isn't going to license Naruto. The ripped site can be seen here.
Well to put in layman terms some one ripped ANN's news site and made it look like Naruto is Finally Licensed by 4Kids Entertainment; so try don't be fooled! -- Sam.

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-Subject: FUNimation Rep answers fans questions on AS.com
   Wednesday, July 21, 2004 @ 11:04 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -The official [adult swim] site is featuring an Official "Ask FUNimation Thread". Funimation has graciously agreed to answer whatever questions anime fans may have about their titles airing on Adult Swim. The Funi representative on the message boards goes by the alias FUNFlack. Funimation is trying not leaking out any new information that has not been officially announced. They are also Dodging questions about their upcoming plans. The Rep spoke about Release Details on DVDs and answered many of the other fans questions on Case Closed, Fullmetal Alchemist, Tenchi GXP and other Funimation titles.

I have prepared a special page on the FUNimation reps question and answer session because there is just too much info for the main page. Click Here to view the talkback session. The reason I did this is so that non members of the AS.com forum can also have access to this data.


Here is some of the highlights form the "Ask FUNimation Thread". Funimation is definitely planning on bringing the Case Closed movies to the U.S. market, starting with "The Time Bombed Skyscraper" and "The Fourteenth Target." No specific dates yet, and the production schedule is still being finalized. Currently they are working with Adult Swim to get the 350+ episodes on the air. Also the title was changed due to legal issues. It was decided, with input from FUNi's Japanese business partners, that "Case Closed" was the title for the U.S. market. Plus, the Name changes were chosen for the U.S. mass market. The original version (names, kanji and everything) is available on DVD.”

Informer: [adult swim] -- Sam.

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-Subject: FUNimation At Comc Con.
   Monday, July 19, 2004 @ 11:07 -=- By {-Sam-}
       - FUNimation Productions, Ltd., the foremost producer and distributor of anime in North America, will be at San Diego Comic-Con International 2004 to promoteing their latest and greatest titles. Its from From July 22nd to July 25th in San Diego, California, over 75,000 people will attend Comic-Con International 2004.

FUNimation industry panel is From 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm in Room 9 on Saturday, July 24th, They've announced a lot of titles this year. Be sure to get all the latest news on titles like Fullmetal Alchemist, Case Closed, Dragon Ball GT, Tenchi Muyo! GXP and more. Be sure to check out the screening of Blue Gender - The Warrior movie Saturday night at 10:35 in Room 25A. Blue Gender - The Warrior will be available in stores Tuesday, July 20th. Here are the dates, places and times to view FUNimation shows. Please consult the onsite Events Guide and the signs outside rooms 24BC, 25A and 25BC for updated information.

Thursday Room 25A 2:10 p.m. Dragon Ball GT 5:05 p.m. Kiddy Grade

Room 25B&C 12:30 p.m. Fruits Basket

Friday Room 24B & C 5:30 p.m. Tenchi Muyo GXP

Room 25A 2:10 p.m. Dragon Ball GT 5:05 p.m. Kiddy Grade

Room 25B&C 12:30 p.m. Fruits Basket

Saturday Room 24B & C 5:30 p.m. Tenchi Muyo GXP

Room 25A 2:10 p.m. Yu Yu Hakusho 5:05 p.m. Kiddy Grade 10:35 p.m. Blue Gender Movie - The Warrior

Room 25B&C 12:30 p.m. Fruits Basket

Sunday Room 25A 2:00 p.m. Yu Yu Hakusho -- Sam.

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-Subject: A Minor DBZ News Report on the upcomming DBZ Movie 9 Bojack: Unbound.
   Monday, July 19, 2004 @ 10:38 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -Official Site is currently featuring a special flash page for the upcoming release of Dragonball Z Movie 9 Bojack: Unbound, which is scheduled to hit store on August 17th, 2004. The flash page for movie 9 features: wallpapers, screenshots, story preview, trailers, and detailed character biographies for fans to enjoy.

Fans can also occupy themselves by voting for their favorite DBZ characters in an online tournament. Each week the characters with the most votes will move on to the next round. The character with the most fan-based votes will be declared the champion. You can vote more than once if you wish. The Champion will be announced on 8/17/04 the day the movie is scheduled to hit the streets. Click Here and be teleported to the "Bojack" movie 9 flash site. -- Sam.

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-Subject: Last Weeks Major Anime News.
   Monday, July 19, 2004 @ 8:48 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -Hi, guys. Sorry for this LATE news update. I was only able to get online a few times last week, because I was on vacation enjoying myself. :) So I couldn't updated the news section much. Don't worry folks I'll list the major news announcements from last week below. I'm sure this is old news for you guys so bare with me.

1. FUNi's Slip-up, on the 'DBGT Starter Set' but your mini-posters are on the way! - According to the official DBGT site FUNImation did not enclose the highly anticipated limited edition autographed mini-poster, with a number of the new DBGT Lost Episodes Starter Sets. If you happen to pick up one of the incorrect sets FUNimation will compensating by giving you 2 of the autograph mini-posters instead of 1, plus an uncut DVD Volume of Yu Yu Hakusho and return of your DBGT box spacer. All you gota do is mail your Starter Set's special "box spacer" or your store receipt along with your name and mailing address to the following address:

FUNimation Productions, Ltd. /
DBGT Mini Poster Redemption
PO Box 27129
Anaheim, CA 92809-0104

2. Second Gantz TV series Confirmed for Japanese TV - They say that the 2nd season of Gantz will premiere on Japanese Network AT-X on August 26th, 2004. Informer: ANN

3. U.S. Theatrical Movie Premiere of Inuyasha's 1st Movie: Love that Transcends Time - VIZ formally announced the North American theatrical premiere of Inuyasha: Affections Touching Across Time at the Comic-Con 2004, to be held July 22 to 25 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. The movie is also playing for FREE only in certain cities. Check viz.com for more info. Informer: AoD

4. Funimation Schedules New Titles to be Released this Fall - FUNimation has revealed that Shaman King DVD volumes 1 & 2 will be released on October 19th, and the Sakura Taisen: Sumire OAV will be released on October 26th.

Oh btw if any of you are interested a new Fullmetal Alchemist movie will be released in Japanese theaters in Summer 2005. For more info go to ANN

OG the new layout you made looks nice, but could use a few adjustments. Personally I don't know how long I can tolerate this layout, lol. You should have waited to open the site and worked on it a little more. Anyways I don't care about the layout, I'll just do my job of post news for now. Well folks that about sums it all up for last week's news. I only try to cover news that ordinary anime fans would like to hear about. For more detailed anime news go to ANN they got it all. -- Sam.

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-Subject: Hey People
   Sunday, July 18, 2004 @ 6:24 -=- By {-Otaku Goku-}
       -Like The Layout?
Lol, anyway i will be making some sections work just give me some time and brandon is working on getting the other content up while working on the layout some more also, please dont ask for affiliation right now...we are not ready to accept anyone at the moment we are trying to get everything working first

Thanks,
Otaku Goku! -- Otaku Goku.

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-Subject: "Anime" gets a little exposure on Conan O'Brien again.
   Friday, July 16, 2004 @ 10:11 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -Uptade: - I just caught the re-run of the Conan O'Brien episode. Pierre Bernard basically just sits on this comfortable recliner and complains about Cowboy Bebop being removing from CN's 12:30 am EST line-up and being replaced with Case Closed. After he criticized Case Closed, he said that AS should replace it with Sakura Diaries, Amazing Nurse Nanako, or Bubblegum Crisis. But while describing the anime Bubblegum Crisis Bernard made a little boo boo. He said it's about police men while the show itself is about 4 female officers, and not men. After that comment I don't think he's really is an anime fan. They just put that in the script so the show draws more attention through anime fans. If you missed the show then go to ASF and download the movie clip for it.

ANN reported today that - "A segment called Pierre Bernard's Recliner of Rage, on the Late Night Conan O'Brien's show on NBC mentioned Adult Swim and a number of other anime shows this evening. Bernard complained about AS replacing Cowboy Bebop with Case Closed, explaining that he liked Cowboy Bebop in its time slot because the music is soothing and good for sleeping. He then said they should put on Sakura Diaries, Amazing Nurse Nanako, or Bubblegum Crisis. This episode will repeat tomorrow evening and Monday on Comedy Central." The show comes on at 12:30 AM, but Check your local TV listing for what time the show re-runs air. Well this is great because Anime gets just a little more exposure on another major US channel. Late Night with Conan O'Brien is probably one of the best latenight shows and the show pulls in good ratings. I'm just going to sit back & watch as anime becomes one othe the major forms of entertainment in the States. Yeah! -- Sam.

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-Subject: Anime is now considered a form of mainstream entertainment in the U.S.?
   Monday, July 12, 2004 @ 11:42 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -According to NPR, an international news provider on national and local radio stations – Anime has become one of the hippest elements in American pop culture. Anime has finally reached mainstream in the US because it influences a lot of US movies and TV programs (e.g. Matrix, Kill Bill). The Anime business (worth $4 Billion) in the US is growing so fast that no one can even keep track of it. The audio commentary from NPR Day to Day News can be downloaded here.

Animation critic and historian Charles Solomon talks about the growing popularity of Japanese animation, known as anime, in the United States. “Japanese animation or anime has become one of the hippest elements in American popular culture. Kids are playing Yu-Gi-Oh and Beyblade. While there older siblings are watching Cowboy Bebop, Trigun and Spirited Away. Last weeks anime convention in CA the Anime Expo 2004 drew more than 25,000 anime fans. But for many adults anime is a mystery” …

…“15 years ago anime was the realm of hardcore fanatics who played and traded bootleg Japanese tapes. Today it is one of the most vitally going areas of popular entertainment in the States. There are a dozens of new titles appearing every month. The entire anime industry in US (including, Hove Video, DVD, TV, Merchandise, Toys, and licensing combined) is about $4.3 billion dollars.” …

…“In America animation is mainly being used for humors cartoons and children’s entertainment. In Japan animation can be used for any subject and to tell any kind of story. It varies in time from children’s favorites Pokemon and Beyblade to the tragic sci-fi comedy of Trigun.” …

…“Anime has become an important element of American pop culture, influencing the TV programs from the matrix movies to Kill Bill and the power puff girls. The anime business in the US is growing so fast that no one can even keep track of it…”

Informers: Digital Design News / NPR (National/Local Radio News) -- Sam.

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-Subject: Sony launches Hindi animation channel
   Sunday, July 11, 2004 @ 2:14 -=- By {-Otaku Goku-}
       -WE ARE RETURNING THE 15th OF JULY!!!! w00t

(news Below)
Arjuna and his brothers may have gone into battle with his cousins in The Mahabharata, but in Animax, the animation channel launched by Sony Pictures Entertainment this week, he’s helping out a young Japanese girl named Juna Ariyoshi.

Armed with bow and arrow, she saves the earth from evil demons called “rajas”. It’s the sole Indian touch to Animax’s 24-hour programming of anime – the distinct Japanese style of animation — but you won’t hear children complaining.

Eleven-year-old Gaurav Noronha has already heard of Animax at school, even though his cable guy in Kurla still has to tune it in. “I like Japanese cartoons — the samurais.

They jump high and the sword fighting is good,” says Gaurav, who has collected 140 Pokemon cards over time.

Anime already swept the world through the little yellow mouse Pikachu in the Pokemon movies, but now there’s buzz about it even succeeding Western animation.

One of Japan’s largest movie grosser Spirited Away was dubbed for a worldwide release, even winning at the 2001 Berlin Film Festival. Club anthem One More Time (Daft Punk) had Japanese animation and Gorillaz actually made three anime music videos.

Plus, Quentin Tarantino’s fourth film Kill Bill Volume 1 last year broke into an anime sequence, done by Japanese company Production IG, for Oren Ishi’s flashback.

Tarantino got so hooked during its making, he’s reportedly telling the prequel to Kill Bill in a full-length anime feature.

In comparison, anime here has been restricted to stray programmes on Cartoon Network (Gaurav is already hooked to Samurai Jack).

“I think that anime’s popularity is well-demonstrated by the power of Pokemon that has even held sway in India,” says Sony Pictures Entertainment’s vice-president Betty Tsui, “Animax will feature programmes a lot better than even Pokemon — it’s the perfect vehicle.”

For now, its programming has a 12-hour Hindi dub, but the channel plans to launch a 24-hour Hindi Animax as well.

Among the hot favourites in Animax Asia already are Astroboy (a repackaged cult TV series) and Cyborg Kurochan, a robotic cat that foils the attempts of an evil, but inept inventor Dr Goal.

It also has Princess Sarah based on A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett and Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. All of them feature anime’s strong features — huge eyes, triangular faces and lip movements not synchronised to the sound.

“It’s a cultivated taste. For those brought up on Disney, anime’s a bit difficult to get used to,” says Ram Mohan, India’s pioneer in animation, “I have doubts about it being accepted, at least short-term, in India.”

Mohan should know. He collaborated with Japanese animators to create the Ramayana series in 1992-94. “It did have a slight influence of anime. I had to redraw all the initial characters so that they would look more acceptable to us.”

Anime does have its critics. It has been deemed violent (especially in its contemptuous treatment of women), full of sex, with bewildering titles (Clamp School, D T Eightron, Ultra Maniac) and promoting a hungry consumerist culture through its excessive merchandising — seen through the Pokemon cards.

“Teenagers felt that cartoons were for kids, but they can now relate to anime through its science fiction themes,” points out Mohan.

Animax also has specific programming for teens through series like Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex about cyborgs and D T Eightron, where a group of kids explore a desert-like world post-Apocalypse.

“We’ve selected a balance of programming, that starts at age 7 to 24. Critics have a biased perception of anime,” clarifies Tsui.

Anime is also considered jerky and staccato, but this Mohan puts down as a positive. By doing only one drawing per four frames instead of one per frame, anime is actually far less time-consuming and inexpensive than your average Disney.

It’s definitely seizing over world animation through its pop culture and comic book feel. Mohan already knows what he’d like to see of anime on Indian screens.

“Miyazaki’s (Hazuo) films in a serial form,” referring to the maker of Spirited Away, about a girl who plunges into a Wonderland-like place in a deserted amusement park where a witch runs a spa!

For now, though, Animax’s wonder cat, teenage sleuths, Arjuna-backed Juna and next-gen Samurais will do.
-- Otaku Goku.

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-Subject: Whats This....AHHHH!!!!
   Sunday, July 11, 2004 @ 5:44 -=- By {-Otaku Goku-}
       -July 15th 2004 Mark Ur Calenders! Saiyanz Rage RETURNS! -- Otaku Goku.

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-Subject: 'STELLVIA' Anime Soundtrack Coming Soon
   Sunday, July 11, 2004 @ 5:35 -=- By {-Otaku Goku-}
       -Another anime soundtrack release from Geneon Anime Music, is the first original soundtrack to the still yet to be distributed anime Uchuu no Stelvia. Find yourself with this great sense of audio style and prepare yourself for the anime release in future weeks with the sounds of Stellvia to the action, adventure and science-fiction television series. There also happens to be a complete music video featuring Stellvia music and animation available to view as well!

A wonderfully large and extremely fantastic collection of songs and themes for the up and coming release of the science fiction drama Uchuu no Stellvia, the original Japanese animation soundtrack Stellvia Original Soundtrack CD: Sound Wave of Stellvia is a great assortment of music. Perfectly complimenting the anime series as yet to be distributed by Geneon Entertainment, this original soundtrack contains beautiful instrumentals, solemn vocals, and much more. "Sound Wave of Stellvia" will give anime fans something to enthrall themselves in until the cosmic action and drama series arrives.

It should also be noted that for an--as of now--unknown amount of time, fans who go to the "Multimedia" section of Geneon Entertainment's Anime Music website will be able to view a music video featuring music from the Stellvia Original Soundtrack.

With many of the tracks as composed by experienced and all around wise composer Seikou Nagaoka, the OST for Stellvia is surely a work of art. A highly anticipated listen for those interested in the anime series and also for those who just like to hear some good tunes, this compact disc holds more than forty tracks and is over one hour and fifteen minutes in length! Scheduled to arrive within the first week of August on the 3rd for a simple $14.98, the Stellvia Original Soundtrack CD: Sound Wave of Stellvia includes the introduction song "Brilliant Road to Tomorrow" and both ending themes to the anime as well, which are "Beautiful Night Sky" and "The End of the World." Other great tracks on this original soundtrack include "Elegant Wings," "Destination Unknown" and "Premonition of a Breeze." Geneon Music's release of this soundtrack with works from Nagaoka will resonate with fans of anime music from classic shows such as Tenchi Muyo! and Dual: Parallel Trouble Adventure. Stay tuned to Animation Insider for release information concerning the anime itself, Stellvia, as to be distributed by Geneon Entertainment. -- Otaku Goku.

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-Subject: Opening Date News
   Saturday, July 10, 2004 @ 2:07 -=- By {-Otaku Goku-}
       -Well,
I know i havent been on here lately but, Ive been thinking on a opening date, I think the 15th is a good day to open, but i havent been able to get on the comp much, nor get a old of SzR, Busy Life, anyway If your reading this Brandon E-mail me.

Ive been working hard lately then gettting on Ps2 to Play FFXI, and if any of you fans play it, im on the Gligamesh Server or something sort of that name lol, it a fun game to play if you like a MMORPG, the game costs(with the 40gig hdd) 99.00$ so i fyou have a ps2 get that, or if you want get it for the computer it may cost more,

Then buying it for ps2, it may be less who knows...i dont, June 30th i went to go see SP-M2 and i must say, it was pretty good some people have bad opinions on it...but i didnt listen to them, i went anyways a few days ago i went to buy the GUNGRAVE BOX, and i failed to watch the DVD yet, So i will get to that soon enough, Sam told me it was a pretty good Anime , like trigun in some ways, so i said ill watch it, i seen the first ep RAW, but not subbed, so ill have to watch the SUBB One on the dvd hehe.

July 15, my 19th Brithday...thats why i want to open szr then. But i doubt we will be ready then, once i talk to Sam and Brandon i will know more, and if and when i do get news on it ill let you all know whats up. i know im going to the club on the 15th(Friday) so ill be out having fun once again!! xD

My Brother is getting shipped to Afghan soon so i wish him luck. I guess i made this post long enough, i know it wont compare to Morriks rants LOL!! all you oldbies know what im talking about(KNVegeta) any way thats all from the OG!

LOVE & PEACE! -- Otaku Goku.

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-Subject: InuYasha's Movie premier date on Cartoon Network DELAYED!
   Saturday, July 10, 2004 @ 4:59 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -It was previously announced by CN that InuYasha 1st Movie: The Love that Transcends Time will premier on CN's Adult Swim on October 23, 2004; But the premier date has been moved back to Spring 2005.

Here's the Offcial word from the Adult Swim Site - "Due to a miscommunication in regards to the amount of time that is required to pass between the DVD release of InuYasha: The Love that Transcends Time and its airing, the previously announced date of October 23 for Adult Swim's airing of the feature will be pushed back. Instead, it will premiere in the Spring of 2005. We understand how disappointing this is for InuYasha fans, but these were circumstances beyond our control. Premieres of InuYasha will continue to air on Saturdays at 12 a.m., with weekday reruns at 12:30 a.m."

Informer: Adult Swim -- Sam.

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-Subject: GW Bush Campain Ads Includes Anime Character? ^_^ Wolfwood Vs. Bush
   Thursday, July 8, 2004 @ 11:45 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -Please Click Here to view the new Offical GW Bush "Yakuza" TV Commercial featuring the anime character from Trigun; Nicholas D. Wolfwood. or Go to georgewbush.com Click on "Yakuza" under TV ads. ("Yakuza" means mob or gang in Japanese).

Our current president G. W. Bush’s latest campaign TV ad is using an anime character to illustrate that John Kerry talked on the war with Japan but has not about the war on terrorism in the Middle East in his book. The anime character in the Bush's commercial is Wolfwood from Trigun. Wolfwood is portrayed in the same pose as this Trigun image (to the right) holding a gun. The original can be seen here. The only thing changed was the expression on Wolfwood's face. Personally, I can’t believe that GW Bush is using anime character in his campaign ads.

Also, you click on the picture to the right for a bigger image. Probably the reason Bush chose to use Wolfwood from Trigun is because Wolfwood is a priest - Holy Man and yet he still kills people. This commercial is real funny and amusing please download it from the official Bush site. Also after the commercial was released and aired on TV, John Kerry made a statement about the commercial, which can be viewed here.

There are probably a lot of question you might ask like: Is Bush paying Geneon for using Wolfwood's image on the ad? Does the Ad violate copyright laws? What does creator Nightow think about it? Frankly I don’t know all the answers.

Informer: Official GeorgeWBush.com -- Sam.

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-Subject: A very interesting rumor about the Live Action Movie.
   Wednesday, July 7, 2004 @ 1:34 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -According to the July issue of Teen People Magazine, it says that ‘Tom Welling’ is hoping to land the role of Goku in the upcoming live-action Dragonball Z movie. Tom Welling is a dude who plays superman on a show called Smallville. This news has also been rumored on Smallville fan sites for a few months as well. If anyone can double-check this info and confirm this news it will be much appreciated. Thanks!

Informer: Pojo -- Sam.

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-Subject: 'Made in Japan' trademark to fight anime piracy.
   Tuesday, July 6, 2004 @ 10:24 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -An online Japanese Newspaper site MDN reports that 38 Japanese entertainment companies are set to introduce a new "Made in Japan" trademark in a attempt to allow Law Officials to crack down on pirated anime products. Companies are supposed to stick the seal to the packages of their anime products to make it easy to distinguish genuine products from pirated ones. We don't exactly know how the trademark seal will look, yet. But an online anime fan seams to think the "Made in Japan" trademark might look something like this picture to the right.

Moreover, this organization will take measures to prevent pirates from counterfeiting the trademark.

However, a massive number of pirated contents are circulating in the markets of China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and other Asian countries. About 2.1 trillion yen ($19 billion US dollars) worth of pirated contents are sold in China each year, while about 140 billion yen ($1 billion dollars) worth of counterfeited contents are sold in both Hong Kong and Taiwanese markets. Some of it might be anime products, but the pirated stuff includes japanese movies, manga, video games, books, cds, anime shows etc.. The bootleg market in Asian countries are ridiculous and bootleggers are making a lot of money. The "Made in Japan" trademark seal can be good news for some and really bad news for others. We report you decide!

Informers: Mainichi / ANN

QUICK EDIT: The picture to the right is probably a better depiction of what the logo might look like. -- Sam.

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-Subject: The New Official Gungrave Site!!
   Tuesday, July 6, 2004 @ 1:01 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -As many of you might know I'm a big Nightow fan [creator of Trigun, Gungrave]. This post is just to remind all the other Nightow fans out there that; The first Gungrave DVD called "Beyond the Grave" will be released tomorrow, July 6th, 2004. Collecter's DVD Box with Vol. 1 is also avaiable. If your looking for some real good Mafia Gun-Action I highly recommend this series. I'm sure Geneon Animation will do a good job with the dub because they handled the Trigun dub really well. This DVD is probably one of the most awaited DVDs because Gungrave already has a strong fan base due to the Gungrave PS2 game. Also, all you music lovers, the Gungrave “righthead” CD OST hits the streets the same day July 6. Anyways, they have an offical badass flash site over at www.GungraveDVD.com. Go there from more info.

::> A Follow-up on OG's last post: Yes!, Majesco Games has signed a contract with Funimation which gives them the right to release only Dragonball GT games for GBA. Note, DBGT is a diffrent title name than DBZ. If you are concerned about the reliability of this source please read the Official press release here. -- Sam.

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-Subject: Some Good DBZ/GT News
   Monday, July 5, 2004 @ 9:28 -=- By {-Otaku Goku-}
       -Atari may control DBZ, but Majesco's got their own Dragon Ball GT action going on.

While Atari makes the most out of their license for the popular anime series Dragonball Z, Majesco is making a play of its own.

The company signed a deal with the folks at FUNimation Productions to release a number of games on the Game Boy Advance in the US based on the Dragon Ball GT license. No specific titles were yet announced, but the first game in the deal is expected later this year.

"We are thrilled to partner with FUNimation to bring the extremely successful Dragon Ball GT(R) property to our Game Boy Advance Video lineup," said Jesse Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Majesco. "Having achieved retail sell-in of more than two million units for our initial offerings, we're confident that such a highly recognizable property as Dragon Ball GT will continue that momentum into the back half of the year, and beyond."

Source: Dave of Amars DBZN -- Otaku Goku.

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-Subject: More Licensed Anime
   Sunday, July 4, 2004 @ 10:18 -=- By {-SzR-}
       -ADV Films announced 14 new anime licenses at their panel today, these are:

Maburaho
Hello Kitty Animation Theatre
Saiyuki: Requiem
Yumeria
Legend of Moby Dick
Tree of Palme
Detective Loki
Erementar Gerad
Nanaka 6/17
Area 88 tv
Gilgamesh
Tactics
Gravion Zwei
Elfen Lied
Moeyo Ken
Gantz

Gantz I have known about for sometime through a source at ADV. I had actually posted it but was told to basicly remove it until the announcement could be made.

A Lot of Licensing is going on.... You are all aware of Naruto's popularity and I am sure these Companies do to. So what's the wait for companies like FUNimation, ADV and the like to license a hit anime like Naruto. Well take a look and when these titles get licensed, almost near the end of their run on TV in Japan. Naruto seems to be coming to that point. I will keep my ears and eyes open and let you know ASAP. -- SzR.

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-Subject: News from Funimation Panel at Anime Expo 2004
   Sunday, July 4, 2004 @ 7:38 -=- By {-Sam-}
       -Here is some licensing news you might want to hear. Funimation announced that they have licenses two two new anime titles Burst Angel and Tenchi Muyou OVA 3. Also here is the scoop on the new animes comming out this Fall 2004. Spiral will be coming out in Nov 9. There is a tentative Fruits Baskets Box Set out on November 9th Full Metal Alchemist will be released January 18, and there will be something special with the volume 1 and box. November 6, 2004 @ 11:00 PM/EST is currently the premier date for Full Metal Alchemist on Cartoon Network. At Otakon, Funi and Tofu will be holding a special event due to L'arc en Ciel being there. Funi also showed a bunch of trailers, which inluded the opening for Gunslinger Girls and some Tenchi Muyo OVA.

Informer: Anime On Dvd -- Sam.

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-Subject: Akira and GITS Multiplayer Game
   Thursday, July 1, 2004 @ 6:12 -=- By {-SzR-}
       -Akira and Ghost in the Shell fans wanting to spread the lead in the world popularised by those movies should keep tabs on Neotokyo. Its a multiplayer FPS mod for Half-Life 2 and UT2004, set 25 years into the future in Akira's Tokyo. Neotokyto is a desperate place: man and machine melding, and the world is wracked by massive social problems. The rich accrue power with abandon, the poor are more exploited than ever. And as we know from Akira, teen angst has taken on a brutal, paranormal strength of its own.

Against this dystopic background, the Neotokyo team are developing a team multiplayer mash-up. They're also promising "innovotive gameplay modes in the spirit of the universe Neotokyo." No word on what those modes will be, but with Sources spectacular physics and Akiras telekinetic powers, there's every chance we could see some brutal online psychic battles. An alpha version of the UT2004 strand of the mod will be released imminently, so we'll know soon enough if the modders are on the right track.

The modders' strong visual style has particually caught our imagination. What's more, their aesthetic should satisfy fans of the series without stepping on the toes of the original creators by not including any of the original characters.

Source: PC Gamer Magazine C/O Sean Wilkins -- SzR.

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