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May 13 – Site Update - Posted By Hisaishi
Anime News of the Week (5/5 - 5/11)
Doraemon To Receive First American TV Run
Disney has announced that the first American television run of the anime Doraemon will take place on its Disney XD channel. This comes 44 years after Fujiko Fujio first penned the original iconic manga. The run will adapt and use 26 episodes of the series, which began in 2005. XD previously ran Naruto Shippūden before broadcast rights went to Toonami. Link
Animator Suicide Deemed Overworking Related
According to a report filed by Shinjuku’s office of labor, overworking was the cause of a 2010 suicide that occurred in animation studio A-1 Pictures. The staff member had posted a time card reading upwards of 20-hour workdays in the days leading to his death. The lawyer representing the victim's family reacted to the news by filing a statement regarding the harsh conditions of the industry and the need for change. Link
The Alpha and Omega
In a long awaited announcement from Nintendo, it was confirmed that the Pokémon 2003 Gen III titles Ruby and Sapphire would receive new incarnations. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire look to benefit from the recent advances that titles like X and Y brought to the series, as well as online modes. The games premiere this November.
Voice Actor Arrested
Texas police arrested 41 year-old voice actor Illich Guardiola for the sexual assault of a 16 year-old drama student he taught in Houston. According to reports, the two had a long term physical relationship that included a recent Las Vegas wedding. Guardiola is known for his extensive anime resume throughout the 2000’s and recently voiced of Keno in Hakkenden. Link
Japan Lets it Go
Disney’s Frozen, with a overall take of 15.9 billion yen as of May 6, is now claiming Japanese box office records. It took the spot as the highest grossing 3D stereoscopic film, surpassing 2009’s Avatar. Additionally, it surpassed Hayao Miyazaki’s Ponyo to become the 8th highest grossing film in Japanese cinema history. However, it would need to double that to top the highest grosser, 2001's Spirited Away (30.4 billion yen).
38th Kodansha Manga Awards Presented
The 38th Kodansha Manga Awards were held on Thursday. Celebrating quality manga series of recent memory by a jury of peers, the winners are as followed:
Best Children’s Manga: Yokai Watch
Best Shonen Manga: Baby Steps
Best Shoujo Manga: Taiyō no Ie
Best General Manga: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinchū
Patema Inverted Dub Cast Announced
Thanks in part to generous donators on Kickstarter, the anime film Patema Inverted will see a Collector’s Edition during the home release. As thanks, the official cast was revealed prior to a theatrical run. The cast includes Michael Sinterniklaas, Cassandra Lee Morris, Bill Lader, and Richard Epcar. Expect a late 2014 American theater release. Link
The Devil is a Part-Timer! Dub Cast Announced
FUNimation announced the English cast for 2013’s fantasy sitcom The Devil is a Part-Timer!. The cast includes Josh Grelle, Felecia Angelle, Anthony Bowling, Aaron Dismuke, and Tia Ballard. Look for this devilish title on July 22.
Conan Meets Another Match
Detective Conan creator Gosho Aoyama announced that his diminutive detective would once again appear in a crossover. The sleuth has worked previously with anime’s greatest thief Arsene Lupin III in a 2009 television special and 2013 film. It is unclear who will be his foil this time around. Link
Democracy Meets Mecha
During his tour of Europe, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made sure to see a familiar sight. The Neon Genesis Evangelion touring sword exhibit, which is currently located at Paris’ Japan Cultural Institute. In a statement, Abe made note of France’s love for anime, and its showcasing of “Japan’s strengths and…growth.” Link
Attack of the ‘90s
Film company Lionsgate has announced a partnership with Saban Brands to bring a new live-action film in the Power Rangers canon. The film will draw inspiration from the 1990’s series Mighty Morhpin’ Power Rangers. This marks the first time since 1997’s Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie that the series will be adapted for the big screen. Link
Taking Flight Once Again
As announced in the magazine Monthly Afternoon, manga-ka Kenji Tsuruta will resume his series Bōken Electriciteit-tō after a hiatus that began last year. The series follows Mikura, an ace pilot who with the help of her cat discovers the lost island of Electriciteit following the passing of her grandfather. The series began in 2010 and moved to Monthly Afternoon in 2012. Link
By The Light of The Moon
The manga-ka duo under the name Akira Himekawa is best known for adaptations of previous works, be it The Legend of Zelda or My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Now, digital distributor Animaru has launched their first original series. Yuana and the Silver Moon follows a Native American in his journeys through the spirit world and the lessons he learns about his own life. Link
Of Names and Notes
Feel Young magazine have launched two new series by manga-ka Shihoko Shimura and Kiko Urino. Shimura’s Naduke Somu follows a society in which children are named after the first gift they receive, altering the chances for future success. Urino’s Drama Sells follows a television screenwriter who writes a love story at the expense of his livelihood. Link
The Barrel Runs Dry
Morning magazine has announced the end of Tadashi Agi and Shū Okimoto’s series The Drops of God. The series, which began in 2005, told the story of the son of a deceased wine critic and the inheritance that is promised to him and his newfound stepbrother. The series was lauded internationally for its portrayal of sommeliers and was key in boosting wine sales in Japan, with magazine Decanter calling it "the most influential wine publication for the past 20 years". Link
Nintendo Taps New Sources
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata relayed plans for the struggling company. In addition to creating new products and marketing strategies, Nintendo seeks to become a strong force in China, which recently lifted a 13-year ban on video games. Additionally, he reiterated that they would not be creating games for any and all smartphone platforms. Link
Legendary Thief Steals the Show
As part of their 100th season, the Takarazuka Revue theatrical company will adapt the world of Lupin III for the stage. This marks the first time the series will receive a musical adaptation. Takarazuka previously used the titular character in a parody series titled “95 TCA Special Maniac Takarazuka”. Link
Anime Releases
- Persona 4 The Animation - Complete Collection DVD (English)
- Aria the Origination - Collection [Litebox] DVD (Japanese)
- Fusé: Memories of a Huntress - Film Blu-Ray [Premium Edition] (Japanese)
- Space Adventure Cobra - Part 2 DVD (Japanese)
Manga Releases
- Bleach [3-in-1 Edition] Volume 8
- Claymore Volume 24
- Gantz Volume 31
- High School Debut [3-in-1 Edition] Volume 2
- Mayo Chiki!! Volume 6
- Midnight Secretary Volume 5
- Monster Musume Volume 3
- Naruto [3-in-1 Edition] Volume 8
- Nisekoi: False Love - What's in a Name? Volume 3
- Otomen Volume 18
- Phantom Thief Jeanne Volume 2
- Pokémon Adventures - Ruby and Sapphire Volume 22
- Psyren Volume 16
- Ranma 1/2 [2-in-1 Edition] Volume 2
- Strobe Edge Volume 10
- Trigun Maximum [Omnibus] Volume 3
- Vampire Knight Volume 10
- Zero's Familiar: Chevalier Volume 1
Video Game Releases
- Bound by Flame (PS3/PS4/360) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Killer is Dead (PC) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Peggle 2 (360) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Supreme Ruler 1936 (PC) (USA/EU/AUS)
- The Last Tinker: City of Colors (PC) (USA/EU/AUS)
