Anime Fans Online

The news of the Tokyopop restructuring was a big surprise for me. From the outside looking in, everything seemed to be going great for the manga publisher. They release a tremendous about of titles and have a large and active website.

Digital or Dead Tree?

That seems to be how things are breaking down. The company is splitting into a manga publisher and an online publisher. That makes sense. Even if the dead trees stop selling, some part of Tokyopop may survive. It leaves me with a question though.

How closely will the 2 companies be working?

When it was one company it made sense that their own online community would be the place to find digital Tokyopop stuff. Will that be changing now? Will the online community start offering digital versions of titles that Tokyopop Inc, the dead tree publisher, doesn’t have? What about the other way around? Could we see digital versions of Tokyopop titles on other websites?

I’m rooting for Tokyopop, no matter how this shakes out.

Manga, News, Opinion, Tokyopop, Online, Community

Technical difficulties have made things pretty hard on a lot of us at 451 Press. Not the least of which is the head honcho. Problems with the server have made it close to impossible to get posts up on time or even at all lately.

I hope that is going to change soon. That’s about the best I can do, hope. I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to finish writing this post before I get an error message.

There are some signs that things will be improving though. I don’t want to talk to much about it. I’d hate to get fired for letting you know that things will be improving soon. 0o

I want to thank you for sticking around while things have been slow, and sometimes just plain weird. I appreciate your patience with us.

Thank you.

For details on the (bad) news check out Anime News Network’s post.

Looks like there’s a new and exciting way of making movies n Hollywood. You just find something that’s popular overseas, then cut a deal to remake it. It doesn’t even have to be a good remake. All it needs is a recognizable name on the poster. It’s worked really well for horror movies. Now it’s anime’s turn.

Yes, it looks like the same people that brought us The Grudge have gotten their little claws on Death Note. I can only hope that it’s treated with all the respect it deserves. It won’t be, but I can hope.

In that spirit, I’d like to start up another Casting Call.

Death Note Casting Call

Rules for Free Manga

1. This Casting Call ends June 30, 2008.
2. Cast the full list.
3. Leave a real, valid, E-Mail address so I can find out where to send your manga if you’re selected.

Right now I’m leaning towards asking for humor casting or even the worst cast possible. So which one you decide to do is up to you.

You can cast any of the characters you want to, but there is a list of characters you need to cast to be in the running for free manga. I’ll keep the list short this time. Here is the list of characters I’d like to see cast.

The List

• Light
• L
• Ryuk
• Misa

Cast each of these to be in the running for some grab bag style free manga.

I’m looking forward to seeing who you’d cast.

Anime, Manga, News, Opinion, Contests, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Live Action, Death Note, Movies, Cast, Casting, Light, L, Ryuk

Crunchyroll is streaming Welcome to the NHK now. Check out the post on AnimeNewsNetwork for the details.

Looks like official anime streams are catching on. I couldn’t be happier about that. I can’t wait until other companies catch on that this is a great way to promote their titles.

I checked out the first 2 episodes to get an idea of what we can look forward to. I’m impressed. The streaming video was offered in a couple of different qualities. The basic quality looked great in my opinion. The videos can be enlarged as well, so it’s not like you’re trying to watch the episode on a postage stamp.

I have a couple of gripes with it, but it’s just nit-picking. ADV and Crunchyroll have done a great job with the first 2 episodes. If they don’t screw up later then this should be good for everyone.

Anime, Online, News, ADV, Welcome to the NHK, Crunchyroll, Streaming, Video

Anime News Network reported that anime company Gonzo will be streaming some of thier new titles. Not only that, but those titles will be subbed in English. Check out the story for the details.

Why is this a big deal?

That’s easy. This is a big deal because this gives fans of anime outside of Japan a way to see the new stuff without turning to fansubs. As great as some fansubs are, they’re still illegal.

Why am I writing about this?

There are a couple of reasons that I’m pointing out this tidbit of news. The simplest reason is because it’s cool. This is good news. I hope Gonzo has tons of success with this. If they do well with this, then other anime companies might do the same.

The other reason I wanted to talk about this is because of a post I wrote back in November. In that post I talked about how anime companies can reduce piracy. One of the things I mention is simultaneously streaming the anime with subtitles.

It’s no secret that the first company to get their product on the shelves has a huge advantage. The same principle applies here. Gonzo is providing an official version of the anime a lot quicker than even the fastest fansub groups. That alone will probably do a lot for Gonzo’s reputation.

All of this leads me to a question.

Will you watch Gonzo’s anime online?

I’d really like to find out what you think about this. Will you be checking out the anime that Gonzo releases online? Is Gonzo on the right track? Do you think other anime companies will start doing this?

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Anime, News, Opinion, Online, Gonzo, Subtitle, Fansub, Fan Sub

Anime News Network posted a piece of news the other day that sounds awfully familiar. This really give me some hope. Part of the strategy I recommend for dealing with illegal fansubs is being proposed to the anime industry by Masakazu Kubo.

One Small Step…

This could be the first step towards the anime industry and the anime fans working together to benefit everyone. I still believe that a system like the one I proposed would work. The anime companies that build that system would be the forerunners of a media revolution that could change everything, not just anime.

What if you could sit down and watch your favorite anime not months after it was originally broadcast, but days. Sure you can do that now by watching fansubs, but when you do it you’re killing the industry that makes the shows you love. What if there was an official, and legal, way to do that? What if it contains commercials? Would you watch it, or would you turn to a P2P network for a fansub?

Given the choice, I’d support the anime creators by watching the official one. I believe the majority of anime fans would do the same.

Getting Ahead Of Myself

I know, that’s wishful thinking right now. I don’t even know how that proposal went over. Masakazu Kubo could have pissed off a lot of people by suggesting that the anime industry approach fansubbers. I can’t imagine how it wouldn’t shock people who have worked so hard to shut down fansubs. A lot of great ideas inspire anger in the beginning. I’m sure this one will be no different.

There is another thing that great ideas inspire… hope.

Anime, Online, News, Masakazu Kubo, Opinion, Fan Sub, Fansubs, Fansubbers, Streaming Anime, Piracy, Anime Piracy, Stop Piracy, Free Anime, TV, Online TV

According to a post on AnimeNewsNetwork is looks like something is up over at ADV. They’re removing stuff from the site and the store. That can only lead to wild speculation about what’s going on.

So let’s get to it.

Cutbacks?

Could ADV be cutting back on the number of titles they’re licensing? I suppose it would make sense. I’d rather see cutbacks in the titles than see them disappear like Geneon. I know I’ve given ‘em some crap in the past, but I like ADV. They’ve released some great stuff.

This theory may be supported by the fact that they’ve cancelled NewtypeUSA and replaced it with PiQ, a downsized version that doesn’t focus as exclusively on anime and manga.

Rearranging?

Maybe ADV is just rearranging things. They may be getting ready to announce something new. Maybe they’re breaking down their titles into smaller imprints. Maybe they’re just moving stuff over to a different site.

It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that they’re launching a different site to support PiQ. This could be part of the effort. Move a few titles over to the magazine site so fans of the titles go there. They look around and maybe subscribe.

Ideas?

I’m sure there are a lot of things that could be going on. Leave a comment and tell the rest of us your theories. What do you think is happening over there? Does this mean trouble? Is it being blown out of proportion? Have aliens taken control of the ADV site?

Ok, maybe that last one isn’t very likely.

Anime, News, ADV, ADV Films, Titles Removed, Anime News Network, AnimeNewsNetwork, Alien Mind Control

Newtype USA Canceled

I almost fell out of my chair when I read the article on AnimeNewsNetwork. Newtype USA will stop publishing. February is the last issue, but it’s unclear if that means the one that goes on sale in February or the one that’s marked as February.

I liked Newtype USA, even tough it seemed like an expensive magazine. I enjoyed reading it when I could bring myself to drop $12+ for it.

I bet Patrick Macias over at OtakuUSA is thinking “One down…”

Bandai Recalls DVDs

If you bought any of the following DVDs and you’re having trouble with them then you might want to check out the Bandai site on January 17. They’ll be adding a link to the site so that you can exchange them.

The problem DVDs are

• Gundam Seed Destiny Vol. 12 regular and special editions
• Eureka Seven Vol. 11
• Flag Vol. 2
• My-Otome Vol. 4.

Anime Network TV Channel Canceled

The VOD is still available, but the linear service is gone. The only anime channel left on TV is the FUNimation Channel.

That just sucks.

You can still check out Anime Network’s broadband shows. If you can get it to work. I’ve had problems with it lately. Maybe all those people that lost Anime Network on their TV lineup are clogging the server.

Is there any good news this week?

Looks like anime and manga businesses are folding left and right. First Geneon, now Newtype USA and Anime Network. Things aren’t looking too good right now. If only there was some way to fix the problem. Whoever came up with a solution would be as a god among men.

News, Anime, Newtype, Newtype USA, OtakuUSA, Otaku USA, Anime Network, Bandai, DVDs, DVD Recall

It’s Christmas Eve and I’m running late, but I had to post this. The trailer for the live-action Speed Racer movie is online. It looks amazing. Go check it out.

Speed Racer Trailer

Merry Christmas!

I just finished watching Paprika. I was going to write up my review of it, but I decided to hold off for a while. I’m going to have to watch this movie at least one more time before I can really review it.

Expectations

I was unsure what to expect from this movie. Satoshi Kon really has the ability to play with your mind when he makes a movie. Paprika is about dreams, so there was no way to tell what was in store for me.

What I did expect was stunning visuals and a fairly intricate story. I wasn’t disappointed. The dream sequences are amazing and bizarre. Paprika really delivers a surreal dreamlike experience.

King Kon

After watching the movie I also realized that I hadn’t written about some of Satoshi Kon’s other works. I really should, they’re worth talking about. So I’m going to add some of his movies to my anime rental list. Some of them I’ll be watching again, but I’m looking forward to it.

Expect to see the full review of the Paprika DVD next week. It will include a review of the movie and special features found on the DVD. There are a couple of really good making-of extras.

Reviews of other Satoshi Kon movies will depend on when I get to watch them, or re-watch them. It all depends on how quickly I can get hold of the DVDs. The ones I’m hoping to review are…

• Tokyo Godfathers
• Perfect Blue
• Millennium Actress

I can’t wait to watch ‘em again.

Anime, News, Reviews, Satoshi Kon, Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers, Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress, DVD, Rental

AnimeNewsNetwork, my favorite anime news source, posted about a South Carolina Books-A-Million store moving it’s manga section.

Keep Moving

What I find interesting is why they decided to move it. Not the part about some mom spazzing out, but the fact that they put Absolute Boyfriend in Kids-A-Million, the kid’s section, to start with. I reviewed the first volume of Absolute Boyfriend. I can tell you that it is in no way suitable for children. The rating on the back of this manga says very clearly “Older Teen”.

How many 17-19 year olds shop in the kid’s section? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Absolute Boyfriend might not be smut, but it’s not appropriate for the kid’s section of a bookstore either. This is one instance where I have to agree with the outraged parents. Books-A-Million screwed up. Big Time.

Silly Bookstore, Manga’s (Not Just) for Kids

Where I shop the manga is with the other graphic novels, located near the sci-fi/fantasy/horror/gaming section. That’s in the main part of the store where it belongs. All the manga displays I’ve seen in the kids section have been age appropriate. Score +1 for Barnes and Noble. I guess that’s why it bugs me that Books-A-Million would just toss all the manga, including those meant for much older readers, in the kid’s section.

Growth Spurt

ANN goes on to say that Books-A-Million have helped the growth of manga in the U.S.. Now they’ve helped to hurt manga. With their irresponsible practices they’re perpetuating the idea that just because it looks like a comic book then it’s only for kids.

Better check the anime in the kids section. There might be some hentai in there. Even worse, Uncut Sailor Moon.

News, Opinion, Manga, Absolute Boyfriend, Books-A-Million, Kids-A-Million, Barnes and Noble, Smut, Outraged Parents

In recent Anime News reported by AnimeNewsNetwork there were a couple of articles about bittorrent. Some anime fans who use bittorrent to download anime illegally have recieved notices from their ISPs.

It turns out that BayTSP, the company working for Odex to track down illegal downloaders in Singapore, sent out notices to other countries… by mistake.

Warning Shot

It may have been a mistake this time, but what about next time? What are the chances that anime producers and distributors are going to ignore that list of people? I’d say the chances are pretty slim.

This is proof that downloading anime is not just illegal, but dangerous. While some creators want their work disseminated as widely as possible, others view it as business and want to be paid.

I still believe most fans want to support anime. They also want access to anime. The companies just want to be paid. While it’s possible to satisfy everyone, it isn’t likely.

Anime, Online, News, Downloads, BitTorrent, Warning Notice, ISP, Odex, BayTSP, Piracy

We’ve all been hearing the rumors surrounding the Dragon Ball movie. Now we have something official. According to Anime News Network the movie will begin filming for a 2008 release.

It goes on to give us some casting news.

Goku

Justin Chatwin has been cast as Goku. I hope this guy is hitting the gym. Hard. He’s gonna need to put on some muscle. There’s no way this movie is gonna work with a scrawny Goku. Not that it’s likely to be a huge blockbuster no matter what the movie is like. Even among anime fans DBZ gets bashed, a lot.

Get that guy to GNC. He needs some protein shakes NOW.

Piccolo

James Marsters has been cast as Piccolo. Ok, I’m a fan of James Marsters so I’m happy he’s going to be in the movie. It’s got me wondering what direction they’re gonna go with Piccolo though. Evil, semi-evil, or wise mentor?

I’m hoping for evil or semi-evil Piccolo. That’s when Piccolo was the most interesting and James Marsters could do that very well.

Yamcha?

James Kyson Lee wants to be Yamcha. I want him to be Yamcha too. I can’t think of anyone who could do better in that part. He would be awesome in that role.

Look at that picture. All he needs is a scar and he’s already Yamcha. Give him the part already. C’mon.

C’moooooooon.

Hope and Dread

There are so many ways to screw up this movie. I’m scared just thinking about ‘em. I still have hope though. With Stephen Chow and James Wong behind the camera there are a lot of ways this movie could rock.

Anime, News, Movie, Live Action, Dragon Ball, Dragonball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragonball Z, DBZ, Casting, Goku, Justin Chatwin, Piccolo, James Marsters, Yamcha, James Kyson Lee, Stephen Chow, James Wong

Wow, a lot of cool news on Anime News Network this week. Some pretty cool stuff going on. Let’s jump right in.

• Wired Manga

  The November issue of Wired magazine, on sale now, contains a guide to manga. The best part is the guide is a manga. It makes sense. A lot of Otaku are pretty tech savvy. I’m might have to pick up a copy. If I do I’ll be sure to let you know what I think about it.

• Witchblade Anime Has Best Opening Week of 2007, Kinda.

  Looks like FUNimation jumped the gun when they announced that the Witchblade anime’s first week sales were the best in 2007 so far. Turns out that the sales are the best so far, but not for the first week. Yeah, I can see Witchblade doing very well. There’s already a sizable fanbase for the comics. Add the anime fans that aren’t familiar with Witchblade picking up a copy and you have a hit. That’s a no brainer.

• More Live-Action Anime Magic

  Looks like Negi Springfield isn’t the only magical manga star to move into live action lately. Someday Dreamers is getting a Live-Action movie. It’ll be released in Japan next year. I really wish we had more imports of thing like this. I’d really like to be able to rent this on DVD. I’d love to be able to buy a DVD set of the Negima TV show too. I got my fingers crossed.

• Japan is Pissed at You

  If you watch anime online. Yep, all those anime download sites have finally done it. Japan has asked the US government to look into doing something about all the anime on Youtube and other user upload sites. US otaku that use file sharing sites to download anime might want to think about what they’re doing before the FBI knocks on their door. US relations with Japan are pretty good, if the Japanese government makes a request like that then you know the US government will look into it.

• Yahoo! Japan Now Includes Free manga

  Now if only they’d add the same thing to other versions of Yahoo! that would be even better. You know they could do that very easily. There’s tons of manga that haven’t been licensed in the US. Yahoo could obtain the online English rights to a few of those and make a killing. Will they? I doubt it.

• Trailer for Magikano is Online

  ADV has the Magikano trailer up. Looks pretty good. Don’t be surprised to see a review of it sometime in the future. It looks like something I’d like.

• Twins Jailed for Targeting Otaku

  The otaku in Akihabara are a little safer now. Twins who were targeting them for extortion have received jail time.

• Tokyopop Gets Jumps on the Live-Action Bandwagon

  Well, if the live-action manga won’t be imported from Japan, we’ll just make our own. Tokyopop already prints the American version of Ikki Tousen under the name Battle Vixens. Now they’re planning to make a live-action version. I really hope they get it right. If it does well this could open the doors for Negima, Someday Dreamers and others to come to America.

• Afro Samurai Gets Second Season and It’s Coming to America

  The hit anime gets a second season and SpikeTV already plans to air it in America. Boooya. Even more reason to love SpikeTV. Now if only they’d add some more anime to their lineup.

• Starz Edge Gets Weekly Anime

  Starz already provides the anime programs for SciFi Channels AniMonday programming block. Now that Starz has an anime block of their own, will it mean SciFi will cancel theirs? Will SciFi get the crappy stuff Starz doesn’t want to show themselves?

Anime, Manga, News, TV, Movies, Comics, Otaku News, Live-Action, Live Action

Just a few bit of news I found on Anime News Network this week that I thought were interesting.

Tour Guides That Fit In Your Pocket. Pokégui?

Akihabara, the Otaku Motherland, keeps getting cooler. They’re testing out a system that will give you customized information. It uses RFID cards that can uniquely identify you. The cards are being given out for free in and around Akihabara. This could be a huge deal. Especially if the cards can identify and enable the data terminals to communicate with you in your native language. If that’s the case it sounds like an incredible innovation for the tourist industry. If tests go well I predict this will go global. Just think of all the cities around the world that have a huge international tourist trade. This would be invaluable to all of them.

First Japanese Animators Union Founded

It’s hard to believe this is the first union of it’s kind in Japan. Some recognizable names are included such as director Satoshi Kon. These people work their butts off for next to nothing. Why? Because they love anime. Even more reason for fans of anime to support anime by legally purchasing it.

Cosplayers Unite

Cosplayers are unionizing too. Apparently cosplayers get more than funny looks even in Japan. A non-profit organization by the name of Cosengokai has been formed to promote wholesome cosplay and help out cosplayers in trouble. Cosengokai is already co-sponsoring a cosplay event.

G4 in America Sucks.

That’s not news. The news is G4 Canada doesn’t. Well, not as much anyway. G4 Canada will be showing the animes Requiem from the Darkness and Black Lagoon. Do you think Canada is going to beef up their border patrols to control the influx of Otaku?

Anime, Otaku, News, Otaku News, Cosplay, Animators, Union, Satoshi Kon, G4, Akihabara