A lone wanderer travels in a hostile world to sniff out and fight a mysterious threat that plagues humanity. Sound familiar? Who cares? Mushishi is a damn good manga.
Ginko is a soft-spoken, white-haired warrior with a bit of a smoking problem. A...
What They SayNeither good nor evil, they are life in its purest form. Vulgar and strange, they have inspired fear in humans since the dawn of time and have, over the ages, come to be known as \"mushi.\"
Sound without source, for the voice is frozen. A co...
Nine out of ten manga fans agree: If you're not following Yuki Urushibara's Mushishi, you are denying yourself of the greatest seinen series since Death Note and Cowboy Bebop.
Unlike Death Note or Cowboy Bebop, however, there's little to sell about Mush...
What They SayNeither good nor evil, they are life in its purest form. Vulgar and strange, they have inspired fear in humans since the dawn of time and have, over the ages, come to be known as \"mushi.\" The stories of the Mushi and the people they effect ...
What They SayNeither good nor evil, they are life in its purest form. Vulgar and strange, they have inspired fear in humans since the dawn of time and have, over the ages, come to be known as \"mushi.\"
The traveler caught in mountain\'s shadow; divine b...
ANIME
AIR MASTER VOLUME3 DVD
ANGELIUM DVD
1ANIMEPLAY: ISHIKA & HONORI INTERACTIVE DVD
ARC THE LAD VOLUME 2 DVD
ASTRO BOY: THE COMPLETE SERIES DVD
BEYBLADE SEASON 3VOLUME 6: SAME OLD DIRTY TRICKS DVD UNCUT
BUBBLEGUM CRISIS VOLUME 2 DVD
CASE CLOS...
What They SayNeither good nor evil, they are life in its purest form. Vulgar and strange, they have inspired fear in humans since the dawn of time and have, over the ages, come to be known as “mushi.” The stories of the Mushi and the people th...
What They SayNeither good nor evil, they are life in its purest form. Vulgar and strange, they have inspired fear in humans since the dawn of time and have, over the ages, come to be known as \"mushi.\"
Empty heads and floating souls, love fades fast. Li...
What They SayThey are neither plants nor animals. They differ from other forms of life such as the micro-organisms and the fungi. Instead they resemble the primeval body of life and are generally known as \"Mushi\". Their existence and appearance are unkn...
Creative TalentWriter/Artist:Yuki UrushibaraTranslated by:William FlanaganAdapted by:William FlanaganWhat They SayMushi, a terrifying primitive life-form, take countless shapes "most of them deadly to the human race. Enter Ginko, a mushi expert, known as ...
Creative Talent Writer/Artist: Yuki UrushibaraTranslated by: William FlanaganAdapted by: William FlanaganWhat They SayNebulous and unseen, existing in a state somewhere between life and death, mushi bring nothing but pain, suffering, and destruction to hu...
What They SayMushi are neither plants nor animals, instead they resemble the primeval substances of life. Few humans are actually aware of their existence and among them is Ginko, a \'Mushi-shi\' who travels around investigating them. In the course of his...
Manga can be described with dozens of adjectives, but one adjective you won't see often is “subtle.” American writers are encouraged not to announce their characters' motives, but instead to show them through the characters' actions. Japanese ...
Creative TalentWriter/Artist:Yuki UrushibaraTranslated by:William FlannaganAdapted by:William FlannaganWhat They SayThey live on the shadowy border between the possible and the impossible: ancient life-forms known as mushi. Rare is the individual who can ...
Creative TalentWriter/Artist:Yuki UrushibaraTranslated by:William FlanaganAdapted by:William FlanaganWhat They SaySome live in the deep darkness behind your eyelids. Some eat silence. Some thoughtlessly kill. Some simply drive men mad. Shortly after life ...
What They SayMushi are neither plants nor animals, instead they resemble the primeval substances of life. Few humans are actually aware of their existence and among them is Ginko, a \'Mushi-shi\' who travels around investigating them. In the course of his...
What They SayMushi are neither plants nor animals, instead they resemble the primeval substances of life. Few humans are actually aware of their existence and among them is Ginko, a \'Mushi-shi\' who travels around investigating them. In the course of his...
The Super Milk-chan Show (hereafter Super Milk) created a great deal of controversy when its first volume was released. This was inevitable, given the unique nature of its dual-dub format. For those unfamiliar with the first volume, Super Milk was given t...
Hello, and welcome once again to another installment of "Being a Brief Discussion..." Today I'll be taking a look at FUNimation's Kiddy Grade, volume six. Between the show's excellent dub performances and an epic cliffhanger at the end of the last volume,...
Classic shows do it all. They make us laugh, cry, cheer, and boo. The very best shows generally present a wide spectrum of emotions. Gravion Zwei's second volume, released by ADV Films and dubbed by ADV Studios, follows that same trend, but unfortunately ...
Hi, there. Today we'll be taking a look at the fourth volume of Kiddy Grade, released by FUNimation. As a series this show has been a mixed bag. Although previous episodes have shown high quality in animation and dubbing, the stories haven't been up to th...
Hello, and welcome to another look at English dubbed anime. Today I'll be taking a close look at Kiddy Grade, volume seven, released by FUNimation and dubbed by FUNimation Studios. Though this show started with a few lackluster volumes begging for better ...
Hello. We're back yet again, this time taking a look at Chrono Crusade, volume two, released by ADV Films and dubbed by Industrial Smoke and Mirrors. This anime showed a lot of potential in the first volume, though also stumbled a few times. The second vo...
Bandai has announced that they’ve signed a distribution deal with former rival Geneon (formerly Pioneer) to distribute their anime DVDs in North America. Upcoming series like Gunbuster 2, Wings of Rean, Freedom, Demon Prince Emma and Galax...
Hello, and welcome to a look at the second volume of Gunslinger Girl, released by FUNimation Entertainment and dubbed by FUNimation Studios. This show had one of the strongest first discs of any series to date. It managed to create unusual sympathy for a ...
Hello. We're back to take a look at the second volume of Azumanga Daioh, released by ADV Films. The cast for this show delivers a lot of laughs, and overall the dub is settling into its stride. Viewers looking for a lighthearted and fun time need look no ...
Hello. We're back, and this time Azumanga Daioh's fourth volume, released by ADV Films and dubbed by their Industrial Smoke and Mirrors studio, takes the center of attention. As a show that I've enjoyed a lot during the first half of its run, I was eagerl...
Hello, and welcome back for a look at the second volume of Kamichu. This show had an extremely strong start. It offered fans feel-good stories with a mix of comedy, innocence, drama, and wonder. Add to that a family atmosphere and a strong dub, courtesy o...
It's been a while since most anime fans have seen new episodes of Princess Tutu, released by ADV Films and dubbed by ADV Studios. The first volume came out several months ago, in January of 2005. Some issues interrupted the release schedule, but those hav...
Hello, and welcome to another look at anime dubs. This time I'll take a look at Maburaho, volume two, released by ADV Films and dubbed by ADV Studios. This volume develops a few characters, continues themes established in the beginning of the series, and ...
Has the DVD marketplace reached a saturation point? With the two Hi-Def DVD formats struggling to make their way into your homes, it’s no wonder they’re having trouble making progress. We’re already swimming in product! Labels are p...
ADV FILMS TO RELEASE NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: PLATINUM EDITION VOLUME 1
FIRST VOLUME OF THE SEMINAL, ACCLAIMED ANIME TELEVISION SERIES FILLED WITH EXTRAS GALORE, AVAILABLE 21st FEBRUARY 2005
LONDON, UK, 7th January 2005—ADV Films today announced a...
As a part of Boston's First Night Festival, the New England Anime Society will present a full afternoon and evening of anime screenings tonight. Drop by the Hynes Convention Center from 1-11pm, and you're likely to catch an episode of GATCHAMAN, COWBOY BE...
It's time once again for a brief discussion of Nerima Daikon Brothers. This show made a considerable impression in dub circles as a rare example of an anime musical, and it boasted an impressive dub to boot. The second volume carries on in the same tradit...
Rental giant Blockbuster ® Video is running ads all over announcing the end of late fees. This is wonderful news for those of you who would like to rent a DVD and just keep it forever for just the rental fee. Now you can get a slightly used or (if you're ...
In the mood for a funny cartoon? Here's one online from France concerning an opera singer, a cat, a pizza, and more: http://www.le-building.com/ SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK I confess, this mid-'80s phenomenon completely passed me by. I always thought of it as C...
Hello, and welcome to yet another fun and exciting look at anime dubs. This time we'll take a close look at Fullmetal Alchemist, volume three, released by FUNimation Entertainment and dubbed by FUNimation Studios. This show has shown a lot of strength sin...
Hello, and welcome to a look at the second volume of Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu (hereafter simply Fumoffu), released by ADV Films and dubbed by ADV Studios. This series had a strong start in the first volume, no doubt aided by the narrative momentum genera...
Hello, and welcome to another exciting foray into dubbed anime. Today I'll be taking a close look at Azumanga Daioh, volume three, released by ADV Films. The cast for this show has made significant improvements to an already respectable dub. As a result, ...
What They SayOVA based on the popular manga in Monthly Afternoon magazine. The anime boasts breathtakingly beautiful background artwork and 5.1 ch sound. The Review!Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou ~ Quiet Country Cafe continues with the story of Alpha?s sojourn t...
First off, let me confess to my bias. The writer, Adam Arnold, is an online friend of mine, and I’m an admirer of Shiei’s artwork in Aoi House, as well as Amazing Agent Luna. However, judging from the popularity of the manga online and in ...
Creative TalentWriter/Artist:Kyoko HikawaTranslated by:Yuko SawadaAdapted by:What They SayWith each passing day, Noriko discovers more and more about the strange and chimerical world she now calls home. And the more she learns...the more frightened she ge...
Hello, and welcome to a look at the final installment of Gunslinger Girl. This show, released by FUNimation Entertainment and dubbed by FUNimation Studios, has been one of the most methodical and interesting character studies to come by in recent times. T...
Hello, and welcome back for another look at English dubbed anime. Today's issue focuses on Divergence Eve, volume two, released by ADV Films and dubbed by ADV Studios. While fantasy horror has always been something of an anime staple, science fiction horr...
The paperback two-volume set of STAR TREK—STRANGE NEW WORLDS now on sale at bookstores everywhere is just a preview of things to come. Last November, John Ordover, Pocket Books’ Executive Editor for STAR TREK books announced the winning authors of the thi...
Remakes have a bad name in most circles. They're seen as derivative, uninspired, and generally inferior to the originals. But a retold story can still provide a lot of fun. Some of the oldest stories in literature, such as the Arthurian legend or the Jour...
People who write about anime have to make a lot of choices, but one of the first is always how much of a series to watch before writing. There are three basic choices, each with pros and cons. The fastest is to watch the first volume and write a review ba...
Next month, ADV is releasing the first volume of a new series called Air Gear, about kids who zip around the streets on motorized skates. But you can catch a peek at the entire first episode, in English, on the IGN website. Just tune your browser in h...
Many people believe that in a perfect world, every anime would offer fans a lasting, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience. For better or worse, that's not the world we live in. The practical reality is that not every show is awesome, and not every anime c...
Almost everybody likes a happy story. Is it any wonder why? Happy stories are easy to watch, make us laugh, and they can provide a much needed break from reality. However, they're not perfect. Sad tales can grip and challenge us as much or more than upbea...
Hello, and welcome back for a look at the fifth volume of R.O.D. the TV (hereafter simply ROD). This series, released by Geneon Entertainment and dubbed by New Generation Pictures, continues to be one of the most compelling shows currently released. The p...
The door to the DVD Prize Closet is creaking ominously, so let's see what's inside... Boo! We've got five copies of TRIPPING THE RIFT Season 1 to give away! Just send an email that contains your name and address to psycho@psychotronic.info, and make ...
Hello, and welcome to a new issue of "Being..." We've got some great anime to discuss this time, namely FUNimation's fifth volume of Kiddy Grade. I've been looking forward to this one for a while, and was sure to watch it as soon as possible. This disc is...
Usually at this time I'd be plugging B-Fest 9 (www.b-fest.com), the 24-hour B-movie marathon I attend every year. I'd be crowing about how this show combines a love for trashy cinema with a grueling endurance test, and explaining how MYSTERY SCIENCE THEAT...
Hello, and welcome back for another look at English dubbed anime. Yumeria, released by ADV Films and dubbed by ADV Studios, offers viewers laughs at the expense of a guy tasked with saving the world along with a group of women who help him. It's light, fu...
Los Angeles, CA (November 1, 2004) Limited Edition Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion Volume 5 will be available at Waldenbooks, Brentano’s, Borders, and Anime Gamers on November 24, 2004.
The fifth volume concludes the hit fantasy-romance involving a h...
All right, I am (wo)man enough to admit that Dragon Eye has grown on me since its seemingly generic first volume. It's not to say that Fujiyama's post-apocalyptic fantasy manga series is a wellspring of originality, but each new installment brings action ...
Volume one of Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail was a pretty typical journey full of friendship and shonen powers. Not surprisingly, volume two doesn't knock the manga's lusty storyline off its path, though it still presents a moment or two that are worth a few s...
Hello, and welcome to a brief discussion of the final volume of Kiddy Grade, released by FUNimation Entertainment and dubbed by FUNimation Studios. Leaving a show and saying goodbye to its characters is always sad, and this is no exception. Unfortunately,...
HOUSTON, January 7, 2005 – The game of death begins February 8, 2005 as the shocking thriller too hot for Japanese television makes it way to America with the volume one DVD release of the uncut and unedited Gantz.
Gantz is a mega-violent mind ben...
What They SayThe Review!If Nippon Columbia had not chosen to include the Love, Live, Alive OAV on the series discs, the 5th volume would have been the final volume if all the DVDs had 5 episodes. Mospeada?s plot points are wound together as the series and...
Ending a show is one of the great double-edged swords in anime. It closes the book on characters and stories we've grown to enjoy, but it also lets viewers know that they finally understand the show as a whole. For better or worse, viewers can watch the f...
Hello, and welcome to another look at English dubbed anime. This time I'll be taking a look at Divergence Eve, Volume Three, released by ADV Films and dubbed by ADV Studios. This show has been something of a mixed bag since the very beginning. While it ha...
Some fans of Japanese anime may tune into this column and wonder what Gumby is doing here. Maybe I should clarify a point. "Anime" is the Japanese word for animated cartoons, wherever they come from. To me, that includes everything. "Anime" just rolls off...
News comes to us that THE FAMILY GUY's precocious infant Stewie Griffin will have his own talk show on FamilyGuy.com. Not a groundbreaking move for a cartoon character, as Space Ghost is an old hand at that game, but I'm concerned about the level of viole...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR RAHXEPHON-ORCHESTRATION 7: CRESCENDO
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SERIES COMES TO AN END WITH THE DECEMBER 2, 2003 RELEASE OF THE SEVENTH VOLUME OF THE TITLE
HOUSTON, October 13, 2003-ADV Films today offi...
A hockey-themed manga about a student club that rarely engages in the sport is unusual on its own. Volume five of Ai Morinaga's My Heavenly Hockey Club takes the weirdness a step further by finally engaging the cast in a game of field hockey with high sta...
By Ron Quezon
The Dark Horse Anime Expo Industry Panel took place on July 4, 2008 at 1pm. The panel comprised of Editor Carl Horn, Director of Asian Licensing Michael Gombos, Director of Publicity Jeremy Atkins, and Editorial Assistant Samantha Robertson...
If you want to see the Naruto movie, you’ve got to be in Canada and you’ve only got one day. Naruto: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow will be playing at 33 Cineplex theaters across Canada on June 23. Viz Media is releasing the film as an experi...
Good day. Welcome to the Great White North. Manga has announced that this summer they'll be strengthening their bond with Anchor Bay (who distribute their collaboration with Bandai GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX) when ABE begins distributing thei...
You may be confused by the word "thinpak" in the descriptions of several box sets in the DVD Shopping List and especially here in Anime Avalanche. Some video labels are re-releasing seasons or entire series in box sets, which is a great idea in itself, si...
The Prize Closet is throbbing so let's get right to it! Geneon Entertainment has provided us with 5-packs of their recent releases to give away to five lucky readers. Send an email to psycho@psychotronic.info with your mailing address and "GENEON 5" in th...
It was a bit surprising to hear that former rivals Bandai and Manga had teamed up to produce the anime series GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX, which is being distributed through Anchor Bay. Now three other anime importers have formed a partnership...
Hello, and thanks for taking the time to consider the English language track. This time I'll be looking at the fourth volume of ROD the TV, released by Geneon Entertainment and dubbed by New Generation Pictures. This installment brings a great deal of act...
Hello, and welcome back for another look into the thrilling realm of Japanese Cartoons dubbed in English. This time I'll take a look at Gravion Zwei (hereafter simply Gravion), volume one, released by ADV Films and dubbed by ADV Studios. This series was a...
I'll admit to bias right now; I have yet to meet a Seven Seas book that I didn't like. I like their philosophy of authentic, yet accessible manga, with extras in the back, and colored pages in the front. Although their books run slightly higher than most ...
You can't really judge a book by its cover, but the cover for volume two of Dragon Eye summarises the plot surprisingly well. The two main characters, the sapphire-haired Issa and the purple-haired Leila, stand back to back on a white cover and throw comp...
Hello, and welcome to another installment in our continuing series of looks into the world of English anime dubs. This time I'll be examining the sixth volume of Angelic Layer, released by ADV Films. This show has been and lot of fun and has a lot to comm...
Every year I get into the same spirit once December rolls around. Heck, it usually comes on much earlier – that certain special feeling one gets when everyone begins to hustle around cheerily shopping and decorating their houses and/or cubicles ...
What They SayAn elite group of specially trained fighters in feudal Japan, the Samurai Guns forge ahead in their relentless struggle against the sinister forces of the Shogun. With their expertly crafted firearms and explosives, these brave warriors are b...
Kazuo Umezu is often referenced as the father of horror manga, and he definitely knows his business. The Drifting Classroom, arguably Umezu's most famous series, is paced to scare. The early volumes set up the story's mysterious atmosphere: A sixth-grade ...
Creative TalentWriter/Artist:Peach-PitTranslated by:Christine SchillingAdapted by:What They SayTakeya realizes that too much of a good thing is a pretty darn good thing! He’s the master to a hot alien; three beautiful babes constantly surround him; ...
Everyone needs some hippie time. Well, that might be a bit of a broad way to put it, but it's true that humans need to take a breather now and again and remember Mother Earth and all that good stuff.
We either rule this planet or we're a blight ...
Hello, and welcome to a poignant moment in "Being a Brief Discussion..." The fact of the matter is that no matter how much we might wish otherwise, our favorite shows eventually come to an end. In one sense it's a sad event, but it's also a time when we c...
I want to take a minute here and empathize with you all, as you're probably going through a lot of holiday stress right now. Let's not beat around the bush we're talking about Christmas, and not the holy day of spiritual significance symbolizing belief i...
Hello, and welcome to yet another foray into the exciting world of anime dubs. This time we're taking a look at the second volume of the Giant Super Robot series Gravion, being released by ADV Films. This second volume puts the Gravion robot and the fight...
Newcomers be warned: Unlike much of Osamu Tezuka's masterful Phoenix series, volume 11 ("Sun" Part Two) is actually a direct follow-up to volume ten ("Sun"). This defies the normal order of the series, which is structured in a way...
In last week's column I spotlighted the current theatrical release STEAMBOY for praise. Reader Joey Connick put in a viewer comment in rebuttal. Since our comment boards, which appear at the bottom of every page on Cinescape.com, haven't yet even begun to...
What They SayAs Ichimatsu battles the demons within his soul, the fight for justice against the Shogunate continues. Lord Kozan’s new position has increased his power, and thus, the Anti-Samurai Gun Unit has become even more deadly. They have garner...
I'm always a bit suspicious of riots. This past week, all across the Mideast and Europe, Muslim extremists have been staging violent, destructive riots, supposedly in response to an editorial cartoon in a Dutch periodical. As far as I know, this is the fi...
Hello, once again, to another installment of "Being a Brief Discussion..." Today I'd like to take a look at the second volume of Ai Yori Aoshi: Enishi, released by Geneon Entertainment and dubbed by Bang Zoom! Entertainment. This is a fun show, and an equ...
What They Say\"Many people have searched for it, many have stolen it, and many will kill for it. The Gad is a seemingly magical stone which, once making a strong spiritual connection with someone, will grow into a very powerful robot known as a Techode - ...
Horror movies and novels are usually told from an adult perspective. If children are involved in the gore, they're usually cast as mouthpieces for the Ultimate Evil, like Carol from Poltergeist or Regan from The Exorcist.
Kazuo Ume...
The news lines have been buzzing this week discussing the renewed energy behind the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES CGanime feature film. But the news continues, as Kevin Munroe, the writer and director of the TMNT movie for Imagi Animation, has also been hi...
The Prize Closet continues to dominate this territory. Well, dang it, we just love to give away fee DVDs! To win any of these prizes, you just have to send me an email to psycho@psychotronic.info and include a valid mailing address in the body. Once we ha...
In our Prize Closet this week we already have two copies of Avatar the Last Airbender Book 2 Volume 1, which is set to street next week! To enter, just send an email to which includes your name and address DVD Shopping List, and in the subject line put...
Creative TalentWriter/Artist:Matsuri Akino Translated by:Angela Liu / Mike O'SullivanAdapted by:Angela Liu / Mike O'SullivanWhat They SayIt's been several years since the bizarre Chinese count known only as D left L.A.'s Chinatown. In that time, life ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO: THE MOTION PICTURE-PRINCE OF DARKNESS
FEATURE-LENGTH FILM SEQUEL TO WILDLY POPULAR TV SERIES MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO
HOUSTON, September 9, 2003-ADV Films has s...
Well, I spotted the first official Christmas tree of 2004 last week. And no, store displays and nuts like Ray Liotta who keep their tree up all year round don't count. (And no, I'm not a peeping tom it's right up there in the apartment's front window.) T...
Creative TalentWriter/Artist:Hwang Jeong-HoTranslated by:Simon JungAdapted by:What They SayThe fate of the crumbling Jew-Shin Empire appears hopeless! Prince Chi-Woo continues to suffer from traumatizing delusions, while Duke Geh-Ru’s sorcerers have...
The Review!Before I start my review I would like to say one thing. The authors of Berserk, and or, the crew at Media Blasters have mastered the art of cliffhangers. I will explain this opinion more thoroughly in the content section of the review.
Audio:
...
What They SayThe Review!\"Endsville, the devil\'s own town, is expanding and threatens to overwhelm the world. It is your job as a servant of Cantide, the black angel of fire, to burn down the buildings of Endsville and thwart its growth.\"
Before I go i...
You may have noticed that the usual Monday Anime Avalanche column didn’t appear yesterday. Mania decided that anime is overexposed on the site and unceremoniously cut it. I’ve been writing the column without a break since March of 2005, so I h...
For years, some video labels have sought to lure in movie fans by offering movies in "letterboxed" format that are actually just the cropped fullscreen version matted with black bars top and bottom, advertising more image area while delivering far less. I...
One or twice a year, a DVD comes out that just makes you say, “It’s about time!” Popeye the Sailor Volume One 1933 – 1938, is one of those DVDs. Like the Disney Treasures sets, this first volume presents 60 animated short...
"This is my first PG-rated movie!!" yelped a tyke in glee as his dad tried in vain to get him to settle down on opening day in a theater showing THE INCREDIBLES. That comment has been echoing in my head ever since, and came up again last week when I mista...
As you may have noticed, Halloween is coming up this week and- what, you didn’t know? Well take a look at a calendar, genius! Now that you’re way behind in making a costume, let me offer a couple Shopping List suggestions. Cut a big circle out of cardboar...
HOUSTON, Deccember 13—ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime in North America, is pleased to announce five exciting titles set to hit the streets on January 17, beginning with the tenth and final volume of Gantz! Other Jan 17 relea...
HOUSTON, January 18, 2005—ADV Films, the #1 producer-distributor of anime in the U.S., is pleased to announce the release of several exciting titles in its expanding library on February 8, 2005.
NEON GENESIS EVANGELION PLATINUM: 05
The titanic...
One year of columns. Yes, Anime Avalanche has been on Cinescape.com for 52 consecutive Saturdays. *** Wassup, Chef? Last week I wrote about the brouhaha over Isaac "Chef" Hayes' resignation from his gig as a voice actor on SOUTH PARK. This week, Comedy Ce...
Some readers may have noticed some fresh material on Cinescape.com, specifically Janet Houck's column American Otaku, which by default is residing each Wednesday in the Video & DVD section of the site. To clarify, Janet will be covering Japanese anime and...
Richmond, CA }39; March 1st, 2008 Today, Infinity Studios LLC is proud to announce the introduction of our all digital ebooks.
Starting on March 1st 2008, Infinity Studios will be offering ebook editions of all new titles scheduled to be released; av...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR GAMERA: ATTACK OF LEGION
HE?S TOUGH. HE?S TALL. HE?S A 200-FOOT FLYING TURTLE! SECOND FEATURE-LENGTH VOLUME OF LEGENDARY GAMERA TRILOGY TO BE AVAILABLE 19th JANUARY 2004
LONDON, UK, 15th Decemb...
Creative TalentWriter/Artist:Tite KuboTranslated by:Joe YamazakiAdapted by:What They SayIchigo Kurosaki was a little boy when his mother passed away. One rainy day, Ichigo, who's ability to see the undead is a blessing and a curse, frantically tried to st...
Creative TalentWriter/Artist:Tite KuboTranslated by:Joe YamazakiAdapted by:What They SayA new reality-show craze is sweeping the nation, garnering legions of screaming fans (the majority of them being teenaged girls). But this program comes with a superna...
Summer is almost officially here, and it’s time to start making plans for road trips to drive-ins. Though once you could easily find a drive-in theater nearby, now many of them have disappeared, and those of us that enjoy watching movies under the stars a...
More and more horror "B-movies" are receiving deluxe treatment on DVD, but for every cult classic being reborn on disc there are dozens of less worthy titles sitting in the vaults. Some are worth seeing, but just not as sought after, or else pristine elem...
What They Say“I’ll delete myself and reset everyone’s memory.”
Who am I? The question is asked over and over again throughout the noise. Lain destroys her own creator and loses her best friend, now Lain must decide what to do. Shou...
No matter what shows have come out in the past, writers and directors always manage to find a way to create something that audiences haven't seen yet. Occasionally, this leads to bizarre combinations. A show might come out that features ballet, a cat who ...
Rogues in the House and Other Stories by Timothy Truman, Cary Nord and Tomas Giorello is the fifth volume of Conan comics from Dark Horse. The stories that lie within are adapted form from Conan’s creator Robert E. Howard. Immediately I know what yo...
The Other Side of the Mirror is a modern love story. Therefore, do not be alarmed if you hear Journey's "Small Town Girl" playing faintly in the back of your head as you read Jo Chen's manga; just congratulate your brain for providing the perfec...
The Drifting Classroom is a classic horror manga, meaning that it's not meant to portray realism so much as a twisted mirror-image of our own fears and anxieties. That said, volume six of Kazuo Umezu's popular series marks a turning point: If you're readi...
Every so often, a show comes around that demands attention. Paranoia Agent, released by Geneon Entertainment and dubbed by New Generation Pictures, is one such show. It's not clear where this show is going, and at times it's unfocused, but the characters ...
Hello, and welcome to another look at anime and the English dubs that bring them to life. Daphne in the Brilliant Blue (hereafter simply "Daphne"), released by Geneon Entertainment and dubbed by New Generation Pictures. Though not a groundbreaking show, ...
Shrek the 3rd opens Friday, in case you hadn’t heard. These movies are great fun, but sometimes I feel myself pulling back from the overwhelming hype. That green ogre is just everywhere. Ironically, the overweight Shrek was chosen to appear in a PSA...
Chatsworth, California (April 2, 2007) Adult Source Media, the largest producer & distributor of Japanese Adult Anime has announced the release of "Natural Obsessions Volume 2, the much anticipated second episode from the powerhouse Japanese studio, Green...
If you're anything like me, you have an anime backlog. It might be only a few discs, or it might sprawl across several shelves and end in a pile on the floor, but sooner or later most anime fans develop a backlog of some size. This is almost inevitable fo...
Hello! It's time for another look at anime and English dubbing. This week I'd like to take some time to discuss Kamichu, one of the most compelling shows released in some time. This show offers viewers a story focused on likeable characters, an excellent ...
When Kyoichi Utsume , the black-garbed leader of his school's Literature Club, meets an ethereal girl, his fellow club members slowly track them, slowly make some curious discoveries and slowly draw together conclusions. Gakuto Coda's Missing is so awkwar...
Barefoot Gen, a story about a boy living with the aftermath of the atomic bomb that dropped on Hiroshima, is a good reminder of humanity's biggest blessing and curse: The hope and perseverance needed overcome even the worst adversities. Volume four of Kei...
In the year 0015, a magical and deadly event called Overdrive was brought on by the evil Dark Bring crystals—destroying more than 10 percent of the World. The only thing that could protect the World from Dark Bring were the crystals of good, known a...
The Review!Even more fun with Sasami from Tenchi Muyo fame.
::Audio::
When watching the show, I listened to the original Japanese seiyuu (voice actors). There was no English dubbed option. The talking, ambient sounds, and background music made good use ...
Barefoot Gen is the autobiographical manga of a young boy who survived the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. His struggle to live in a ruined city lacking food and shelter is a story on its own, but Gen also has to outwit corrupt authorities, the mafia an...
Hell Girl reads like a cross between Death Note and maybe The Ring, though it won't really intrigue or scare you. In fact, Eto's horror manga is pretty silly, but in an endearing way, like a favourite cousin who dresses up in a sheet on Halloween.
The fi...
Volume three of My Heavenly Hockey Club sets a new precedent for the series: Nobody plays hockey at all. In fact, it's barely mentioned. It's true that Morinaga's manga is about a field hockey team that aims to play as little hockey as possible (a goal th...
Once again, it's time to say goodbye to a great anime series. ROD the TV, released by Geneon Entertainment and dubbed by New Generation Studios, has provided some extraordinarily entertaining moments. This has been a fun series from the very first episode...
When I taught Volume I of LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN in my "Intro to Novel and Short Story" class, I taught it in conjunction with 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEAS, THE INVISIBLE MAN, and DRACULA, as a knowledge of all three of those novels were neces...
Osamu Tezuka, the God of Manga, rarely penned a work in which he didn't tackle multiple--and often controversial--themes. His opus, the multi-volume Phoenix series, includes some of the richest and most memorable stories available to comic and manga fans....
Almost every culture on earth has a legend about the Phoenix, a holy bird possessing unworldly powers of rebirth and immortality. Manga legend Osamu Tezuka keeps the myth burning for modern generations with his masterpiece series, Phoenix. ...
Romance manga isn't for everyone, and the yaoi genre of romance manga certainly isn't for everyone. "Yaoi" usually refers to an anime or manga (Japanese comics/graphic novels) that has a focus around a romantic relationship between two male characters. ...
Since 1987, Fantagraphics has been slogging through every line that R. Crumb has ever drawn; that's when THE COMPLETE CRUMB COMICS VOLUME ONE (The Early Years of Bitter Struggle) was first published. The current volume at hand brings us up to the materia...
In his author profile, Lorenzo lists the Super Nintendo cult classic "Earthbound" as one of his Favourite Things. The influence is obvious, and the pedigree for Bombos versus Everything is definitely worthy. Though it's an underappreciated title...
What They SayAs if having to defend the Earth and mankind wasn\'t enough to cope with, Shinji Ikari now finds himself faced with something completely unexpected: competition. Not only is Rei\'s Eva back on the line, there\'s also a new giant robot defende...
Some readers still complain that I include animation produced outside Japan in Anime Avalanche, even after I point out that the term "anime" was in use in Japan long before any Japanese began producing animated cartoons. Well here's more weight thrown on ...
MTV2 launches their "Sic 'Emation" cartoon programming block on June 10, and last week showed a special preview show, much like the Big 3 networks used to run specials on the eve of their Saturday morning cartoon Fall season. The known quantities are reru...
Today Fox is promoting some of their DVD seasoned TV series by releasing "TV Starter Sets". These include the first two episodes of each show for under ten bucks, with a coupon inside that can get you one of the series seasons at a discount. Titles includ...
We may have issues with the quality (and source) of their transfers. We may not review their titles due to their refusal to send screeners. But everyone has to agree that Alpha Video has some of the most eye catching covers on their DVDs. In fact, they're...
Regular readers know of our enthusiasm for the adventures of Beatrix Kiddo, so our spotlight item this week should come as no surprise. You may be wondering if we're giving away copies of the DVD, just as we did on the release of KILL BILL Volume 1. Yes w...
For years, a hobby of mine is collecting found photographs. Not the thrift store kind, but pics I find on the sidewalk or on the floor in stores. Maybe someday I'll make a gallery show or a website with them. I've also found cassettes (usually mix tapes o...
When your favorite Japanese anime series makes its way to the USA, it's not always all it should be. Some bits get left behind. It used to be taken for granted that anime would be edited for TV, or just edited to remove "cultural differences" or just but...
The third volume in Larry Gonick's monumental contribution to both world history and cartooning hits shelves October 21. I'd urge you to run out and demand it from your bookseller this very moment. Go! I'll be here when you get back.There, now. Didn't tha...
Creative TalentWriter/Artist:Peach-PitTranslated by:Christine SchillingAdapted by:Peter AhlstromWhat They SayWhen a fun trip to the pool turns lethal, an ill-stricken Takeya must find a way to save the day. A design convention can mean a future career for...
During the 1960s, it was common for movies to feature an animated opening credits sequence, especially for comedies, but occasionally for adventure pictures. This phenomenon likely got started by the epic Around the World in 80 Days (1956), which kept...
It's been a while since we've opened up the Prize Closet over here in Anime Avalanche, so it's about time we do a giveaway. So here we go, courtesy of Geneon. We have 5 copies each of these recent DVDs! To win a copy of RUMIKO TAKAHASHI ANTHOLOGY Volume 4...
Right Stuf International, one of the first US video labels to bring Japanese anime to the USA such as their original ASTRO BOY series in 1987, have announced ANIME TODAY, the first commercial podcast show devoted to anime and manga. The bi-weekly show can...
The announcement of details on the DVD debut of the original KING KONG has me thinking. Yes, of course I'm thinking "OHBOY OH BOY OH BOYY!!!" and "About time!", but beyond that I'm thinking about animation in general. We've had discussions in the past abo...
Hello, and welcome back for another look at English dubbed anime. This time the introductory volume of Fullmetal Alchemist, released by FUNimation and dubbed by FUNimation Studios, takes center stage. So far this show looks like it has something for almos...
Hello, and welcome to a short look at the first volume of Gunslinger Girl, an exciting new release by FUNimation Entertainment and dubbed by FUNimation Studios. Though it's often unwise to judge an anime based on the first volume alone, Gunslinger Girl lo...
Hello, and welcome to what's hopefully going to be the first in a series of articles written about anime dubs. I was able to find a copy of Pretear's final installment, released by ADV Films, and it seemed like a fitting place to begin.
Let's start by pr...
When you read manga, it’s expected to give in to cuteness once in a while. (Okay. Maybe more like “frequently.”) Hibiki’s Magic is very cute, with an utterly moe Hibiki with a bunch of squirrel-like gusks on the cover. I wasn&rs...
Open sez-a-me, Prize Closet! This week we're giving away MELODY OF OBLIVION Volume 6 and ULTRA MANIAC Volume 7 to five lucky winners, courtesy of Geneon (www.geneonanimation.com). To enter, send one email containing your name and mailing address to psycho...
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF REBOOT® VOLUME3
HOUSTON - ADV Films is proud to announce the release of the third volume in the ReBoot® home video collection.
Accompanied by a ship of software pirates he has sprung from prison, Matrix's ques...
Certain themes and objects will always be prevalent in manga, such as mecha, warriors with shady pasts and variations on the old Samurai stories. But what mangaka especially seem to love exploiting is Kabbalah--The same Jewish mysticism that Madonna reall...
So what movies do you have lined up for St. Patrick's Day? While some may lift a glass to toast Francis Ford Coppola's FINIAN'S RAINBOW (below) or the charming THE QUIET MAN (drinking, brawling & beautiful scenery how much more Irish can you get?), o...
One aspect of anime that makes these shows popular is a general tendency towards long, directed storylines. A sizable percentage of shows have a clear beginning, middle, and end. It's an appealing style because it allows for stories that include a lot of ...
Hello, and welcome back for another look at English dubbed anime. This time the subject of discussion is ROD the TV, volume three, released by Geneon Entertainment and dubbed by New Generation Pictures. This disc continues the trend of excellence set by t...
Volume3 of Ubukata and Yumeji's Le Chevalier D'Eon continues its grand tradition of cross-dressing warriors, exploiting the Kabbalah for the sake of depth and making storybook figures out of historical characters for the purpose of putting them where the...
With the help of the mysterious Dr. Moreau and under orders from Campion Bond, Quatermain and Mina find something which may repulse the Martian invasion once and for all. Meanwhile, Hyde prepares to perform one last service for his country - and for his f...
Hello, and welcome to the first Super Giant Robot Edition of "Being a Brief Discussion..." Today we'll be taking a look at Gravion's first volume, released by ADV Films. It's always a treat to be able to review the first volume of a series. These moments ...
School is in
session for Chris H. of Wilmington, NC.
Chris was the
lucky grand prize winner in our GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka
giveaway. TOKYOPOP will be be sending
Chris Volumes 1 and 2 of GTO on DVD, as well as Volume 1 of the GT...
I'm writing this week's column with a bad head cold, and my blocked sinuses make me feel like watching movies with a lot of head trauma (decapitation, shotgun explosion, screwdriver to the temple, etc.). Luckily, here's something made to order. SPOTLIGHT ...
The Review!The growing love of Kaoru and Aoi continues, although a bit slowly now, as
we get into Volume 2 of Ai Yori Aoshi
Audio:
I listened only to the English track for this review.The dialogue is clear
and never is distorted in any way. Sound is the ...
You may have read my ranting about small format media discs in my columns before. At this point it seems that Sony is actually winning that battle, despite the incompatibility of their so-called Universal Media Discs. The package they've put together for ...