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CHAR’S COUNTERATTACK CHAR’S COUNTERATTACK C o v e r 2 o 2 Sample file CONTENTS 3 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ PROTOCULTURE ✾ PRESENTATION ...... 4 STAFF NEWS & NEWS: / ...... 5, 10 Claude J. Pelletier [CJP] — Publisher / Manager ANIME RELEASES (VHS / DVD) & PRODUCTS (Live-Action, , etc.) ...... 6 Miyako Matsuda [MM] — Editor / Translator MANGA RELEASES / MANGA SELECTION / MANGA NEWS ...... 7 Martin Ouellette [MO] — Editor JAPANESE DVD (R2) RELEASES ...... 9 NEW RELEASES ...... 11 Contributing Editors Aaron K. Dawe, Asaka Dawe, Keith Dawe Kevin Lillard, Gerry Poulos, James S. Taylor REVIEWS LIVE-ACTION ...... 16 Layout MANGA ...... 18 The Safe House, Pierre Ouellette MODELS ...... 20 Cover ANIME ...... 43 Mobile Suit Char's CounterAttack © 1998, 2002 Agency • . SPOTLIGHTS: Char's CounterAttack Ilustrations provided by Entertainment, Inc. Overview ...... 30 Character Profiles ...... 32 Proofreading & Editing Files ...... 36 Dominique Durocher, Aaron & Keith Dawe Synopsis ...... 40 Printing Transcontinental Printing • Metrolitho (www.metrolitho.ca) ANIME WORLD Special Thanks Interview: Dorothy Mellendrez ...... 22 Kristien Brada (), Jerry Chu (BEI), Jean- The Modern Japanese Music Database (Part 17) ...... 23 François Fortier (DP9), Danielle Garnier (Manga), Chad Convention Reports: Fanime Con, Sakura Con, Anime North ...... 24 Kime (Pioneer), Michael Liu, Toshi Makiya (CD Japan), Anecdotes From Steve Bennett & Psydoll Vocalist Nekoi ...... 27 Nikaku Animart, John O'Donnell (CPM), Pierre Ouellette (DP9), Ardith Santiago (Digital Manga), Maki Terashima- Anecdotes From Senno Knife & his Wife, Psydoll's Nekoi ...... 28 Anecdotes From Takayuki Matsutani ...... 29 Furuta (Production I.G.), Vincent Wilson Sample file SUBSCRIPTION ANIME STORIES year (6 issues): $30 US/Can (in : add GST; in Kin-niku Man II (Ultimate Muscle) ...... 49 Quebec add also PST), or $45 US overseas. Send check/ Movie Line-Up: , DigiCharat, Premium & The Movie ...... 50 money-order to: Protoculture, P.O. Box 1433, Station B, Cosmo Warrior Zero ...... 52 Montreal, Qc., Canada, H3B 3L2. Payment by credit cards The Movie ...... 54 available from the web site only: www.protoculture- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ mag.com/PA/PASub.htm. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure ...... 57 Natsu He no Tobira ...... 58 Project ...... 60 DISTRIBUTORS The Second Stage ...... 62 In Canada: Anime Universe ((905) 212-9719), Cosmix ((514) Scryed ...... 64 744-9494), Disticor ((905) 619-6565, www.disticor.com), Marche Clandestin ((514) 282-3930), Snap! ((416) 588-4006), Vidéos De Répertoire ((514) 596-2606). In U.S.A.: Anime Na- Protoculture Addicts #73: November / December 2002. The Anime & Manga magazine. Published tion ((727) 796-7561), Asahiya (NY: (212) 883-0011), Com- bimonthly by Protoculture, P.O. Box 1433, Station B, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3B 3L2. plete Strategist ((212) 685-3880), Diamond ((410) 560-7100), E-mail: [email protected]. Web: http://www.protoculture-mag.com FM International ((608) 271-7922), HKT ((914) 296-1236), Kinokuniya (NY: (212) 765-7766, SF: (415) 567-7625, Seattle: Protoculture Addicts is ©2002 by Protoculture Enr. The copyrights and trademarks mentioned herein are (206) 587- 2477), Mangamania ((800) 626-4277), Nikaku the property of their respective owners. Protoculture Addicts acknowledges the creators and copyrights Animart ((408) 971-2822), Planet holders of the materials mentioned or pictured herein, and does not seek to infringe on their rights. All rights Anime ((713) 523-7122), Right to articles/artwork revert to their respective writers/artists upon publication. Contributors are responsible Stuf ((515) 252-6116), RPV for their views which are not necessarily those of Protoculture Addicts. No part of this magazine can be ((714) 671-1270), Tower Records reproduced without permission from the publisher — except for review purposes. Spoiler Warning: This (www.towerrecords.com). magazine contains important plot details about several Japanese animation. Reader discretion is advised. In England: Esdevium (011 44 125226116). Legal deposit at the National Library of Quebec & National Library of Canada Printed in Canada ISSN 0835-9563 4 PRESENTATION ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

THE REALITY OF WAR: Director ’s Conception On Wars Through Gundam. In this issue, we are introducing you to one of classic anime movies: : Char’s Counterattack (1988), directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino – CREDITS one of the very few anime directors who have been picturing the realities of war through the anime medium. The Mobile Suit ARTICLES: Azumanga Daioh © Azuma Kiyohiko ï Mediaworks / Azumanga Gundam TV series began in 1979 (23 years ago already!) and, at first, the ratings were not too great, except with the hardcore Daio Committee. Cosmo Warrior Zero © Matsumoto Leiji ï / Cosmo Warrior Zero Production Committee. Cowboy Bebop The Movie: Knockin’ science-fiction fans. However, the rumors about Gundam’s concept and world gradually passed from mouth to mouth and the On Heaven’s Door © Sunrise ï ï . DiGiCharat © Brocoli show’s popularity grew, leading to new series and theatrical movies. When Char’s Counterattack was released in the theaters, / DiGiCharat The Movie Committee. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure © Hirohiko Araki and Lucky Land Communications / ï APPP. II Gundam’s popularity grew even more and this movie is now considered one of the zeniths of Tomino’s stellar career. © Yude Tamago / Shueisha ï ï TV-. Mobile Suit Gundam Char’s CounterAttack © 1998, 2002 Sotsu Agency ï Sunrise. Natsu In Char’s Counterattack, it seems that Director Tomino really wanted to send some messages through , who literally He no Tobira © / ï Toei Animation. Project ARMS © Minagawa RyÙji / ï TV Tokyo ï NAS. Psyber Doll © delivers divine punishment (a well-deserved one?) to the arrogant Federation people who had treated the space colonies’ Psydoll 1998 Tyrell Morgue Records. Psydoll: The Daughter of Dr. Neumann people like dirt! Char decided to use meteors to make the planet uninhabitable so that its people would have to migrate to the © 2000 Tyrell Morgue. Sakura Taisen The Movie ©2001 ï RED / “Sakura Wars The Movie” Production Committee. Scryed © Sunrise ï TV colonies and all humans would become Newtypes. When Char appeared as Amuro’s rival in the first Gundam series, many girls Tokyo. Slayers Premium © Kanzaka Hajime ï Araizumi Rui / Slayers Premium Committee. Vandread The Second Stage © 2001 Takeshi Mori ï / became fans of Char because of his extreme good looks and aristocratic demeanor, but, to me, Director Tomino seemed to be Vandread 2nd Project. Package © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. using this character to say what he thought of humanity: that we are still very childish and immature and that we would have to Whiteout © Whiteout Partners (Japan Herald, Fuji TV, , Japan Victor, INB, Disney). face tremendous disasters to grow up and free ourselves from our egos. Of course, in reality, there is no such thing as “Divine REVIEWS: Arjuna © 2001 Arjuna Project/ Sotsu Agency/ TV Tokyo. English Punishment”, so Director Tomino probably used Char as if HE was in a position to wake people up! Then he created Amuro, who version © 2002 Bandai Entertainment, Inc. Armitage © AIC/ Pioneer LDC, Inc. English version © Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. (1980) insists that we would have to just wait until all humans accept the idea of peace and thus progress together to become Newtypes. © 1980 . English version © 2002 Manga Entertainment. By the end of the movie, Director Tomino shows the viewers the miracle of comprehension and hope, as everybody, may they be Betterman © Sunrise. English version © 2001 Bandai Entertainment, Inc. Brain Powered © Sunrise, Inc. English version © 1999, 2001 Bandai comrades or enemies, try their best to push back Axis and save the planet. Entertainment, Inc. : © 1997 / Project EVA.M. English version © 2002 Manga Entertainment, Inc. Excel In Gundam, many characters die mercilessly, as if Tomino wanted to say that war is not a game. People DIE in war. When any Saga © 1999 Koshi Rikdo/ Shonen Gahosha/ Victor Entertainment. English version © 2002 A.D. Vision, Inc. © Studio / Bandai Visual/ establishment decides to go to war (a nation, a group, a state, even terrorist organizations), the individual’s freedom of choice TV Osaka. English version © 2002 Bandai Entertainment, Inc. FLCL © Gainax does not exist anymore. This is the reality of war! Tomino-san pictures lots of deaths (even suicide bombers in Zambot 3!) and KGI. English version © Synch-Point/ Production I.G. GateKeepers © 2000 GONZO/ / GK Project. English version © 2002 Pioneer people who live despite the hardships of wartime. Amuro used to be a shy introvert boy who loved computers, but he is then Entertainment (USA), Inc. © 1988 Akiyuki Nosaka/ Shinchosa Co. English version © 1992, 1998 forced to pilot a Mobile Suit and fight against his own principles and will. This is the reality of most wars, people who are forced Corporation. GTO © Tohru Fujisawa/ / Fuji TV/ SME VIsual Works/ to go along with the establishment. Amuro gets tired of fighting, but he realizes that he cannot escape. Director Tomino positively St. Pierrot. English version © 2002 Mixx Entertainment. His And Her Circumstances © 2002 Masami Tsuda/ Hakusen-sha/ Gainax/ Kareno-Jijyo- pictures characters who cannot escape from reality, no matter what the outcome will be, even if it means death! dan/ TV Tokyo/ SoftX. English version © 2002 The Right Stuf International. J-Idols: Yuka © 1998 , Inc./ Horipro, Inc. © 2001 Mixx Now it has been more than a year since that horrible September 11, 2001 took place and the war in Afghanistan is still going on Entertainment, Inc. © Ken Akamatsu/ Kodansha/ LoveHina Onsen Kumiai/ TV Tokyo. English version © 2001 Bandai Entertainment, Inc/ (where are Osama Bin Laden? Mullah Omar?) and the wind of war is blowing in an attempt to deal with that horrible dictator Production I.G. Love Lessons © 2001 Museum Pictures/ EVE. English Saddam Hussein in Iraq. We are now living this ugly reality (this is not an anime show!) and facing an uncertain future. So, the version © 2002 A18 Corporation. Mobile Suit Gundam © Sotsu Agency/ Sunrise. English version © 2001 Sunrise, Inc./ Bandai Entertainment, Inc. ending of Char’s Counterattack really gives the viewers some hope. Someday we, humanity, could wake up as Newtypes and live Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory © Sunrise. English version © Bandai Entertainment, Inc. © Morning Star/ Sunrise/ beyond wars. Meanwhile, we still live in an immature system, but let us hope that we can reach that point one day! Shueisha/ Sotsu Agency. English version © 2000 Bandai Entertainment, Inc. Princess © Kensei Date/ / NEP21. English version © 2002 Miyako Matsuda A.D. Vision, Inc. Project A-Ko © 1986 Soeishinsha/ Final-Nijishima. English version © 1992 Central Park Media Corp[oration/ Island World Communications, Ltd. Ranma 1/2 TV Series © 2002 / • • • Shogakukan/ Kitty Film/ Fuji TV. English version © Viz Communications, Inc. Real Bout Highschool © Reiji Saiga/ Sora Inoue/ K-Fight Committee/ This issue is focusing onChar’s CounterAttack, the best of all the Gundam movies, just released on DVD by Bandai. Of course, Kid Station. English version © 2002 Mixx Entertainment, Inc. OVA © 1990 Group SNE/ Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., PA continues to offer lots of overviews on new anime titles to introduce you to Japanese animation of all styles: Azumanga Daioh, Ltd./ Marubeni Corporation/ Tokyo Broadcasting System, Inc. English version Cosmo Warrior Zero, Cowboy Bebop The Movie, DiGi Charat The Movie, Jojo’sSample Bizarre Adventures, Kin-niku file Man II (Ultimate © 2002 Central Park Media Corporation. Red Hawk © 1995 Dai Wong Animation Co., Ltd, Dai Won Publishing Co. Ltd. English version © 2002 Muscle), Natsu He no Tobira, Project ARMS, Sakura Wars Movie, Scryed, Slayer Premium, and Vandread Second Stage. It also Manga Entertainment, Inc. © 1989 Youmex/ EMI 1989- 2002. English version © 2002 AnimEigo, Inc. RobotechÆ series & includes the usual “Anime World” articles (Interview with voice actor Dorothy Mellendrez, The Modern Japanese Music Database underlying artwork © 1985, 2001 Harmony Gold USA, Inc. DVD menu Part 17, more convention & festival reports: Fanimecon, SakuraCon & Anime North, Anecdotes from Steve Bennett, Senno Knife, design, Layout and navigation © 2001 A.D. Vision, Inc. © Sunrise, Inc. English version © Bandai Entertainment, Inc. Nekoi and Takayuki Matsutani), the reviews of lots of recent anime & manga-related products (about 53 anime videos, 2 CDs, 24 J To © Satoru Akahori/ Tsukasa Kotobuki/ Kadokawa Shoten/ Bandai Visual/ Sotsu Agency/ TV TOkyo. English version © 2001 Bandai manga, 12 model kits, 5 live-action movies or series) and the latest news. That’s hopefully enough to momentarilly quench your Entertainment, Inc. © RAI/ TMS. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. Silent Mobius TV Series © Studio Tron/ thirst of anime information! ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Kadokawa Shoten/ Bandai Visual/ Sotsu Agency/ TV Tokyop. English version The particularity of this issue is that it comes in two different covers: one with Char’s CounterAttack’s characters, and the other © 2000, 2002 Bandai Entertainment, Inc. Soul Hunter © 1999 Tsutomu Anno/ Ryu Fujisaki/ Shueisha/ TV Tokyo/ Hoshin Project. English version © (available exclusively through Diamond Comic Distributors) with its mecha. Many magazines are now doing this and we thought 2002 A.D. Vision, Inc. II © 1994 Sotsu Agency/ Tatsunoko Productions. English version © 2001 Urban Vision Entertainment. The of trying it in our quest to always give our readers more! Let us know how you about those covers. Do you want to have more Adventures Of Mini-Goddess © 1998 Kosuke Fujishima/ Kodansha/ PONY issues with multiple covers? Canyon, Inc. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. The Flying Assassin © 2001 Mixx Entertainment, Inc. The Soul Taker © Protoculture Addicts has always been dedicated to give its readers the best and the most information possible. We have done it Tatsunoko Pro/ The SoulTaker Production Committee. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. Tokyo Revelation © 1994 Sony for fifteen years and we will continue. We put an emphasis on contents because we know that, in the end, that’s what really Music Entertainment. English version © 2002 Manga Entertainment, Inc. Tsukikage Ran © 2000, 2002 Akitarou Daichi/ / Bandai Visual. matters. We put as much information as we can fit in an issue because we want to keep you informed about what is really going English version © 2002 Bandai Entertainment, Inc. on in the anime industry (both in Japan and in North American) and we want to help you make an informed decision when you TV Series © 1998 Hirano Office/ JVC/ AMG/ Shoeishinsha, Inc. English version © 2002 Mixx Entertainment, Inc. Vandread © 2000 Takeshi Mori/ purchase an anime good. What’s the use to have nice, full color, splash-page illustrations, if you give just a little information? GONZO/ / G.D.H. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. Yuyu Hakusho The Movie © 1994 TOHO/ Studio However, the fact that we chose contents over a flashy look doesn’t mean that we cannot improve the look once in a while. Last Pierrot/ . English version © 1997, 2002 Central Park Media issue we gave you a glossy paper, this time we offer a little more color. Do you like it? If so, we will continue in that direction. Corporation. © 1983-2002 © 2002 SHO-PRO MBS/ JRK. English version © Viz Communications, Inc. — All products mentioned or Don’t hesitate to give us feedback: what do you like or dislike in the magazine? Which subjects would you like us to cover? Did illustrated in this magazine remain property of their respective owners. you like the Char’s CounterAttack Movie? ([email protected]). They are used here solely for education, promotion or review purposes. ILLUSTRATIONS #271 (01-01): 36, 141; #274 (04-01): 83; #277 Next Issue: Since Bandai has postponed to 2003 the release of , we have decided to do the same and give you a 12-page (07-01): 70, 192; #278 (08-01): 52-53; #279 (09-01): 36-39; #280 (10- 01): 14-18, 84-89; #281 (11-01): 191-192; #282 (12-01): 46-47, 54-57, feature article on instead! After all, it is currently the highest rated show on ’s 135; #283 (01-02): 80; #284 (02-02): Booklet Insert; #285 (03-02): 199. Block – consistently beating out Z! We will include another great harvest of “Anime Stories” (Babel II, AX #29 (08-00): 146. #1314 (08-02): 26-53. 10- 01: Booklet Insert, 58, 181-187; 11-01: Booklet Insert; 12-01: 62, 192; 01- 009, Crush Gear Turbo, Full Metal Panic, Guystars, Kaidohmaru, Najica, Rave, OVA, X TV, etc.), “Anime 02: 49, 54; 02-02: Insert, 112; 05-02: 4; 07-02: Postcard Insert. Previews Vol. XII #9-10. — All other illustrations come from promotional artwork, World” articles, reviews, and the latest news. Don’t miss it! Check our web page for details: www.protoculture-mag.com! cover art or directly from the animation. They remain the property of their respective owners. Claude J. Pelletier // [email protected] ANIME & MANGA NEWS 5

— JAPAN — JAPAN — JAPAN — JAPAN — JAPAN — Tsubasa’s creator brings out a new Soccer anime: Hungry Heart-Wild Striker. Mr. Yoichi Takahashi, the creator of the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Another .hack TV Series. Kodokawa Shoten has famous , is presenting a new soccer anime. The main character, 16 year-old Kyosuke, and his friends want to announced that the .hack manga (.hack//Tasogare no challenge the world! This new TV show started on September 11, 2002 through TV on Wednesdays at 10:00 PM. Udewa Densetsu) currently serialized in Comptiq will be (Source: Animage #291 (Sept. 2002)). adapted into a new TV series. The story will take place in Inu The Movie: The Fantasy Castle In the Mirror. Last year, Inu Yasha’s first theatrical movie was a big hit, so another “The World” four years after the game. Also, the North theatrical movie, titled The Fantasy Castle In The Mirror, will be released in theaters all over Japan in December 2002. This American release of the and OVA has been original story, especially created for this movie by Sunrise, will be directed by Toshiya Shinohara. It takes place after Inu Yasha postponed to Early 2003 to coincide with Bandai’s release and his friends’ victorious battle against Naraku. The Moon stays mysteriously full and a woman, The Princess Of Heaven, Kami of the first TV series. (Source: ANN, Bandai). Hisa Ya, appears. The to this mystery has something to do with a Japanese folk tale, The Bamboo Princess. © Rumiko The Big-O’s return! The North American fans really enjoyed Takahashi/ Shogakukan/ Yomiuri-TV/ Sunrise, Shogakukan Production/Nippon TV/TOHO/Yomiuri Enterprises. (Source: Animage the release of and wondered what would happen #291 (Sept. 2002)). next, right? From October 2002, The Big O: The Second Model News — The last few months have seen some very interesting announcements, the most incredible NOT being an anime Season, will be broadcast in Japan. The story is written by subject: Bandai will, hold on to your hats, release, in the first quarter of 2003, a 1/850 kit of ’s Enterprise A (from the Sunrise staff members , the mechanical and first and second movie)!!! No prices announced yet, but the kit will include full lighting and the details are amazing (go see character designs are by Kei-Ichi Sato and the series is hlj.com for more details!). Hasegawa will release a Plus 1/72 YF-21 (Fighter mode) at ¥2,400, as well as ’s F-14 and MiG-29, both 1/72 and ¥1,800. On the anime front, Bandai will release, in its 1/144 HGUC line, the much directed by Kazuyoshi Katayama. This second season will expected (and much wanted) PMX-003 The O for ¥2,400, as well as the Super Gundam (RX-178 Gundam MKII + FXA-05D G- start from episode #14. In fact, the entire first season Defenser) for ¥2,000. As for the 1/100 Master Grade line, the MSA-0011 S-Gundam (full transformable!) is coming (at last!) for (episodes #1 through 13) will be shown, from October 2002, ¥6,000 (gulp!) and December will see the release of the third generation MG RX-78-2. But the surprise is this: it is the Katoki to refresh the viewers’ memories, then the new series will version, which was only available as Garage Kits for so long! It will go for ¥3,200, but we are sure it is not going to stop anybody start. This stylish anime will charm the fans again for sure! from buying it... (MO — Source: www.hlj.com) The show will feature several new characters: Allan Gabriel, . As we reported about Director Yoshiyuki Tomino’s new anime, Overman King Gainer, in PA #72, the Timothy Waynelight (Ep. 14); Rosco and Kelly Fitzgerald Japanese TV channel Wowow had already shown episode #1 before its September official release date! (the series continued (Ep. 15); Jim Magowan (Ep. 16); and Schwartz Balt (Ep. from September 7, 2002 on Wowow-TV on Saturdays). This is the synopsis of episode #1: Due to extreme climate changes, 16). (Source: Animage #291 (Sept. 2002)). humanity is now forced to live inside giant domed cities, called Dome-Polis. But the people inside those cities now want to go out Tottoko Hamu Taro The Movie: Ham Ham Hamja! The to live freely in the warmer places where humanity used to live. Gainer Sanga is a young boy, champion of the Overman Battle Fantasy Princess. Believe it or not, Director game and he lives in Urgsk, one of the Dome-Polis in Siberia. But one day, the Siberian guards show up to arrest him because he (, Tomorrow’s Joe, Aim At The Ace) is suspected of being supporter of the exodus from the Dome-Polis. While in prison, Gainer meets Gain Bisho, a revolutionary, is the creator of this movie version of the famous hamster and decides to escape with him. Those two sneak into the castle of Duke Medaille and manage to steal an Overman mecha. Gainer show! The Hamsters will visit their homeland, the Hamjah names it “King Gainer”. What is Overman? What is Overskill? Stay tuned for the following episodes! © Sunrise/BV/Wowow. ! © Ritsuko Kawai / Shogakukan / SMDE / TV- (Sources: Animage #291 (Sept. 2002); Wowow Preview). Tokyo. (Source: Animage #291 (Sept. 2002)). Live-Action movie? Many people assumed that the live-action movie titled Perfect Blue was an adaptation of the anime. It is not really the case. The original story, which is rather similar to the anime, was written by the same author, Yoshikazu : Beautiful Dreamer DVD! This legendary Takeuchi, but it is a distinct novel with a different story. Ai is an idol who is aboutSample to start her singing career file with a song, “If This classic anime from 1983, directed by who Is A Dream, Wake Me Up,” originally written for Hiromi, her best friend, who committed suicide. She then meets Toshihiko, who became famous through this anime, has been released on is an idol and seems to know EVERYTHING about her, and they become friends. In fact, he is so much in love with her that DVD in Japan with Mr. Oshii’s interviews, etc., on September he is slowly transforming himself (losing body hair, getting smooth skin, etc). Is he becoming her double? The 103-minute 21, 2002. Director Oshii always creates films about dreams movie, which was released in August, is directed by Tochiki Sato and special effects (models, make-up, etc.) are by Tomoo (, Avalon) and his first big time break Haraguchi (, Sakuya). It is based on the first novel by Yoshikazu Takeuchi, If This Is A Dream, Wake Me Up, an experimental came through Beautiful Dreamer, which reflected the world work written before he became a professional writer and was working as columnist. He admits that he has always been writing of Lum and Ataru. Are they in a dream? Are they in reality? the same kind of stories. His second novel, Tears Are Coming Down, was very similar to the first. The third one, Perfect Blue, was Thanks to remastering, the fans can now enjoy Oshii’s a little longer, but still playing with the same theme. The fourth novel, No Matter How Hard I Hold You, was a stalker story and the beautiful images. For newcomer fans, the re-release of this fifth, Simple Red, was a little different, but still about a fan stalking an anime voice actress! Even if it is not directly adapted from classic will be a door to Oshii’s dream world. 19 years have the anime, I am sure it will be an interesting movie. It is worth noting that the complete title of the movie is: Perfect Blue: If This passed since this movie was made! © Rumiko Takahashi/ Is A Dream, Wake Me Up – it is clear that the producers wanted to boost their box-office by taking advantage of the anime’s Shogakukan/Kitty Film/Fuji-TV. © 1983 TOHO Co., Ltd. popularity! (CJP – Source: www.palnet.tv/perfectblue/). (Source: Animage #291 (Sept. 2002)).

News mostly reported by Miyako Matsuda (edited by CJP & MO). ANN = www.animenewsnetwork.com. 6 ANIME RELEASES / PRODUCTS ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ZOIDS #4 SUPERSONIC BATTLE! VV D 88 19.98 7+ 10/08 • V H S • V H S • V H S • V H S • SAILOR MOON #9: THE RETURN OF THE DOOM TREE ADV D 135 14.98 G 10/15 TRANSFORMER SEASON 1 (Eps 1-16) RH D 530 59.95 09/05 SAILOR MOON #10: TROUBLE WITH RINI ADV D 135 14.98 G 10/15 COSMO WARRIOR ZERO #2: SEA OF STARS AW D l00 19.95 09/24 #1: HAMTARO AND THE HAM-HAMS VV D 75 14.98 G 10/15 LUPIN III #2: PURSUIT OF HARIMAO’S TREASURE FN D 90 19.95 13+ 09/24 HAMTARO #2: HAM-HAMS HEADS SEAWARD VV D 75 14.98 G 10/15 YUGIHO #1: THE HEART OF THE CARDS FN D 60 14.95 09/24 RANMA 1/2 FOREVER #3: KISS ME, CAT VV B 75 24.98 13+ 10/15 YUGIHO #2: INTO THE HORNET’S NEST FN D 60 14.95 09/24 BURN UP EXPRESS #2: CRIMES & MISSED DEMEANORS ADV M 75 29.98 l5+ 10/22 EVANGELION THE MOVIE: THE END OF EVANGELION ME D/S 90 ea19.95/24.95 13+ 09/24 M.S. GUNDAM WING COMPLETE OPERATION D\/D BOX SET B B 1225 199.98 13+ 10/22 GTO #4: THE TEST TP D 125 19.99 16+ 09/24 RONIN WARRIORS #7: THE EVIL PRIESTESS (Eps 25-28) B B 200 24.98 13+ 10/22 #5 FN D 62 24.95 15+ 10/01 TO X: PROGRAM 4 (Eps l5-18) B B 100 29.98 13+ 10/22 BLUE GENDER #7 FN D 62 24.95 16+ 10/01 SILENT MOBIUS #3: DARK DESTINY (Eps 19-26) B B 200 44.98 13+ 10/22 YUYU HAKUSHO #5: BEASTS OF CASTLE (Ed/Unc) FN D 50/62 19.95 13+ 10/08 LOVE HINA #5: BY THE SEA (Eps 17-20) IG/B B 100 29.98 13+ 10/22 YU YU HAKUSHO #6: WAYS TO DIE (Edited/Uncut) FN D 50/62 19.95 13+ l0/08 I MY ME! STRAWBERRY EGGS #2: POP QUIZ P B 75 29.98 13+ 10/22 ZOIDS #4: THE SUPERSONIC BATTLE VV D 88 14.98 17+ 10/08 BOXED SET #1 (4 Discs, 26Eps!!!) RH D 710 59.95 G 10/22 HAMTARO #1:HAMTARO AND THE HAM-HAMS VV B 75 12.98 G 10/15 CLUB: LOVE & COMEDY (DIE! DIE! DIE!) SS B 120 29.99 16+ 10/22 HAMTARO #2: HAM-HAMS HEADS SEAWARD VV B 75 12.98 G 10/15 HARMAGEDON COLLECTOR’S SERIES EDITION USM B 132 29.99 3+ 10/22 THE PING PONG GLUB: LOVE & COMEDY (DIE! DIE! DIE!) SS D 120 19.99 16+ 10/22 #1: SUGAR TOOTH VV B 104 24.98 13+ 10/22 #5: USE THE MEDAFORCE! ADV D 100 14.98 G 10/29 MEDABOTS #5: USE THE MEDAFORGE! ADV D 100 19.98 G 10/29 eX-DRIVER #2: CROSSROADS (Eps 4-6) AW D 90 19.95 10/29 eX-DRIVER #2: CROSSROADS (Eps 4-6) AW B 90 24.95 10/29 KNIGHT HUNTERS #5: MIDNIGHT FINALE (Ep. 21-25) AW D/S 125 24.95 ea 13+ 10/29 KNIGHT HUNTERS #5: MIDNIiGHT FINALE (Eps 21-25) AW B 125 29.95 13+ 10/29 RETURNS: SHIKIMA LUST A18 D 60 29.99 18+ 11/12 MITO #1: CALL ME MOM! AW B 125 24.95 10/29 GATEKEEPERS #8: FOR TOMORROW! P D 75 24.98 13+ 11/12 #l: A GREAT TRANSFORMATION? (Eps 1-6) FN B 123 39.95 13+ 10/29 VANILLA SERIES (THE): CAMPUS CM D 60 19.98 18+ 11/12 DRAGON RIDER KM D 60 29.95 18+ 10/29 KIRBY #1: KIRBY COMES TO CAPPYTOWN (Edited) FN D 60 14.95 G 11/12 SAGA #3 MB B 325 39.95 10/29 GTO #5: BETRAYAL TP D 100 19.99 16+ 11/12 TENCHI MUYO!: MIYOSHI SPECIAL / PRETTY SAMMY OVAs P B 165 29.98 3+ 10/29 LEGEND OF HIMIKO #3: SWORD OF SEVEN BLADES USM D 100 19.99 13+ 11/12 REAL BOUT HIGH SCHOOL SET (DVD #1 + GN #1) TP B 100 29.98 13+ 10/29 LEGEND OF HIMIKO 3-PACK USM D 300 59.99 13+ 11/12 YOU’RE UNDER ARREST BOX SET #1 (Eps 1-12) AE OCT POKEMON (#54) JOHTO LEAG. CHAMP.: FiRE & ICE VV D 70 9.98 3+ 11/12 DRAGONBALL Z MOVIE FEATURE PACK (#4-6. Uncut) FN D 150 49.95 OCT SAILOR MOON SUPER S #9: NEW POWERS (Uncut) P D 70 14.98 13+ 11/19 #3: WHEN EXCELS STRIKE (OUT) ADV B 100 29.98 17+ 11/05 SAILOR MOON SUPER S #10: PURE FRIENDS (Uncut) P D 70 14.98 13+ 11/19 FANCY LALA #3: TAKING CENTER STAGE (Eps 11-14) B B 100 24.98 7+ 11/05 SAILOR MOON SUPER S: THE POWER OF FRiENDS (Edited) PD 80 14.98 7+ 11/19 MOBILE FIGHTER G GUNDAM #1 (Eps 1-4) B B 100 19.98 13+ 11/05 ’S PARADISE #1: PRETTY KITTY ADV D 90 9.98 G 11/26 MOBILE FIGHTER G GUNDAM #2 (Eps 5-8) B B 100 19.98 13+ 11/05 ASTROBOY #7 (Ep. 34-39) ME D 150 14.95 G 11/26 MOBILE FIGHTER G GUNDAM #3(Eps 9-12) B B 100 19.98 13+ 11/05 ASTROBOY #8 (Ep. 40-45) ME D 150 14.95 G 11/26 ASTROBOY #9 (Ep. 46-51) ME D 150 14.95 G 11/26 Continues on page 8 HAMTARO #3: A SURPRISE PARTY! VV B 75 12.98 G 12/03 HAMTARO #4: A HAM-HAMS CHRISTMAS VV B 75 12.98 G 12/03 MEDABOTS #6: THE FACE OF DR. META-EVIL! ADV D 125 14.98 G 12/10 YUYU HAKUSHO #7: RESCUE YUKINA (Edited/Uncut) FN D 60/62 19.95 13+ 12/10 • L I V E - A C T I O N • YUYU HAKUSHO #8: DARK TOURNAMENT (Edited/Uncut) FN D 60/62 19.95 13+ 12/10 Tokyo Mafia: Yakuza Blood DVD APC B 90 29.99 09/10 ZOIDS #5: SHADOW BATTLE! VV D 110 14.98 7+ 12/10 Tokyo Mafia DVD Collection APC B 345 79 99 09/10 ZOIDS #6: ULTIMATE X! VV D 11O 14.98 7+ 02/11 Farscape 2.3 ADV E 250 39.98 10/08 • D V D • D V D • D V D • D V D • Complete DVD ADV S 270 24.98 12+ 10/22 Farscape Complete Season l ADV E 1100+ 149.98 10/29 FLCL #1 IG/SP B 60 29.95 13+ 09/03 The Haunted Lantern DVD APC B 96 29.99 R 11/12 TRANSFORMER SEASON 1 (Eps 1-16) RH D 530 59.95 09/05 Andromeda 1.3 ADV E 200+ 39.98 11/19 DAHGUARD #1: HOSTiLE TAKEOVER ADV B 125 29.98 12+ 09/17 All Night Long #3 DVD TS S 90 29.95 11/19 MEDABOTS #4: MEDABOTS WARS! (Eps 14-17) ADV D 100 19.98 G 09/17 Farscape 2.4 ADV E 210 39.98 12/03 ADV B 50 24.98 15+ 09/24 Of Darkness #1 CM S 70 29.95 18+ 12/17 MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO: COMPLETE CHRON. ADV B 650 89.98 12+ 09/24 LoneWolf & Cub#1 DVD AE DEC : THE MACROSS SAGA COLLECTION ADV D 900 69.98Sample G 09/24 Beautifull file Prey APC B 100 29.99 R 01/14 (ZOE): IDOLO ADV B 55 24.98 15+ 09/24 Angel Of Darkness #2 CM S 70 29.95 18+ 02/11 #3: WHITE HAWK (Ep. 10-13) AW B 100 29.95 13+ 09/24 Princess Blade ADV B Early 03 COSMO WARRIOR ZERO#2: SEA OF STARS AW B 100 29.95 09/24 Lone Wolf & Cub #2 DVD AE Spring GOKUDO #5: LOVER EXTRAORDINAIRE AW B 100 29.95 13+ 09/24 Zatoichi #1 AE Spring RUR0UNI KENSHIN #22: END S0NG (Eps 91-94) AW B 100 29.95 13+ 09/24 Y’s #1: ONE AW B 100 29.95 13+ 09/24 BRAIN POWERED #3: RESOLUTIONS (Eps 19-26) B B 200 44.98 16+ 09/24 RONIN WARRIORS #6: ARISE NEW ARMOR! (Eps 21-24) B B 200 24.98 13+ 09/24 • S O U N D T R A C K S • LUPIN III: PURSUIT OF HARIMAO’S TREASURE FN B 90 29.95 09/24 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ YUGIHO #1: THE HEART OF THE CARDS FN D 60 19.95 09/24 P 20.98 10/01 YUGIHO #2: INTO THE HORNET’S NEST FN D 60 19.95 09/24 Para Para Max #1~5 P 20.98 10/08 EVANGELION: THE MOVIE! (THE END OF EVANGELION) ME B 90 29.95 13+ 09/24 Para Para Max Box Set (2 discs) P 60 26.98 10/08 VANDREAD 2nd STAGE #l: SURVIVAL P B 100 29.98 13+ 09/24 Bishoujo Max P 20.98 10/08 nd VANDREAD 2 STAGE #1:SURVIVAL (with Coll. Box) P B 100 34.98 13+ 09/24 Mecha Max P 20.98 10/08 X TV #1: ONE (Eps O-3) P B 95 29.98 16+ 09/24 X TV #1: ONE (with Collector’s Box) P B 95 34.98 16+ 09/24 Tokusatsuo P 20.98 10/08 (GTO) #4: THE TEST TP B 125 29 98 16+ 09/24 Cowboy Bebop CD-Box Set (4 Discs + 1 CD Single) P 62 129.98 10/15 REAL BOUT HIGH SCHOOL #3: STRANGE JOURNEYS TP B 75 29.98 13+ 09/24 Lupin III TV: Sideburn Club Soundtrack P 13 14.98 01/28 (MOVIE & OVAs) AE SEP URUSEI YATSURA BOX SET #4 (Eps l5-20) AE S SEP BLUE GENDER #6 FN B 75 25.95 16+ 10/01 LEGEND: BLUE GENDER #7 FN B 75 25.95 16+ 10/01 Anime / Live-Action: A18: Anime 18 (CPM); ADV: A.D. Vision; AE: AnimEigo; APC: Asia Pulp Cinema; AMAZING NURSE NANAKO #1-3(Repricing) P B 14.98 ea 10/01 AW: AnimeWorks (MB); B: Bandai; CM: Critical Mass (RS); CPM: Central Park Media; CTS: Columbia/TriStar; TWIN ANGELS #1-2 A18 B 120 29.99 18+ 10/08 D: Disney (BV); DF: Destination Film (CTS); FN: ; IG: Production I.G. Video; IM: Image; KM: Kitty PRINCESS NINE#6: GRAND SLAM ADV B 125 l9.98 12+ 10/08 Media (MB); KP: Productions (MB); MB: ; ME: Manga Ent.; NIR: Nirvana; NT: NuTech; SAKURA WARS OVA #1: RETURN OF THE SPIRIT WARRIORS ADV B 90 24.98 7+ 10/08 P: Pioneer; RH: Rhino Home Video; RS: The Right Stuf; SC: SoftCel; SP: Synch-Point; SS: Software Scuptors #4:FALLEN ANGEL ADV B 90 29.99 10/08 (CPM); TP: Tokyo Pop; TS: Tokyo Shock (MB); USM: U.S. Manga Corps (CPM); UV: Urban Vision; VV: Viz ARJUNA, EARTH MAIDEN #l: REBIRTH (Eps l-3) B B 75 29.98 13+ 10/08 Video; WB: Warner Brothers; S: Subtitled; D: Dubbed; B: Bilingual; M: Multilingual, E: English. The last four BETTERMAN #3: SEEDS OF DEATH (Eps 11-14) B B 100 29.98 13+ 10/08 columns are the duration (min.), price ($US), rating and release date (street). GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES COLLECTOR SERIES ED. CPM B 88 29.99 3+ 10/08 YUYU HAKUSHO #5: BEASTS OF MAZE CASTLE FN B 62 24.95 13+ 10/08 Soundtrack: ATX: AnimeTrax (RS); TP: TokyoPop. Chart lists releaser, duration (min.), number of tracks, YUYU HAKUSHO #6: SEVEN WAYS TO DIE FN B 62 24.95 13+ 10/08 price ($US) and release date. #2 IM B 100 19.99 10/08 Manga: AP: Antarctic Press; C1: ComicsOne; CPM: Central Park Media Manga; DH: Dark Horse; DK: Daikaiju; SHERLOCK HOUND CASE FILE #5 P B 100 29.98 7+ 10/08 DW: Dreamwave; GO: Guardian Of Order; GS: Gutsoon!; IC: Ironcat; IM: Image; M18: Manga 18 (CPM); MV: YUYU HAKUSHO MOVIE:POLTERGEIST REPORT USM B 90 29.99 16+ 10/08 Marvel; RM: Redlight Manga; SF: Sexy Fruit (IC); T: Titan; TP: Tokyopop (Mixx); VIZ: Viz Comics; W: Wizard; PROJECT ARMS #1: THE:CLAWS THAT CATCH VV B 78 24.98 13+ 10/08 WS: WildStorm. GN: Graphic Novel. BK: Book. * Adult titles. Columns: Title, Issue, Publisher, Prices (in $US), Release Month. Sources: Previews and publishers' press releases.