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Sample file PRESENTATION 3 PROTOCULTURE ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ✾ PRESENTATION ...... 4 STAFF NEWS & NEWS: / ...... 5 [CJP] — Publisher / Manager Claude J. Pelletier ANIME RELEASES (VHS / DVD) & PRODUCTS (Live-Action, , etc.) ...... 6 Miyako Matsuda [MM] — Editor / Translator MANGA RELEASES / MANGA SELECTION ...... 7 Martin Ouellette [MO] — Editor JAPANESE DVD (R2) RELEASES ...... 9 NEW RELEASES ...... 10 Contributing Editors Aaron K. Dawe, Asaka Dawe, Keith Dawe Kevin Lillard, Gerry Poulos, James S. Taylor REVIEWS MANGA ...... 30 Layout MODELS ...... 32 The Safe House, Pierre Ouellette / Jeff Fortier ANIME ...... 50 Cover Mobile Fighter G SPOTLIGHT: © 1994 Agency • . Overview ...... 17 Ilustrations provided by Entertainment, Inc. Character Profiles ...... 18 Proofreading & Editing Files ...... 20 Dominique Durocher, Aaron & Keith Dawe Synopses ...... 24 Timeline, Toys & Models ...... 29 Printing Transcontinental Printing • Metrolitho (www.metrolitho.ca) ANIME WORLD Special Thanks Convention Reports: , , Anime Iowa, Project A-kon, .... 33 Kristien Brada (), Jerry Chu (BEI), Hiromi Dawe, The Modern Japanese Music Database (Part 18) ...... 39 Jean-François Fortier (DP9), Danielle Garnier (Manga), Festival Reports: Montreal World Film Festival, BAAF/AXNY ...... 44 Chad Kime (Pioneer), Michael Liu, Luciano, Toshi Makiya BAAF/AXNY: Anecdotes From Akitaro Daichi ...... 47 (CD Japan), Nikaku Animart, John O'Donnell (CPM), Pierre Interview: Jessica Calvello ...... 48 Ouellette (DP9), Ardith Santiago (Digital Manga), Maki Terashima-Furuta (Production I.G.), Vincent Wilson ANIMESample STORIES file SUBSCRIPTION Babel II ...... 55 year (6 issues): $30 US/Can (in Canada: add GST; in 009 ...... 56 Quebec add also PST), or $45 US overseas. Send check/ Crush Gear Turbo ...... 58 money-order to: Protoculture, P.O. Box 1433, Station B, Full Metal Panic ...... 60 Montreal, Qc., Canada, H3B 3L2. Payment by credit cards Guystars ...... 62 available from the web site only: www.protoculture-mag.com/ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ PA/PASub.htm. KaiDohMaru ...... 64 Rouruni Kenshin OVA: The Chapter Of Seiso ...... 65 Rave ...... 66 DISTRIBUTORS Tetsujin 28 Go / ...... 68 In Canada: Anime Universe ((905) 212-9719), Cosmix ((514) TV Series ...... 69 744-9494), 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 #74: January / February 2003. 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 ©1987-2003 by Protoculture. 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 ((714) for their views which are not necessarily those of Protoculture Addicts. No part of this magazine can be 671-1270), Tower Records (www.towerrecords.com). reproduced without permission from the publisher — except for review purposes. Spoilers Warning: This In England: Esdevium (011 44 magazine contains important plot details about several Japanese animation. Readers discretion is advised. 125226116). Legal deposit at the National Library of Quebec & National Library of Canada Printed in Canada ISSN 0835-9563 4 PRESENTATION ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Has Gundam Become A Part Of Japanese Culture? As you can see, for the second issue in a row, we are focusing on . This time, it is the G-Gundam TV series. Gundam has been going on strong for over 20 years after CREDITS its creation, in 1978. This makes me think that Gundam has indeed become a part of the Japanese culture, because one ARTICLES: Babel II © Hikari Production / Babel 2 Production Committee. of the definition of “culture” is “The artistic and social pursuits, expression and tastes valued by a society, as in the arts, © 2001 Ishinomori Production / Cyborg 009 Production manners, dress, etc.” In the 1980’s, young boys (and even girls), who went crazy about Gundam and were making Committee • TV-. Full Metal Panic © Shoji Gato • Shikidoji / Misuriru. Gekito! Crush Gear Turbo © Sunrise • Nagoya-TV. Gigantor ©1964 Delphi Gundam models, supported this series and helped it to become the success it is now. Now these kids are in their 30’s Associates, Inc. DVD Package Design © 2002 Rhino Home Video. Guystars and 40’s (most of them, I am sure, have children) and they still watch the show, along with their children. © 2001 Frame / Plum • Groove • TV-Osaka. KaiDohMaru © 2001 IG Plus / SVW. Mobile Fighter G Gundam © 1994 Sotsu Agency • Sunrise. English The Gundam shows and model kits have become items to appeal to both generations and the saga still has new parts adaptation produced under license by Bandai Entertainment. Rave © Mashima Hiro / • Rave Committee. : Meiji being produced every few years (Gundam Seed has started on TV a few months ago)! I also heard this news about Bandai Kenkaku Romantan — Seisou © Nobuhiro Wazuki / • Fuji-TV sales for the Gundam franchise mounting to over 300 million Dollars (over ¥33 billion!!). Can you believe that there are • SME Visual Works. Tetsujin 28 Go © / . X © over 400 different Gundam model kits in Bandai’s catalog?!? I cannot think of any other show with that much merchandising. • / TV “X” Production Committee. REVIEWS: Armitage © AIC/Pioneer LDC, Inc. English version © 2002 Pioneer In Japan, Gundam models are simply called “Gun-Pla” (short for “Gundam Plastic Models”) and you readers in North Entertainment (USA), Inc. Betterman © Sunrise. English version © 2001 Bandai Entertainment, Inc. © 1998-1999 Clamp/ America would never believe the social phenomenon created by these model kits when they were first released. Some Kodansha/NHK/NEP21. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), people were even hurt in the chaos when the kits were first put on sale, more than 20 years ago! The stores have been Inc. : Best Sessions © 1998, 2002 Sunrise, Inc. English version © 2002 Bandai Entertainment, Inc. © 1993 Ryuusuke laughing all the way to the bank ever since. Of all those 400 models, only one has been discontinued so far, the rest of Mita/Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd./Victor Entertainment, Inc. English them being still re-issued (even the oldest ones) every few years to satisfy the needs of both middle-aged and younger version © 2002 A.D. Vision, Inc. © 1999 Koshi Rikdo/Shonen fans! In 2001, I gasped when I heard the news about this giant model, called Hyper Hybrid Model MS-06S II Gahosha/Victor Entertainment. English version © 2002 A.D. Vision, Inc. © Studio //TV Osaka. English version © 2002 Bandai (¥198,000 — a little over $2,000 US!!), measuring 150 cm high and weighing 30 kg, being released! Well, this is Entertainment, Inc. Fushigi Yugi: Eikoden © 2002 Yu Watase/Megumi certainly not a toy anymore — It is a symbol of culture created by enthusiastic people, much like a statue! This Gundam Nishizaki//Pierrot/FCC/PEAI. English version © Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. © 2000 /Kadokawa Shoten/ fever has been spreading outside Japan in recent years, even here in North America. Since March 2000, Gundam Wing GK Project. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. has been shown repeatedly through North American cable TV, like the (and YTV, here in Canada) and Gigantor ©1964 Delphi Associates, Inc. © 1992 Entercolor Technologies Corporation. © 2002 Rhino Home Video. © Kouta Hirano/Shonen Mobile Suit Gundam, the very first TV series, has been on the air since July 2001! Gundam model kits are now sold in 14 Gahosha Co., Ltd/Hellsing K.G. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment countries, including many in Asia, as well as Canada, , Italy, , etc. Gundam has taken a long time to get (USA), Inc. His And Her Circumstances © 2002 Masami Tsuda/Hakusen- sha//Kareno-Jijyo-dan/TV Tokyo/SoftX. English version © 2002 The there, as its first broadcast, in 1979, was a failure because of its dismal ratings. But the movies released in 1981 gave it Right Stuf International. I My Me! Strawberry Eggs © 2002 YOM/YNK/IMM! great popularity and the fans supported it with their buying of the model kits. Like and for the USA, Committee. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. Kimera © 1996 Kazuma Kodaka/Seiji Biblos/Toho/ Film. English Gundam, as new series and model kits are released, will certainly continue to endure as a cultural Japanese icon. version © 2002 A.D. Vision, Inc. Returns © 2002 Toshio Maeda/ Green Bunny/Brahman/. English version © 2002 Toshio Maeda/Green In this issue, we are also introducing you to anime shows from the past, such as Tetsujin #28 (Gigantor in the USA) and Bunny/Brahman/ARMS/A18 Corporation. © / Cyborg 009 (based on a 1960’s manga), etc. Why are so popular in Japan? For that, we probably have to thank Kodansha/ LoveHina Onsen Kumiai/TV Tokyo. English version © 2001 Bandai Entertainment, Inc/Production I.G. Magical Project S © 1996, 1997 AIC/ for his Tetsuwan Atom (Astroboy) and Mitsuteru Yokoyama for his Tetsujin #28, both of them presenting Pioneer LDC, Inc./TV Tokyo/SOFTX/Mannensha. English version © Pioneer robots as humanity’s . Now we have (Aibo) on the market! Aren’t those robots and model kits cool Entertainment (USA), Inc. Mobile Fighter G Gundam © 1994, 2002 Sotsu Agency/Sunrise. English version © Bandai Entertainment, Inc. Mobile Suit or what?! Gundam © Sotsu Agency/Sunrise. English version © 2001 Sunrise, Inc./ Bandai Entertainment, Inc. © 2002 Twentieth Century Miyako Matsuda Fox Home Entertainment, Inc. Nadia: The Motion Picture © 1991 Toho/ Ichimura Collection/Sogo Vision. English version © 2002 A.D. Vision, Inc. • • • TV Series © 1989 Headgear/Emotion/TFC. English versions © 1998, 2002 Corporation. Club © 1995 Minoru Furuya/ I have always said that anime was a form of culture in itself or, at least, a cultureSample in the making (aka protoculture)!file Anime Kodansha/Kitty Film/Tokyo Broadcasting System. English versions © 1998, 2002 Minoru Furuya/Kodansha/Kitty Film/Tokyo Broadcasting System. fans have in common a particular language, a set of values, etc. So maybe, as it continues to grow, it will be someday © 1997 be-papas/ /Shogakukan/ recognized as such! Shokaku/TV Tokyo. English version © Central Park Media Corporation/be- papas/Chiho Saito/Shogakukan/Shokaku/TV Tokyo. ® series & 2002 was not an easy year. It is now gone and, with it, many anime series ended. It is impossible to know what 2003 has underlying artwork © 1985, 2001 Harmony Gold USA, Inc. DVD menu design, Layout and navigation © 2001 A.D. Vision, Inc. © Sunrise, in stock for us (A better or worse economy? A war? An alien clones invasion?), but what is certain is that, with the new Inc. English version © Bandai Entertainment, Inc. Marionette J To X year, many, many new anime shows are starting. You just have to look at this issue New Releases section to be convinced: © Satoru Akahori/Tsukasa Kotobuki/Kadokawa Shoten/Bandai Visual/Sotsu Agency/TV Tokyo. English version © 2001 Bandai Entertainment, Inc. Sailor .Hack//SIGN, , Argento Soma, , , , DNA Squared, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Moon Super S © 1995 Co., Ltd. © 2002 / Lupin III TV series, , , Neo Ranga, Noir, Reign, ! That’s incredible! Anime-wise, I Toei Animation. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. © RAI/TMS. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment think it will be a good year. In any case, the entire staff of Protoculture joins me in wishing you all an Happy and (USA), Inc. Silent Mobius TV Series © Studio Tron/Kadokawa Shoten/Bandai Prosperous New Year! Visual/Sotsu Agency/TV Tokyo. English version © 2000, 2002 Bandai Entertainment, Inc. © Kaishaku/Kadokawa Shoten/ Pony Since Bandai has postponed to early 2003 the release of , we have decided to do the same and give you a 13- Canyon. English version © A.D. Vision, Inc. Tsukikage Ran © 2000, 2002 Akitarou Daichi/ /Bandai Visual. English version © 2002 Bandai page feature article on Mobile Fighter G Gundam instead (including an overview, a timeline, character profiles, mecha Entertainment, Inc. 2nd Stage © 2001 /Gonzo/ files, a list of available toys & models and a [almost] complete episode guide)! This issue also includes another great Vandread 2nd Project. English version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. Vandread © 2000 Takeshi Mori/Gonzo//G.D.H. English harvest of TEN “Anime Stories” (Babel II, Cyborg 009, Crush Gear Turbo, Full Metal Panic, Gigantor, Guystars, Kaidohmaru, version © 2002 Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. X TV Series © Clamp/ Rave, Rurouni Kenshin OVAs, and the X TV series) to introduce you to new anime shows, many “Anime World” articles Kadokawa Shoten/Bandai Visual. © Clamp/ Kadokawa Shoten/TV “X” Project. English version © Pioneer Entertainment (USA), Inc. Z.O.E: Idolo © 2001 (interview with Jessica Calvello, Anecdotes from Akitaro Daichi (director of Jubei-chan, Now & Then-Here & There, and Sunrise/VAP. English version © 2002 A.D. Vision, Inc. © 1983-2002 !), Modern Japanese Music Database FAQ 18, Conventions & Festivals: Animazement, Anime North, Anime Tomy © 2002 SHO-PRO MBS/JRK. English version © Viz Communications, Inc. — All products mentioned or illustrated in this magazine remain Iowa, Project A-kon, Anime Expo, Montreal World Film Festival, Big Apple Anime Fest / Anime eXpo NY), tons of reviews property of their respective owners. They are used here solely for (26 manga, 2 model kits, 3 live-action movies, and 40 anime titles!), and the latest news. Enjoy it! (And don’t forget to education, promotion or review purposes. send us some feedback at [email protected]) ILLUSTRATIONS: #276 (06-01): 77; #278 (08-01): 80; #279 (09- 01): 73; #280 (10-01): 71; #282 (12-01): 191#285 (03-02): 201; #286 (04- Next Issue: To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Protoculture Addicts magazine, we will offer you the first part of a 02): 117-121; #288 (06-02): 90-91; #291 (09-02): 65. AX 2002 Program Book. Big Apple Anime Fest Program Book. Cyborg 009 Promotion feature article on Osamu Tezuka and his work, a Spotlight on .Hack//Sign, as well as an even greater than usual harvest Flyer. G Gundam Source Book (Insert Animage 08-94). 09-01: 61; of “Anime Stories”: Ai Yori Aoshi, Tsubasa, , , , Kaze no Yojimbo, Mahoromatic, 01-02: 149; 02-02: 105, 118; 07-02: 123, 167-173. Previews Vol. XII #11- 12. X Character Guide Booklet (insert DVD Vol. 1). — All other illustrations Najica, etc. Don’t miss it! Check our web page for details: www.protoculture-mag.com! come from promotional artwork, cover art or directly from the animation. They remain the property of their respective owners. Claude J. Pelletier [email protected] ANIME & MANGA NEWS 5

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Premieres on New Year’s Day. The new Astro Boy TV series premiered on on January 1st, 2003 in • J A P A N • J A P A N • English with Japanese Subtitles. The regular broadcast will .Hack//Tasogare No Udewa Densetsu. After the end of .Hack//Sign, the fans can look forward to another .Hack// anime series, still start sometime in the spring of 2003 on Fuji TV. (Source: titled .Hack//Tasogare No Udewa Densetsu (The Bracelet Legend Of The Twilight). The manga version of this story, written by ANN; Animax). Tatsuya Hamasaki and drawn by Rei Izumi, is currently being published in Kadokawa Shoten’s monthly manga magazine Comptiq Ghibli to produce two movies in 2003: Howl’s Moving Castle, (the compilation volume #1 is already available). The story takes place four years after the gaming version of “The World”. The based on a British children’s novel, animated by Ghibli, main character of the first series, Kyte, has already become a legend and he and his friends are called “.Hackers”. In the manga directed by ; Innocence: In The Shell, version, there are two characters, Shugo and Lena, and they want to become like those legendary “.Hackers”. Unlike the is co-produced by Ghibli, animated by Production I.G. and previous series, this new series is more cheerful and focuses on the characters’ love stories. (Sources: ANN; www.comptiq.com; directed by . Both movies will be released in www1.ttcn.ne.jp/~izumiya/). 2004. (Sources: ANN). OVA. This new OVA series, produced by Production IG and , will be released in Autumn 2003. . A TV series version of the Read Or Die sequel, It is a story taking place in the future, where the Moon, now called “Dead Leaves”, has become a prison from which it is almost Read or Dream, is in the works. (Source: ANN). impossible to escape. Meanwhile, on Earth, two persons, a man and a woman, appear naked in a field of ruins. Those two have no name, no memories, etc. Since they have to survive, they become punks and start to steal. (Sources: ANN; www.production- ig.co.jp/anime/deadleaves/index.html). Zero OVA was delayed. This OVA’s release had been announced for October 2002, but it has been delayed due to • NORTH AMERICA • production problems. Its new release date was December 2002. (Source: Animage #292, October 2002). It has now been released Anime On TechTV. With the new year, the tech-specialized and it is great! Hopefully a US anime releaser will pick up the rights. Part 2 is due next Spring. cable channel started airing anime in a new block called “Anime Maho Tsukai Ni Taisetsu Na Koto. Director Masami Shimoda (Ai Yori Aoshi — More Blue Than Indigo) is working on this new TV Unleashed.” It includes Betterman, , Dual, series, whose title means The Important Thing For A Witch, based on a manga by Masaeda Yamada, which is still going on strong Serial Experiment Lain, and Silent Mobius. Unfortunately, through monthly comic Dragon magazine. The main character, Yume Kikuchi, arrives in Tokyo from Iwate Prefecture to become a TechTV Canada, which doesn’t have a CRTC license for fiction magic user. It is a story about a teenage girl who learns what is important in . (Source: Animage #292, October 2002). programming, will not air the anime block – at least not for now. (Sources: ANN; www.techtv.com/animeunleashed/). More Anime Than Ever. Despite the declining birth rates in Japan, there is now more new anime being produced than ever before. The ™. ADV Films announced the launch of The reason listed are the growing international market for anime, the increasing value of licenses, the fact that anime has many The Anime Network™, the first television channel in North new outlets (like Satellite broadcasting, per pay view channels, or internet streaming), and increased merchandising. However, America dedicated to anime. It will go on the air in a series of some worries that the exploding demand outpace the industry ability to produce quality anime. (Sources: ANN; www.asahi.com). stepped-up phases, with Phase One a mid-December launch One still goes strong! Due to its enormous popularity, Toei is producing a feature film of for March 2003. One as part of Cable’s video-on-demand (VOD) initiative Piece movies have been part of the yearly Toei Anime Fair for the last few years, but, this time, the movie, titled One Piece: The in the Philadelphia area, delivering programs directly to Movie, will be an independent theatrical release. (Source: Animage #292, October 2002). viewers, at their request, at any time. It is structured around Seiya New OVA! A big hit in the mid-1980’s, was the story of a group of boy heroes fighting for “Love, Justice four categorized content areas: Action Zone, Sci-Fi, Comedy, and Friendship”. Directed by , with the participation of character designer Michi Himeno (both of them worked on and Martial Arts. The mid-December launch of will include approximately 25 hours of available content, including both TV series), this new OVA will show viewers the Hades Chapter, one of the most popular chapters of the feature films and episodes from series, including , manga, which had not been animated for the TV series nor the four movies. This chapter recounts the attempt of Hades, the King , Excel Saga, Martian Successor of Hell, and his evil fighters to kill Athena and take control of the Sanctuary. Can Seiya and the others protect Athena? The first Nadesico, , Noir, Dai-Guard, Tokyo DVD of this new OVA goes on sale in January 2003, while a DVD Box-set of the old TV series went on sale in December 2002. The 2040, Orphen, Golden Boy, , Kimera, Ninja production is done by Toei and there will be episodes, all released by Bandai Visual. Meanwhile, the old TV series has been Resurrection, Tekken, Those Who Hunt , Gunsmith , on the air since November 2002 through Skyperfec TV. (Source: Animage #292, October 2002). Burn Up W and X: The Motion Picture. The network New OVA: a Sumire Kanzaki special, titled Sumire (Violet). As the top star of the Imperial Theater, Sumire will later be going online with several other major national Kanzaki has been fighting to protect the capital from evil forces. But she now has the blues and has decided to retire. This sudden cable providers to bring The Anime Network™ to millions of news upsets her friends and the story focuses on Sumire’s feelings. This OVASample special, produced by file and directed by Oji viewers in service areas across North America. The Anime Hiroi, was released on December 18th 2002. (Source: Animage #292, October 2002). Network’s web address is www.theanimenetwork.com. Sending Manga and Anime To The World, A message from the Japanese Ministry of Education and Science’s Minister, Mr. SHORT NEWS: Anime Invasion, Wizard’s anime magazine, is moving from a quarterly to a bimonthly publishing Takashina. The Cultural Council, led by the Japanese Ministry of Education and Science, released, on November 28th, 2002, schedule. • Anime Web Directory: Ai Yori Aoshi: their report emphasizing the Renaissance of Japanese manga, anime and cinema, and the importance of teaching Japanese to aiyori.pioneeranimation.com; Meltylancer: www.meltylancer.com; children in order to improve their skills as citizens. From 2003, the Japanese government will try to elaborate Noir: www.whatisnoir.com; Princess Blade: a basic plan for the first five years of the project. The Japanese government has finally accepted manga and anime as part of the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ www.theprincessblade.com. • Bandai America is currently working Japanese culture and appreciates the positive results movies like (Sen To Chihiro No Kami Kakushi), which had on a new line of collectible toys, “Gundam Arch Enemies”, won the Golden Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival, and manga like the Shonen magazine English version have had on beginning with Gundam Wing. • Japanese Cultural Awards the rest of the world. From now on, the Japanese government will support the industries of manga, anime and cinema financially 2002. Crayon Shin-chan was awarded the grand prize, while and help them to export their products. On the other hand, the government wants to emphasize the necessity to preserve the the independent anime The Song of the Distant Star won Japanese traditional arts and treasures. They also want to create more public libraries so that the Japanese citizens, especially the special prize. • Kadokawa Dragon magazine website has the children, can find a place where they can read and learn. (Sources: ANN; www.yomiuri.co.jp). indicated a second season of Full Metal Panic is coming Tezuka World’s construction is canceled. The plan to build the “Osamu Tezuka World” in Kawasaki was canceled on November soon. • Newtype USA doubled its print run from 30,000 for issue One (which was not yet distributed by Diamond) to 5th 2002 due to the recession currently affecting Japan. In May 1998, the City of Kawasaki had decided to build this park, based 60,000 for issue Two. • Shonen Jump #1 goes into its third on Osamu Tezuka’s manga characters, and 90 communities were ready to back up the plan. But it was finally canceled when printing, shattering the 100,000 copies sales expectations. funding became a problem. The site would have been in the district of Kawasaki City and the construction company is trying to Retailers doubled their initial orders with reorders, bringing change its name to “The Future Project Of Kawasaki”. The City of Kawasaki is still trying to find a way to use the 38 hectares of the circulation to 300,000! • Shoujocon 2003 will be held the project. (Sources: ANN; headlines.yahoo.co.jp/; Yomiuri Newspaper). on August 22-24 at the Ryetown Hilton in Rye Brook, NY (Source: www.shoujocon.com). • Spirited Away is eligible for the Academy Awards’ Best Animated Feature Film – along with 16 other movies. Five nominees will be announced on February 11th and the winner will be known on March 23rd ceremony. • Stone Press released another anime reference: Anime Explosion! The What? Why? & Wow! Of Japanese Animation, by Patrick Drazen, 392 pg, $18.95 US, ISBN 1-880656-72-8. • To respect their licensing contracts, Viz Comics ceases distribution of their titles overseas. They have also consolidated their distribution by eliminating their direct-to-retailer manga sales. (ANN).

Japan News mostly reported by Miyako Matsuda (edited by CJP & MO). ANN = www.animenewsnetwork.com. 6 ANIME RELEASES / PRODUCTS ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ DARK AW 60 19.95 01/28 • V H S • V H S • V H S • V H S • VANILLA SERIES (THE): GIRL NEXT DOOR CM B 60 24.95 18+ 01/28 #3: A SURPRISE PARTY! VV B 75 12.98 G 12/03 #8 FN B 62 24.95 01/28 HAMTARO #4: A HAM-HAMS CHRISTMAS VV B 75 12.98 G 12/03 KAMA SUTRA KM 45 17.95 18+ 01/28 #6: THE FACE OF DR. META-EVIL! ADV D 125 14.98 G 12/10 IRON VIRGIN JUN MB 45 17.95 18+ 01/28 YUYU HAKUSHO #7: RESCUE YUKINA (Edited/Uncut) FN D 60/62 19.95 13+ 12/10 BOUNTY DOG ME D 60 19.95 01/28 YUYU HAKUSHO #8: DARK TOURNAMENT (Edited/Uncut) FN D 60/62 19.95 13+ 12/10 ME D 90 19.95 01/28 ZOIDS #5: SHADOW BATTLE! VV D 110 14.98 7+ 12/10 AMAZING NURSE NANAKO: NANAKO’S SECRET BOX SET P B 180 49.98 16+ 01/28 YUGIHO #5: EVIL SPIRIT OF THE RING FN D 60 14.95 01/14 MAHOROMATIC, AUTOMATIC MAIDEN #1: COMBAT MAID P B 100 29.98 16+ 01/28 YUGIHO #6: THE SCARS OF DEFEAT FN D 60 14.95 01/14 LUPIN III TV #1: THE WORLD MOST WANTED P B 150 24.98 13+ 01/28 MEDABOTS #7: BACK IN THE ROBATTLE AGAIN (Ep. 27-31) ADV D 125 14.98 G 01/21 X TV #3: THREE (Eps 7-9) P B 75 29.98 16+ 01/28 ’S PARADISE #2: FUN WITH FRIENDS ADV D 90 9.98 G 01/28 GIGANTOR BOXED SET #2 RH D 710 59.95 G 01/28 SUPER DUPER SUMOS #1: THEY’VE GOT GUTS ADV E 115 11.98 G 02/04 HIS AND HER CIRCUMSTANCES #3 (Eps 12-16) RS B 150 29.95 13+ 01/28 ZOIDS #6: ULTIMATE X! VV D 110 14.98 7+ 02/11 ANGEL OF DARKNESS #2 SC 60 29.98 18+ 01/28 SUPER S #11: COMING OF AGE (Uncut) P D 70 14.98 13+ 02/18 KNIGHT OF RAMUNE (New Low Price) SS B 180 19.99 16+ 01/28 SAILOR MOON SUPER S #12: TRAPPED IN A DREAM (Uncut) P D 70 14.98 13+ 02/18 BATTLE SKIPPER THE MOVIE (New Low Price) USM B 90 19.99 13+ 01/28 SAILOR MOON SUPER S: DREAMS FOREVER (Edited) P D 80 14.98 7+ 02/18 DARKSIDE BLUES (New Low Price) USM B 83 19.99 13+ 01/28 HELLO KITTY’S PARADISE #3: SHARE AND CARE ADV D 90 9.98 G 02/25 (New Low Price) USM B 82 19.99 13+ 01/28 #1: NATIONAL CHAMPIONS SEMI-FINALS P D 60 9.98 7+ 02/25 DYNAMITE DOZEN (12 Pack DVD) USM B 1400 239.99 16+ 01/28 POKEMON (#55) JOHTO L. C.: QUEST FOR HIDDEN TEMPLE VV D 70 9.98 3+ 02/25 GARZEY’S WINGS (New Low Price) USM B 90 19.99 13+ 01/28 MEDABOTS #8: LOVE AND MEDABOTS (Ep. 32-35) ADV D 100 14.98 G 03/04 NIGHTWALKER: ETERNAL DARKNESS (New Low Price) USM B 180 19.99 13+ 01/28 SUPER DUPER SUMOS #2: ABSOLUTELY FLABULOUS ADV E 115 12.98 G 03/18 NIGHTWALKER: MIDNIGHT DETECTIVE (New Low Price) USM B 180 19.99 13+ 01/28 SAILOR MOON SUPER S #13: THE FINAL DREAM (Uncut) P D 70 14.98 13+ 05/20 SILENT SERVICE (New Low Price) USM B 100 19.99 13+ 01/28 STRANGE LOVE (New Low Price) USM B 80 19.99 16+ 01/28 • D V D • D V D • D V D • D V D • COMPLETE SHAMANIC PRINCESS (New Low Price) USM B 180 19.99 13+ 01/28 ARJUNA #2: JOURNEY (Eps 4-7) B B 75 29.98 13+ 12/03 (New Low Price) USM B 104 19.99 13+ 01/28 BETTERMAN #4: INHUMAN NATURE (Eps 15-18) B B 100 29.98 13+ 12/03 WILD CARDZ (New Low Price) USM B 50 19.99 13+ 01/28 (DTS EDITION) P B 124 24.98 R 12/03 RUPAN: THE FUMA CONSPIRACY AE JAN HIS AND HER CIRCUMSTANCES #2 (Eps 7-11) RS B 150 29.95 13+ 12/03 BOX SET #4 (Eps l5-20) AE S JAN PING PONG CLUB: GOES TOO FAR SS B 120 29.99 16+ 12/03 YOU’RE UNDER ARREST BOX SET #2 (Eps 13-24) AE JAN PING PONG CLUB DVD COLLECTION SS B 720 119.99 16+ 12/03 SUPER DUPER SUMOS #1: THEY’VE GOT GUTS ADV E 115 16.98 G 02/04 PATLABOR TV SERIES #3 USM B 100 29.99 3+ 12/03 WILD ARMS #1: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE GREEDY ADV B 125 29.98 12+ 02/04 HAMTARO #3: A SURPRISE PARTY! VV D 75 14.98 G 12/03 WILD ARMS #1 W/ SERIES SLIPCOVER ADV B 125 39.98 12+ 02/04 HAMTARO #4: A HAM-HAMS CHRISTMAS VV D 75 14.98 G 12/03 ARGENTO SOMA #1: ANOTHER REALITY B B 125 29.98 13+ 02/04 MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO FHE D 87 14.98 G 12/03 ARGENTO SOMA #1 W/ LIMITED EDITION COLLECTOR BOX B B 125 34.98 13+ 02/04 BURN UP EXCESS #3: UNDER THE GUN ADV M 75 29.98 15+ 12/10 ARJUNA #3: CONFLICTS B B 100 29.98 13+ 02/04 MEDABOTS #6: THE FACE OF DR. META-EVIL! ADV D 125 19.98 G 12/10 YUYU HAKUSHO #7: RESCUE YUKINA FN B 62 24.95 13+ 12/10 Continues on page 8 YUYU HAKUSHO #8: DARK TOURNAMENT FN B 62 24.95 13+ 12/10 STREET FIGHTER II (4 BOX SET) ME B 210 134.95 12/10 I MY ME! STRAWBERRY EGGS #3: SCHOOL SPIRIT P B 75 29.98 13+ 12/10 • L I V E - A C T I O N • SHERLOCK HOUND CASE FILE #6 P B 100 29.98 7+ 12/10 INU-YASHA #2: A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND VV B 78 24.98 13+ 12/10 The Haunted Lantern DVD APC B 96 29.99 R 11/12 POKEMON: JOURNEY TO JOHTO LEAGUE CHAMPION VV D 155 19.98 3+ 12/10 Andromeda 1.3 ADV E 200+ 39.98 11/19 PROJECT ARMS #2: NICE NEW RATTLE VV B 78 24.98 13+ 12/10 All Night Long #3 DVD TS S 90 29.95 11/19 ZOIDS #5: SHADOW BATTLE! VV D 110 19.98 7+ 12/10 2.4 ADV E 210 39.98 12/03 CHANCE POP SESSION: SESSION ONE ADV B 125 29.98 12+ 12/17 Angel Of Darkness #1 CM S 70 29.95 18+ 12/17 IRON VIRGIN JUN AW 45 17.95 17+ 12/17 Andromeda 1.4 ADV E 200+ 39.98 01/14 COMMUNICATIONS: MEMORIES OF EARTH AW B 39.95 12/17 Beautifull Prey APC B 100 29.99 R 01/14 RONIN WARRIORS #9: THE WALLS CRUMBLE (Eps 33-36) B B 200 24.98 13+ 12/17 Zatoichi #1 AE JAN J TO X: PROGRAM 5 (Eps 19-22) B B 100 29.98 13+ 12/17 Angel Of Darkness #2 CM S 70 29.95 18+ 02/11 HYPER-POLICE #3 IM B 100 19.99Sample 12/17 Farscape file Season Two Vol. 2.5 ADV E 260 39.98 02/25 RANMA 1/2 FOREVER #4: ROCK A BYE RANMA VV B 78 24.98 13+ 12/17 LoneWolf & Cub#1 DVD AE FEB #2 VV B 104 24.98 13+ 12/17 Tokyo: The Last Megalopolis ADV S 135 19.98 17+ 03/11 DAI-GUARD #3: CHECKS & BALANCES OF TERROR ADV B 100 29.98 12+ 01/07 Naughty Guide To Tokyo Nightlife APC B 80 29.99 R 03/11 DEVIL LADY #1: THE AWAKENING ( LADY) ADV B 125 29.98 17+ 01/07 Street Fury Chrome Edition TP 60 19.99 03/11 ROBOTECH: NEW GENERATION COMPLETE COLL. ADV D 600 44.98 G 01/07 Andromeda 1.5 (Ep. 119-122) ADV E 200+ 39.98 03/18 SAILOR MOON #13: TIME TRAVELERS! ADV D 110 14.98 G 01/07 : Guardian Of The Universe ADV B 90 19.98 12+ 03/18 SAILOR MOON #14: LOVE CONQUERS ALL! ADV D 110 14.98 G 01/07 Gamera: Guardian Of The Universe w/ custom art box ADV B 90 24.98 12+ 03/18

FANCY LALA #4: DOUBLE DUTY B B 100 24.98 7+ 01/07 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Angel Of Darkness #3 CM S 72 29.95 18+ 03/25 TSUKIKAGE RAN #3: BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE NIPPON B B 75 29.98 13+ 01/07 Lone Wolf & Cub #2 DVD AE MAR KIRBY #2: DARK AND STORMY NIGHT FN D 60 19.95 01/07 Princess Blade ADV B Early 03 CARDCAPTOR SAKURA #13: STARCARDS P S 100 29.98 13+ 01/07 LUNATIC NIGHT A18 B 65 29.99 18+ 01/14 EXCEL SAGA #4: DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES! ADV B 100 29.98 17+ 01/14 Z.O.E.: DOLORES, I #2: OPERATION ESCAPE! ADV B 125 29.98 15+ 01/14 • S O U N D T R A C K S • YUGIHO #5: EVIL SPIRIT OF THE RING (Eps 13-15) FN D 60 19.95 01/14 ADV 14.98 11/19 YUGIHO #6: THE SCARS OF DEFEAT (Eps 16-18) FN D 60 19.95 01/14 Return: The Motion Picture “R” ADV 14.98 11/19 YUYU HAKUSHO: THE SPIRIT DETECTIVE BOX SET #1 FN B 480 99.95 13+ 01/14 Lupin III TV: Sideburn Club P 13 65 14.98 01/28 DRAGON KNIGHT SC 29.98 18+ 01/14 REVOLUT. GIRL UTENA #4: IMPATlENCE & LONGING SS B 75 29.99 13+ 01/14 #6: HOLY FOREST (Eps 24-27) TP B 100 29.98 16+ 01/14 DESCENDANTS OF DARKNESS #1: VAMPIRE’S LURE USM B 75 29.99 13+ 01/14 LEGEND: GREAT DANGAIOH #2 VV B 104 24.98 13+ 01/14 Anime / Live-Action: A18: Anime 18 (CPM); ADV: A.D. Vision; AE: AnimEigo; APC: Asia Pulp Cinema; BURN UP EXCESS #4: CASE OF THE BLACK DIAMONDS ADV M 75 29.98 15+ 01/21 AW: AnimeWorks (MB); B: Bandai; CM: Critical Mass (RS); CPM: Central Park Media; CTS: Columbia/TriStar; MEDABOTS #7: BACK IN THE ROBATTLE AGAIN (Ep. 27-31) ADV D 125 19.98 G 01/21 D: Disney (BV); DF: Destination Film (CTS); FN: ; IG: Production I.G. Video; IM: Image; KM: Kitty MEGAMAN #1: A HERO IS BORN ADV D 286 29.98 G 01/21 Media (MB); KP: Productions (MB); MB: ; ME: Manga Ent.; NIR: Nirvana; NT: NuTech; BANNER OF THE STARS #1: NO TURNING BACK B B 125 29.98 13+ 01/21 P: Pioneer; RH: Rhino Home Video; RS: The Right Stuf; SC: SoftCel; SP: Synch-Point; SS: Software Scuptors RONIN WARRIORS #10: THE FATE OF EVIL B B 300 24.98 13+ 01/21 (CPM); TP: Tokyo Pop; TS: Tokyo Shock (MB); USM: U.S. Manga Corps (CPM); UV: Urban Vision; VV: Viz FRUITS BASKET #2: WHAT BECOMES OF SNOW? FN B 123 39.95 13+ 01/21 Video; WB: Warner Brothers; S: Subtitled; D: Dubbed; B: Bilingual; M: Multilingual, E: English. The last four YUYU HAKUSHO #9: DEATHMATCH FN B 62 24.95 13+ 01/21 columns are the duration (min.), price ($US), rating and release date (street). YUYU HAKUSHO #10: THE EVIL DR. ICHIGAKI FN B 62 24.95 13+ 01/21 Soundtrack: ATX: AnimeTrax (RS); TP: TokyoPop. Chart lists releaser, duration (min.), number of tracks, HELLSING #4: ETERNAL DAMNATION P B 100 29.98 16+ 01/21 price ($US) and release date. HELLSING #4: ETERNAL DAMNATION W/ P B 100 44.98 16+ 01/21 Manga: AP: ; C1: ComicsOne; CPM: Central Park Media Manga; DH: Dark Horse; DK: Daikaiju; VANDREAD 2nd STAGE #3: REVELATIONS P B 75 29.98 13+ 01/21 DW: Dreamwave; GO: Guardian Of Order; GS: Gutsoon!; IC: Ironcat; IM: Image; M18: Manga 18 (CPM); MV: DANGAIZER 3 #2 (Eps 3-4) RS B 60 24.95 16+ 01/21 Marvel; RM: Redlight Manga; SF: Sexy Fruit (IC); T: Titan; TP: Tokyopop (Mixx); VIZ: Viz Comics; W: Wizard; HELLO KITTY’S PARADISE #2: FUN WITH FRIENDS ADV D 90 14.98 G 01/28 WS: WildStorm. GN: Graphic Novel. BK: Book. * Adult titles. Columns: Title, Issue, Publisher, Prices (in $US), Release Month. Sources: Previews and publishers' press releases. MANGA RELEASES 7 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ • M A N G A S E L E C T I O N • VOL. 5 (/5) GN TP 9.99 Feb Club 9. She’s cute, she’s fun and… a bit of a klutz. Haruo Hattori leaves her little country farm EXTRA VOL. 6 [manga anthology] 2-3 VIZ 4.95 Jan/Feb ASTRO BOY VOL. 12-13 GN DH 9.95 Feb 26/Mar 26 town, her , and her loony family for college in the big city. Before she leaves, she BASTARD!! VOL. 3 GN VIZ 14.95 Jan makes a pledge that she’ll remain true to her boyfriend, despite all the temptations a big city BASTARD!! 14-15 VIZ 3.95 Jan/Feb can throw at her – and the temptations are plenty when she finds a job at Club 9, a hostess : LAST ORDER Part 1 5-6 VIZ 2.95 Jan/Feb bar. The charming country girl lights a lot of fires in the heart of the club patrons. Collects the BATTLE ROYAL VOL. 1 GN VIZ 15.95 Feb story-arc from issues #13-19 of Super Manga Blast! ongoing series. Dark Horse, by Makoto BIG O (THE) Part 3 3-4 (/4) VIZ 3.50 Jan/Feb BIG O (THE) VOL. 2 GN VIZ 15.95 Feb Kobayashi (What’s Michael?), b&w, 6x9, 192 pg, $15.95, avail. on 02-12-03. (#75-76): FALL FROST 3-4 (/6) DH 2.99 Jan 8/Feb 12 : The Master Edition. Gutsoon! first graphic novel is the ultimate version CANNON GOD EXXAXXION 13 DH 3.50 Jan 15 of the internationally acclaimed manga epic to be published in the U.S. featuring genuine right- CARDCAPTOR SAKURA VOL. 3 GN TP 9.99 Jan CERES CELESTIAL LEGEND PART 4/5 4-1 (/4) VIZ 3.50 Jan/Feb to-left page sequencing, original Japanese sound effects, large format pages, brand new CERES CELESTIAL LEGEND VOL. 3: SUZUMI GN VIZ 15.95 Jan translation, and stunning full color artwork on every page. Supervised by creator Hara Tetsuo CHOBITS VOL. 4 GN TP 9.99 Jan himself, this is truly the definitive presentation of the manga masterwork, bringing the complete CLUB 9 [Makoto Kobayasji, 192pg] GN DH 15.95 Feb 12 story to America for the first time. Gutsoon!, created and drawn by Hara Tetsuo, written by CRAYON SHIN-CHAN #3 GN C1 9.95 Feb Buronson, color, 7 x 10, 208 pg, $14.95 for the first two volumes ($17.95 thereafter), starts in CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON #2 GN C1 13.95 Jan DARK DIMENSION ZERO VOL. 2 GN IC 15.95 Feb January with one new volume released every two months. VOL. 1 GN TP 9.99 Feb Gatekeepers Vol. 1. Invaders have infiltrated the Earth. Our only hopes of stopping them lies in DRAGON KNIGHTS VOL. 6 GN TP 9.99 Jan the hands of “Gatekeepers” like Shun Ukiya, a high school student with psychic powers. He and DRAGONBALL Part 6 1-2 (/8) VIZ 3.50 Jan/Feb FIREFIGHTER!: DAIGO OF FIRE COMPANY M VOL. 2 GN VIZ 15.95 Feb his fellow AEGIS team members are the last defense against a relentless alien force. Tokyopop, FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: MASTER EDITION #1-2 GN GS 14.95 Jan/Feb by Gotoh, b&w, 5x7, 192 pg, $9.99, avail. on 03-11-03. FIVE STAR STORIES [SC, 9x12, 80pg, b&w] 7-9 TOY 9.98 Jan/Feb Book Five: Big Trouble at Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower is falling down! From snowy FUSHIGI YUGI ULTIMATE FAN GUIDE VOL. 2 BK GO 24.95 Jan wastes to urban sprawl, the Phantom Cats wreak havoc and destruction wherever they appear. FUTABA-KUN CHANGE! VOL. 8 GN IC 15.95 Feb GATEKEEPERS VOL. 1 GN TP 9.99 Feb The next target on their list is the seat of all paranormal activity in Japan... Tokyo Tower. Will GEOBREEDERS #5: BIG TROUBLE AT TOKYO TOWER GN CPM 15.95 Jan Kagura be able to stop the cats’ path of destruction or will Tokyo Tower fall?! CPM Manga, 2: MAN-MACHINE INTERFACE 4 DH 3.50 Jan 22 Story and Art by Akihiro Ito, CMX 61505G, b&w, 248 pg, $15.95, avail. on 01-15-03. GTO Vol. 9-10 GN TP 9.99 Jan GUNDAM THE ORIGIN VOL. 4 GN VIZ 7.95 Jan Onegai Teacher (Please! Teacher) Vol. 1. It’s a story about Kei Kusanagi, an 18 year old high GUNDAM WING: THE LAST OUTPOST VOL. 2 GN TP 9.99 Jan school student who longs of meeting the girl of his dreams. One night he sees a dazzling light HEAVEN SWORD & DRAGON SABRE #5 GN C1 13.95 Feb fall into a nearby forest. Upon investigation he discovers a strange woman, floating on a lake. HYPER DOLLS VOL. 3 GN IC 15.95 Jan Taken off guard he quickly runs back home. The next day he learns that the mysterious woman VOL. 4-6 GN TP 9.99 Jan/Feb in the forest is his new homeroom teacher. Now can Kei hide the fact his teacher is an alien at INU-YASHA: A FEUDAL PART 7 6-7 (/8) VIZ 2.95 Jan/Feb INVU VOL. 1 GN TP 9.99 Jan the same time dodge rumors that he and this teacher are having an affair? ComicsOne, by IRON WOK JAN! #3 GN C1 9.95 Feb Yosuke Kuroda & Shizuru Hayashiya, b&w, 5x7, 200 pg, $9.95, avail. in January. VOL. 2 (/13) GN TP 9.99 Feb Princess Prince. Mourning the death of his beloved wife, acting on a prophecy handed to him SANA’S STAGE VOL. 6 GN TP 9.99 Feb by an angel; the King of Gemstone decides to raise one of his twin sons as a girl. Will Princess LEGENDARY COUPLE (THE) #3 GN C1 13.95 Jan LOVE HINA VOL. 9 GN TP 9.99 Jan Lori ever get to be Prince Laurence? Will he ever find true love? CPM Manga, Story and art by LUPIN III VOL. 2 GN TP 9.99 Jan Tomoko Taniguchi, CMX 62601G, b&w, 336 pg, $15.95, avail. on 2-12-03. VOL. 5 GN TP 9.99 Jan : Chronicles of the Heroic Knight Book Four. Jiba did it; he kidnapped MARS VOL. 9 GN TP 9.99 Jan MEDABOTS VOL. 4: FINALE GN VIZ 9.95 Jan Neece and stole the Crystal Ball of Souls and the Staff of Life. Spark and his band of crusaders MIRACLE GIRLS VOL. 8 GN TP 9.99 Feb could do nothing to stop him. Now, our heroes must prevent Jiba from reaching the wicked MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 0079 VOL. 9 GN VIZ 9.95 Feb sorcerer Vagnado, whose master plan is to resurrect Kardis, the goddess of destruction. The OH MY GODDESS #94-95: TRAVELER 4-5 (/5) DH 2.99 Jan 2/Feb 5 fate of Lodoss hangs in the balance!! CPM Manga, written by Ryo Mizuno & illustrated by OH MY GODDESS: HAND GN DH 17.95 Feb 5 Masato Natsumoto, CMX 64104G, b&w, 192 pg, $15.95, avail. on 2-5-03. ONEGAI TEACHER: PLEASE TEACHER #1 GN C1 9.95 Jan SamplePARADISE file KISS VOL. 4 GN TP 9.99 Jan Record of Lodoss War: Welcome to Lodoss Island: Book One. Droll Dragons and Funny VOL. 9 (SOPHOMORE YEAR VOL. 1) GN TP 9.99 Feb Fighters! Journey back to Lodoss Island for tales of dragons and dwarves, paladins and PLANET LADDER VOL. 5 GN TP 9.99 Feb princesses, magic and… madness?! All your favorite characters from Record of Lodoss War PRIEST VOL. 5 GN TP 9.99 Feb PRINCESS PRINCE #1 GN CPM 15.95 Feb are back and sillier than ever in this series of madcap short strips that poke fun at all the high PROJECT ARMS PART 1 5-6 (/16) VIZ 3.25 Jan/Feb you have come to love. CPM Manga, Concepts by Ryo Mizuno, Story and RAGNAROK VOL. 6 GN TP 9.99 Feb Art by Rei Hyakuyashiki, CMX 64001G, b&w, 5.5" X 8" (pocket size), 128 pg, $15.95, 13+, avail. RAIJIN COMICS [Weekly manga anthology! 214pg] 5-12 GS 4.95 Jan/Feb on 04-09-03. RANMA 1/2 PART 11/12 11-1 VIZ 2.95 Jan ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ RANMA 1/2 VOL. 21 GN VIZ 15.95 Jan Robotech: The Macross Saga Vol. 1. The story that started it all now collected in graphic novel RAVE VOL. 1 GN TP 9.99 Jan format! This is the comic adaptation of Robotech, the landmark animated series that helped REAL BOUT HIGH SCHOOL VOL. 5 GN TP 9.99 Jan introduced anime to America, first published in the by Comico. The first volume reprints REBIRTH VOL. 1 GN TP 9.99 Feb the first six issues, plus some bonus material. WildStorm, written by & Jack Herman, RECORD OF LODOSS WAR: CHRON. OF THE HEROIC KNIGHT #4 GN CPM 15.95 Feb RECORD OF LODOSS WAR: DEEDLIT’S TALE #2 GN CPM 15.95 Jan art by Dave Johnson, Neil Vokes, Mike Leeke, Reggie Byers, Chris Kalnick & Jeff Dee, cover by ROBOTECH: THE MACROSS SAGA VOL. 1 [176pg] GN WS 14.95 Jan 22 , color, 7x10, 176 pg, $14.95, avail. on 01-22-03. ROBOTECH 2-3 (/6) WS 2.95 Jan 2/Feb 5 Samurai Legend. CPM Manga’s first Japanese style right to left format book! From the pages SAINT LEGEND #3 GN C1 13.95 Jan of history comes the legend of the samurai JUBEI and the book he was pledged to protect. Now SCRYED VOL. 1 GN TP 9.99 Feb SERAPHIC FEATHER: TARGET ZONE GN DH 17.95 Mar 5 that book has been stolen and Jubei must retrieve it before Japan descends into bloody civil SHAOLIN SISTERS VOL. 1 GN TP 9.99 Jan war. A tale of blood, swords and political intrigue! CPM Manga, Story by Kan Furuyama, Art by SHONEN JUMP VOL. 1 ! [manga anthology, 256pg!] 3 VIZ 4.95 Jan/Feb (Tezuka Award-winning artist of Benkei in New York), CMX 63801G, b&w, 5.5" X SILENT MOBIUS: HELL PART 12 2-3 (/5) VIZ 2.95 Jan/Feb 8" (pocket size), 240 pg, $15.95, avail. on 03-12-03. VOL. 5 GN TP 9.99 Jan STORM RIDER #10 GN C1 13.95 Jan Scryed Vol. 1. When a new type of human, Alter-Users, becomes the center of an unexplained STORY OF THE TAO #3 GN C1 13.95 Feb phenomenon, an elite squad of soldier appears to keep the peace… or so it seems. This group, SUPER MANGA BLAST! [manga anthology] 29-30 DH 5.99 Jan 15/Feb 26 called HOLY, has many hidden motives… and, in this case, what the public doesn’t know will TENCHI MUYO! THE ALL NEW PART 2 4-5 (/5) VIZ 2.95 Jan/Feb hurt them. One just man, Kazuma Torizuna, may be the only one who can stop them! Tokyopop, PART 1 15-16 VIZ 4.95 Jan/Feb VAMPIRE YUI VOL. 3 GN IC 17.95 Jan by Yosuke Kuroda & Yasunari Toda, b&w, 5x7, $9.99, avail. on 03-11-03. VAMPIRE YUI VOL. 5 5-6 IC 2.95 Jan/Feb WEAPONS OF THE GODS #6 GN C1 13.95 Jan • M A N G A N E W S • WHAT’S MICHAEL?: FAT CAT IN THE CITY GN DH 8.95 Feb 19 TOKYOPOP acquired the publishing rights for five manga titles from CLAMP: Clamp School VOL. 4 GN TP 9.99 Jan 9-VOL. SET GN C1 92.00 Jan Detectives, The (aka 20 Menso ni Onegai 1, Le Voleur Aux Cent Visages), YOU & ME VOL. 1 GN IC 15.95 Feb Duklyon: Clamp School Defenders, -chan In Wonderland, and Shirahime-syo: Snow YOU & ME VOL. 2 1 IC 2.95 Feb Goddess Tales. The first three titles take place in the “Clamp School Universe.” ZOIDS: CHAOTIC CENTURY VOL. 12-13 GN VIZ 5.95 Jan/Feb