The Intuition of Haruhi Suzumiya - released digitally in English on Wednesday, November 25

It's been too long Tsuruya-san!

The digital version of The Intuition of Haruhi Suzumiya is coming out in English on Wednesday, November 25 (US $8.99):

• Kindle
• Nook
• Apple Books

So I guess it's time for me to put in my leave request at work.

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News - Gunslinger Girl Manga - Delays become an Omnibus 3?

So, I guess I'll post this after all.

If you weren't aware, Seven Seas has picked up the Gunslinger Girl manga.

According to ANN, Seven Seas was planning to release two omnibus covering the first six volumes, and then continue with single volumes after that. However, at this point in time they've released the first two omnibus, and now there's a third omnibus available for pre-order on RightStuf.

Omnibus Collection 3 will contain volumes 7-8, and will be available by Oct. 25th.

It appears that ANN's original article did not mention anything about single volumes:

..and will then release later volumes of Gunslinger Girl starting with volume 7.

And while the article that followed claimed:

...and then release single volumes starting with volume 7

Volume seven's release was pushed back, and seems to have turned into an omnibus:

According to Seven Seas (at their booth at SDCC last night) volume 7 of Gunslinger Girl has been pushed back to November and combined with volume 8 into an 'omnibus' format release.

Unfortunately, at this point in time I am uncertain of if they plan to release single volumes. I've been thrilled that they picked the license up in the wake of ADV crumbling, though I'm not a fan of omnibus formats. I suppose we should just be happy that it's getting an N.A. release, though I wonder if I shouldn't have just read the rest of the tankoban much earlier. I do remember the Japanese releases having rather nice cover art. :)

News - Viz to Stream Honey & Clover TV

Ah, some progress! It seems as if there are plans to stream some form of Honey and Clover.

Official Site (with the same trailer as below).

If you haven't watched the series - do look forward to it!


At least they kept YUKI's Dramatic. :|

End of Bandai Visual USA

A news item out today is that Bandai Visual USA is going to be merged into Bandai Entertainment, and "liquidated" (the term ANN uses). BVUSA didn't sell too much that wasn't heinously overpriced (or at least heinous in the context of being so much more expensive than everything else), so it's not as if I really was in the market for any of their stuff, but I know some of the other contributors here were.

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News - SE Lain PSX Research - IT'S ALIVE !

Warning. Personal rant, if your interested take a look, if not then there’s no need to do so. You can skip up to one of my more recent diversions, which can be seen in the images in the post above. (On second though, sorry, I'll include that tomorrow. It's a bit late right now and I'm going to go on a run.)

I've been on a blogging-hiatus for a while now, and it seems most here have been busy with work, life, or academics; however, I've just stumbled across something I have to get out...

Other People are really working on this! And they've connected! (harhar) ^_^

Quick update: As some of you know, we are setting up the permanent irc server for lounging as well as a means to communicate during the planning of the convention, special interest groups, and meetings. A few individuals also expressed interest in an imageboard for fellowship and shenanigans.

I was poking around on Wakachan to refresh and re-familiarize myself with Wakaba's features... only, I couldn't help perusing the abe board ^_^ while I was there.

This must have been a mistake, but I discovered a blog here:

http://jpsxdec.blogspot.com/

Where the project is compiling, creating, and refining the tools needed to work with various PSX data formats (including exceptional/odder cases).


I'm considering pursuing this again. Honestly, I shouldn't be working too much on it, but I'm going to attempt to structure my time such that I can catch up or contribute.

Thing is - I kept a log of almost all the messages (emails and addresses) that I sent out when talking with interested individuals, and when helping others acquire the game. Hopefully I can get back in contact with them and get a few on board. Last I knew, one was located in Egypt, and another in Singapore (I'm not sure about some of the others). Also, I wonder if anyone working on that 'LainOS' - 'neo' XWindows user interface is still alive?


As you can tell, I'm a bit excited about this. While it does take steps towards integration of a translation for the SE Lain PSX game.. I'm most excited about getting back in contact with the individuals that share these interests.

A few of you understand my excitement. Though, I want to clarify for any that don't.. I may not rant and rave about abe's works or 'Serial Experiments Lain', but the excitement is genuine (but also, hopefully doesn't come off as over the top). :p

I apologize for the ranting, and the lack of a quality post.
(Also, sorry soopykun, any hope of completing the Puyo texture/sprite mod has probably moved much closer to the back burner. :/ )

News flash -- too important not to crosspost!

On my primary blog, I've got news of Tokyopop's webpage for The Twelve Kingdoms - Sea of Wind (volume 2), as well as the cover art, and I would reason that its release is nearly (although there's still a chance this could backfire like last time) a done deal. Still, March 11, here I come!

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Blogger Interface Update – Admin Privileges

A while back, Spider-kun observed that you couldn't edit or delete old posts created before the "new" Blogger (it hardly seems new anymore!) account system. It is half true--you can't edit your old posts, but the administrator can edit any of the posts. At the time however, there was no way to do this--only the owner had these privileges. Now, additional authors can be granted admin privileges in the Settings > Privileges tab. The privilege system still seems to be very coarse--you're either full blown like the owner or just an author (so you can't for example let them edit one thing but not another).

This of course would allow more the authors here to beautify things (specifically the template or sidebars), but it's not really a job for me (there is at least one author who has much better graphical skillz than I!).

Blog owners may also wish to browse through the settings tab as Blogger has seemed to drop a few more features in.

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Reversal of fortune

Kind of surprised no one else updated this, but over the course of this month, Geneon's fate had unwound.

On September 11, ANN announced that Geneon had let go most of its sales and marketing staff, in preparation for the ADV marketing, sales, and distribution alliance (see Spider-kun's post).

But on September 20, it was reported that the ADV deal was kaput. And the other shoe dropped as a result on September 26, when Geneon announced that Friday, September 28 at 5pm (since passed) was the final date for retailers to place orders for product, blaming the lack of a sales staff from the failed alliance, among other financial issues (a news item on September 27 elaborates on the issues involved). Orders by retailers could only be placed for product with street release dates prior to November 6. So it's a pretty straightforward conclusion that retailer stock will begin to dwindle, and the titles will go out of print rather soon.
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News - ADV now Geneon's sole Distributor

If you haven't seen it, there is now an official press release by ADV and Geneon regarding their new alliance. Beginning on Oct. 1, ADV will be in charge of Geneon's distribution, marketing, and sales. (Details can also be found through AoD's copy of the Press Release)

Quick comments:
While this gives ADV a chance to extend their reach, I'm hoping consumers won't have to experience too many mistakes along the way. Geneon will probably benefit from having ADV run their marketing and sales, and with ADV being their sole distributor it will probably lighten Geneon's load a bit.

Also, it should be interesting to see just how these changes will affect communications and the way we interact with Geneon and ADV in the near future.

nonoriri fans rejoice!

bvusa's diebuster trailer is now online!

http://www.bandaivisual.us/gunbuster2/trailer/lmovie.html

the trailer has my favorite track from the soundtrack in it, "topless," therefore, it automatically wins.

News - Geneon to distribute for Bandai Visual USA

Some of you might find this amusing in light of recent events:

AnimeOnDVD reports that:

Bandai Visual USA is now with Geneon!

I'm trying to avoid any assumptions, but maybe this will mean improvements in meeting street dates? ^_^;

I tease, but it should be interesting to observe what results this move might bring. (Though, too many variables will be changing to verify some predictions anyway.)

I salute Bandai Visual USA for their forward momentum, and will be watching out for them in the future.

A press release with more info can be found here.

The Swiss are Coming! (Fire our s---!)

I couldn't pass this story up when I read--who would have thought the Swiss would start World War 3? (okay well maybe not, but it's still humorous.)

Swiss accidentally invade Liechtenstein

(AP) What began as a routine training exercise almost ended in an embarrassing diplomatic incident after a company of Swiss soldiers got lost at night and marched into neighboring Liechtenstein.

According to Swiss daily Blick, the 170 infantry soldiers wandered just over a mile across an unmarked border into the tiny principality early Thursday before realizing their mistake and turning back.

A spokesman for the Swiss army confirmed the story but said that there were unlikely to be any serious repercussions for the mistaken invasion.

"We've spoken to the authorities in Liechtenstein and it's not a problem," Daniel Reist told The Associated Press.

Officials in Liechtenstein also played down the incident.

Interior ministry spokesman Markus Amman said nobody in Liechtenstein had even noticed the soldiers, who were carrying assault rifles but no ammunition. "It's not like they stormed over here with attack helicopters or something," he said.

Liechtenstein, which has about 34,000 inhabitants and is slightly smaller than Washington DC, doesn't have an army.

(story link).

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News - Shin Chan Returns

Thought we might want to comment on the news in this report by ANN...

Shin-Chan back on Adult Swim (ANN) (late spring or early summer)

Info on the Season 1 DVD will be released by August.

(funni's angry staff + Masaaki Yuasa = profit)


If you missed it on Adult Swim then take a look at FUNimation's Shin-chan site
(Some of those aren't even the 'best' clips, but probably the most appropriate for their purpose.)

By now its probably too late to "tell Adult Swim why you want them to KEEP Shin chan on ADULT SWIM!" through their site, but you could always thank them.


Now for a video that should be watched just after the 'Happiness Bunny' or any Shin-chan at that:


(yeah, probably only best after shin chan sets the mood, but here it is anyway)

News - Naruto Shippuuden

IT CAME!

And Improvement it has made

The beginning opens very strong, then they take advantage of nostalgia and brining everyone back to the village. So far with just one episode... the only thing I can say is that we can look forward to at least a few good episodes somewhere down the line. (Lets just hope we get to those without too much 'junk-filler' in between)

I mean, even McDonalds is sponsoring it
(That gives me mixed opinions though)

(DB will probably have it out sometime early tomorrow afternoon/night)

If they don't ... one might ejaculate ...

News - Anime - Kamichama Karin to be Animated

Just wanted to relay this tidbit...

The Kamichama Karin manga will be adapted to Anime by Broccoli. (Kamichama Karin Anime Site)

I'm not so sure I'm ready to see it as an anime, though it was probably going to happen (and by Broccoli's hand too) considering the manga is born from Koge DONBO (ANN).


Commence Whining...

Curse you ADV! Release more Yotsuba and Gunslinger Girl! I thought that while waiting I could resist the urge to buy manga I didn't 'have to have', but its working. Though, ADV should know I haven't bought any more of their manga... I'm still waiting. And still injecting subtle yet friendly reminders into their surveys. ~_^
(Ok, thats my public complaint. I'll try not to mention it in the future.)

Cease Whining


Thank You

Don't forget to thank Broccoli International for all the wonderful things they've done for us in the past as well. (I'm lookin' at you SRPE!) ^_^;


I'm not sure if we knew of this adaptation already.. if so, I must have forgotten (somehow I feel I'd forgotten)…

News - AMV Hell 4 now in Production

AMV Hell 3: The Motion Picture II: AMV Hell 4

Yes, you read it... there will be an AMV Hell 4 !

If you are not familiar with the AMV Hell Collection check it out.

The gears are grinding.

If you are interested in contributing to this abomination you've got till August 1, 2007 to -culture- your monstrosity. Prometheus would be proud.

There are a few exceptions as compared to the last time, take a look at the 'Rules and Guidelines' on animemusicvideos.org


A few recent samples to satisfy your pallet...
(note: nothing says these make the cut)

• Gundam Wing - Raffi: Peanut butter Sandwich
• Dokuro-chan - MSI: Capitol P (LOL)
• Negima - Jay Z: Big pimping (not again..)
• Mononoke Hime - Bananas at large: Turdy point buck (o_O )
• Berserk - Broke Back Mountain (oh nooo)

AMV Hell 3 Deleted Scenes

If you ever wondered about the AMV Hell 3 Deleted Scenes Credits List? We 'painstakingly' combined our powers and produced one. (There are still a few Mysteries to be solved, head over there if you think you can help. No... Scooby can't come too. -_- )
The colorful credits list contains anime data only.
The post at the top contains the audio data.
(Random info that might not have been added would be strewn throughout the other posts.)


Hiatus - Absence

Yes, its been a while. Posting will probably pickup sometime within the next few weeks. (At least for me.) I've got a few things I've been withholding.. I'll see if I can scrounge around and dig them back up.

Wah? Its not like I'm withholding sustenance. That’s illegal.. among other things ;)

One such scrap will probably be a response to NHK ni youkoso. (Yes, I've been following the Anime. Probably just so I can 'officially' complain about it. >_< )
It’s not a promise yet, but two more episodes and I'll consider posting a response.

News - Anime - New Kino no tabi Movie

I completely forgot about bloging this! O_O

(Or maybe I mentioned it and forgot, but I don't see it on the blog.)


First signs I saw on (MOONPHASE's Blog) started in the beginning of September.

Soon after that the site's index was put up.
It's looking like there is indeed a new Kino no tabi movie in the works.

I haven't seen any new details on when to expect a release, but if I catch anything I'll try to put it up here.

LOOK FORWARD TO IT!

News - Anime - Live Action, Matoko's 5cm, and Kintaro

Various Standard News of Interest

Speaking of Satoshi KON (ANN) (director of 'Paranoia Agent', 'Perfect Blue', 'Millennium Actress' and more), his newest project 'Paprika' (ANN) might make it to US Theaters March 2007.
The Paprika Trailer has some rather familiar Satoshi scenes...

(Paranoia Agent?)

(Perfect Blue?)

Some people say that the legacy of science fiction writer Philip K. Dick has revolutionized world cinema, far beyond Hollywood. Or is it, rather, the alternate realities of Japanese manga and anime, which have proved themselves an even more lasting tribute to imagination and futuristic politics? In any case, PAPRIKA is the definitive film of the Third Millennium about Counterfeit and Alternative Worlds. And it is gigantic fun, too. Please, fasten tight your seat-belts: it is a hell of a ride!

Live Action

Honey Clover Live Action (ANN)

Mushishi Live Action? Yeah, apparently.

Saikano Live Action - translation by weird_winghon is a bit flakey (often the grammar is off), but I'm glad to have had the chance to see it.
(Watched the trailer a couple times while waiting on it. :p )


Makoto Fanboy

Byousoku 5 Centimeter (site)
5 Centimeters per Second (ANN) (AniDB)

I've been waiting on this since the beginning of March (old link), but recently we can see some progress.

The 5cm Teaser can be found here 100k 500k 1.5M
And if you can handle it, Right-Click Save-As this 1280x720 version (Translated version out by The-Triad)

So far The-Triad plans to pickup the project.

The animation quality (gallery) seems like it will at the very least meet 'The Place Promised in Our Early Days' (ANN)

'Fanboy' is probably too harsh a word, but I've enjoyed several of Makoto's works (few at ANN) including his short films. Now I wouldn't go as far as to say something like 'Hoshi no koe' was great (it has its flaws). Or rather, that particular movie was in ways somewhat disappointing to me. The concepts he chooses are great, and the way he translates life to anime is very well done, but the arrangement of his 'plots', and at times the lack of 'meat on his characters' is the catch.
(The reason I use the term 'fanboy' is because I once caught myself being a bit too excited in the rush immediately after re-watching 'Other Worlds' (ANN) a few years later. ^_^; )


Fansubbing

Shinsen Just Released Night Head Genesis Ep 01
Trailer (wmv) for the lazy (ANN)

A-Et I love you! Yesterday they finished QC and The Last of Salaryman Kintaro (Anime) has been released! Get it NOW!
I've been eagerly awaiting this release if you couldn't tell. ^_^;

(photos.blogger.com acting oddly, image will be uploaded later)

News - Anime - AFRO NOOO !!!!

When the new season's shows were being announced I ran into AFRO-SAMURAI on MOONPHASE

I thought LOL that might be interesting and bookmarked it. Now I fully comprehend what moonphase was saying about the show.

GONZO is directing Afro Samurai in English using American cast members such as Samuael L. Jackson. Each of the 5 episodes will have a budget of $1 Million or more. The anime will be produced for America and then dubed in Japanese, however the episode times will be 25 min long and then cut for English TV broadcast times (missing 3 min).

ANN recently announced that a trailer is avaliable. (Is that pedro's son I see?)

AFRO NOOOOO!!!

(Ha! Now the site has an age verification)

News - Anime - New GONZO Movie, Various Licenses, Music, and Events

Various Standard News of Interest

ADV/Sojitz Deal
"More Japanese companies taking control of overseas distribution"
WOOF!

Earlier this month Mitsubishi Corp established a ¥2 billion anime investment fund with Dentsu that included a Mitsubishi subsidiary acquiring 34% of Geneon Entertainment USA.

Random Movie Promotion

Gin-iro no kami no Agito
Haven't Seen it Yet?
Check out the Trailers and Summary Below!

ANN Info and Summary

OOooo Moar TrailZorz!
Recently ANN found two more from DVD Rama (they are translated in Spanish)
Original Site Trailer (Translated Version by Yosh as well)
DVD Rama Trailer 1
DVD Rama Trailer 2
(Wait a moment and DVD Rama will redirect.)

Ureshii released the xvid version today, I snatched it up, but I'll be grabbing the sex264 *ahem* H264 version when they finish the encoding.


Licenses

Uh oh! Black Lagoon (ANN Info) Well, at least it was Geneon.

Geneon Entertainment @ Anime Expo (02:07 PM EST): According to news right off of IRC by those in the panel room, Geneon Entertainment has announced the acquisition of Black Lagoon (12 episodes, 2007). Four more titles are to be announced but the panel has paused for the Q&A with Indigo. They've also announced that the first volume of the Hellsing Ultimate OVA series will release on 12/05/2006.

The Hellsing OVA (ANN Info) Dub will have the original Voice-actors ... {shudder}

ADV also grabbed Pani Poni Dash! (ANN Info) ^_^;


Music

Oh, Remember seeing the flyers at Animazement for The Pillows? I had known they were coming, but I hadn't a clue that Penicillin (Video for Romance (YouTube)) was coming until I saw those flyers. >_<
Either way, if you haven't seen it yet, ANN put up an Interview with The Pillows

MISC

LAWL! Viz is brining the Densha Otoko Movie to New York!
Otaku! Take the streets! -_-

Speaking of 'Red Fraction' ...

The Black Lagoon OP (YouTube)

OP Edit (YouTube) (Feather Scenes Replaced, all else the same as above).

The Original Music Video (YouTube) for the song by MELL is quite ... how would I put it .. 'interesting'. (Probably NWS)

(YouTube doesn’t do the RAWS justice, but it will do for now.)
If you have not seen the series Defiantly take a look at these Openings!

(Edit to update RedFaction link)