Animanga Nation

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is produced by the acclaimed Japanese studio Bones and set in a fictional world where alchemy – the transmutation of raw materials into objects – is science and the way of life. The series follows the Elric brothers Edward and Alphonse on their perilous journey in search of the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. They set forth in the hope that the magical artifact can restore their bodies after a failed attempt to revive their dead mother cost Edward’s left leg and right arm; as well as Alphonse’s entire body, leaving his soul affixed to a suit of armor.

Line Producer: Mike McFarland

ADR Directors: Mike McFarland and Caitlin Glass

Reprising their roles from the first series:

Edward Elric – Vic Mignogna

Winry Rockbell – Caitlin Glass

Roy Mustang – Travis Willingham

Lust – Laura Bailey

Envy – Wendy Powell

Gluttony – Chris Cason

Maes Hughes – Sonny Strait

Fuhrer King Bradley – Ed Blaylock

Riza Hawkeye – Colleen Clinkenbeard

Jean Havoc – Mike McFarland

New Cast Members:

Alphonse Elric – Maxey Whitehead (Antonio from Romeo x Juliet, Czeslaw

Meyer from Baccano)

Scar – J Michael Tatum (Eneru from One Piece, Isaac from Baccano)

Isaac McDougal – Bryan Massey (Ladd from Baccano, Nino from Gunslinger

Girl: Il Teatrino)

Aaron Dismuke will be featured in another role later in the series.

FUNimation Entertainment will release “Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood” on DVD beginning in Spring 2010.

FUNimation currently streams high-quality, free, original Japanese dialogue and English subtitled episodes of the series within days of Japanese television debut via http://funimation.com/video as well as key video-sharing partners.

 

Produced From THE Original Dragon Ball Z Masters, Available on DVD in November

Flower Mound, TX – July 18, 2009 — FUNimation Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, today announces that it has acquired the original masters for the entire Dragon Ball Z anime series, episodes and films, and will release all as the Dragon Box for the first time in the U.S. The first of seven Dragon Boxes will be available at major retailers nationwide this Fall.

The Dragon Box will be produced from the original Dragon Box masters after a frame by frame restoration and will span the entire 291 episode television series and all 13 of its movies.

This definitive DVD box release begins with Dragon Box One which includes the first 42 episodes, uncut, on 6 discs.

The Dragon Box releases will feature an aspect ratio of 4:3, the original Japanese audio (with options for an English track or English subtitles), the original episode previews, complete opening and closing credits and a collector’s booklet.

Dragon Box One will be available at major retailers nationwide on November 10, 2009 and will have an SRP of $79.98.

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation® Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is the leading company for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit

www.funimation.com <http://www.funimation.com/> .

 

Written by: Faith McAdams

It’s Day 3 at AX 2009 and today is the day our friends at FUNimation Entertainment dropped a massive bomb on those who showed up to their panel. The explosion left us rattled and disoriented. The aftermath of said announcements also left us very excited thanks to some surprising developments … one of which occurred live in front of us.

To start things off, we found out that the FUNimation online portal has been improved and it’s better than ever. If you haven’t checked it out, please do right here at … http://www.funimation.com/video. You can also check out FUNimation episodes via YouTube as well as VOD through your Comcast digital cable provider. So there’s plenty of ways to catch up to your favorite FUNimation titles.

Those who love Afro Samurai will also love some of the shirts they had on display so expect those some time soon.

Oh, but the best news happens to be the new DVD releases headed our way. FUNimation also hinted at more Blu-ray releases. If you haven’t checked them out, you will be pleasantly surprised how good anime looks in the Blu-ray format.

Here is a taste of what we can expect from FUNimation Entertainment including my thoughts and, finally, our breaking news. Lets’ start …

DVD RELEASES

* Kaze No Sigma, Vol. 1  -  The 12-episode first volume will be headed our way this July 7. We will have a review for you up on that day too as well. It retails at $59.98.

* Fullmetal Alchemist, Premium OVA Collection  -  This is looking like the ultimate Must Have for Fullmetal fans seeing as this OVA brings us Ed and Al like we never seen them before. Expect this one on August 4, 2009 at a retail price of $14.98.

* Big Wind Up, Complete Series – Part 1   -  Our Editor-in-Chief couldn’t stop raving about this baseball anime. This first part will bring the first 13 episodes atg a retail price tag of $59.98.

* Gunslinger Girl II Teatrino, Complete Series  -  I think I let out a loud squeal at the panel when I heard this one. Expect the 13-episode collection this August 18 at a retail price of $59.98.

* Sgt. Frog, Season One – Part 1   -  If the Gunslinger Girl news made me squeal, the Sgt. Frog announcement made Clive yell with delight. Expect this comedy anime from the creators of Gundam on September 22 with a price of $59.98.

* Evangelion: you are (not) alone  -  This one comes in three versions with version 1.0 heading our way to certain movie theaters soon. We can expect version 1.01 on DVD this fall and then version 1.11 in Blu-ray and DVD in Spring of 2010. We saw the trailer and loved it.

* Sands of Destruction  – The DVD will be released with the Nintendo DS version of the game at the same time in Spring of 2010. The gamer girl in me screamed with delight.

*Slayers Revolution -  This one of of the many bombs that FUNimation dropped that excited not only us but everyone in the room. The anime has been cast and it’s an impressive cast, I must say. Expect a release some time in 2010. The way I see it, that’s not soon enough but we will happily wait for it.

* Dragon Ball, Season One  – Oh my God, at last we can finally enjoy the uncut and remastered first season that started it all. The trailer looks amazing and it promises to be just as good as past box sets of this series. Fans went crazy when this one was dropped on us. Expect it to come out on September 15, 2009. All 31 episodes in a set priced at $49.98.

BREAKING NEWS

During the course of the panel, some exclusive news was brought to everyone’s attention. The news is just as good as the thought of getting our hands on Dragon Ball, Season One and Slayers Revolution.

As of today’s date, FUNimation Entertainment just acquired fan favorite … Sengoku Basara! That’s right, expect to find Sengoku Basara, from the always amazing Production I.G., to be released through FUNimation. Just like the fans, this bit of news has us extremely excited and we cannot wait for this one to be released.

Anyway, that’s the news that has us definitely looking forward to all of these amazing titles heading our way.

Written by: Clive Owen

Bandai kicked off their panel by announcing a number of upcoming releases for their anime line that even includes the Blu-ray format. Sure, we loved the idea that Bandai has teamed up with Lantis, a music company with such amazing Japanese talents like Aya Hirano and CooRie among others to release said music here on our shores as well as via iTunes next month. Yes, we even loved the news that Bandai will also stream some anime via YouTube (they’re currently streaming Kurokami episodes).

What we loved more, however, is the fact that there are some amazing titles coming our way including a few surprising releases. As I mentioned, there are even titles available on the Blu-ray format, like Sword of the Stranger out now. Here’s a taste of what you can expect anime-wise:

NEW RELEASE

Code Geass, Lelouch of the Rebellion R2  – Expect a DVD release sometime this August while the first part is being shown on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming on Saturdays.

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 – Playing on AniMonday on the SciFi Channel but expect a Season 1, Part 1 DVD box set (and Special Edition version) on July 21, 2009.

Gurren Lagann LE Box Set and Bilingual Version coming our way this year.

Lucky Star (OVA) with original Japanese audio coming the first week of August at a $14.95 retail price.

Hayate: The Combat Butler, Part 1 Box Set  – Release date July 21 at a $39.98 retail price. We’re told there will be 8 volumes total.

.hack//GU Trilogy – With an August release and a $19.98 retail price.

True Tears  – Set for a July 2009 release as part of Bandai’s Anime Legends line and will retail at $39.98.

Sola  – Set for an August 2009 release as part of the Anime Legends line in a 3-disc set and will retail at $44.98.

Eureka Seven, Complete Series  – Release Date July 2009.

While we’re talking about Eureka Seven, Bandai made a special announcement that made my eyes fall out of their sockets (don’t worry, I popped them back in) … there’s going to be an Eureka Seven Movie. That’s right, Renton and Eureka are back and they’ll be on the big screen one night only on Sept. 24 at very specific theaters across the US. Tickets go on sale this August and we will give more details before they go on sale. Trust me, the movie looks amazing and if you’re an Eureka Seven fan you will be very surprised at this sort of re-telling.

Anyway, that’s the scoop. Our Editor-in-Chief has the Bandai Entertainment manga news and will be giving you the scoop on that front. We are definitely looking forward to all the things Bandai has planned for us.

Written by Clive Owen

Right Stuf CEO, Shawne Kleckner would like for you to buy more anime.

Thanks to an unstable economy, anime sales have slowed down considerably for the good folks at Right Stuf. Still, all news on the Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment front is not all bad. There are a number of releases coming up including the return of an anime classic.

Klechner showcased a few of the upcoming titles including the possibility of releasing a very few of them in the Blu-ray format (although  nothing is confirmed yet for the next year or so but the possibility has fans excited). Aria fans also have something to cheer about for those who love lithographs.

Apart from the announced titles, Klechner touched on various subjects including fan dubs and streaming (although he mentioned that Nozomi Entertainment will be streaming anime via the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live and other online outlets).

Without further ado, here are a few of the titles we can come to expect from them:

July 28, 2008  – The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, The Remastered DVD Collection

October 2008 – Astro Boy, Vol.1 and Astro Boy, Vol. 2 (the 1963 original)

November 2008 – Rental Magica

Here are also a few that don’t have an exact date but we can come to expect them in 2010.

* Maria Watches Over Us, Season 4

* Aria, The Origination + the OVA “Arietta”

* Antique Bakery

* Junjo Romantica

As I mentioned, Aria fans can look forward to a series of lithographs. Rigtht Stuf will allow fans to pick one of the four designs showcased and then print a very limited number of them. If they sell well, more will be printed.

Right Stuf/Nozomi Entertainment definitely has a number of surprises headed our way too so all we can do is wait for them to bring us new anime and classics at a great price .

Celebrated Talents Imaishi and Nishigori to Attend Nation¹s Largest Anime
and Manga Convention

Anaheim, California (May 29, 2009) ‹ 12th Animation Kobe Director Award
winner, Hiroyuki Imaishi and 7th Annual Tokyo International Anime Award
recipient, Atsushi Nishigori, are now announced as official Anime Expo® 2009
Guests of Honor at the nation¹s largest anime and manga convention held July
2-5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. More information can be
found on the website

www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> .

After graduating from Tama Art University, Mr. Hiroyuki Imaishi, was hired
as an animator for the Gainax Company, Limited. His first work was the
animation that many critics considered a social phenomenon NEON GENESIS
EVANGELION. Since then, Mr. Imaishi has worked on storyboards and as art
directors for such hit anime series as HIS AND HER CIRCUMSTANCES and FLCL.
Mr. Imaishi made his directorial debut with the OVA DEAD LEAVES. Mr.
Imaishi has also worked on RE: CUTEY HONEY and TENGEN TOPPA GURREN LAGGAN franchise. Mr. Imaishi was also the recipient of the 12th Animation Kobe
Director¹s Award.

Character designer Mr. Atsushi Nishigori has worked on many titles including
MAHOROMATIC, THIS UGLY YET BEAUTIFUL WORLD, HE IS MY MASTER, OVER THE TOP! 2 and serves as the character animation director for the TENGEN TOPPA GURREN LAGGAN franchise. Mr. Nishigori was also the recipient of 7th Annual Tokyo International Anime Awards¹ Individual Character Design Award category.

Mr. Imaishi and Mr. Nishigori join Daisuke Ishiwatari, Yosuke Kuroda,
Toshimichi Mori, Morning Musume, Yasuhiro Nightow, Satoshi Nishimura and
Kari Wahlgren as official Anime Expo® 2009 Guests of Honor.

Attendees, Press and Industry Members are also encouraged to view the video
coverage site of the 2008 convention at www.AXBackstage.org
<http://www.AXBackstage.org> .

Red & Black Sponsors include: FUNimation, Silver Sponsors include: Anime
News Network and Digital Manga Press, Patron Sponsors include: COPIC,
Central Park Media and The Right Stuf, Media Sponsors include: ImaginAsian
TV, Animation Magazine, Anime Insider Magazine, Anime News Network and UTB
Hollywood.

About Anime Expo®
Located in Los Angeles, California – Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest
anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests
of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a
key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and
explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the
industry to conduct business. AX 2009 will be held July 2 ­ July 5, 2009 at
the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California. More information
can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org).

About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit
organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public
about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate
communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more
popularly known by its entertainment property ­ Anime Expo®. More
information can be found at its website (www.spja.org <http://www.spja.org>
).

 

San Francisco, CA, March 18, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced an array of new DVD titles scheduled for release throughout May and June 2009. These include the latest episodic releases of popular BLEACH and NARUTO series, as well as the eagerly awaited new DEATH NOTE RE-LIGHT, the animation that revisits the DEATH NOTE series through the eyes of Ryuk. Younger viewers will delight in the new Pokémon DIAMOND AND PEARL: BATTLE DIMENSION Box Set, while older fans can also look forward to a new live action DVD release of HAPPILY EVER AFTER from VIZ Pictures. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

 

New BLEACH Releases Include:

 

BLEACH Volume 16 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available May 12

Returning to the world of the living after their adventures in the Soul Society, Ichigo and his friends resume their regular lives at home and school. But strange disappearances continue to occur, and no culprit is in sight. Something strange has followed them home and it will put their faith and trust in each other to the ultimate test.

 

BLEACH Volume 17 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 16

A powerful new enemy has appeared in Karakura Town. Known as Bounts, these menacing creatures suck the souls from humans. Rukia, Yoruichi and Soi Fon are sent from the Soul Society to investigate, and Urahara further enlists the help of three mod souls to assist Ichigo and friends in preventing these deadly attacks.

 

 

New DEATH NOTE Releases Include:

 

DEATH NOTE RE-LIGHT Volume 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 16

This animation goes back to where it all began and revisits this critically acclaimed psychological crime thriller from a whole new perspective – through the eyes of Ryuk, the shinigami death god and the one who started it all! Light and L have battled to the bitter end over the Death Note – but what does the story look like from Ryuk’s point of view? When rogue shinigami Ryuk deliberately drops his Death Note in the human world out of boredom, he has no idea how far the human who picks it up will take his newfound power. With the Death Note in hand, brilliant high school student Light Yagami vows to rid the world of evil, and when criminals begin dropping dead one by one, genius detective L steps in to track down this elusive killer known only as Kira. An epic battle of wits pitting one brilliant mind against another unfolds – with the future of humanity at stake! Ryuk’s not bored anymore!

 

New NARUTO Releases Include:

 

NARUTO UNCUT SPECIAL EDITION DVD BOX SET Volume 14 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available May 26

The ninjas of the Hidden Leaf Village are summoned on an important mission to the Land of Stars, where a meteorite with incredible powers has been stolen. Naruto and his cohorts begin to suspect it was an inside job when they learn that the ninja that stole the star used a special ninjutsu technique known only to the Star Village. Then, Choji, Hinata and Naruto set out for the Land of Greens to protect a group of merchants, one of whom turns out to be a princess! When Hinata is threatened by an evil ninja to reveal the princess’s whereabouts or Naruto will be hurt, will she choose to save a princess or the boy she loves? The Special Edition Box Set features 14 episodes on 3 discs and also includes a collectible Neji mininja figure.

 

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 14 Standard Edition· Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available May 26

DVD-only collection featuring 14 episodes from the hit series on 3 discs; collectible figure is not included.

 

New POKÉMON Releases Include:

 

POKÉMON: DIAMOND AND PEARL BATTLE DIMENSION BOX SET 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 23

Ash, Dawn, and Brock continue their journey through the Sinnoh region, with Ash working on his next two Gym badges and Dawn striving to break her recent string of Pokémon Contest defeats. Some new Pokémon also have joined the team – including Ash’s Chimchar, previously trained by Paul. Our heroes will also be attending Professor Rowan’s Pokémon Summer Academy and meeting a lot of new friends! But will they learn enough to deal with the devious threats posed by Pokémon Hunter J and Team Galactic? Find out in this special 2-disc box set.

 

 

 

POKÉMON: DIAMOND AND PEARL BATTLE DIMENSION Volumes 1-2 Standard Edition · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $14.98 each US / $21.99 CAN Each · Available June 23

The episodes of Pokémon: DIAMOND & PEARL BATTLE DIMENSION split into two standard single disc editions.

 

New VIZ Pictures Releases Include:

 

HAPPILY EVER AFTER · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN ·

Available May 12

Happily Ever After is based on a best-selling manga series by Yoshiie Gouda and was a hit upon its theatrical release in Japan. This bittersweet romantic comedy combines visually striking cinematography with a heartwarming story about the nature of love and friendship presented by a cast of Japan’s top acting talents. Housewife Yukie Morita works hard to make ends meet while her husband Isao hangs around all day gambling away their savings and getting into trouble. Isao’s uncontrollable temper often results in the dinner table being overturned and their evening meal on the floor. Everyone advises Yukie to leave Isao, but their unconditional love keeps them together through happiness and hard times.

 

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at

 

 

www.VIZ.com. 

 

Fans Are Invited To View The Simulcast At NARUTO.com On March 26^th And Watch The Newest NARUTO Shippuden Episode For FREE!

 

San Francisco, CA, MARCH 19, 2009

– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, continues to generate tremendous interest in its animated NARUTO series and the property’s latest story arc – NARUTO Shippuden – with a special announcement that the newest Shippuden installment, Episode 101 (English subtitled), will stream for free in the U.S. on March 26^th on the company’s official NARUTO web site,

 

 

 

 

www.naruto.com

, the same day the episode is scheduled to air in Japan. This episode of NARUTO Shippuden can be viewed in Canada on March 26th on www.Joost.com.

 

 

 

 

www.Naruto.com

.

 

 

About VIZ Media, LLC

 

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at

www.VIZ.com.

 

 

Nearly 200 Episodes of Free, On-Demand Programming Available Via Online Hangout

Flower Mound, Texas – March 3, 2009 – FUNimation Entertainment will be bringing many of its top titles to a theatre near you: your home computer. The anime leader has completed an agreement with Gaia Online, the leading online hangout for teens and young adults, for select series to enjoy a virtual theatrical run through Gaia Online Cinema.

The more than 7 million teens and young adults who visit Gaia Online each month will have access to episodes from such series as Black Blood Brothers, MoonPhase, Peach Girl and Suzuka starting today.

Gaian theatre goers can take a virtual seat by visiting

 

 

http://www.gaiaonline.com/cinema/movies/ and clicking on “What’s New” or “Channels” and selecting FUNimation. New Gaia Online users can join in on the fun by visiting www.gaiaonline.com

, creating a custom anime-inspired avatar and visiting the Cinema section of the community.

 

www.gaiaonline.com.About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation® Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is the leading company for Japanese animation in the United States . FUNimation is known for acquiring top-rated anime series from Japan and for being the market share leader for home video sales of anime in the United States . The company has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution.

 

The Japanese hit animated film EVANGELION: 1.0 YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE has been selected to screen at the AFI DALLAS International Film Festival Presented by NorthPark Center, Founding Sponsor Victory Park. Grab front row seats for this sci-fi action adventure!

Created by the same production team behind the popular anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion that aired on the TV Tokyo network in the 1990’s, the film tells the story of schoolboy Shinji Ikari as he is summoned by his estranged father to the vast city of Tokyo-3. The tearful reunion he was hoping for does not materialize as his father has a far more nefarious reason for wanting his son by his side again. Led down into the underground labyrinth of NERV headquarters, he learns that he is one of only a few children that can pilot one of the enormous Evangelion robots against a terrifying enemy.

Tokyo-3 is under attack from the terrifying Angels, creatures of an unknown origin bent on laying waste to anything they find. However, there are greater forces at work behind the scenes, and is the true enemy the angels, NERV, the mysterious SEELE, or the demons held within the hearts of the people involved?

The dramatic thriller received Animation of the Year and Best Director Award at Tokyo International Fair in 2007.

Screening dates, times and locations will be announced in March.

AFI DALLAS 2009 will run March 26 – April 2, 2009. Passes go on sale February 6; tickets go on sale March 2. Passes and tickets will be made available via online (

AFIDALLAS.com

), phone (214.720.0663) and in person at the Box Office located at the AFI DALLAS locations at NorthPark Center and Victory Park.