RALWGRAD Vol. 1
RALΩGRAD © 2006 by Tsuneo Takano, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.
Manga by Tsuneo Takano
By Takeshi Obata, the artist of Death Note! Can a strange young man who’s been imprisoned all his life save the city from an onslaught of the Shadows?
$7.99 US/$9.99 CAN
Check out our review coming soon!
Be With You
Manga by Takuji Ichikawa
When Takumi’s wife suddenly returns from the grave, he can’t believe his eyes. As he starts digging deeper and deeper into the mystery of her sudden reappearance, he discovers a secret that is somehow linked to the past…and the future.
$8.99 US/$10.99 CAN
Rated Teen
February is a great month for Death Note fans, just check out the latest releases that see a hardcover book as well as a profile guide to the entire manga series.
There’s a serial killer loose in Los Angeles and the local authorities need help fast. For some reason the killer has been leaving a string of maddeningly arcane clues at each crime scene. Each of these clues, it seems, is an indecipherable roadmap to the next murder. Story based on Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.
Based on the comic “DEATH NOTE” by Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata Originally serialized in “WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP” published by SHUEISHA Inc. DEATH NOTE – ANOTHER NOTE LOS ANGELES BB RENZOKU SATSUJIN JIKEN – © 2006 by NISIO ISIN, Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.
Hardcover Novel
$17.99 US/ $21.99 CAN
The Ultimate Death Note Encyclopedia!
Here, in one authoritative volume: everything you need to know about Death Note, the best-selling manga series! Story based on Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.
DEATH NOTE HOW TO READ 13 © 2006 by Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.
$14.99 US/$17.99 CAN
Story of Two Women Searching For Love And Meaning Amidst the Hustle and
Bustle of Tokyo A Box Office Hit In Japan
San Francisco, CA, February 26, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ
Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has
announced a pair of new theatrical runs scheduled for New York and Los
Angeles of NANA, a live action film directed by Ootani Kentarou and
based on the best-selling shojo manga (graphic novel) series by Ai Yazawa.
NANA will screen in Los Angeles, March 21-27 at the IMAGINASIAN CENTER
and then in New York, April 4-10 at the IMAGINASIAN THEATRE. Press
screenings for both locations are also planned and theater information
follows at the end of this release.
NANA follows the adventures of two girls both named Nana. While they
share the same name, they couldn’t be more different. Nana “Hachi”
Komatsu follows her boyfriend to Tokyo and hopes to make a new start,
while Nana Osaki, who arrives in the city at the same time, is a punk
rock beauty who has the ambition to make it big in the world of rock and
roll. Although these two young women come from vastly different
backgrounds, they quickly become best friends. What sets them apart,
however, is the stark difference between their lives. One Nana comes
from a small town, following her friends and boyfriend but ultimately
looking for her own goal to obtain, while the other Nana has a
single-minded aim to make her dream and band, the Black Stones, among
the best in Japan.
NANA performed well at the Japanese box office upon its release in 2006,
grossing more than 4 billion yen and staying in the Top 10 for several
weeks. The main theme from the film, “Glamorous Sky,” took the number 1
spot on Japan’s Oricon charts in its first two weeks of sales and
quickly sold over 450,000 copies. Another song from the film, “Endless
Story,” took the number 2 spot on the same chart in its first week of
release and sold over 300,000 copies. The English version of the manga
series has sold over 22 million copies in Japan, is published
domestically by VIZ Media under its SHOJO BEAT imprint.
“NANA presents a realistic and sometimes gritty portrayal of two modern
women searching for love, careers and a sense of purpose amidst the
urban bustle of Tokyo,” says Manami Iboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ
Pictures. “The manga series on which the film is based has been
critically acclaimed and demonstrates the versatility of manga-inspired
plots to transition from print to film in such a compelling way. NANA
was warmly received at its U.S. premiere at the 2007 New York Anime
Festival, and we look forward to audiences in Los Angeles and New York
enjoying the film.”
Theatre information:
LOS ANGELES
Press Screening: March 5, 2:00pm
Theatrical Screening: March 21-27
IMAGINASIAN CENTER
251 South Main Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-1033
NEW YORK
Press Screening: March 19, 2:00pm
Theatrical Screening: April 4-10
IMAGINASIAN THEATRE
239 East 59th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Ave.)
New York 10022
(212) 371-6682
About VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese
live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese “kawaii
(cute) and cool” pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from
a J-pop fan’s point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North
America. VIZ Pictures titles include TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA
LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue
to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the “Kingdom of
Pop” for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is
an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S.
publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of
Japanese animation such as the popular “NARUTO” animated TV series.
© 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc
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
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 Production
Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and
distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North
America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The
company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as
SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio
soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial
production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise
licensing and promotions 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.
###
Country’s Mix Of Western And Asian Culture Creates A Growing Demand For
Diverse Titles
San Francisco, CA, February 22, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one
of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive
publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced its
continued global expansion with a new distribution agreement with Madman
Entertainment to offer a wide variety of Shueisha manga (graphic novel)
series to the burgeoning market in Australia and New Zealand. Shueisha
Inc., is one of Japan’s largest publishers and is a parent company of
VIZ Media.
Some initial VIZ Media titles to be published will include smash hit
properties like NARUTO, set to debut in March, BLEACH, scheduled to
launch in April, and DEATH NOTE, which will be introduced in May.
Several popular shojo series such as THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE †, FULL
MOON, LOVE*COM and NANA are also set for publication this year along
with action favorites that include ONE PIECE, D. GRAY MAN, BLACK CAT and
CLAYMORE.
Madman is Australia’s number one distributor of manga (graphic novels),
with a wide range of popular titles already available, including some of
the industry’s biggest licenses. In late 2006-early 2007, Madman was a
key sponsor of the Tezuka – The Marvel of Manga exhibition at the
National Gallery of Victoria and the Gallery of New South Wales, and
also launched a dedicated manga section on its website, www.madman.com.au.
“Madman is honored to be working with VIZ Media and their incredible
range of manga brands, and thrilled at the prospect of introducing these
to a wide range of readers in our territories,” says Tim Anderson,
Managing Director of Madman Entertainment. “Australian and New Zealand
readers have developed a real thirst for manga and based on similar
agreements forged in other rising markets, Madman looks forward to
combining efforts with VIZ Media to offer the most comprehensive
catalogue to date in these countries.”
“Madman Entertainment has become a dominant player in the emerging
Australian and New Zealand manga scene and we are excited to partner
with them to bring some of the hottest titles to readers there.” says
Hyoe Narita, Executive Vice President, VIZ Media. “Manga has become a
truly global entertainment medium and agreements like this will continue
to provide innovative means to develop and establish international
markets offering a range of compelling content.”
About MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT
THE MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP proudly showcases the best in Japanese
anime, world cinema, art house film, Australian independent features and
animation. Madman is Australia’s leading distributor of home
entertainment and an industry innovator with a sought-after interactive
and DVD authoring studio; printing division; film production
involvement; and a range of DVD and video labels. Madman was recently
awarded exclusive DVD distribution rights to the Cartoon Network and SBS
home entertainment labels. Web site: www.madman.com.au
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 Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in
the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking
audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and
animation. The company offers an integrated product line including,
magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos,
DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated
entertainment from initial production, television placement and
distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions 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.
Written by Edward Zacharias
This might be old news for anyone who has a keen interest on the high-definition DVD format debate that seems to be pointing at the Blu-ray format as the clear winner. Beginning with Warner Bros making the announcement that they will be supporting Blu-ray rather than jumping on the HD-DVD format that is (in the opinion of many) slowly but surely to be heading into Betamax status This move seems to have given a big boost to the format chosen by Sony to be included in their PlayStation 3 console and sales for Blu-ray players are steadily increasing.
Should HD-DVD owners worry about the sudden shift in favor of Blu-ray? It’s probably still too early to tell but – in my opinion – I expect the format to fizzle sometime in the next few years. After all, it was director Michael Bay who picked the HD-DVD format for his mega blockbuster Transformers and snub the Blu-ray format entirely so there is some support for the format.
What exactly does this mean for anime fans? Well, currently the only high-def version of the wonderful anime movies Paprika and TEKKONKINKREET can be found on the Blu-ray format. Watching Paprika last night I was stunned by the clarity, the crispness of the animation and the colors that seem more vibrant than regular DVDs. In essence, Paprika on Blu-ray is an indication of how amazing future anime release will be on this format. Imagine a Blue-ray box set release of the complete Trinity Blood series? Imagine a full season of Fullmetal Alchemist or Blood + in high-definition?
Blu-ray also has a higher capacity than normal DVDs so the possibilities of juicy extras included for anime releases is enticing. Imagine, if you will, the complete Cowboy Bebop series in both its cut and uncut versions all on one disc? Imagine the second season of Bleach on Blu-ray with the ability to watch it in Spanish, French, German and Italian. There are dozens of different possibilities with this format. If you’re salivating at this prospect you are not alone.
Of course, Blu-ray movies are – at the moment – quite expensive but we can expect a change in price when the HD-DVD and Blu-ray format wars are finally over. The hefty price tag might be a turn-off for consumers who think most anime releases are a tad expensive to begin with so justifying the purchase of the $29.98 Blu-ray version of Death Note vol. 5 to a $19.98 version of the same volume might be a matter of how much you’re willing to spend on a difference in quality. Most likely, the high-definition versions will most likely reserved to box sets and collections of an entire series.
Either way, we are now in a digital age that is demanding a higher quality that only high-definition can bring and it’s only a matter of time when we will find our favorite series on Blu-ray (or HD-DVD) but make no mistake there will be a clear cut winner and my guess is that it will be Blu-ray.
© Masashi Kishimoto
Highly Anticipated New Manga Story Arc Launches Featuring A Teenage Naruto And Offers New Volumes Every Two Months
San Francisco, CA, February 20, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of the long-awaited new NARUTO manga story arc beginning with Volume 28, which is the first to feature Naruto as a teenager. The volume is expected to hit stores nationwide on March 4 with an estimated retail price of $7.95 and will include an exclusive full-color poster insert in the first print run. New editions of the hit series will now debut every two months.
NARUTO, rated T for Teens, has captivated millions with its story of a young ninja in training. The new volume picks up two years after Naruto left to train with Jiraiya. Now a teenager, he reunites with his old friends to find out everyone is stronger than before — and maybe even stronger than he is! Gaara has even become the Kazekage, the leader of the Village Hidden in the Sand. But even with all that power, Gaara is kidnapped! Who is behind this shocking abduction and what do they want? Can Naruto save Gaara without becoming a victim himself?
First introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999, NARUTO quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga (graphic novel) targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 80 million copies to-date. Today, Naruto is considered one of the most popular animated series in Japan’s history and has achieved immense success not only as a manga and TV series, but also in the realm of licensed categories such as toys, trading card games and video games. NARUTO currently enjoys widespread domestic success where it debuted as the best selling manga title in North America. NARUTO has sold over three million copies to date and regularly appears on USA Today’s Bestseller list and Bookscan’s Graphic Novel Top 50. Volume 7 also won the prestigious 2006 Quill Award in the Graphic Novel Category. VIZ Media also distributes the NARUTO animated series on DVD (which has sold over 350,000 copies domestically.) For more information go to www.NARUTO.com
“Japan’s favorite ninja has become the world’s favorite ninja and we are very excited to announce the debut of the new teenage Naruto!,” says Liza Coppola, Sr. Vice President, Marketing, VIZ Media. “The release of Volume 28 is the culmination of our Naruto Nation campaign that began in 2007 and brought an unprecedented increase in the publication of new NARUTO volumes – 3 per month. With lots of new characters and stories, readers who grew up with our young ninja in training will delight in the new changes. For those who have yet to see what the buzz is about, this volume is a wonderful entry point into an action packed series that has captivated millions of readers!”
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 Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions 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.
New York, Seattle And Los Angeles Set To Run Visually Inventive Comedy From Director Katsuhito Ishii
San Francisco, CA, February 13, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced a trio of theatrical screenings in New York, Seattle and Los Angeles for its newest film, FUNKY FOREST: The First Contact, throughout March and April. With special press screenings to take place in New York and in Los Angeles.
FUNKY FOREST is a visually inventive masterpiece from director Katsuhito Ishii (THE TASTE OF TEA, available on DVD from VIZ Pictures and distributed by VIZ Media, and SHARK SKIN MAN & PEACH HIP GIRL) and will screen March 7-13 in New York City, NY at the Imaginasian Theater. The film moves on to Seattle, WA, March 21-27, at the Grand Illusion Cinema, and finally April 18-24 in Los Angeles, CA at the Imaginasian Center. Theater information follows at the end of this release.
Cult-favorite director Katsuhito Ishii, who also notably directed the animated portion of Kill Bill Vol. 1, teams up with the talented directors Shunichiro Miki and ANIKI (aka Hajime Ishimine) to create a visually imaginative masterpiece with some hilariously odd characters. FUNKY FOREST: The First Contact was a hit at numerous international film festivals and was an official selection at the 2006 Montreal Fantasia Film Festival, the 2006 San Francisco Independent Film Festival and the 2007 New York Asian Film Festival.
FUNKY FOREST features 21 free-associative episodes ranging from a nonsense “sci-fi” comedy to a dance-battle daydream. Akin to a feature length sketch routine in the tradition of Monty Python, it opens with the Mole Brothers, a traditional but hyperactive Japanese stand-up duo that return periodically throughout the film.
FUNKY FOREST then shifts to a science fiction daydream featuring actress Maya Banno of THE TASTE OF TEA who plays a distracted student who dreams of wild adventures in the cosmos when she should be finishing her homework. In another segment, three unpopular brothers, Katsuichi, Masaru and Masao, are comically featured as they struggle to be popular among the girls. Luckily enough, they finally get a chance to have a co-ed picnic with some pretty young ladies! Audiences will delight in the Babbling Hot Spring Vixens, a trio of professional women on a hot spring vacation telling each other increasingly pointless stories as they get progressively drunker. In one of the film’s most memorable comedic vignettes, Neon Genesis Evangelion director Hideaki Anno is cast as an animator complaining about the lack of artistry in the youth of today while drawing sequences for a project directed literally, by a dog.
“We are excited to announce this special series of screenings of FUNKY FOREST: The First Contact,” says Manami IIboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures “Director Katsuhito Ishii endeared audiences to his offbeat style of filmmaking with THE TASTE OF TEA, and he offers a daring, quirky and funny experience with FUNKY FOREST. For anime fans, the appearance of famed Evangelion director Hideaki Anno is also a treat. We look forward to cinema aficionados of all types seizing this rare opportunity to catch this unique film theatrically.”
Theatre information:
NEW YORK
Press Screening: February 22, 10:30AM
Theatrical Screening: March 7-13
IMAGINASIAN THEATRE
239 East 59th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Ave.)
New York 10022
(212) 371-6682
SEATTLE
MARCH 21-27
GRAND ILLUSION CINEMA
1403 NE 50th St.
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 523-3935
LOS ANGELES
Press Screening: April 3, 2PM
Theatrical Screening: APRIL 18-24
IMAGINASIAN CENTER
251 South Main Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-1033
About VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese “kawaii (cute) and cool” pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan’s point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular “NARUTO” animated TV series. © 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc
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 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 Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions 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.
Review by: Gretchen Silverstedt
Publisher: Viz Media
MSRP: $49.98
Running Time: 326 minutes
Genre: Action/Adventure
Release Date: Available now
Picking up directly after the late arrival as Sasuke Uchiha to the exam arena, the sixth 3-disc box set opens with one of the Leaf Village’s most promising stars up against the dark Sand Village ninja named Gaara. At this point, both Naruto and all-around slacker Shikamaru already know that Gaara is not only dangerous but he’s also psychotically out of his mind.
Well, it doesn’t take Sasuke long to find that out seeing as Gaara begins “talking” to his dead mother and using his sand jutsu as both a shield and as an attack. It is in these first few episodes that Kakashi Sensei reveals to Sakura (as well as Guy and a still badly injured pupil, Rock Lee) that their delay was due to the simple fact that he trained Sasuke to build up speed to unleash a new technique … Chidori: One Thousand Birds. Gaara also unveils a startling revelation but doesn’t quite pull it off because Sasuke manages to do something nobody had ever done to him and that is make him bleed. In fact, he freaks out when he sees his own blood.
It is also in these episodes during Sasuke’s battle with Gaara that Guy and Kakashi begin to notice something strange about the Ambu Black Ops that are scattered throughout the arena. It is also here that the Third Hokage begins to suspect something about the suspiciously acting Lord Kazekage. All seems to be going well until somebody unleashes a Genjutsu that makes everyone except for Kakashi, Guy and Sakura fall asleep. And then, with just a glance from Lord Kazekage, the invasion of the Hidden Leaf Village begins.
The invasion is, quite possibly, one the darkest moments in the series and one that propels the scoundrel Orochimaru to major villain status. He not only posed himself as the visiting Lord but also manages to reveal to the Third Hokage a most startling fact I won’t spoil for those who aren’t following along with the Cartoon Network episodes or the manga. We witness as the alliance between the Sound and Sand villages launch an attack that includes summoning a three-headed snake that trashes a good portion of the Leaf village. People die and the Third Hokage is trapped with Orochimaru in a barrier as both former pupil and Sensei fight to the death.
In the middle of the destructive chaos, however, Sasuke is sent in advance to chase a humiliated Gaara and his Sand Village companions Temari and Kankuro. It isn’t until Sakura wakes Naruto from his doze as well as Shikamaru that Kakashi sends them out to pursue Sasuke. Not wanting to leave them on their own, though, Kakashi summons Pakkun – a ninja puppy that guides the three through the forest to eventually face off against Gaara. It is deep in the forest that Gaara finally transforms into a hideous monster (one that even Temari can’t even look at) that manages to injure Sasuke and trap Sakura. The last episode ends with Gaara setting his sights on Naruto who is prepared to save his friends at all costs.
The three discs that make up this collection are, as you can see, dramatic and filled with action. They are also powerfully emotional as we learn about Orochimaru’s past as well as Gaara’s sad childhood and the betrayal that breaks his heart and is the basis for his anger and hatred. We witness Gaara as a boy who is lonely because children and adults in the Sand Village are afraid of him. His loneliness is understood by only one person but that’s something for the next box set to disclose.
There are also standout episodes such as Episode 70 where Shikamaru decides to stay behind to thwart pursuing ninja that were sent to stop Naruto from reaching Gaara. In episode 77, we witness the extent of Sakura’s love for Sasuke by shielding him from Gaara’s attack using her own body. The Uncut episodes don’t really add more blood to the battles but rather they slightly extend the damage done during the invasion of the village and extent of the damage caused by Gaara when he defends himself against somebody he thought he could trust.
Once again, the video and sound quality are at the top of their game and the voice acting in the English dub is still good … for an English dub, of course. Those that prefer the better Japanese voices will not be disappointed and the soundtrack featured for these 14 episodes are personal favorites (RAICO’s ending theme song is still wonderful).
The sixth volume is just the best of the bunch and the episodes featured here will definitely stick with you long after you finish. Here I thought the fifth was the better one until this one came along with its deeply engaging episodes that are on the top of the list of favorite Naruto moments. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN
MOVIE/EPISODES: 10/10
It’s the moment of truth for Sasuke and much is revealed about the curse mark on him but the real star of the box set is Gaara. The list of episodes featured here don’t give you much of a rest whether it’s the invasion of the village or the sad revelation of Gaara’s tragic upbringing. In the end, you’ll be really looking forward to the next box set.
VIDEO QUALITY: 9/10
The video quality is handled as well as expected and it’s great to see colors this vibrant and a transfer so crisp that you’ll eat it up like bacon. It’s a great job overall.
AUDIO QUALITY: 10/10
The sound quality is, once again, top notch. I have a Bose sound system and each DVD sounds crystal clear. As far as the English dub goes, it’s good but still not as stellar as the Japanese cast.
EXTRAS: 7/10
The 3-disc box set is incredibly slim on extras but I always thought the real highlight for future animators are the storyboard section and the accompanying book that’s as good as any college animator’s textbook out there. There’s also a preview for the next box set.
OVERALL: 10/10
This is quite possibly the best box set so far in the Naruto franchise and contains what is probably the most dramatic, action-packed and revealing moments in the series. If the Chunin Exam storyline was the a turning point for the characters, this invasion of the Hidden Leaf Village is the sign that things will never be the same for Naruto and the others ever again. In short, if you must buy a Naruto box set, make it this one.
by Karma Del Valle
Valentine’s Day is upon us and nothing says love quite like a manga about love especially if your sweetheart loves manga. I list the Top 5 right here. Why five only? Well, because if I listed more I could go on and on and on. So if you have a manga lover as your sweetheart, give them one of these titles, a kiss and a Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us here at Animanga Nation.
1. 
Love Attack by Shizuru Seiho
Love Attack is one of those familiar yet fun titles to read and I just absolutely love the art and story that pits a tough girl up against a boy she doesn’t want to admit she really likes. The tough tomboyish appearance of the main character just doesn’t hide the beautiful girly girl within.
2. 
Sand Chronicles by Hinako Ashihara
This is by far one of my favorite new Shojo Beat series and one I most identify with on a personal level. Being far from home, main character Ann Uekusa learns to adjust to her new surroundings and even when tragedy strikes she discovers that the kindness of new friends is exactly what she needs. To top it all off, Hinako Ashihara is a brilliant writer and her art is absolutely gorgeous.
3. 
Love*Com by Aya Nakahara
If you didn’t already discover Love*Com then you absolutely must pick up the very first one. Then you’ll see how hard it is to put it down and I guarantee you will pick up the next one and next one. With likeable characters, great writing and beautiful art, the series is popular enough to inspire a live-action movie.
4. 
SA (Special A) by Maki Minami
School can get competitive and even more so when you strive to beat that one guy who seems to be good at everything. Oh, how that guy gets on my nerves! This is the basis for SA and one of Maki Minami’s best work. Just the way the story unravels and the love-hate relationship of the main characters make this an endearing series.
And the Top 5 romantic manga series is …
5. 
Absolute Boyfriend by Yuu Watase
An absolute warm, funny and well-written series, Absolute Boyfriend is popular and much-loved because we can’t help but be amused by the events that unfold. It’s hard not to love the plot where a lonely girl orders what was suppose to be a figurine only to have a cute naked boy delivered to her home. Hilarity and romance ensue in this Shojo Beat series you must definitely check out.
Animanga Nation 