Source: Anime Network press release
Official Site: breakblade.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Toni Brown

Promotional art for BROKEN BLADE. Image courtesy of
Section23 Films. © 2010 Yunosuke Yoshinaga/ Flex Comix,
Broken Blade Production Committee

Broadcast and digital distributor Anime Network and Comcast Cable are starting 2012 off with a bang, coming together to bring our fans a tale of war, magic, and ancient mecha: BROKEN BLADE (ブレイク ブレイド, Bureiku Bureido, 2010)!

Throughout January and February, Anime Network is inviting BROKEN BLADE viewers to enter to win ten limited edition DVD/Blu-ray and English cast autographed poster sets. For more information, visit theanimenetwork.com/brokenbladecontest.

BROKEN BLADE, published by Sentai Filmworks and distributed by Section23 Films, is an epic new series of animated films based on the international manga bestseller from Yunosuke Yoshinaga (Rampage). Created in six 50 minute installments, the mega production is helmed by Chief Director Tetsuro Amino (MACROSS 7, SHIKI, JEWELL BEM HUNTER LIME), and Director Nobuyoshi Habara (DNANGEL, NEGIMA!, FAFNER) working from screenplays by screenwriter Masashi Sogo (BLEACH, GANTZ, SAMURAI X/RUROUNI KENSHIN). BROKEN BLADE tells the story of Rygart Arrow, who defends Cruzon by piloting an ancient and powerful Golem.
Continued…

The tiny borrower Arrietty lives beneath the floorboards of mansion in the Studio Ghibli animated feature ARRIETTY.
Image courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

Discover a Secret World Within Our Own
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), arrietty.com.au (Australia)

Australian theatrical poster for ARRIETTY, courtesy of
Madman Entertainment. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

The Studio Ghibli animated feature ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) will open in Australian cinemas on January 12, 2012, courtesy of distributor Madman Entertainment.

Madman will screen ARRIETTY in both English language and Original Japanese language versions with English subtitles. The English language track was recorded in the UK and features a different voice cast than will be heard in the upcoming US release (entitled THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY) from Walt Disney Studios. The UK cast includes Saoirse Ronan (THE LOVELY BONES, HANNA) as Arrietty, Tom Holland as Sho, Olivia Colman (HOT FUZZ) as Homily, Phyllida Law (UNLEASHED, THE WINTER GUEST) as Sadako, Luke Allen-Gale (CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER) as Spiller, Mark Strong (SHERLOCK HOLMES, GREEN LANTERN) as Pod and Geraldine McEwan (MISS MARPLE, WALLACE & GROMIT) as Haru.
Continued…

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: starchild.co.jp
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for MOURETSU PIRATES. © 2011 King Record Co.,
Ltd.

Prepare to be boarded by stellar entertainment on a galactic scale as Sentai Filmworks announces the impending escape of the rollicking, hit space opera MOURETSU PIRATES (モーレツ宇宙海賊, Mooretsu Paireetsu aka BODACIOUS SPACE PIRATES, 2011)!

What happens when Teen Chic meets Pirate Technique? Find out when Director Tatsuo Sato (MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO, NINJA SCROLL TV, STELLVIA) returns to the familiar waters of comedy and interplanetary adventure and deftly steers the bestselling Mini-Skirt Pirate (Minisuka Uchuu Kaizoku) novels by Yuichi Sasamoto (VENUS WARS, Ariel) on a course to become an all new 26 episode anime masterpiece, while Noriyuki Matsumoto’s brilliant original characters designs are adapted for animation by the team of Akira Yasuda (TURN A GUNDAM) and Hiroshi Takeuchi (BIG O, XENOGLOSSIA.) There’s plenty of pillage and yo-ho-ho-ing ahead in the most plunder-full adventure epic of the year!

MOURETSU PIRATES will simulcast premier on Crunchyroll starting January 7, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. Additional digital outlets and TV broadcast will follow starting in February with DVD and Blu-Ray to follow.
Continued…

Rookie homicide detective Cha Eun-young (Lee Na-young) joins veteran Cho Sang-gil (Song Kang-ho) to solve a string of killings that may have been caused by an animal.
Photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment. © 2011 CJ Entertainment

New Trailer and Photos for Film Based on Best-Selling Japanese Crime Novel
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: CJ Entertainment
Official Howling Facebook pages: Sang-gil Version and Eun-young Version

Song Kang-ho, the prolific Korean actor who starred in MEMORIES OF MURDER (살인의 추억, Salinui chueok, 2003), THE HOST (괴물, Gwoemul, 2006), SECRET SUNSHINE (밀양, Milyang, 2007) and THIRST (박쥐, Bakjwi, 2009), among others, leads a new thriller called HOWLING (하울링), which opens in February in Korea.

Song plays Cho Sang-gil, a veteran homicide detective who is under pressure for his low arrest record. Because of this, he desperately seeks clues to a series of murders, presumably committed by a wolfdog. Joining Sang-gil on the investigation is rookie detective Cha Eun-young (Lee Na-young), who suspects there is something elusive behind the case.
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: hagaren-movie.net (Japan), funimation.com/fullmetal-alchemist-the-sacred-star-of-milos (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Promotional art for FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE
SACRED STAR OF MILOS. Image courtesy of Eleven
Arts Entertainment. © 2011 Hiromu Arakawa/
Hagaren the Movie 2011

FUNimation Entertainment, in conjunction with Aniplex Inc. and Eleven Arts Inc., announced that its animated feature film FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS (鋼の錬金術師 嘆きの丘（ミロス）の聖なる星, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Mirosu no Sei-naru Hoshi, 2011), produced by BONES, will be presented at a red carpet premiere at the Downtown Independent Theater in Los Angeles, CA on Friday January 20, 2012.

It will be a night of entertainment for fans of the popular FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST franchise featuring an opportunity to walk the carpet starting at 8:00pm and see the movie presentation at 9:00pm. A Q&A will follow with both the Japanese director Kazuya Murata and the US Director Mike McFarland as well as members of the US voice cast including Vic Mignogna and BONES president, Masahiko Minami.

Tickets for the premiere screening are currently on sale at downtownindependent.com. The first 100 tickets purchased will include an autographed limited edition event poster.
Continued…

Humans and robots learn to coexist in the anime film TIME OF EVE. © 2010 Yasuhiro Yoshiura/ DIRECTIONS, Inc.

First-ever Digital Platform Release in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
Source: DIRECTIONS, Inc. press release
Official Site: timeofeve.com (Japan), timeofeve.com/e (English)
Special Thanks to Ann Yamamoto

Japanese poster art for TIME OF EVE: THE MOVIE. © 2010
Yasuhiro Yoshiura/ DIRECTIONS, Inc.

DIRECTIONS, Inc. and STUDIO RIKKA are proud to announce the immediate availability of Yasuhiro Yoshiura’s TIME OF EVE: THE MOVIE (イヴの時間 劇場版, Gekijoban Ivu no Jikan, 2010) on the iTunes Store in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This release marks the anime film’s digital platform premiere outside Japan.

TIME OF EVE (イヴの時間, Ivu no Jikan) launched as 6 episodes from August 2008 through September 2009 on streaming platforms worldwide. The series quickly gained a devoted following as word spread about the sheer artistry of the visuals, and the tightly woven coming-of-age story about friendship, family and confronting society’s norms. The series exceeded 3 million views in Japan alone and sold out of the single-episode limited edition DVD release.

TIME OF EVE: THE MOVIE brings together the 6 episodes with new footage and a revelatory new ending, plus a new theme song by hit J-pop unit Kalafina (Sony Music Entertainment). The film is about two high school boys, who grapple with their own humanity in a world where people are serviced by androids distinguished from their masters only by the halo-like rings above their heads.
Continued…

Final VIZ Manga Update for 2011 Includes Digital Firsts, Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha PreOrders
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover for the first issue of the new digital manga
magazine Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 VIZ Media LLC

VIZ Media concludes the year with a second digital update for December for manga titles available on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Highlights for the newest update include the continuation of the “Shonen Jump Digital Warp”, with Naruto Vol. 57 and One Piece Vol. 62 debuting ahead of the print editions.

Fans can also now pre-order a subscription or give a gift subscription to Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha, North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine which launches in January 2012. Subscribers to Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha will receive a full year’s subscription (48 issues), an annual collector’s yearbook, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and videos. The first interview featuring Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto debuts the day Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha launches, on January 30th.

Finally, don’t miss VIZ Media’s special holiday digital manga promotion, which continues through January 8th 2012 and offers up to 20% off on ALL manga titles on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App. Catch up on best-loved or band new series with more than 500 volumes now available at a holiday discount. And look for plenty of new digital manga debuts coming soon in 2012!
Continued…

A young boy named Shawn (right, voice of David Henrie) is astonished when he visits the garden and discovers Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler),
a tiny person who lives hidden with her family under the floorboards of the house where he’s staying, in Disney’s release of the
Studio Ghibli animated feature, THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY. Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

Anime Film Opens February 17, 2012
Source: Walt Disney Studios press release
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), disney.go.com/arrietty (US)

US poster art, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios. © 2010
GNDHDDTW

Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all. From the legendary Studio Ghibli (SPIRITED AWAY, PONYO) comes THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010), an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series The Borrowers.

Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts.

But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger.
Continued…

Toei’s Super Sentai and Kamen Rider Christmas displays at Akihabara. Photos by Daisuke Ishizuka. © 2011 Toei Co., Ltd.

Authors: the SciFi Japan team
Photos: Daisuke Ishizuka

The staff of SciFi Japan to thank all of our readers, contributors, news sources and sponsors for their help and support this past year. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a wonderful holiday season as we head into 2012.
Continued…

Packaging for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of WAR OF THE ARROWS. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA. © 2011 Lotte Entertainment

The $40 Million International Box Office Smash Comes to North America
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend

Award-winning writer/director Kim Han-Min (HANDPHONE, PARADISE MURDERED) unsheathes the lavish historical action epic WAR OF THE ARROWS (최종병기 활, Choejongbyungki Hwal, 2011) on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD February 21st from Well Go USA Entertainment. The international box office success stars Hae-il Park (THE HOST) as the best archer in Korea who is forced to go up against the Qing Dynasty in order to save his younger sister (Moon Chae-Won) from Mongolian invaders.
Continued…

Logo for BLUE DRAGON: TRIALS OF THE SEVEN SHADOWS, the new anime series now available on on VIZAnime.com and Hulu.
Image courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2008 BLUE DRAGON PROJECT/TV TOKYO

Anime Series Based on Popular Xbox 360 Videogame Comes to North America on VIZAnime.com and Hulu
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: tv-tokyo.co.jp/bluedragon (Japan), vizanime.com/blue-dragon-seven-shadows (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

VIZ Media has announced the launch of BLUE DRAGON: TRIALS OF THE SEVEN SHADOWS (BLUE DRAGON 天界の七竜, Blue Dragon Tenkai no Shichiryuu, 2008), the second season of the hit fantasy adventure series BLUE DRAGON (both rated TV-14), available now on VIZAnime.com, the company’s own website for free anime, as well as on the streaming content provider Hulu. Episodes 1-5 are available now, and 2 new episodes will debut each Friday.

The BLUE DRAGON series is based on the exclusive Xbox 360 videogame of the same name, developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of FINAL FANTASY, and features character designs by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling Dragon Ball series of manga (published in North America by VIZ Media).
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: funimation.com/x (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Cover art for X: THE COMPLETE SERIES. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © Clamp · Kadokawa Shoten/ TV
“X” PROJECT

On January 3rd, FUNimation Entertainment will reissue the supernatural anime X: THE COMPLETE SERIES on DVD as part of their Anime Classics line.

Based on the series from the international manga powerhouse CLAMP, the X (エックス, Ekkusu, 2001) anime was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (NINJA SCROLL, VAMPIRE HUNTER D: BLOODLUST) with animation by Madhouse (BLACK LAGOON, DEATH NOTE).

X: THE COMPLETE SERIES contains episodes 1-24 plus the episode 0 OVA, X: AN OMEN (エックス- 前兆, Ekkusu- Yochoo, 2001).
Continued…

Cover art for the upcoming North American DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo Set of the Japanese live action sci-fi adventure GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER.
Photos courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, Warner Home Video
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)

NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. that focuses on the licensing and distribution of Japanese films and media, has announced the highly anticipated release of the live-action film sequel to GANTZ. GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) will debut on Region 1 DVD (SRP $24.92) and Blu-ray/DVD combo-pack (SRP $29.99) on January 17th, 2012. The film, which is unrated, features both English and Japanese dialogue options and includes a bonus disc with an exclusive director’s interview, cast profiles, and theatrical film trailers. NEW PEOPLE DVD/Blu-ray titles are distributed in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video.

To celebrate the film’s North American release, NEW PEOPLE Entertainment will hold three special theatrical screenings of GANTZ and GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER on Saturday, January 14th at the S.F. Film Society | NEW PEOPLE Cinema located in San Francisco’s Japantown. Tickets are $10. All those attending the screenings of GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER will receive a free full-color GANTZ poster. A special ticket bundle is also available for $25 (DVD) or $30 (Blu-ray) that includes a movie pass, poster, and either the DVD or Blu-ray release.
Continued…

Titles From Leading Manga Publisher Debut Today Exclusively On Barnes & Noble’s 7-Inch NOOK Devices
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

18 VIZ digital manga series like Kekkaishi are now
available for NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 VIZ Media, LLC

Barnes & Noble, Inc., the leading retailer of digital media and educational products, today announced that it has teamed up with VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and publisher of anime and manga in North America, to bring the digital manga experience to NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color customers. Debuting in the NOOK Store today, VIZ Media’s collection includes 18 series, featuring 107 volumes, from its popular Shojo Beat, Shonen Sunday and VIZ Signature imprints. Volumes are available for purchase and fast download in the U.S. and Canada for $4.99 – $9.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. New digital manga volumes, including previews, will be available weekly.

Viewing manga on NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color is authentic thanks to Barnes & Noble’s newly implemented technology that formats manga in its original right-to-left reading order. Read your favorite graphic novels on the award-winning NOOK 7-inch devices, which feature a full-color VividView touchscreen. NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color also give you access to the world’s largest digital bookstore, popular movies, TV shows, music and more through the top entertainment services, as well as a collection of high-quality apps, fast Web browsing and email.
Continued…

THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS Available on January 24th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff

Photo courtesy of Section23 Films.

Home video distributor Section23 Films has provided details on its January slate of releases including THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS. The devilishly fun anime will be released on both DVD and Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Also scheduled for January are EF ~ A TALE OF MEMORIES COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD and Blu-ray, and DVD editions of AKIKAN! COMPLETE COLLECTION, AND YET THE TOWN MOVES COMPLETE COLLECTION and PRINCESS RESURRECTION COMPLETE COLLECTION.

Read on for plot descriptions, DVD and Blu-ray specs, and cover art for all of these titles.
Continued…

Promo art for the new anime film FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS. Image courtesy of Eleven Arts Entertainment.
© 2011 Hiromu Arakawa/ Hagaren the Movie 2011

Source: Eleven Arts Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: hagaren-movie.net (Japan), funimation.com/fullmetal-alchemist-the-sacred-star-of-milos (US)
Special Thanks to Shun Ohara

Cineplex Entertainment, Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment are bringing FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS (鋼の錬金術師 嘆きの丘（ミロス）の聖なる星, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Mirosu no Sei-naru Hoshi, 2011) to the big screen exclusively at participating Cineplex theatres across Canada on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 12:55pm and Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 7:30pm local time.
Continued…

Packaging for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of OCEAN HEAVEN. Photo courtesy of Well Go USA.
© 2010 Edko Films Limited

Jet Li in His First Starring Dramatic Role
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend

Martial arts superstar Jet Li (THE EXPENDABLES, HERO, LETHAL WEAPON 4) reveals his talent for heartfelt drama in OCEAN HEAVEN (海洋天堂, Hǎiyáng Tiántáng, 2010), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD February 7th from Well Go USA Entertainment. Bonus features include deleted scenes, an extensive photo gallery and a poignant interview with Jet Li on Autism.

The film, which screened at five major North American festivals including the Toronto International Film Festival, features Li as a terminally ill father attempting to teach his autistic son the necessary life skills to survive on his own before he himself passes away. First time writer/director Xue Xiaolu based the film on her experiences over the last 14 years as a volunteer with Beijing Stars and Rain, a non-governmental educational organization for autistic children. OCEAN HEAVEN was awarded Best Picture, Best New Director and Best Actor at the Shanghai Media Awards.
Continued…

The twelve episode anime series SAMURAI GIRLS will be released on DVD next month in the United Kingdom.
Image courtesy of The Associates. © 2010 Akira Suzuki, Niθ, Hobby Japan/ Hyakka-Ryoran Partners

Disc Streets January 30th
Official Site: hyakka-ryoran.tv (Japan)
Source: The Associates press release

UK DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 2010 Akira Suzuki, Niθ, Hobby Japan/ Hyakka-Ryoran
Partners

The complete twelve episode anime series SAMURAI GIRLS (百花繚乱 サムライガールズ, Hyakka Ryoran Samurai Girls, 2010) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the United Kingdom by Manga Entertainment on January 30, 2012.

Based on the popular Hobby Japan light novel series of the same name— written by Akira Suzuki and illustrated by Niθ— SAMURAI GIRLS was produced by the animation studio Arms Corporation (QUEEN’S BLADE, ELFEN LIED, HIMAWARI!) and directed by Kobun. The series aired in Japan on TV Kanagawa and Chiba TV from October 3rd to December 19th, 2010.

The story SAMURAI of GIRLS takes place in Japan in the early 21st century, in an alternate reality where the Tokugawa Shogunate has remained in power. In this reality, student councils are tasked with oppressing schools. Yagyuu Muneakira is a high school student who rebels against his student council with the help of girls who’ve had the names of famous samurai heroes passed on to them.
Continued…

A disturbed 14 year old boy named Yuichi Sumida (Shota Sometani) is loved by his equally damaged classmate Keiko Chazawa (Fumi Nikaido) in director
Sion Sono’s HIMIZU. © 2012 Himizu Film Partners

UK Theatrical Release Coming in April 2012
Source: Third Window Films
Official Movie Site: himizu.gaga.ne.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

Venice Film Festival advert for HIMIZU. © 2012 Himizu
Film Partners

Third Window Films are pleased to announce the acquisition of Sion Sono’s latest work HIMIZU (ヒミズ, 2012).

Sion Sono’s LOVE EXPOSURE and COLD FISH have both been previously released by Third Window Films, and they are proud to continue promoting the works of one of the most talented directors in contemporary Japanese cinema. HIMIZU had its world premiere at the 2011 Venice Film Festival where it played in competition and won the Marcello Mastrioanni award for Best Young Actor and Best Young Actress.

Based on the famous manga of the same name by Minoru Furuya (Ping-Pong Club), the film tells the story of a teenager who aspires to be “ordinary” and “normal” in this world of chaos. But after an incident that can never be erased from his life, his wish becomes something impossible to achieve, turning him into a person obsessed with sanctioning all the evil people in society…

HIMIZU will have its theatrical release in Japan on January 14th, 2012. The UK will see it open on the 27th of April 2012. The UK DVD release date will be in July.

New Full Color Book Features Illustrations from the Bestselling Manga Series of All Time
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for One Piece Color Walk Vol. 2. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2003 Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of a new collection of manga creator Eiichiro Oda’s artwork from the bestselling pirate adventure, One Piece, with the publication of the One Piece Color Walk Vol. 2 on January 3, 2011. The new art book is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN.

Color images and special illustrations from one of the world’s most popular manga are offered in this vivid new art collection. The book features behind-the-scenes info on how certain characters were designed and also includes an interview with Eiichiro Oda where he discusses his history and evolution as a manga artist. The book also includes a bonus postcard and in-bound full-color poster!

“One Piece is the most popular manga series in Japan and continues to be the bestselling manga series of all time with more than 240 million volumes sold to-date,” says Alexis Kirsch, Editor. “This new edition of One Piece Color Walk Art Book features a big selection of Eiichiro Oda’s artwork rendered in vivid full color. Oda’s illustrations are imaginative, playful, and often dramatic, and most have never been seen before outside Japan. We invite fans to savor all the character and cover art contained in this wonderful new edition!”
Continued…

The Decepticon Starscream schemes in the CGI animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME, coming to DVD and Blu-ray in March 2012.
Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

4-Disc Blu-ray Collection Packed With 96-Page IDW Graphic Novel Streets March 6, 2012
Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Tom Chen

Cover art for TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST
SEASON DVD Set. Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory.
© 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

Prepare to experience the world of TRANSFORMERS PRIME like never before with perfect picture visuals and the purest digital sound available when the entire first season of the award-winning CGI animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME arrives in stores everywhere in North America on March 6, 2012 in a deluxe 4-DVD set and a Limited Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray collection from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios.

Both the DVD and Blu-ray collections of TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON boast all 26 action-packed episodes (including the 5-part miniseries DARKNESS RISING) and special bonus content. For a limited time only, TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON Limited Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray contains a 96-page IDW graphic novel based on this hit series.

Fans and collectors can pre-order the DVD release of TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON today! The Limited-Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray Collection (featuring the 96-page IDW graphic novel) is available for preorder exclusively on Amazon.com or ShoutFactoryStore.com.

Delivering a new level of heavy metal action and family entertainment for all ages, the limited edition Blu-ray collection is priced to own at $64.99 SRP. The deluxe 4-DVD set is sold separately and has a suggested retail price of $29.93.
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Theatrical poster for GIRL$. © 2010 Local Production
Ltd. and Big Pictures

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired the U.S. home video rights to the Hong Kong live action feature GIRL$ (囡囡, Nam Nam, 2010).

Directed by Kenneth Bi (RICE RHAPSODY), GIRL$ follows four young women— Icy (Michelle Wai), Ronnie (Seli Xian), Gucci (Minyi Wang) and Lin (Una Lin)— and their experiences in the world of “compensated dating”, where the girls are paid to date and not necessarily have sex.

Of course, sex is an inevitable byproduct of the business, and the girls are subject to the same dangers: diseases, perverted clients, and even a killer who’s out there murdering and dismembering the working girls. Nonetheless, the girls forge on because they need to pay the bills and make a living.

FUNimation Entertainment will release the DVD in fall 2012.
Continued…

Promo art for the new anime film FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS. Image courtesy of Eleven Arts Entertainment.
© 2011 Hiromu Arakawa/ Hagaren the Movie 2011

Source: Eleven Arts Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: hagaren-movie.net (Japan), funimation.com/fullmetal-alchemist-the-sacred-star-of-milos (US)
Special Thanks to Shun Ohara

Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment are bringing the feature length sequel film to the popular FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST anime franchise, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS (鋼の錬金術師 嘆きの丘（ミロス）の聖なる星, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Mirosu no Sei-naru Hoshi, 2011), to more than 100 theater screens across North America in January 2012.

Read on for the current list of US theaters and screening dates for the film.
Continued…

Packaging for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of Sushi Typhoon’s YAKUZA WEAPON. Photo courtesy of Well Go USA.
© 2010 Ken Ishikawa/ Dynamic Planning, Yakuza Weapon Film Partners

The Team Behind VERSUS Return with Another Blood-Soaked Gore Fest from Sushi Typhoon
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Official Site: sushi-typhoon.com/films/yakuza-weapon
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend and Marc Walkow

From the director of MUTANT GIRLS SQUAD (Tak Sakaguchi), and MEATBALL MACHINE (Yûdai Yamaguchi) comes the “bloody awesome” YAKUZA WEAPON (極道兵器, Gokudo Heiki, 2011), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD February 7th from Well Go USA Entertainment. Another warped film from the prolific Japanese production company Sushi Typhoon, YAKUZA WEAPON is based on the cult manga by Ken Ishikawa and stars stuntman-turned-director Tak Sakaguchi as a one-man, butt-kicking army out to avenge the death of his father with built-in firepower.
Continued…

Ring in the new year with some Hong Kong mutant mayhem! Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010

Hong Kong Sci-Fi Action Flick Arrives December 27th
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: funimation.com/city-under-siege (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for CITY UNDER SIEGE. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010

On December 27th, the Hong Kong science fiction action movie CITY UNDER SIEGE (全城戒备, Chun Sing Gai Bei, 2010) will be released in a 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by FUNimation Entertainment. The film follows a group of circus performers who go on a rampage after accidental exposure to chemical gas left by the Japanese army in WWII grants them superhuman abilities.

Innocent citizens flee mutant marauders in this electrifying tale from famed director – and frequent Jackie Chan collaborator – Benny Chan (NEW POLICE STORY, FIST OF FURY, HEROIC DUO) Featuring a star-studded cast including Aaron Kwok (seven-time Hong Kong Film Awards nominee), Shu Qi (Hong Kong Film Award winner), Collin Chou (THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM, THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, THE MATRIX RELOADED, and JET LI’S FEARLESS) and Qi Shu (THE TRANSPORTER). This thrilling flick packs a serious punch thanks to action sequences concocted by legendary choreographer Chung Chi Li (RUSH HOUR, NEW POLICE STORY).
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A Princess Uses Her Power to Make a Difference in New Fantasy Romance Series
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for Dawn of the Arcana Volume 1. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2009 Rei Toma/Shogakukan

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of the manga series, Dawn of the Arcana, by Rei Toma. The brand new title, available now, is published under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

In Dawn of the Arcana, Princess Nakaba of Senan is forced to marry Prince Caesar of the enemy country Belquat, tantamount to becoming a hostage. While Caesar is pleasing to the eye, he is also selfish and possessive, telling Nakaba outright: “You are my property.” With only her attendant Loki at her side, Nakaba must find a way to cope with her hostile surroundings, her fake marriage… and a mysterious power!

“Dawn of the Arcana creator Rei Toma has crafted a fascinating tale about a strong princess who discovers that she has an ancient power. She unearths secrets about her past, crosses swords with her husband, and has the gumption to fight for a better future for herself and those around her,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Readers will get swept up in the emotional and dramatic tension that permeates this new fantasy romance story from our Shojo Beat line.”
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Actor Hiroshi Watari in SPACE SHERIFF SHARIVAN. © 2011 Toei Co., Ltd.

Interview with Hiroshi Watari
Translation by: Tetsuya Shima
-The interviewer : 田神悠(Yu Tagami)
From the book : “宇宙刑事大全 -ギャバン・シャリバン・シャイダーの世界- (Uchuu Keiji Taizen -Gavan Sharivan Shaider no Sekai-)” ISBN4-575-29080-7
Publisher : 双葉社 (Futabasha)
Editors : 安藤幹夫＆スタジオハード(Mikio Ando & Studio Hard)

SciFi Japan continues its coverage of the Space Sheriff series from Toei by presenting an interview with SHARIVAN actor Hiroshi Watari.
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HEADMASTERS, SUPER-GOD MASTERFORCE and VICTORY in 13-DVD Box Set, only from ShoutFactoryStore.com
Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Tom Chen and Scott Neumyer

TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION is now available
for pre-order from ShoutFactoryStore.com. Photo courtesy
of Shout! Factory. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

Early happy New Year 2012! Fans and collectors can finally bring home TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION DVD box set from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro.

This is the rare Japanese trilogy that followed the popular “Generation 1” animated series. Available for the first time in North America, this 13-DVD box set is fully loaded with over 42 hours of entertainment, including all episodes that originally aired from the three Japanese series — HEADMASTERS, SUPER-GOD MASTERFORCE and VICTORY — each with their original Japanese audio tracks, English subtitles, and an art gallery.

TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION DVD box set is finally available exclusively at Shout! Factory’s official online store and shipping to customers beginning January 2, 2012. The set can be pre-ordered now at ShoutFactoryStore.com.
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Masaru Kato (Kenichi Matsuyama) battles aliens in GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER, playing December 17th at NEW PEOPLE Cinema.
© Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

EATRIP, DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 and GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER in the The Bay Area on Dec 17th
Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, MediaLab press release
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

NEW PEOPLE, the nation’s only entertainment complex dedicated to Japanese popular culture, has announced a trio of Japanese live-action films to screen on Saturday, December 17th at the venue’s SF Film Society|NEW PEOPLE Cinema. The screenings will include the culinary documentary EATRIP, which plays at 1:00pm, the newly released music biopic, DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED, which plays at 3:00pm and again at 8:30pm, and finally the action-packed conclusion of the celebrated GANTZ sci-fi saga with a showing of GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER 5:00pm. Tickets are $10.00 each per film. Information and advance tickets are available at newpeopleworld.com.

The SF Film Society|NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat subterranean theatre located at 1746 Post Street in San Francisco’s Japantown and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX-certified sound system.

Filmgoers that bring their movie ticket to NEW PEOPLE, The Store, located in the building’s lobby, before or after each show will receive $10.00 off any NEW PEOPLE Entertainment DVD or Blu-ray release that day.
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Latest Update for VIZManga.com and VIZ Manga App Includes Limited Time Volume 1 20% Off Promotion
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

One Oiece Volume 60 will be available digitally
before the print edition. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media.
© 1997 Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media delivers a festive dose of digital sparkle as the 2011 Holiday Season begins with the latest update of manga titles available on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The “Shonen Jump Digital Warp” for One Piece starts with the release of Vol. 59, available the same day the print version debuts, along with the digital first of One Piece Vol. 60. This will be quickly followed by the digital first debut of One Piece Vols. 61-62 on December 12th. The “Shonen Jump Digital Warp” is a ‘speed-up’ of selected titles to bring U.S. readers up-to-date with Japanese releases and prepare for the January 2012 launch of VIZ Media’s debut of the digital Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha, North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine.

The “Shonen Jump Digital Warp” also continues for Masashi Kishimoto’s hit ninja series Naruto, with Volume 56 now available, and for Tite Kubo’s supernatural action saga, Bleach, with Volume 52 debuting on December 12th. Naruto Vols. 54-55 and Bleach Vols. 49-51, are also available now, ahead of the print editions.

December will also see the kick-off of a special limited time promotion that makes all Volume 1 manga titles available for up to 20% off (regular prices range from $4.99 to $9.99). This offer will run until midnight PST on December 12th.
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