The Matsumoto Parade of Goodies of 97-99 continues with this announcement: Coming January 25th, in Japan, episode 1 of a 6 episode OAV of Matsumoto's classic: HARLOCK!!! WOO HOO!!! This really seems to be a Matsumoto Parade! First the new 999 manga, then the 999 movie which still hasn't been picked up for US release, Queen Emeraldas which we're getting this Summer, and now.... Space Pirate Captain Harlock! A brand new OAV! Isn't that exciting?! Now if only SOMEONE would pick it up for US distribution... Now the reason for such a sudden out pour of all things Matsumoto? I'm just guessing, but there's a good chance that 1999's 25th Anniversary of Space Battleship Yamato has something to do with it. Wouldn't you say so?
I've just seen the first videos of Eva for N64 and I must say I'm astounded! Why? Because it does something that NO N64 game to date has been able to do! Have actual anime sequences within the game! It was all in Japanese, but it was from the first episode of Eva, so I kinda already knew what they were saying. Anyway, the game itself, is a fighting game. So far all I've seen is pre-mission 1 FMV which combines clips from the show with polygons to show Unit 1 launching and Misato, Ikari, and that guy who hangs around Ikari talking about launching Unit 1. You know... "Can we really do this?" "Unless we defeat the Angels, we HAVE no future." "Ikari, are you absolutely sure?" "EVA LAUNCH!". Anyway... The graphics are impressive and the very thought of an N64 game packed with a zillion anime clips plus maybe even Eva's own opening too gives me chills! However... The game is primarily a fighting game and so far all I've seen of that is Shinji getting wooped. Also, the only flaw I've found in thegame so far is the music. It all sounds like a cheap MIDI. But then again, the game only just STARTED development sooooooo... In anycase, I hope someone brings this game over. If not, I'm importing 'cause it looks awesome! It, also, like Zelda, should prove to developers that the N64 CAN do FMVs is a good system for them to develop on. Of course, if Zelda and Eva don't give them the message, then it's obvious that they've all suffered some kind of brain damage.
Here's a couple of news notes from Bandai's Anime Village thing: Bandai's decided to start selling their stuff via retail. I.e., they're going to start selling "select" series in stores. However, they haven't said what series will be sold. Hopefully, Gundam is one of them. Speaking of Gundam, Gundam 0083 is FINALLY getting dubbed and will be out in February. However, wether or not it'll be coming in stores too or just Anime Village still remains to be seen.
12-14-98
Sorry for another long delay. School's really been keeping me away from updating. Even now, I'm attempting to split my time between doing this and studying for my upcoming Math Final. Anyway... Here's some unfortunate news... My computer's mother board is dead and I can't afford a new one. What does this mean for the site? My PC had all my original html files and artwork for the site. So I've now taken up residence on Nadia's PC. However, one rather large casualty of this is my Robotech Doujinshi. Without my PC working, I can't access the graphics files necessary to keep it going. So with Issue 2 (which might I add has to know be completely rewritten!), Robotech is switching to a new format: Hand Drawn! Also, I'm putting up a nine page preview of my humble little manga (who's artwork stinks compared to that Emiko's Genesis guy or Charles Park....), Space Battleship Saratoga. You can check it out at the new Manga Features page which also includes character art, mechadesigns, and other tidbits concerning the world of Saratoga. Also Nadia's pressing me to get an art site for myself. Personally, I don't know why ANYONE would want to go to such a place and view my atrocious excuses for art but... [sigh] Maybe if I ever get this place straightened out right and perhaps when I can draw like a REAL artist like most everyone registered with the Fan Art Head Quarters. Anyway... Let's cut to the ol' headlines, shall we?
Here's a rather big announcement from ADV: THEY'VE GOT QUEEN EMERALDAS!!! WOO HOO!!! Now the bad news... It's not coming till Summer. However, I've seen the import of Volume 1 and let me say that it'll be worth the wait! It was so awesome I can hardly find the words to describe it! Now let's just hope SOMEBODY picks up the new 999 movie too!
For those of you like Nadia who like Shoujo shows, here's some news for one of those shows that doesn't sicken me, Magic Knights Rayearth. Animeworks has acquired all 49 episodes of the show and will begin putting them out in September of 1999 in both dubbed and subbed formats. Much thanks to Otakuman for this info.
10-27-98
I know this update is several days overdue but... Well... I had a math test on Thursday and a literal moutain of piled up math homework to do by then PLUS an English paper sooooo... Oh and Nadia's fixed her computer but now her scanner won't work which will delay Saratoga's development plus some other art pieces I was drawing until December. Also, I am now on ICQ now. If you wish to contact me for something, my UIN is 21921213. I was going to add the ICQ contact stuff to the bottom of the Index Page but I have to get dressed for Trick or Treating sooooo... I don't have time for that right now. Anyway... The slow process of getting the site back under way is proceeding horribly slowly. Unfortunately, real life just won't go away so I can update this site in peace. Anyway, here comes the best update that I could write in less than the five minutes I have to get ready for Halloween. Also, as I've mentioned Nadia's scanner is non-operational, I've drawn a CG Halloween Banner of Saratoga character, Katie dressed up as Yurika from Nadesico. I hope you like her! I wanted to insert the rest of the Saratoga cast as different Nadesico characters but I simply didn't have enough time.
Here's some news for Pokemon fans: Starting this November, Viz will start putting out Pokemon's TV episodes starting with... Pokemon - Volume 1, of course. Each tape holds three episodes and Volume 2 will be out in January. As for Volume 3... It's release date is as yet unknown. Also, starting at the same time and going on as a monthly release, Pokemon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu, the very first Pokemon manga to make its way to the U.S.
Remember a few months ago when Antarctic Press announced their new line of A-ko figures? Well, I now have release dates! A-ko, with C-ko included is due out in April. B-ko and other stuff is set for Summer 99. If they are successful, Dominion will soon be next.
Well, it would seem that Dark Horse's gamble with the New Hope Manga paid off because coming this January 27th, The Empire Strikes Back Manga - Volume 1 will hit shelves! Like it's predecessor, it's 4 parts, however, the artist of New Hope, Hisao Tamaki, will not be doing Empire. Empire will be done by a new artist named Toshiki Kudo.
This just in from The Otakuman, Slayers Manga #1 is out! So be on the look out for that.
10-12-98
I'm baaaaaaaaack!!! After two months of NOTHING, I FINALLY scrounged up enough time to work on the site again! I plan to do major work on each section on this every day until I get it all up to par! Also, I have lots of reviews and new shows to cover! Also, you are now 20 days away from the premiere of... SPACE BATTLESHIP SARATOGA!!! My brand new original manga series! Also, Robotech #2 will also be out on the same day! So be sure not to miss it!
At last the new TV season is upon us! And two new animes have premeired! Now the question is... Were they worth it? The first offering this season was Pokemon. And it was GOOD!!! When I get around to updating the Reviews Page, Pokemon will definately get high marks! Then there's the flip side of things. The long awaited third season of Voltron. [sigh] It's my sad duty to report that this one's a turkey. I must confess, a few weeks prior to its airing, I saw the character designs for the first time and was horribly dismayed by what I saw. And even though, World Events promises some nice story arcs, I'm not sure if story alone will save this show. My further feelings will also be put later on the Reviews Page.
Here's some ADV News: as some of you may all ready have been aware of (though I was not), ADV has formally announced their acquisition of Martian Successor Nadesico. However, no date has as yet been given for its release. And speaking of release dates, here's some from ADV:
- Slayers: Explosion Array! - January 12, 1999.
- Ruin Explorers 2 - October 17th.
- Slayers: Dragon Slave! - November 10th.
- Dirty Pair Flash: Mission 3 - Act 1 - November 17th.
- Dirty Pair Flash: Mission 3 - Act 2 - December 8th.
- Robotechs 8-10
- Robotech: Escape #1
- Robotech: Megastorm - TPB
- Robotech: The Sentinels - Rubicon #s 1 & 2
- Robotech: Wings of Gibraltar #2
Then there's Pokemon... I'll some Pokemon news for ya on tomorrows update 'cause it's simply too late to go digging for info NOW.
8-15-98
Status Report Okay, this update's been a long time coming and I tried to do as much as I could but the past few weeks have been hectic with school just about to start and all so here I offer the LAST of the Big Updates. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do very much. I've added lots of new characters to Dominion and brought on-line the beginnings of the Teknoman Page and tried to put as much effort into Area 88 as I could. But time's run out and school starts tomorrow... :( Which means, I'll be going back to the old format a small update once every other day (homework allowing). Also, as far as Area 88 is concerned, I got 12 new issues last Friday so I have PLENTY of material to write about there. As for the manga, I've worked on it a bit but I just haven't had the time to complete it. So I'm afraid that it'll be a little while longer before it gets done. I've also begun working on the beginnings of a new original manga series to be named Space Battleship Saratoga (name subject to change) that will be hand drawn (sort of) and will run side by side with Robotech, time allowing.
Also on the Campaign Front, it seems as though things weren't as successful as we'd hoped. Capcom is STILL denying and now not even Nintendo knows what's going on! So I've restarted the campaign for the time being. Of course, WHERE do we go from here is beyond me. I'll be fishing for suggestions from campaign supporters. Also, it would seem as the Campaign to return Robotech to weekdays has been a success as Cartoon Network has said formally that Robotech's move was just a scheduling thing. Of course, WHEN it will be returning to weekdays is still unknown. BTW, those of you who supported the Crystal Dreams Campaign but haven't received an E-Mail from me about putting your banners back up, you might as well do so. BTW, just to reiterrate, you now have a choice between TWO banners, mine and an altered version by Rach. That's it for now. Since I have Tuesdays and Thursdays off, I might be able to update next on Thursday but don't hold your breaths.
Headlines Star Wars: A New Hope - Manga - Volume 2, shipped last Wednesday so it SHOULD already be out. Also, issues 3 and 4 will be coming out in September and October respectively. And while we're talking about Dark Horse, the special anniversary edition of Dirty Pair: Biohazards - TPB, will be coming out in September and Shirow's Black Magic - TPB will be re-released in November.
More Voltron news just in... World Events has rigged up their page with lots of new data on the new season of Voltron including a video clip, cast lists, and a synopsis of the new storyline. Also, they have the listings for stations airing the show here in the U.S. For those of us here in South Florida, it will be airing on UPN 33 which ups the station's anime count to a whopping -3- this season (3 being Voltron (Season 3), Pokemon, and... [SIGH] ...sailor moon... [BLEH!!!!])! And of course, if WB 39 keeps Dragon Ball Z and Voltron (Season 2), that'll make 5 animes to watch this Fall! And that's not even counting Cartoon Network's anime (Voltron (Season 1), Robotech, and... The Evil... Also, rumors say they might pick up DBZ too!)!
8-6-98
Status Report Anyone remember my attempt at making a game called Robotech: Macross Tactics? Here's a little bit of good news... I've actually done WORK on it! And even better, I can actually get it to go from the Title Screen to the Scenario Select Screen! What a break through, eh? I know it doesn't seem like much, but making a game is a bit different from working on a class assignment. Anyway, another piece of news is that I've FINALLY figured out how to create the game grid on the Main Game Screen. Now I've begun drawing 30x30 tiles to fill the grid cells and test out wether or not I can get the game to draw the First Mission Map. Anyway... That's all for now. Oh, and the game compiles without errors. As soon as I can get the game to do MORE, I'll put up some screen shots.
As you've all no doubt heard by now, one of the new animes coming to TV this Fall is Nintendo's infamous Pokemon. Well, as of the latest issue of Nintendo Power, Nintendo has begun its exclusive coverage of both the game and the anime including a manganized version of the show's first episode. So how's it look? The animation seems decent enough and the show is obviously meant for children but doesn't seem all that hokey. Of course, how good the show is won't be known till it airs, but it doesn't look too bad. Also, included is a listing of which stations will be carrying it. Unfortunately, it's too big a list for me to write up, but for those of us in the South Florida area, UPN 33's got it. Most likely, it'll be shown on Sunday here. If anyone out there wants the station for their particular area, please feel free to mail me via the E-Mail link on the Main Page. However, be warned... The listings are ONLY for the U.S. If you live in another country like say Canada, then you're out of luck. Though when Nintendo's Pokemon Website goes on-line later this year, it might have listings for other countries. I'll keep everyone posted.
8-2-98
Status Report Thanks to some diligent work by ShadowFox of the Robotech Message Board, we've learned that Nintendo themselves has officially said that Capcom has bought the game and WILL finish it. Of course, personally, I'm waiting for an official press release from Capcom but for now it looks like the battle is over and we have won. However, just to be safe, the Campaign will be put on hold until Capcom confirms things themselves. THEN we can safely party. Though for now, if you have a Crystal Dreams Banner, take it down for now or replace the text under it with: On hold pending confirmation of success. There's no use in pestering Capcom if they've already given in. However... Keep checking back here for further updates. When the time to breathe that collective sigh of relief comes and we can safely say we won, I'll announce it. If the need to go back the Campaign arises, I'll announce that too. But for now, everything's on hold. To everyone who's helped out in gathering information and rallying support, thanks for your efforts.
In other campaign news, I WAS going to stick up the Mospeada Banner I downloaded from another Mospeada Campaign being waged by another site, however, I'm not putting up yet 'cause I'm too lazy. You see... The reason for this and why my campaigning has been waning the past couple of days (not to mention any actual site work) is because I rented Quest 64, bought FF7 PC, and I'm still trying to beat FF5. Sooooo... Eheh heh... I've just been too busy playing to do any real work... Sorry. Fortunately, Quest 64 goes back on Tuesday and maybe I'll be able to make myself work harder after that. Oh! And as far as the manga goes, I haven't done anything yet for the reasons I just stated but I've commissioned Nadia to draw a scene from the first issue for the new Art Book section to be implemented later. Anyway, that's all for now.
Headlines Dark Horse has just made a very odd deal with.... Well... I sure hope I don't get in trouble with GeoCities over this headline and link but... Playboy On-Line is now running one of Dark Horse's most popular mangas, Dirty Pair. Specifically, Dirty Pair: Fatal But Not Serious. If you haven't seen Adam Warren's hilarious take on the adventures of Kei and Yuri yet, you can check it out here.
7-28-98
Status Report First up... This update I'm adding ANOTHER Campaign. This one to get Cartoon Network to put back Robotech. However, as far as the Crystal Dreams Campaigns, so far it seems to be yielding the same repeated response to the Robotech situation being only rumor. However, they won't get specific. Probably tomorrow, I'll begin steps to get Capcom to stop beating around the bush and let us know what they REALLY know. Also, after that, the campaign work will shift into low gear. Why...? School will start for me in less then a month and with three classes, I'll have a hard time updating the site AND having a life. So, I want to take a rest from the campaign work so I can try and finish the promised Big Update before school starts.
Second of all... What else is coming in the Big Update besides the existing sections actually having STUFF on them?! Also, four new series will be added: Star Wars (about the manga version of the movies and ANY possible additional manga adventures that would probably be done by Adam Warren), Robotech: Southern Cross (If they have their own manga, they should have their own page), Orguss (What can I say? I'm a sucker for stuff from Studio Nue), and Gundam (I'm just learning about the series and I love it!). Also, up for final consideration for a page is Galaxy Express 999 which might open the way for Harlock and Star Blazers/Yamato.
And lastly... Hopefully, issue 2 of the manga will be up before school starts. Also one new feature that will be added to the manga page will be an art page with such stuff as the my original sprite models, backgrounds, and [GASP!!!] my feeble attempts to actually DRAW the characters and thus getting one step closer to DRAWING the manga in the future just like other on-line manga people physically draw theirs (but then again, THEY have talent).
7-25-98
As you may or may not know by now, Gametek has gone out of business again. While this has happened before and Robotech's development never ended, this time reports say that its fate is a bit more... Negative. However, convinced that Robotech mustn't die, -I- have since hearing confirmarion of the news last Thursday begun a campaign to SAVE Robotech! I've been meaning to update this page to go along with the new campaign but I've been bust rallying support elsewhere. Also, those of you expecting E-Mail replies from me, please be patient! The effort to save Robotech monopolizes a lot of time so it's going to take a while to get around to everyone. Anyway, that's it for today! Now everyone get out there and SUPPORT Robotech!!!
Star Wars: A New Hope Manga - Volume 1 is now in stores! How do I know...? I just got mine yesterday and the clerk said they've been there all week. So how is it? It's pretty good! The SD looks on Luke, Threepio, and Artoo (even Uncle Owen!) are hilarious and Leia really does make a cute anime babe. Anyway... What does the manga have that any old American comic of New Hope or your copy of the movie doesn't? It touches on two scenes from the original script and novel which were left out of both the original movie and the Special Edition version. The first being Luke observing the fire fight between the Tantive IV and the Devastator through his Macrobinoculars (minus Luke buddying around with an unwilling Treadwell) and Luke's conversation with Biggs at Tosche Station (minus Luke's other friends). Also included is a short scene where the Jawas come face to face with Stormtroopers and regret it. Overall, the manga's great! The only bad point about it is that the cover picture (drawn by Adam Warren) Luke and Leia look a little too much like Kei and Yuri respectively. Though that may be just me. Anyway, Volume 1 goes up to Leia's interrorgation. As for future volumes, I'll let you all know just as soon as I sort out this Robotech mess and can resume normal site operations.
Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse... Robotech has fallen under more attack. This time it's Cartoon Network. I jut heard that they've pulled Robotech from their line up. You know what this means folks... MORE war! Excuse me while I rework the campaign to save Crystal Dreams to include this... Outrage... (Coincedentally, on the next update the site'll mobilize against Cartoon Network)
7-20-98
This update is a rather small one. It's meant to open the Mospeada Campaign Page officially. After this update, I'll resume work on the Big Update - Part 2.
When this site first started, I had an idea to do a page where I could get people to campaign with me to do such things like bring Teknoman back on the air and stuff like that. Though, I soon decided not too and the page never appeared on the site. But now, with the success of the Macross Campaign, I've brought the Campaigns Page On-Line with a NEW campaign!
Here's some INCREDIBLE news just off the wires! Teknoman is BACK!!! Sort of... Urban Vision will be releasing the OAV sequel to Teknoman entitled, Tekkaman Blade 2 on July 28th.
News from ADV, Dirty Pair Flash 2 - Volume 2 is due out on September 8th.
7-12-98
Welcome to our BIG Update #1!!! What's that you ask? What's a "BIG Update"? What I mean is that over the next few weeks, we'll (or should I say "I'll"?) be bringing you ultra large updates and bring on-line lots of our as yet none functional pages! In THIS update, we've added a WHOLE lot to the Robotech/Macross Page and some stuff to the Dominion Page. On the next update, we'll hopefully finish Dominion 100% and go on to other pages like Teknoman and even a few small surprises if we can manage it. Anyway, that's all for now! Stay tuned as this page becomes REALLY informative!
I just got back from the new anime store, Anime Hurricane and here's my report: For starters, finding the place wasn't easy. It has no sign and I had to find it by looking at store numbers. Once I got inside, it looked very sparse and the back looked run down. However, these minor imperfections masked an incredible treasure trove of stuff! Their domestic anime selection is a bit sparse but that's not the store's strong point. Their strong poing is in the amount of manga, anime merchandise, and convetional comics they carry. I must've circled the store 50 times trying to decide what to buy with my measly $33. Unfortunately, they didn't have any CDs but maybe that'll change. However, one of the store's biggest points is their amount of manga back issues. They stuff stretching all the way back to the days of Eclipse Comics! All in all, the store was awesome and I seriously recommend that those of you out there who live here in South Florida go and give them enough business to keep them open 'cause they're worth it! Anyway, to end this little travelouge, after spending at least a half hour gawking at everything, Nadia got attached to a Rayearth artbook which ended up not getting 'cause they didn't have a credit card machine yet so she got an Oh My Goddess issue instead. -I-, after maticulously checking their manga archives came away with Robotech: Megastorm 1, Battle Angel Alita: Killing Angel, and my proudest find... Issues 6, 7, 10, 15, 20, 28, 30, 31, and 38 of... Area 88!!! I'm so happy! Now I can REALLY do Area 88's page right! Oh, yeah... All that and the April issue of Animerica which I missed. Anyway... To close... GO SPEND YOUR MONEY THERE!!!
World Events has announced that Voltron will be coming back for a third season this Fall though in a completely new format. It'll be computer animated and will air 13 episodes. WE has stated that there'll be a total of 26 episodes produced in ACM though only 13 would air. While they didn't clarify what would happen with the remaining 13 episodes, I assume the other 13 will air the following season thus bringing Voltron up to 4 seasons worth of episodes.
It's confirmed. Nintendo Power has confirmed that Robotech: Crystal Dreams has been picked up by Capcom for distribution. They've also put Robotech BACK on their release schedule for Fall. Looks like it MAY actually ship this time! Let's keep our fingers crossed!
Here's some Slayers news just in: CPM has just bought Slayers Next and the Slayers Manga! Slayers Next will arrive on store shelves this Spring and the manga this October.
6-28-98
More Robotech news! Crystal Dreams new release date has been announced. And it's November. Now the question is... Will it actually SHIP?! Only time will tell...
CPM and Antarctic have just joined forces for something that's VERY interesting... The two will begin producing lines of toys based on CPM animes. The very first of which will be Project A-ko. If A-ko succeeds, two more toylines based on Dominion and MD Geist are planned. The very first A-ko toys should be out by year's end.
Ever wondered what Princess Leia would look like as a cute anime babe? Ever wondered what X-Wings would look like as mecha? WONDER NO MORE!!! Dark Horse comics has decided to bring over the Star Wars: A New Hope - Special Edition manga! Wait! What's that you say? Star Wars MANGA?!!! That's right! The SE version of the trilogy was manganized for Japanese audiences. And now the manga of the first movie will hit stores next month (July). It will be a four part series which MIGHT be followed by the manga versions of Empire and Jedi if New Hope is successful. And if all three are brought over AND are successful, then Dark Horse will consider making some future Star Wars series in the manga style as drawn by Adam Warren. Coincedentally, the covers of the movie mangas WILL be drawn by Mr. Warren as well.
Warning... The next news story concerns only the denizens of South Florida... If you are NOT of South Florida then you COULD read this but it wouldn't do you any good. Anyway... Have you ever wandered around trying to find an anime store near you ONLY to find that well... Florida is one of the few states WITHOUT anime shops? And then curse out Texas, New York, California, and some other obscure states for having such stores while WE are forced to mail order stuff or look REALLY REALLY hard for tapes, manga, or even just a simple Valkyrie action figure? Well, our problems have just been solved!!!! Sort of... I just got word of an anime shop opening down here within the past couple days called Anime Hurricane. Now I don't know what the place is like yet so I don't know if I can recommend it yet but I hope to go there just as soon as I get a ride there. Anyway, if anyone wants to beat me to the punch and start your anime shopping NOW, here's the address: University Center 1689 SW 107th Ave. BTW on the 30th and July 11th, they'll be holding some anime viewings between 6 PM and 12 AM. If anyone wants to go, go ahead and knock yourselves out. Also, I've been kicking around the idea of an Anime Shopping Guide for South Florida for awhile now... If anyone out there who lives here thinks the guide could be help to their tiring shopping quests then mail me and let me know. If enough people want it, I'll put one up.
6-10-98
First up, Gametek has once again pushed Crystal Dreams back. This time it's for the 3rd Quarter of 98. Yay.... However, there is ONE ray of hope... Capcom has gotten involved in the project so it MIGHT ACTUALLY come out before the end of the year! Of course, the level of Capcom's involvement is unknown at this time.
ADV seems to be getting ready to become Dirty Pair Central 'cause on August 18th, they'll be putting out Dirty Pair Flash: Mission 2 (The second DPF OAV) - Volume 1 PLUS they've announced that in the future they'll be putting out around 10 of the Kei and Yuri's Original OAV adventures! Of course, wether or not this'll include a re-release of Affair on Nolandia, The Flight 005 Conspiracy, or Project Eden is still unknown at this time. Also, whilst unrelated to the Dirty Pair, ADV will also be releasing Slayers: The Motion Picture on August, 25. And before you ask, I hear it will feature a predominantly NEW voice cast and not the tried and true voices of the TV show. Lisa's involvement will surely be missed.
WAIT!!! There's MORE Dirty Pair news!!! While we wait for the re-release of Biohazards and the upcoming Superman crossover, Kei and Yuri are wreaking havoc in a new series called Start The Violence and will run in the magazine, Dark Horse Presents from #132-#134. #132 was the May issue so #133 is the one for THIS month, obviously. And it stands to reasons that #134 will be out next month so be on the look out for them all!
6-8-98
Sorry this update is late but I was out for Memorial Day weekend and I've been helping my fiancee move in.
Here's a little something that's not really news but something I found yesterday that's kinda neat: While playing Star Fox 64 for the last few medals I need, I looked up Area 6 in the Strategy Guide and noticed that there's a type of ship in the game called the Harlock-Class Frigate! And not only is the name a reference, but the ship's basic structure DOES match that of the Arcadia, minus the turrets, the Command Section, and antenna and wings. However, it DOES have skull and cross bone markings. In anycase, I thought this might be a neat anime reference to share.
Here's some good Robotech news! Thanks to a tip from Morticia, I was able to locate 8 of the new Robotech comics! I'm missing four though... Megastorm 1, Rolling Thunder 1, Vermillion 1, and the Annual. Keep your fingers crossed that I can borrow them from Eddy and get them to a xerox machine.
This just in... I just heard that the late Phil Hartman was part of the dub version of Miyazaki's Kiki's Delivery Service which should be an EXTRA reason to watch it when it airs this September on the Wonderful World of Disney.
Here's good news and bad news.... The good news is, Cartoon Network has done away with it's annoying and innane fifteen minutes of Herculiods and vintage Superman shorts thus moving Robotech to the REASONABLE timeslot of 4:30 on Weekdays. The bad news is... Robotech's new lead in... [SHUDDER] Is PURE Evil!!! And THAT is all I will say about it. However, the bright side is, Voltron only got moved to 5:00 instead of being canned like we all feared when the Evil rumors first cropped up.
5-8-98
After a rather long hiatus, the site is back with updates. Now that school is out and my fiancee is about to move in with me, I have time to continue updating the site. New additions from the norm are the new Manga Features, monthly comics produced just because we can, and the Dirty Pair are being added to the Features Page. Aside from that, same old, same old.
Despite ADV's schedule which shows Dirty Pair Flash - Volume 2 to hit stores on the 19th, Intelligence (Nadia) advices me that Volume 2 is all ready out! BTW, Volume 3 is due out on June 26th. And while we're on the subject of ADV, Evangelion - Volumes 12 and 13 are due out on June 23rd and July 7th, respectively.
Here's a bit of news that I found out about a while back thanks to my VAST network of Intelligence Agents (Okay, it was Eddy, 'cause he reads Wizard. Happy?!), Dark Horse has confirmed Wizard magazine's alagation about a Dirty Pair/Super Man team up ARE true! The manga is set to go on sale late this year. BTW, Since WHEN does Kei have a pony tail?!
Antarctic has just released even MORE Robotech comics, unfortunately, I don't know much about them because as USUAL, it's sold out everywhere... You know people... As much as I'm sure you fellow Robotech fans don't mean to... You're all certainly VULTURES when it comes to these comics! NOW, how am I supposed to keep up Robotech's Timeline and Episode Guide without the comics?! Oh, and by the way, Antarctic's site will be closed for overhaul for an undisclosed amount of time.
On a sadder note, the online magazine, Animecca is closing shop. It's informational databases will still exist, but consider yourself lucky if they actually update the site every now and then.
4-13-98
While we wait for the release of GitS 2 and for Mr. Shirow to FINALLY start working on Dominion C2, Manga video will soon put out a 2 volume OAV with a Shirow influence! Actually, he's the character designer of the series. At this time, however, I don't know if he did anything else in it. The OAV is called Landlock and Volume 1 will go on sail March 31st. Volume 2 will be released on April 28th.
3-13-98
Gametek has added 5 new Robotech movies! However... I cannot comment on any of them because I've not seen them yet. They are incredibly large and everytime I try to download one I lose it. I REALLY wish I hadn't sold off my 486SX25... At least IT could've downloaded them without trouble... Anyway... Here's the URL.
Antarctic Press has put out more new artwork from their growing line of Robotech comics: Cover.jpg Robo6.jpg Robo_Ann.jpg Rtech_7.jpg Verm_4.jpg
More Gametek news! Robotech has been scheduled for July 2! Now, let's just hope it actually gets shipped on time.
2-5-98
One of the most classic animes in anime history, Robotech, has returned to television via Cartoon Network!!! So if you missed the show the first time, or you're an old timer who misses the show dearly and don't have all the episodes on video, tune in Weekdays at 4:45 PM EST and Saturdays at 7:45 PM EST! Information orginally received from *********.
My apologies for the lack of promptness of updates to this site, as of late. Unfortunately, my life has been getting busier and busier which makes it difficult to find time for this site. Sorry for the inconvinience.
Getting back to Robotech, Fox is now considering a Robotech movie. Word on wether the project will go through or not is still pending, however, a Robotech movie would not only do much to increase the series' popularity, but would also help Gametek who's whole future is banked on Robotech: Crystal Dreams. Should the N64 game succeed, it would save Gametek which is struggling with financial problems. Should it not succeed, Gametek will die with it. Also, Disney is also considering a Star Blazers movie, but like Robotech, there's no word on if the project will go through.
Manga will release the final 2 volumes (9 & 10) of Street Fighter 2 V on February 24th and March 10th, respectively.
ADV has 3 big titles heading out in April. The first being Fire Emblem, based on the Strategy/RPG game by the greatest game company on Earth, Nintendo, of course! ;) And is due out on April 14th. Followed on the 21st by, Neon Genesis Evangelion 0:11. And last but not least, Kei and Yuri's antics return to the small screen in Dirty Pair Flash Acts 1 & 2, both due out on the 28th.
We've been published! Or rather... -I- have been published! Where? The latest issue of Animerica! That's where! Why and how? As you'll read in the letter, (It should be something like, "In the Defense of Leona Ozaki" or something to that effect; I haven't seen it yet myself. Nadia told me about it, but I have yet to get a copy myself. Since I don't have school today, I might as well go get it and the next volume of Orguss while I'm at it!) a moonie wrote in defending the.. Evil... (If you haven't guessed, I refer to SM as The Evil! Why? I think that's more then obvious.) from flames. In his letter he made a crack at Dominion's beloved main character, Leona. Naturally, I was ticked and wrote back in order to defend everybody's favorite tank cop and showed Mr. Moonie WHY Leona is better then the simp in the sailor suit. Just in case you can't get to the latest issue of Animerica, here's the letter!:
Subject: In Defence Of Leona Ozaki Before I begin, let me say that even though I've just started reading hte magazine, I've noticed quite a few people defending their favorite characters or icons (In Mai Anime's case). Well, this is in response to a published letter in Vol. 5, No. 10. where a Walter Chmara (Never Too Much Sailor Moon), asked why someone would think a character with a "'toy tank' fetish" is superior to Sailor Moon. Well, I would like to step and point out WHY Leona is superior and defend her character. So without further ado... What makes Leona Ozaki "superior"? Or why would someone think that? Let's start out with the complexity of her character. Mr. Chmara pointed out the supposed complexity of Serena/Usagi and made it sound as if she was better than a cop with a "'toy tank' fetish". However, Leona is not a simple girl who loves her tank way too much. For starters, the Leona's love for her tank is meant not only for comedic purposes, but shows to reflect the state of society, and more importantly, the realism of Leona's World. But I'll get into that later. Getting back to Leona herself, there's a lot more to her than her "fetish". Here's the breakdown of her complexities: * Her Geniune Sense of Justice Leona has put both her life and her badge on the line more than once in order to do the right thing. When she found out horrors of the money driven game of Smartball, she disobeyed protocol to make her feelings known. And even after Paurgrabb got her suspended, she didn't hesitate for a second to pull him from the burning stadium. Nor did she ask for any favors afterward. When she busted a guy for holding a waiter hostage because a guy killed his family and then was handed off to a mental institution rather serving jail time or being executed, Leona couldn't figure if she did the right thing. It bothered her that she had just further wronged someone just because they took the law into their own hands. * Her Heart Leona usually doesn't show much emotion other then anger, annoyance, or joy, but that doesn't mean she's heartless. True, she's never realized how much Al loves her, but that's not the point here. Leona's heart has been broken by the things she's seen in her line of work many times. And no, I'm not referring to the death of Bonaparte I. When Charon was killed, Leona had a flood of emotions. Anger, pain, loss, and a need for justice to be served. While Leona desired vengeance for Charon's death, she knew it wasn't right. So she worked hard to track down those responsible for her murder. In the end, she got vengeance, although she'd intended to bring Colesman and Kareoka to justice. However, she soon found herself not just fighting for Charon, but for Al too. When Kareoka shot him, you could see in her eyes that her heart just broke into a million pieces. And it was her fault too. Leona recognized that and was afraid to lose another partner. But then again, while she may not LOVE Al, he has come to mean a lot to her and his brush with death would certainly not go unpunished. Then there was Buaku's getaway. She'd not only lost the case, but with Buaku's departure was what at the time seemed to be the loss of the only hope for Earth's survival.... Greenpeace Crolis. Not a pleasant thought, but Leona had to stomach it, just the same. Not only did the bad guy getaway, but the Earth might be doome because she couldn't arrest him. That's not an easy burden to live with. But showing how resiliant she can be, she shrugged it off and continued her daily fight against the ills of society. * Her Strength And Her World Leona's fictional home of New Port City, is a very good piece of foreshadowing at what might lie ahead for our World. Sailor Moon lives in a fantasy world with an idealic contemporary setting where inter-dimensional beings are more common then muggers and rapists. Leona lives in realistic reflection of our World. High crime. High drug use. An environment that's gone to "Hell in and hand basket" (Personally, I find it interesting how Shirow interwove Gaia Theory into the storyline). Leona's World could easily be likened to South-Central L.A. Or just about any other dark part of today's World and serves to remind us of what could happen if we don't wise up. And in this World, Leona may weild a tank, but she fights the very same things real cops fight in the real World. Bueracratic Red Tape, dirty politicians, and criminals. This is Leona's World. And it's OUR World too. Dominion may boast mecha and high technology and it may be a comedy, but what it reflects is the truth about humanity itself. And in this World, Leona fights. Always. Any cop will tell you that you have to be pretty strong willed to patrol their beats. Leona symbolizes what it means to be strong of heart, mind, and soul in a World where humanity as we see it, is scarce. What it boils down to is this: Leona is not a super hero. She does not have fans who idolize her and drool over her (pertaining to some male SM fans), both in her world or the real world. She does not lead a flashy life. She does not fight evil aliens. She does not have super powers. Leona is a cop. Pure and simple. She's just a young idealistic police office with the weight of the World on her shoulders with nothing but her badge a gun to get her job done (Not counting Bonaparte, that is). She gets no rewards other than her pay check and occasional promotions. She gets neither glamor nor glitz. All she gets is the satisfaction that she's done her part by putting the scum of New Port behind bars. She's just a cop. A cop with the courage to get up every morning and fight the endless struggle against the endless circle of crime. Just one cop in a sea of real-life evil. She can't achieve total victory, but she does it day in and day out. For the good of mankind... For Justice-sake... THAT makes her "superior". "Whatever happens, Leona... Let justice always win..." - Al, New Dominion Tank Police, Act 6. P.S. BTW, funny how your November issue doesn't mention a word about Macross' 15th Anniversary. Did you guys forget? A retrospective article on 15 years of Macross is in order. In my humble opinion, at least. P.S.S. Geez... I had NO idea I could rant so much...12-26-97
After careful consideration, I've decided to add Gunnm (Battle Angel Alita) and Neon Genesis Evangelion to the site!
Antarctic has put up two new Robotech pics for download: Robo_6.jpg Verm_3.jpg!
12-17-97
Today at 1:42 PM EST, an episode of the popular series Pokemon or Pocket Monster, has caused hundreds of small children to has seizures and be rushed to area hospitals in Japan. While doctors have stated that it's nothing serious and that the incident shouldn't be met with great alarm and while the incident isn't slowing down the popularity of the series, the show's creators are worried because the series and the Nintendo games that spawned it were scheduled to break into the American Market sometime soon. And American parent being notirious for being over protective, this incident could spell some trouble for the American Anime industry. While the effects of the incident have yet to be felt in places other than Japanese hospitals, everyone is hoping that this small isolated incident does not hurt the image of anime here in the U.S. For more information on this story, Click Here to go to CNN's Site for their reports.
12-14-97
Here are the release dates for the upcoming Robotech comics from Antarctic: Vermillion #3 - This month, Robotech #6 - January, Vermillion #4 - February, and Robotech #7 - March.
12-12-97
About the counter... I've decided that instead of resetting the counter or asking for a fix that'll never come, I've decided to fully embrace the counter malfunction! Why? Because if you can imagine 3 million hits, you'll get 3 million hits! Don't you just LOVE absurd logic like this?
The great thing about absurd logic is that it fits any situation.
--Dogbert, Casual Day Has Gone Too FarOn a different note, the Dominion Gallery is still out of full commission. The links to it work, but a lot of the links in the gallery do not work as of yet. And due to problems in uploading files (it's no longer taking my password), I can't upload. Until this is resolved, the Dominion Gallery will only function partially.
12-4-97
Listen up, Matsumoto fans! With the exception of a few brushes of his work when I was little (I have dim memories of Harlock), I haven't had very much exposure to it until recently. But now I've started to really discover his work and soon Yamato, Harlock, and 999 may soon be part of this site! I'm currently following the new volume of 999 in Animerica and the latest Harlock manga On-Line! BTW, if you're one of the few Harlock fans who hasn't read Walkure, click here to go there now! I've also decided to go ahead and add the work of Matsumoto assistant, Kaoru Shintani to the site! Namely, Area 88! But since the manga's hard to come by, don't expect much except for stuff on the OAV and the games. Of course, to get the FULL story, Viz Comics is going to have to shape up and put out all 25 volumes of Area 88. So unless this miracle occurs, don't expect much.
Also, thanks to a little luck, this site now has access to an enormous amount of webspace! As a result, expect the site to expand over the next few weeks to include full series related art galleries, movies, sounds, and music! Hopefully, this'll make this site one of the better anime sites out there.
11-30-97
The first volume of the Final Fantasy 5 OAV, Final Fantasy: is out in stores from Urban Vision.
The last two volumes of Street Fighter 2 V are due out in the First Quarter of 1998.
Antarctic Press has put out three new images in their Robotech Downloads directory. Click on the link to go there now!
11-14-97
Gametech has yet another update to their Robotech page! Updates include: 14 new WAVs have been put on the Movies Page, which gives us a look at the voice work going into the game, and another revision to the Robotech FAQ. I'll keep you posted if anything else breaks.
BTW, as if you all didn't know already, Anime's most beloved and famous starship and its resident series is 15 years old this month!!! HAPPY 15TH ANNIVERSARY TO GOOD OLD SUPER DIMENSIONAL FORTRESS MACROSS!!! May the ship (or rather its series) that is the Japanese analog to our (America's) Enterprise, traverse space for another 15 years!
11-2-97
The Final Fantasy 5 OAV is coming this December. However, I'm still trying to pin down what company is bringing it out.
10-29-97
Bad news from the GitS Front... The manga may take even longer to reach our shores. Probably not till early '99. As much as I trust Mr. Shirow implicitly, I hope it's worth the wait.
10-23-97
I still haven't gotten any official word back from World Events on the New Voltron episodes, but here's a very likely scenario: The new episodes seem new because we all have bad memories and don't remember them. And these episodes maybe old episodes that Cartoon Network did not purchase for airing thus we don't know them. Which means we're just watching what Cartoon Network did not buy and we've seen before. Oh well... At least Voltron is ON! That's a good thing.
10-8-97
Finally, more news from Gametek's development of Robotech: Crystal Dreams! Their site now has available a transcript of a press conference type chat interview with some game magazine that tells us more about the game! Click here to go there and read it for yourself! It'll answer a few questions and it'll create new ones like, "I wonder why the designers keep dropping hints about a shower scene...?" Well, I suppose seeing MORE of Minmei beats listening to her sing. "IF WE HAVE TO LISTEN TO, 'STAGE FRIGHT', ONE MORE TIME--!!!"
It is a sad day... The Laws of Japanese Animation has died... It was such an amusing page... Oh well... It's link will be removed from the Links Page.
10-1-97
Street Fighter 2 V - Volume 8 has been rescheduled for release on November 11th.
The 1997-98 Television Season Anime Report
As the new TV season dawns on us, the pickings of new anime this season are slim. Several animes, both good and bad (namely, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball, Samurai Pizza Cats, and Eagle Riders) have not been renewed for second seasons. Which leaves us viewers with only one returning series and one new series. Sailor Moon (Why, God, WHY?!!!) returns for yet ANOTHER season's worth of reruns. Meanwhile, the one new series is actually a returning favorite: The New Adventures of Voltron! I've only seen two episodes (I missed the Series Premeire due to my alarm clock), but it appears to be newly dubbed episodes of the original series. It even features the entire original voice cast! No bad immitation voice replacements here! Anyway, that's it for this season. Let's hope that next season will bring more, better anime. Like say Macross 7! (Knock on wood!) Or the return of Teknoman! Or even the REST of Dragon Ball Z! Oh well... One can dream can't they?
9-10-97
Gametek has updated their FAQ.
9-8-97
Robotech: Vermillion #3 is due out in December. When? Antarctic failed to say. And what about #2? Same answer as the last question. And no word on the next issue of Megastorm either.
8-29-97
Listen up Slayers fans, Software Sculptors has decided to release the REST of the Slayers' first season. However, don't expect them on store shelves till next year. Also, ADV as aquired the rights to the Slayers movies and OAVs and will put them out as fast as they can dub and sub them.
As it turns out, Animecca isn't down at all. Appearantly when coding this month's issue, they decided to make it Lynx unfriendly... (idiots...) Anyway, I found this out messing around with a school computer. I have updated the Animecca link on the Links Page with a new URL that'll get Graphical Browser People there a lot quicker than with the old URL. However... As for us Lynx users... It's going to take me a little while to pick apart their code and be able to link Animecca correctly for us. Unfortunately, their HTML coder is one of those people who writes all the code in two VERY long lines... So it won't be ready till the next update.
8-21-97
Here's a GREAT piece of news that JUST couldn't wait for the Friday Update: Voltron is returning to syndication!!! On September 13/14th, Voltron will debut with some computer touch ups (Hopefully a la Star Wars: Special Edition and not a la Transformers: Generation 2)!!! You COULD check your local listings in a few weeks, but it's more convinient to check out World Events Productions' Cities Page to see what station in your area will be broadcasting Voltron this Fall. However, this is going to be the Lion Voltron. As for the Vehicle Voltron, World Events says they are still looking for broadcasters to air the show at this time.
8-20-97
After month or so of inactivity, Gametek's Robotech Page is finally showing signs of activity. However, I haven't the slightest idea WHAT Gametek is up to! The only clues are a couple of HTML files within their Test directory marked Theater and a JPEG of the same name that shows a VF-1S and a Battle Pod sitting in a movie theater. Window dressing for their Movies Page perhaps? Only time will tell.
7-28-97
Here are two small points of interest from Antarctic-Press' maze like excuse for a page: Sometime this month, Robotech: Megastorm #3 is set to come out. Unfortunately, the IDIOTS didn't bother to say WHEN!!! Also, last month, Antarctic started a new Robotech comic that I was not aware of (Sorry.) called Vermillion. Unlike Megastorm, it's B&W. #1 is out there SOMEWHERE and who knows when #2'll come out. Just thought you'd all like to know.
In other news, Gametek has added some sort of Mailing List to their Robotech Page. Click here for more information.
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Now for some Dark Horse News, on October 28, Dark Horse will re-release the Shirow artbook, Intron Depot followed by its sequel on November 25th.
Antarctic Press' page is BACK! And with it a big fall out mess. I've just realized that the following Robotechs came out with out I even knowing it, let alone getting them:
