News - by Ian - June 20, 2010 - 20:20 Europe/London - Be first to Comment!
Logo © Manga Entertainment
Anime is a dodgy business in the UK, with DVD sales rarely reaching four figures in it’s entire life-cycle let along reaching five figures in it’s life-cycle; however, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Naturally Ghibli is the first exception, other than that, well Manga Entertainment seem to have the rights to them.
One such right is the Naruto series – Manga Entertainment recently confirmed via Twitter that in one day alone Naruto Shippuden Box 1 sold 1330 copies.
Who knows the total series’ figures, but based on those sales it’s safe to assume that Manga are making an awful lot from the Naruto series.
Source: Twitter
News - by Ian - June 20, 2010 - 20:13 Europe/London - Be first to Comment!
Dimensional Manga is returning to the convention circuit this month on the 26th June. Dimensional Manga is the force behind the Pwanda series and will expand it’s current range of books and merchandise around this franchise with a whole new Pwanda experience.
For the first time, Pwanda will expand into the children’s market with Playtime with Pwanda and new more grown-up titles will include Samurai-Pwanda, Mech-Pilot Pwanda and Pirate Pwanda.
All of these mangas will be available directly from our affiliate, Toymation exclusively on the 26th June at the LondonAnimeCon.
News - by Ian - June 7, 2010 - 19:51 Europe/London - Be first to Comment!
The worldwide entertainment phenomenon, Bleach, is distributed on DVD in the UK by Manga Entertainment and is one of the corner stones of their release schedule.
However, recently Crunchyroll announced that they will be streaming Bleach online to almost all regions as a simulcast from when the Japanese episodes are released in Standard Definition.
Crunchyroll CEO Kun Gao said: “BLEACH is one of the most popular titles of all time, and while it has already been licensed in North America, we are proud to bring BLEACH to all fans of anime within one hour of Japan TV broadcast. With BLEACH and our expanding licensing partnerships with TV TOKYO, Shueisha, and Pierrot, we have solidified our network as the most attractive destination online for fans of Japanese anime in the United States and the English-speaking world. Fans can enjoy the best in anime such as BLEACH and Naruto Shippuden through Crunchyroll.com, our iPhone app, set top box applications, our thousands of embedding affiliates partner sites, and now our new iPad application. It’s a historic time to be an anime fan, and we are proud to help pioneer the future of the anime viewing experience with our Japanese partners.”
The latest simulcast episode 274 will be available to premium viewers. Tentatively on June 15th, episodes 266 to 274 will be free for all viewers, with the simulcast of episode 275 available to premium members. Thereafter, new episodes will be added at 2:30am PST every Tuesday, with simulcasts available for premium members and the previous week’s episode being available to all viewers. Catch up of older episodes are planned and additional info will be provided at a later date.
News - by Ian - May 29, 2010 - 13:09 Europe/London - 3 Comments
Today is the first day of the London MCM Expo and as always the big three anime distributors in the country are in attendance and are announcing things left, right and centre. Unfortunately News-Anime.com are unable to attend on Saturday this year, although we may be there tomorrow depending on how things pan out.
However, UK Anime Network News have a very comprehensive list of updates as they were live at the event – live Twittering away. Below is a roundup of news from the big three:
MVM
- Moribito, Blade of the Immortal and Slayers Revolution and Evolution-R confirmed for UK Release
- MVM will be moving way from single disc releases in favour of 2 disc releases later in the year – which is now UK standard
- MVM will continue to license live-action Japanese movies
Manga Entertainment
- Eden of East will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray in November
- Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex – Solid State Society will be on Blu-Ray before Christmas
- Vampire Knight is likely to see a release before Christmas
- Baccano has been confirmed as a release at some point
- Manga are looking into picking up Kanon (assuming 2006) and Bamboo Blade.
- Manga also admitted to being interested in One Piece and Dragonball Z to the UK but are struggling
- Manga also advised that they are not keen on bringing Sgt. Frog to the UK, much to my personal disappointment
Beez Entertainment
- Beez announced that they will be releasing Durarara!! which will be subs only. They will consider a re-release should dubs become available in the future.
- Gundam 00 and Gundam Zeta movies will be released
- Outlaw Star will be released as part of their value Anime Legends range
In interesting industry related news, due to the new Dangerous Cartoons Act, all three distributors are having to carefully consider what they pick up due to cuts enforced by the BBFC. They also discussed how sales and profits are working - 5,000 copies is a good release for Beez whilst Manga confirmed that the amazing Ouran High School Host Club have sold 15,000 copies to date.
All distributors were keen to remind fans to purchase releases legitimately and wait for releases until they hit the UK so that the profits can continue being pumped into the UK and MVM confirmed that the majority of their anime related profits go straight back to Japan. Manga also confirmed that they are interested in setting up a UK streaming site which would involve the Manga website and iTunes.
Again, we have to thank UK Anime Network News for the information listed here.
News - by Ian - May 25, 2010 - 18:34 Europe/London - Be first to Comment!
Logo © Manga Entertainment
We recently received the below press release from Manga Entertainment, as it’s so perfectly written, here it is in full:
Manga Entertainment are very excited to be participating in the May 2010 London MCM Expo, which is being held at the Excel centre on the 29th and 30th May. As always Manga will be making sure that your Bank Holiday weekend gets off to the best start with plenty of news and excitement for fans about upcoming new releases!
Also come visit the Manga stand with 50% off most DVDs, DVD box sets and Blu-ray releases as well the bargain-licious £1 Manga Shop! You will also be able to satisfy your manga books and comics cravings as VIZ Media will be joining the stand.
Here’s a sneak peak at some of the news you can look forward to at the weekend…
- An early chance to purchase the beautiful and mesmerising Sky Crawlers on DVD and Blu-ray which will be officially out on the following Monday, 31st May. Check out the latest Oshii classic that has been driving the critics crazy!
- You will also be able to catch the DVD launch of new anime series Soul Eater Part One (due out on DVD on 28th June) and also the “grown-up” Naruto Shippuden Box Set 1 (out 14th June.)
- Manga are also proud to announce that anime classic Full Metal Alchemist is making a come back! Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Part One is due out on DVD and… Blu-ray! Put 23rd August in your diaries for this one…
- That’s not all. Keep your ears open for more Funimation titles to be announced!
- Finally… like the Professor Layton games? Make sure you hot-foot it over in time to see a sneak peak of Professor Layton And The Eternal Diva which promises to be one of the biggest hits this year just like the games. We’ve told you too much already!
News - by Ian - May 21, 2010 - 18:32 Europe/London - Be first to Comment!
Crunchyroll recently announced that their latest show will be the hit manga by Masaya Tsunmato and Tsujitomo – Giant Killing. Giant Killing will be simulcast in both Japan and on Crunchyroll and is available to stream in both the UK and in Ireland.
Giant Killing follows the story of East Tokyo United (ETU) and their legendary former football player Takeshi Tatsumi. After abandoning the team to make it in the big leagues of Europe, he returns and tries to restore his old team to their former glory.
This show will be available to watch every Sunday and there will be a slight delay for non Anime Members of the site, but it’s certainly quicker than a DVD release
News - by Ian - April 4, 2010 - 19:44 Europe/London - Be first to Comment!
The online anime and manga figurines and merchandise retailer, Eye on Asia, have today announced a special offer that entitles everyone to 5% off of their order should that order be made between today and 11th April 2010.
Once you’ve browsed through their catalogue of goods and then added what you want to purchase to your shopping cart, add the promo code EASTEREGG in the coupon/special code area of the payment screen.
You can view Eye on Asia’s website here.
Source: Eye on Asia Twitter
News - by Ian - March 22, 2010 - 19:36 Europe/London - 1 Comment
AniMedia East is an anime and manga group based in East Anglia, due to the lack of anime and manga events in the region. A year later and AniMedia East is one of the larger anime and manga groups in that region. Each year they organise a number of different events for their members and non-members as well, the next thing on their list to do has only recently been announced.
AniMedia East Cosplay Picnic
When: Saturday the 17th of April 2010!
Where: Norwich at the Chapelfield Gardens from 1000
As stated above, this event will start at 1000 on the 17th April, so hope for good weather. The even is currently posted on Visit Norfolk and Norwich Events so there may be a lot more fans than usual attending.
Not all of the events are 100% confirmed; however, the events that are pending for this event are:
- Meet and greet
- Quiz and mini games
- Man-hunt
- Cinema
- Shopping
- LaserQuest
- Evening meal
AniMedia East are welcome to ideas and if you live in the area and know of any venues that would host a 50+ person event for free, or very little money then please contact Raye of AniMedia East as they’d love to hear from you.
You can find their official forum here, or go via the AnimeLeague, which is here.
Reviews - by Arctic Zora - March 20, 2010 - 22:06 Europe/London - 1 Comment
“U Don’t Know Me” is a yaoi published by Net Comics and written by the author known as Rakun. Originally published as donginji (doujinshi) in Korea, “U Don’t Know Me” is a love story where two best friends, close to brotherhood, reveal their secret desires to each other that have stemmed from childhood in a world where this is still taboo. “U Don’t Know Me” is a romantic, sexy, humorous with a pinch of violence piece of work and has a story comparable with other popular manga such as “There’s Something About Sunyool” and “Merry Family Plan”.
The two main characters, Yoojin and Seyun’s relationship blossom, as they grow older, from best friends in their childhood and become passionate lovers in their teens. Yoojin is typically tall, dark and handsome, martial arts professional and all round cool guy. Whereas Seyun, who is not only handsome, but is seen by his lover as far weaker and less cool with a hint of lolli-shota. Life is seemingly sweet until Seyun moves away with his irrational father during his childhood; however, things do not work out and years later he returns. Yoojin is still living with his parents when Seyun moves to his own place nearby. It is from here the two realise they were always more than just friends. Yoojin often too forceful and Seyun tougher then he acts, it’s a complicated relationship from the beginning and this is before the parents find out!
The quality of the artwork is decent and the actual imagery is graphic throughout the entire manga, the front cover alone is somewhat suggestive and goes much further than this giving the viewer exactly what’s hoped for. Like any good quality manga, it is easy to read. There are many double pages pretty much dedicated to the less then subtle sex scenes, picturing more passionate moments and leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. However, it’s not all seriousness as there are plenty of chibi sketches that express the storyline has taken a lighter turn and the reader is welcome to laugh. The more that one reads, the more the manga feels like an anime, which is a great sign. Darting from one box to the next ensures the entire yaoi can be enjoyed and finished well within the hour. Ideal for saucy lunch hours and bathtub reading!
“U Don’t Know Me” is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a typical yaoi storyline. Two sexy young men sharing passionate moments that become more graphic and intense as the pages turn over. The storyline consists of a shock factor most of us born in the 80’s have long since gotten over but can’t wait to know more about. The romance coincides neatly with the heart throbbing sex scenes and the more heart breaking discussions as Yoojin and Seyun debate if what they’re doing is right.
Although very enjoyable there are some scenes that feel as though they are only put in to make up the pages. Seyun has this gangster like image around him that Yoojin does not see. In school Seyun is revered as one of the toughest school kids around and is known for loosing his temper and getting into fights. However, when with Yoojin, he is described as a ‘kitten’ and only looses his temper during heated debates of which anyone could be guilty. Thus parts of the storyline seem almost completely irrelevant which leads to impatient thoughts such as “Let’s have another sex scene or a strange twist!” However the storyline is not without it’s shocking moments that render the reader unable to put the manga down before knowing what happens next.
» Final Score
7
A little typical, occasionally irrelevant but overall it delivers the reason it was bought for in the first place.
News - by Ian - March 10, 2010 - 11:43 Europe/London - 1 Comment
It was recently announced that the Anime League’s Animeleague Club London, otherwise known as the ALCL has been expanded from a regular meet to a full blown Anime Convention. This years ALCL will be a convention for over 900 people and will run for literally 12 hours.
ALCL
Where: Saturday June 26th
When: The Rocket Complex, London Metropolitian University
Age?: 18 years and up
Price: £6 for early bookers, £8 on the door and £5 on the door after 1900 hrs
Watch Anime, Play Video Games, Show off your Artwork/chill with artists in the Artist Alley, dress up and enter our Cosplay Events, buy Anime & Manga from our dealers room, enter events like our DDR Tournament and pub quiz, learn Japanese Culture, and party away all night! In the evening we also have a cosplay ball! Entry to the ball is included as part of your ALCL ticket!
The convention will feature: Cosplay Auction, Yu Gi Oh Tournament, Pub Quiz, Cosplay Masquerade, DDR Tournament, Dub That Anime, Artists Showcase, AMV Showings, Cosplay Showdown, SIX Video Gaming tournaments, Japanese Culture Talks, Manga Workshop, Cosplay Ball, Cosplay Picnic, exposure to some of the best manga artists in the country, tons of videogames and much more to come.
So remember, that’s the 26th June 2010. You can pre-register and find out more information at the ALCL official website here.
News - by Ian - January 15, 2010 - 10:38 Europe/London - Be first to Comment!
For a long time the North of the UK has lacked many anime and manga events, with the majority of all conventions occurring in the Sout East and London there’s a strong urge of fans in the North of the country to have an event that doesn’t cost hundreds of pounds to get to – this is where the latest convention from the Anime League comes in – NemaCon and the Anime League are working together to create a new event in the North East for anime fans.
This event, that will be for up to 1,000 people will have a Manga Masterclass, Japanese Culture talks, videogame room, Anime screenings, Yu Gi Oh Tournaments, Cosplay and Emma Viceli and Sonia Leong will be appearing as well.
Nemacon
Where: Middlesbrough Town Hall
When: Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June 2010
Age?: 14 years and above
You can check out Nemacon’s official website for further information by clicking here.
News - by Ian - January 6, 2010 - 17:59 Europe/London - Be first to Comment!
Manga Entertainment today announced that they will be releasing of the most anticipated films of the year to the UK in September 2010. One of the most highly rated anime films of 2009, Summer Wars is the latest film from Mamoru Hosoda, the director of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Summer Wars
Kenji Koiso is a child prodigy and this mathematically minded genius spends a large portion of his time immersed in a massive computer simulated viral world, OZ. At the beginning of his summer vacation, our socially inept genius is asked to help in celebrating his crush, Natsuki Shinohara’s great grandmother’s 90th birthday.
Before he knows it, he’s the lead of a news story about the destruction of his favourite computer game OZ and has to learn how to deal with this as well as enlist the help of Natsuki’s family to clear his name.
Release: September 2010
Format: Theatrical Release
Release: October/November 2010
Format: Standard Definition DVD and Blu-Ray DVD
Yes, Manga Entertainment also confirmed today that Summer Wars will be released in both standard definition DVD and Blu-Ray DVD in September.
Update:
Manga Entertainment today confirmed that they are planning for a theatrical release of Summer Wars in September and then a DVD release in both Blu-Ray and Standard Definition in October or November time.
Source: Twitter
News - by Ian - January 4, 2010 - 14:05 Europe/London - Be first to Comment!
As we reported today, MVM’s latest release – Fate Night Stay Volume 1 has been released to the public and is now available to purchase. Fate Night Stay is an adaptation of the manga, of the same name – our review of Volume 1 manga is available here, and to wet your whistle MVM Entertainment have released a few new clips of this anime to us.
The clips are:
News - by Ian - December 7, 2009 - 18:59 Europe/London - Be first to Comment!
Logo © Yen Press
Whoops! Looks like someone mixed their dates up and forgot to announce to the world Yen Press’ Christmastime manga offerings. As a form of apology, the below are all available immediately from all good retailers and some Waterstone’s stores as well. With a metric ton of manga, some of which are truly brilliant (such as Higurashi) and need to be bought immediately. These mangas are:
- Black God: Vol 7
- Cat Paradise: Vol 2
- Comic: Vol 8
- Crimson Shell
- Croquis Pop: Vol 6
- GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class: Vol 2
- Goong: Vol 7
- Higurashi When They Cry: Curse Killing Arc: Vol 1
- Ichiroh!: Vol. 2
- Jack Frost: Vol 2
- Sarasah: Vol 2
- Sugarholic: Vol 2
- The Antique Gift Shop: Vol. 9
- Very! Very! Sweet: Vol 5
- You’re So Cool: Vol 5
- Zombie-Loan: Vol 7
These mangas have been available since the 3rd December.
News - by Ian - November 25, 2009 - 17:11 Europe/London - 1 Comment
Manga Entertainment are becoming known for securing the rights to some older anime and selling it in the UK, this has been especially noted with the old Miyazaki classic: Panda Go Panda!. Today it has been announced that they have secured the rights to another pre-Ghibli Miyazaki work – Sherlock Hound.
Sherlock Hound
“Written and Directed by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle) during his time at Japan’s largest animation studio, TMS. Before he went on to create Totoro and Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki captured a whole generation of childrens’ imaginations with his retelling of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries using a loveable cast of canines. For the first time ever in the UK, all 26 episodes of the cult toon classic are collected into one deluxe box set.
“Sherlock Hound”, released as either Famous Detective Holmes or Detective Holmes in Japan, is an anime based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series where all the characters are depicted as anthropomorphic animals, the majority dogs, though Holmes is a fox and his enemy Professor Moriarty is a wolf. The show featured regular appearances of Jules Verne-steampunk style technology, adding a 19th-century science-fiction atmosphere to the series. It consists of 26 episodes aired between 1984 and 1985.” – hmv
Available:
1st February 2010 – 5 Disc Complete Set
This classic Miyazaki series retells the famous Sherlock Holmes story as friendly dogs and is an easily accessable and adorable series. You can pre-order this now from hmv here.
Source: Manga Entertainment’s Twitter Feed
