Katushiro Otomo Honored With Purple Ribbon
The Japanese government honored director Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira, Steamboy) with the Medal with Purple Ribbon, given to individuals who excel in the realm of artistry and academia. The last anime industry worker to win the award was Studio Ghibli director Isao Takahata in 1998. Link
Hiroyuki Itō Honor With Blue Ribbon
In a similar ceremony, the Japanese government honored Hiroyuki Itō, head of the Vocaloid Project and figurative father to Hatsune Miku, with the Medal with Blue Ribbon. The Blue Ribbon is awarded to those who make advancements in public welfare. Link
From the Rubble Comes Memories
Kazuto Takita, a former worker at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, will make his magazine debut with 1F. The manga recounts what happened at the infamous nuclear facility following the 2011 tsunami. Takita previously penned a short work on the subject and received the Grand Prize at the 34th Manga Open for his efforts. Link
Elementary, My Dear Pikachu
A new Pokémon game is in the works. In it, you play as a detective with Pikachu as your trusty sidekick. This game marks the first time Pikachu will speak and act like a human. It's slated for a 2015 release. Link
Even More Detective Work
The December issue of Young Ace Magazine has announced the return of Sherlock, written by manga-ka Jay and based on the cult BBC hit show. The second issue will be based on “The Blind Banker” episode, which tells of a code that spells the death of anyone who sees it. Link
This Number Is Up
ARIA Magazine has announced the final chapter of Atsuko Asano and Hinoki Kino’s manga No.6. The manga told of two boys stuck in a dystopian future. Following a run-in with police, they set off to uncover the secret behind City Number 6, in hopes of changing their fate. Link
Khara Gives Peace A Chance
Studio Khara (Evangelion Rebuild films) has announced its newest project. Uniting the Neon Genesis Evangelion team of Hideaki Anno, Megumi Hayashibara, and Shiro Sagisu with director Mahiro Maeda (Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo), the short film is tentatively titled Peaceful Times (F02): petit film and should premiere mid-November. Link
Bubblegum Crisis Meets Kickstarter Goal
According to distributor AnimEigo, the Kickstarter goal to bring Bubblegum Crisis to Blu-Ray has been met. The Blu-Ray Ultimate Set will include a soundtrack, two music videos, interviews, artwork, five postcards courtesy of MegaTokyo, and a commemorative coin. LInk
Comiket Has A New Patron
Comiket, the world’s largest dōjinshi and cosplay convention, has grown in popularity among corporations despite being a grassroots effort. The latest to set their sights on Comiket 85 is Disney, where they will distribute Ender’s Game merchandise in anticipation of a January Japan release. LInk
Ender’s Game Star States Inspiration
In other Ender’s Game news, actor Asa Butterfield (Hugo, Merlin) stated in a recent interview that the character of Shinji Ikari inspired him when playing Ender Wiggin. Quote, “The anime I like most is Evangelion. I feel the character I play, Ender, has things in common with Shinji Ikari, the main character of Evangelion. In general, he withdraws from the world, and he fights unknown enemies.” Link
Welcome Back, Kumeta-Sensei
Manga-ka Kôji Kumeta (Sayonara Zetsubou-Sensei, Joshiraku) has announced his newest manga. The Impatient Count and The Time Thief tells of three very different people all looking for the same thing, and the man who will greet them with the prize they search for. The manga launched on November 6. Link
Well, This is Awkward
In a recent interview, Mamoru Miyano, the voice of both Rin from Free! and the Japanese dub for Percy Jackson in the Percy Jackson film series, revealed a confession. Despite playing both a high school swimming star and a demigod of the sea, it turns out Miyano cannot physically swim. Link
Anime Releases
- Gatchaman - Complete Collection (TV + OVA) DVD/Blu-Ray (English)
- Gatchaman - OVA Collection DVD (English)
- Tekkamen Blade II - Complete Collection DVD (Japanese)
- Thermae Romae - Complete Collection DVD (Japanese)
Manga Releases
- Air Gear Volume 29
- Alice the 101st Volume 4
- Another [Omnibus] Volume 1
- Attack on Titan Volume 8
- Black Butler Volume 15
- Fairy Tail Volume 31
- Higurashi: When They Cry - Festival Accompanying Arc 2 Volume 23
- Inu x Boku SS Volume 1
- K-ON! High School Volume 1
- Maximum Ride Volume 7
- No Matter How I Look at It, It's You Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular! Volume 1
- Otodama: Voice From the Dead Volume 2
- Pandora Hearts Volume 18
- Puella Magi Oriko Magica Volume 2
- Sailor Moon Box Set 2 Volumes 7-12
- Sankarea:Undying Love Volume 3
- The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Volume 16
- Triage X Volume 4
- Wolfsmund Volume 12
- Ze Volume 8
Video Game Releases
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (360/PS3) (USA/EU/AUS/JPN)
- Battlefield 4 (360/PS3/PC) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Blood Knights (360) (USA/EU/AUS)
- Football Manager 2014 (PC) (USA/EU/AUS/JPN)
- Proteus (PS3) (USA/EU/AUS)
- WWE 2K14 (PS3) (USA)