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S T A F FPublisher

Claude J. Pelletier

Editor-in-chiefMartin Ouellette

ContributorsAaron & Keith Dawe, Sylvain Durand,

Miyako Graham, Fred Patten, James S. Taylor

LayoutThe Safe House

CoverGhislain Barbe

PhotographyFrederick Schodt, Miyako Graham, Joy A. Kennelly

ProofreadingDominique Durocher, The Safe House

TranslationMiyako Graham

Color Separation & LinotronicTypo Express, Inc.

PrintingPayette & Simms, Inc.

Special Thanks toMartin Aziz, Jack Kim, Michael Liu

Soichiro Yuasa and all our DP9 friends

SUBSCRIPTIONOne year (6 issues): $30 US, $32.10 Can (GST in-cluded, add PST if ordering from Quebec), or $45 USoverseas. Make check or (preferably) money-order to:

P R O T O C U L T U R EP.O. Box 1433, Station "B"

Montréal, Qc., Canada, H3B 3L2

DISTRIBUTORSIn Canada: Comic Emporium ((416) 597-9405), Cosmix((514) 744-9494), HMV ((819) 569-8744), Snap! ((416)588-4006). In U.S.A.: Anime Crash (NY: (212) 254-4670,Boston: (617) 491-8760, Providence: (401) 276-0533),Berkley Dist. (North: (510) 845-9851 or South: (310) 632-8448), Books Nippan ((213) 891-9636), Chessex ((610)695-0523), Complete Strategist ((212) 685-3880), Dia-mond ((410) 560-7100), Hobbies Hawaii ((808) 423-0265), Inteleg ((610) 896-8177), Kinokuniya (NY: (212)765-7766, SF: (415) 567-7625, Seattle: (206) 587-2477),Liberty Hobby (FL & GA: (800) 654-6229), Mangamania((800) 626-4277), Nikaku Animart ((408) 971-2822),Planet Anime ((713) 523-7122), RPV ((714) 671-1270),Wargame West ((505) 242-1773). In Australia: Jedko(011 61 3 9555 1022). In England: Esdevium (011 44 125226116), Hobbygames (011 44 1903 730998). In Mexico:Hector Santillan (011 52 5 664 2019).

PRESENTATION ..................................................................................... 4

WHAT'S GOING ON?ANIME & MANGA NEWS ..................................................................................... 5

VIDEO & MANGA RELEASES .............................................................................. 8

PRODUCTS RELEASES (Domestic & Japanese LD, Live-Action, etc.) ....................... 10

NEW RELEASES ................................................................................................. 11

MODEL NEWS .................................................................................................. 32

REVIEWSCD .................................................................................................................. 16

LIVE-ACTION MOVIES ....................................................................................... 17

MODELS .......................................................................................................... 30

MANGA .......................................................................................................... 54

ANIME: PA'S PICK ............................................................................................. 55

ANIME ............................................................................................................. 56

SPOTLIGHTSMACROSS 7

Overview ................................................................................................... 19

Mecha Files ................................................................................................ 20

Synopses .................................................................................................... 22

Characters .................................................................................................. 28

ROBOTECH & CO. (Macross / Southern Cross / Mospeada, Etc.) ........................... 35

ANIME WORLDWorld Animation Celebration .......................................................................... 48

Anecdotes From Mr. Hiroyuki Yamaga .............................................................. 50

U.S. / Japan Cartoonists Symposium '98 ............................................................ 51

Anime Under Fire (Part 7) ................................................................................ 52

ANIME STORIESBASTARD!! ....................................................................................................... 60

DESERT ROSE ................................................................................................... 61

MONONOKE HIME ........................................................................................... 62

VOICE OF THE FREEDOM FIGHTER .............. 65

PROTOCULTURE ADDICTS #50. May 1998. The Anime & Manga magazine. Published bimonthlyby PROTOCULTURE Enr., P.O. Box 1433, Station B, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3B 3L2.FAX: (514) 527-0347. E-mail: editor@protoculture.qc.ca. Web: http://www.protoculture.qc.ca/PA

PROTOCULTURE ADDICTS is ©1998 by PROTOCULTURE ENR. The copyrights and trademarksmentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. PROTOCULTURE ADDICTSacknowledges the creators and copyrights holders of the materials mentioned or pictured herein,and does not seek to infringe on their rights. All rights to articles/artwork revert to their respectivewriters/artists upon publication. Contributors are responsible for their views which are notnecessarily those of PROTOCULTURE ADDICTS. No part of this magazine can be reproducedwithout permission from the publisher — except for review purposes.

Legal deposit at the National Library of Quebec & National Library of Canada Printed in Canada ISSN 0835-9563

✾PROTOCULTURE

¯:paKu]-

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PRESENTATION

C R E D I T SThis issue celebrates not only our fiftieth issue, but also our tenth anniversary. Our first, unofficial

issue was released in November 1987 and our first real issue was released in Spring 1988. Ten years!

It is incredible to see how we have evolved during this time and how the anime industry has devel-

oped since then too. And we witnessed it all...

We have decided to dedicate this issue to Robotech (and to its related shows like Mospeada, Southern

Cross and, of course, Macross — and by extension Macross 7) because there lies our origin. One day my

friend Alain Landry told me about this great show he was watching on an American TV channel. He con-

vinced me to look at it (“at 7 a.m. it’s better be good!”) and it was love at first sight. Robotech was a GREAT

show and, despite what some people might say today (young fans that know nothing about how the show

was produced), Carl Macek did a good job on it considering the time and the circumstances. I began reading

the comics and talked about the show to other friends, and we started playing the Role-Playing Game.

Someday, I proposed to start a fanzine (I was already making one about science-fiction, Samizdat). Several

people helped, at the beginning, to create the magazine: Alain Dubreuil (now a teacher; hey! Alain, if you’re

reading this, give me a call sometimes!), Michel Gareau (went back to his military career), Jean Carrières

(now at DP9), Paul Berthiaume (now a dentist), and Yvon Maillé Jr. (now a Radio Shack manager) — just to

name a few. We wish to thank them all (even those we have not named).

So, Protoculture Addicts (as the name indicates — it was a reference to Khyron’s addiction to protoculture’s

leaves) began as a Robotech fanzine (the "Robotech fanzine of Quebec Quadrant" to be precise) in Novem-

ber 1987. After one issue and some legal problems (only in America!), we “chose” to become the Official

Robotech fanzine (in fact it was the only way Harmony Gold would let us continue publishing). After our first

Official issue (April 1988), we decided to upgrade to a color cover in order to be distributed by Diamond (Fall

‘88). At that time, the regular staff was Alain Dubreuil, Michel Gareau and myself and we were incorporated

as Ianus Publications. We moved our “office” from the University dorms to a young business incubator and,

after issue #10 (in February ‘91), felt that we had said all we could about Robotech and PA became a

magazine about Japanese animation in general.

In Summer ‘91, we moved our offices to a large loft that we shared with New Order, that had just released

the first issue of Mecha Press. When Alain and Michel left the magazine to go on with their life, Ianus

merged with New Order, headed by Pierre Ouellette. With issue #16 (January ‘92), PA switched from comic

book format to a small magazine format (the same as today) and a new layout (designed by Pierre Ouellette).

The company then ventured into comics books (but Gates of Pandragon and Cybersuit Arkadyne had not

much success) and into gaming. The gaming division (Dream Pod 9) rapidly grew and produced licensed

supplements for Cyberpunk (1992), Teenager From Outer Space, Mekton II (1993), wrote sourcebooks for

Palladium’s Macross II RPG, and also started producing its own material (1994-95): Heavy Gear Fighter,

Video Fighter, Project A-ko RPG and, finally, Heavy Gear. However, in November ‘95, it was decided to split

the company into its two divisions in order to facilitate production. Ianus was no more, DP9 & PA parted

ways, but both gained strength in the process.

In January 1996, with issue #38, Protoculture Addicts (now published by Protoculture Enr. and produced by

Martin Ouellette and myself) started a new era. Now, two years and twelve issues later, the magazine has

more pages, some color, a growing number of collaborators (we want to thank them all, particularly Miyako

Graham, James Taylor, Soichiro Yuasa, Sylvain Durand, and Aaron & Keith Dawe) and we are also venturing

into the importation of anime videos and manga (check our catalog!). We have improved the magazine a lot

since the beginning and we intend to continue making it better. However, if we have been able to make all

that way, despite the difficulties, the obstacles, the delays, etc., it’s only because of the support of our

readers (yes, YOU!). Thanks for believing in us and to appreciate our work.

So, Happy Anniversary to PA, yes, but also Happy Anniversary to all our readers! We tried to make this issue

a little special. We hope you will like it.

Claude J. Pelletier

Bastard!! © 1992 Kazushi Hagiwara/ Shueisha/ Pioneer.Dark Cat © 1991 Naomi Kimura/ Asahi Sonorama/Nikkatsu Corporation/ Agent 21. English Version © 1998Kitty. Desert Rose © Kaoru Shintani/ Hakusensha/ TOEIVideo Co., Ltd. Dirty Pair Flash © Takachiho & StudioNue/ SUNRISE. English Version © 1998 A.D.Vision, Inc.Fire Emblem © 1996 Nintendo/ KSS. English Version ©1998 A.D.Vision, Inc. Flashback 2012 © 1986 BIG WEST/Emotion. Gamera © 1995 Daei/ NTV Network/ Hakuhodo.English Version © 1997 A.D.Vision, Inc. Genesis ClimberMospeada © 1983 Tatsunoko Productions Co., Ltd. Eng-lish Version © 1985 Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc./ TatsunokoProductions Co., Ltd. Gold Digger © 1998 Fred Perry.Grey: Digital Target © 1997 Yoshihisa Tagami/ TokumaShoten/ Animage Video. English Version © 1997 Viz Com-munications, Inc. Inu-Yasha © 1998 Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan, Inc. English Version © Viz Comics. Key TheMetal Idol © 1994 Hiroaki Sato/ Pony Canyon/ Fuji TV/FCC/ Studio Pierrot. English Version © Viz Communica-tions, Inc. Kimera © 1996 Kazuma Kodaka/ Seiji Biblos/TOHO/ Animate Film. English Version © 1997 TOHO In-ternational. Released By A.D.Vision, Inc. Macross 7 ©BIG WEST/ Macross 7 Project. Macross II © 1992, 1993BIG WEST/ Macross II Project. English Version © U.S.Renditions/ L.A. Heroes. Macross Mech Graffiti © BIGWEST/ Victor/ Emotion. Macross © 1982 BIG WEST/Tatsunoko Prod. Macross Plus © BIG WEST/ MacrossPlus Project. English Version © 1994/1995 Manga Enter-tainment, Inc. Megazone 23 © 1987 IDOL Co., Ltd./ Vic-tor Musical Industries, Inc. English Version © StreamlinePictures. Mobile Police Patlabor Comic © Masami Yuuki/Shogakukan, Inc. English Version © Viz Communications,Inc. Mononoke Hime © 1997 NIBARIKI/ NDG. Neon Gen-esis Evangelion © GAINAX/ Project EVA/ TV Tokyo/ NAS.English Version © 1997 A.D.Vision, Inc. Comic Version© 1995 GAINAX. English Version © Viz Comics. RobotechII: The Sentinels © 1986 Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc.Robotech © Harmony Gold, Inc. Robotech RPG © 1986Kevin Siembieda. Sol Bianca © 1990 NEC/ AVENUE. Eng-lish Version © 1997 A.D.Visison, Inc. Street Fighter: TheAnimated Movie © 1994 CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Super Di-mension Cavalry Southern Cross © 1984 Tatsunoko Pro-ductions Co., Ltd. English Version © 1985 Harmony GoldU.S.A., Inc./ Tatsunoko Productions Co., Ltd. Tenchi Muyo!Comic © 1996 Hitoshi Okuda. English Version © Viz Com-ics. The Irresponsable Captain Tylor © 1998 HitoshiYoshiyoka/ Kadokawa Shoten. English Version © 1998 TheRight Stuf International, Inc.

ILLUSTRATIONSAnimeland #35. Artmic Design Works; B-Club Special(Bandai, 1987, 164 pg., 8 1/4" x 11 3/4"): 18-20, 22-23.AX Magazine: #1 (98/04). B-Club: #147-148. Gold Dig-ger #39 (Antarctic Press, 36 PG., B&W): 5. Inu-YashaPart 1, #12 (Viz, 44pg., B&W): 5. Macross 7 This is Ani-mation Special (Shogakukan, 1994, 100 pg., 8 1/2" x 101/2"): 8-9, 11, 13, 20, 22, 36, 38, 42. Macross II This IsAnimation Special #5 (Shogakukan, 1993, 100 pg., 101/2" x 8 1/2"): 35. Macross “One Night Stand” 15th An-niversary (BIG WEST, 24 pg., 10" x 14 1/2"). MacrossPerfect Memory (1984, 268 pgs., 8 1/4" x 11 3/4"): 8, 10,19, 48, 73, 138-173. Macross The Movie Program Book(1984, 28 pg., color). Macross The Movie This Is Ani-mation #11 (Shogakukan, 1984, 148 pg., 8 1/4" x 11 3/4"): 16, 20, 27, 36, 41, 49, 57, 82, 92. Mobile PolicePatlabor Vol.1 (Viz Graphic Novel, 194 pg., B&W): 186.Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol. 1, #6 (Viz Select Comics,40 pg., B&W): 17. Newtype Magazine (Kadokawa Shoten):97/07, 97/08, 98/02, 98/03, 98/04, 98/05. No Need ForTenchi Part 4, #4 (Viz Select Comics, 36 pg., B&W): 28.Pop On Mylene Newtype Insert (Kadokawa Shoten, 10/95): 5. Previews: Vol. VIII, #3, #4 & #5. Robotech #7(Antartic Press, 32 pg., color): 10. Robotech Art 1(Starblaze Editions, 1986, 256 pg., 8 1/2" x 10 7/8"): 3-4,22, 67, 40, 81, 88, 92-93, 95, 99, 126. Robotech StyleGuide (Harmony Gold internal document for licensees).Robotech Trading Cards: #7, #15 & #46. Southern CrossThis Is Animation #10 (Shogakukan, 1984, 122 pg., 8 1/4" x 11 3/4"): 27-29, 33, 49. Time Magazine (4-13): 169.

All other illustrations come from promotional artwork,cover art or directly from the animation. They remain theproperty of their respective owner.

Next IssueOur mecha special! Gundam 0083,Tekkaman Blade, Godzilla and more!

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— J A P A N — J A P A N — J A P A N — J A P A N — J A P A N —Alexander is a 13-part OVA series animated by Mad-

house, with character designs by Peter Chung, creator

of MTV’s Aeon Flux. Based on a novel by Hiroshi Aramata,

it is directed by Yoshinori Kanemori, produced by Rin

Tarô & Masao Maruyama, and scripted by Sadayuki

Murai. It will start this November and will be released

on a monthly schedule. Alexander spins the story of the

historical Alexander the Great, mercurial conqueror of

the known world from 336-324 B.C. However, far from

being textbook dramatization, it blends fantasy and sci-

ence-fictional elements into actual historical battles and

events as the series weaves its way though Alexander’s

life and beyond. Aside from mesmerizing images (flying

characters, advanced weaponry, 20 feet tall men, a lot

of CGI effects) and a rock/techno soundtrack, the series

aims to grab viewers (basically Gen X’ers and Next

Gen’ers) with its intricate storyline and complex char-

acterizations, the majority of whom are based on historical figures of that period. Alexander seeks to be the

spearpoint of the slowly growing movement towards dramatic animation for mature audiences, a movement

becoming known in Japan as riî qjO (Edge Anime). It’s already being used to label such recent, sophis-

ticated fare as Spawn, Ghost In The Shell and Aeon Flux. To emphasize the international nature of the produc-

tion, the series chapters will be distributed in Japan and the rest of the world almost simultaneously (at the

same time for the first episode, then with a two-week delay to allow dubbing/subtitling time) and will be sup-

ported by a merchandising campaign. Look forward to see the Alexander web site, action figures, card games,

comics, etc. (Source: Edit 90 — Marketing Agent for Alexander).

Emotion’s 15th anniversary is bringing the re-release in Laserdiscs of many old anime like Yamato (TV & Mov-

ies), The World of Go Nagai, Call Me Tonight, Ann Of Green Gable, etc. Other interesting LD releases: MS

Gundam Boxed set, Kirara (in September), Record Of Lodoss War Boxed Set, Iczer-One, Starship Troopers, and

Outlaws Star (yes, already).

Fancy Lala (Mahô no stage Fancy Lala) is a new TV series by Studio Pierrot, with character design by Ms. Akemi

Takada (who was a Guest of Honor at Anime America in ‘94) and a script by Tomomi Mochizuki (also director).

It started on April 5th on TV Tokyo. It’s a magical girl/shôjo style anime about Miho Kasahara (a 3rd grade girl!)

who has the magic power of transformation. (Source: Animage 04-98, Animeland #41: 8).

GUNDAM. Lots of activities are scheduled for the 20th anniversary of Gundam. Among

other things, the first 22 episodes of the original TV series (MS Gundam) will be

released as a commemorative six-LD boxed set (530 min., ¥36,000) on August 1st.

The second half of the boxed set will be released late 1998. This summer, there will be

a Gundam W Endlesswaltz movie double-billed with a 8th MS Team movie. There will

also be a TV Special movie combining live-action and computer graphics titled G-SAVIOR. Bandai is also planning

a new Gundam TV series... 1998-99 will definitely be THE years for Gundam fans... (Sources: Bandai

(www.niftyserve.or.jp/station/sunrise/bigbang/nbang.htm), EX magazine, HobbyLink Japan).

Hideaki Anno is now working on a new animation based on the shôjo (girl) manga Kareshi kanojo no jisho (The

Situation of He and She) by Ms. Masami Tsuda and published by Hakushû-sha in Monthly Lala magazine. This

TV series, animated by Gainax Studio, will be on TV in Fall 1998. Mr. Anno is also working on adult-video films.

(Sources: Newtype 05-98 and Animeland #40: 64).

Keita Amemiya (a movie director who was a Guest of Honor at Anime Expo ‘93) is

working on a new film titled MikaZuki (The crescent Moon). The characters of Zeiram

(Iria and Zeiram) have been made into action-figures by Crowd Toys and each retails at

¥3,500 (www.crowdinc.com). They can also be mail-ordered at Cyberdine

(www.cyberdine.co.jp). (Source: B-Club #148).

Megumi Hayashibara got married on her 31st birth-

day on March 30th, probably breaking the heart of

many young fans. That’s probably why she keeps

secret the name of her husband, a salaryman three

years younger that she had known for five years. She

felt it was time for her to wed, but she will continue

her work. (Sources: Anime V #150: 69, EX magazine,

Newtype 6-98: 163).

Mononoke Hime. The latest animated movie di-

rected by Hayao Miyazaki has been released on

laserdisc on June 26. Miyazaki was also invited to

show his movie in three movie festivals in Europe!

He was first a guest of the Berlin International Film

Festival and Mononoke Hime (Monster Princess)

was shown in the Zoo Palast theater in Berlin. Mr.

Miyazaki got an enthusiastic reception (more than

100 press journalists came to see him from all over

the world) and he gave more then twenty interviews

during his five days visit. The movie was also shown

at the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Fes-

tival. After that he went back to Ghibli Studio. He

had retired and passed the studio over to Yoshifumi

Kondo, but the latter died in January. So, until he

finds a new successor, Mr. Miyazaki is back to work

on a new project, a movie set in the future and with

an ecological thematic. When listening to Mononoke

Princess’ songs, many were wondering who was

singing: a girl? a choir boy? In fact, the lead singer

is 27-year-old man: Yoshikazu Mera, who studied

music in Amsterdam. (Sources: Animage 04-98,

Animeland #41: 4, Manga Mania #45: 4, Newtype

8-97:16)

Pocket Monster, the anime show that was canceled

last December after having made sick hundreds of

viewers, was back on the air of TV Tokyo in April. It is

now on prime-time (on Thursdays at 19:00), is intro-

duced by a 3-minute explanation on how to watch TV

safely and the dangerous flashing effects have been

toned-down. (Sources: Animeland #41: 10, EX maga-

zine, La Presse 4-4-98: D2).

Tokuma Shoten has a web page since last February:

www.TOKUMA.com.

X-Japan’s lead guitarist Hideto “Hide” Matsumoto,

33, committed suicide on May 2nd by hanging him-

self with a towel. He left no explanation. The most

popular rock band of Japan disbanded last Septem-

ber, but Matsumoto had a very promising solo ca-

reer. Tens of thousands of fans swarmed his funeral

on May 7th and one fan followed him in death, two

others tried. (Sources: Associated Press, CNN.com,

San Francisco Chronicle).

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— U S A — U S A — U S A — U S A — U S A —Anime Day — The Los Angeles Public Library is sched-uling an “Anime Day” on Sunday, October 4th, as partof its 3rd annual Teen Comic Art & Animation Festival. Itwas started as an inducement to promote reading andartistic creativity among youth. The Library regularlyinvites comic-book artists and animators living aroundL.A. to speak, to look at the teens’ amateur art, and tohold workshops. This year, since manga and anime havebeen growing in popularity, the Library is schedulingthe second day for anime alone. The festival is promotedthroughout the LAPL’s branch libraries for about the pre-ceding six months, with individual events at the differ-ent branches (including few anime presentations). Forinformation: (213) 228-7510. (Source: Fred Patten).

Best Of Anime is a 16-anime-song anthology CD thatKid Rhino will release on September 1st. It will retail at$16.98 US and contains one song each from: Astro Boy,Nuku Nuku, Devil Hunter Yohko, Gigantor, Gunbuster,Macross Plus, Megazone 23 Pt. 2, New Cutey Honey,New Dominion Tank Police, Oh My Goddess!, Recordof Lodoss War, Sailor Moon, Silent Mobius, Speed Racer,Urusei Yatsura, and Windaria. (Source: F. Patten).

Bubblegum Crisis DVD will be releasedby Multimedia 2000. The eightBubblegum Crisis OVAs will be on threeDVD discs using the new DVD Multiplay®technology which allows a single disk toplay as movie-quality video on a DVDplayer and as a fully interactive computerprogram with videos on a DVD-ROM-

based computer system. The DVD compilation will beavailable in July, will retail for $59.95 US and can beordered directly from Multimedia 2000 at (206) 622-5530 or www.m-2k.com.

Conventions — OTAKON ‘98 will be held August 7-9,at the Hyatt Regency-Crystal City, Arlington, VA. Guests:Shoji Kawamori, Scott Frazier (Production I.G.), RobertDeJesus (Studio Capsule), Kuni Kimura (StudioIroncat), Matt Lunsford, Steve Pearl. Membership: $40at the door. Info: 661A Waupelani Drive, State College,PA 16801 or www.otakon.com. PA’s staff will attendOtakon. — FANIMECON ‘99 will be held March 19-21,1999 at the Wyndham Hotel, San Jose, California. Forinfo: www.fanime.com.

Invasion America, the new animated series fromDreamworks SKG, premiered June 8th at ET/PT 9 p.m.on WB, KTLA, WDWB, WGN, WNYO, WPIX and MT 9p.m. on CKRD. Voice actors includes: Kristy McNicol,Leonard Nimoy, Lorenzo Lamas, and Rider Strong.(Sources: Jack Kim, TV Guide and Wired).

Magic Knight Rayearth Saturn video game by Work-ing Designs has been constantly delayed. It was finallyannounced for May, at the joy of many Saturn’s ownerwho kept their platform for that game only, but it wasagain pushed back to July. Recently, it was also an-nounced for Playstation, but this information revealedto be false. However, Square announced they will re-lease Final Fantasy VIII for Playstation in early 1999.(Source: GameSpot News).

Disney & Miyazaki — Still no date for the release of Mononoke Hime in the USA by Miramax (though we heardthat Neil Gaiman was scripting the English version and that it could be released early ‘99), but Kiki’s DeliveryService has been scheduled for September 22. In an article in the May issue of Kidscreen, David Bosworthwrites: “Miyazaki (...) does not display as darkly violent and overtly sexual themes inhis work as do his national counterparts. Still, Buena Vista is doing its best to form a line ofdistinction between Miyazaki’s and other forms of anime, which in one extreme casehas been blamed for causing children to ex- perience convulsions. “You’ll never hear theword “anime” attached to Miyazaki’s stuff around here,” says [Michael] Johnson [presi-dent of Buena Vista], adding that Kiki “has a much deeper texture to it, a higher visualquality; it’s much brighter than most anime. Frankly, it’s more like Disney than any othertype of Japanese animation.” Although Dis- ney has promised to maintained the Englishadaptations of Miyazaki’s work as true to the originals as possible, Kiki has been “localized” for North Americanaudience through the addition of English voices and an expended musical score, according to Johnson.” We seein this article the same prejudiced idea against anime: it’s only sex & violence. Miyazaki’s not dark? Wait to seeMononoke Hime! And it is clear: for Buena Vista, Miyazaki’s stuff is too good to be called anime! Disgusting!(Source: Kidscreen 5-98 provided by Fred Patten; commented by CJP).

Guardians Of Order, in association with Kodansha Ltd., announced that it will release The Sailor Moon Role-Playing Game and Resource Book this summer. The stories, settings, and especially the characters provide anideal gaming universe with tremendous role-playing potential. Players can assume the roles of the Sailor Scouts orvillains from the first two seasons. The book will also offer something to those who do not role-play, but are fans ofthe show: a comprehensive ‘Sailor Moon’ resource and reference section will be included, containing informationpreviously unpublished in North America. The book (ISBN 0-9682431-1-8; Prod. #03-001)will be written by MarkMacKinnon and the rules and mechanics will be fully compatible with “Big Eyes, Small Mouth,” the first multi-genreanime RPG also from Guardians Of Order (Prod. #02-001). (www.guardiansorder.on.ca).

Shogo: Mobile Armor Division is an upcoming 3D action/anime game being developed at Monolith Productionswith heavy influence from popular anime film that have a focus on mecha (such as Evangelion, Patlabor 2, Macross,Robotech) as well as many other non-mecha anime. The Shogo mecha are extremely quick, and they move organi-cally. A deep storyline that focuses on character development & action has been written, and your decisions duringgameplay decide the outcome of the game (www.shogo-mad.com).

Simitar Entertainment announced that Viz Communications has granted themexclusive rights to develop Chroma-Cels™ based on their Ranma 1/2 series andFatal Fury: The Motion Picture. Simitar’s Ani-Magine™ anime label released inMay three Chroma-Cel™ images from Ranma 1/2 and one from Fatal Fury. EachChroma-Cel™ retails at $14.95 US and is a limited edition with print-runs limitedto 5,000 images. (www.simitar.com).

There’s some good American animations out there! Anastasia (fromWarner Bros.) was quite beautiful (though the story had its weaknesses).Disney’s Mulan is very promising (CJP: though I hate the trend of thecomic-relief animal — this time a dragon voiced by Eddie Murphy).Dreamworks SKG’s The Prince of Egypt, due December 18, also looksvery interesting with its 1,192 shots (in 90 min.), a budget of $65 million,and unusual influences (Lean's Lawrence of Arabia, Gustave Doré, andimpressionist painters). (Source: Time, April 13, pg. 169).

Tokyo Shock (live-action division of Media Blasters) announced the released of EKO EKO AZARAK III. They areplanning to have all the movies, but they couldn’t be released in sequence because clearance rights on the first twoare taking longer for the music. They are also planning on the TV series if all goes well. Great news, those are coolJapanese movies. They will first release Zero Woman in August, and, later, Armageddon (the live-action version ofMaki Ten sho which ADV will be releasing in anime, but sexier and bloodier, and starring the actress that played Iriain Zeiram). (www.Media-Blasters.com).

Upcoming Video Releases — ADV has recently announced new acquisitions: the Bubblegum Crisis TV series,Those Who hunt Elves, Bakuretsu Hunters (could be released as soon as this Fall), Dirty Pair original 10-partOVA series, Tekken, Panzer Dragoon, Martian Successor Nadesico (!!), City Hunter (TV, OVAs and movies!!!),Sakura Wars and Sonic The Hedgehog; AnimEigo should release the first part of the TV series Kimagure OrangeRoad set in August; Buena Vista: Kiki Delivery Service (September 22); Manga Ent.: Psychic Wars (July 28),Vampire Wars (August 25), Giant Robo #6 (September) and Fist of the North Star TV Series (!!!); Pioneer: ElHazard OVA 2 (July 14), Bastard!! (August 25), Daiundoukai: Battle Athletess (September), and Shin Tenchi Muyo!;Star Anime Ent.: Dragon League (August 19); Urban Vision: Tekkaman Blade II (July 28); and USMC: Ping PongClub (September), Birdy The Mighty, Garzei’s Wing, Sprite, AïKA, and VS Knight Lamune. As you can see, there willbe a huge amount of new releases in the coming months. And there are many more surprises to come!

Sam

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7ANIME & MANGA NEWS

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— C A N A D A — C A N A D A — C A N A D A —

— E U R O P E — E U R O P E —

— L A T I N A M E R I C A —

BAKA, the Banzai Anime Klub of Alberta, located in Edmonton, Alberta is proud to present its fifth annual animefestival, ANIMETHON 5, on July 11-12 at the Grant MacEwen Community College (10700-104st). Featured this yearare six viewing rooms running 12 hours a day, as well as panels, dealers, and displays. Admission is free with adonation to the food bank. Check out the web site at http://www.ualberta.ca/~baka/a5/ or e-mail them atbaka@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca.

Booknet is a new Japanese Library in Toronto. Located at 13 Balmuto Street, #202, Toronto, Ont., M4Y 1W4, theyhad books to sell, manga and video to rent. If fans let them know what their needs are, maybe they could also sellthe manga. Phone: (416) 921-1328, Fax: (416) 921-9455.

Convention — ANIME NORTH will be held August 22-23 at The Michener Institute (222 St. Patrick Street) inToronto. Guests: Fred Perry, Mark C. MacKinnon, David Pulver. Membership: $25 at the door. Information: P.O. Box24090, Dufferin Mall Postal Outlet, 900 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ont., M6H 4A0 or http://home.ipoline.com/~vegita/an. PA’s staff will attend Anime North. — CNAnime will be held June 26-28 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center(255 Front St. W.) as part of the Canadian National Comic Book Expo ‘98, Canada’s largest comic book event. KoichiOhata will be the guest of honor and there will be many after hours events at the Neil Wycik Hotel (96 Gerrard St. E.)and Ghost in the Shell will be shown at the Bloor Cinema. Admission will be $20 for the week-end ($10 for one day).PA’s staff will be there! (http://hobbystar.com/cnanime/).

FANT-ASIA ‘98, The International Festival of Fantasy & Action Cinema, will be held simultaneously in Montreal(Imperial Theater) and Toronto (Bloor Cinema) from July 10 to August 9. Among other movies, in the Animecategory: BlackJack, Jungle Emperor Leo, Lupin III: Walther P-38, Noiseman (a 16-min. movie from Bandai), andRoujin Z; Japanese Live-Action: hommage to Takashi Ishii (Gonin (1995), Gonin 2, Black Angel), D.A.G.A.N. Runner(by Sabu), Evil Dead’s Trap (1988), Female Inquisitor (1987), Ghidrah the Three Headed Monster (1965), Makaraga:The Moon of Tao (by Keita Amamiya!), Rubber’s Lover (1997), Swallowtail Butterfly (1996), Ultraman Tiga & Dyna,Wife to be Sacrificed; HK: Black Sheep Affair, The Longest Night, The Odd-one Dies, The Prodigal Son (1981) andHit Man (the latest Jet-Li!). A great festival not to be missed! (www.fantasiafest.com).

Kiki's Delivery Service was supposed to be premiered at the Fant-Asia Festival, but Buena Vista backed out of theoriginal agreement because the other movies of the Festival were judged too violent for Kiki. Also, they don't wantthe movie to be labeled as "Asian" since it is now a Disney's product! However, it will be part of the Montreal's WorldMovies Festival in early September.

URanime is one of the big anime club of Toronto. It is located at the Ryerson Polytechnic University. For moreinformation: www.ryerson.ca/~anime/.

M A N G A S E L E C T I O NCHIBI-POP MANGA #1. A new magazine showcasingup-and-coming manga artists from Japan! Each is-sue features fifteen pages of work by the cover art-ist, as well as the feature “Ask a Manga Artist,” inwhich readers have the opportunity to ask establishedmanga artist their most pressing questions. Plus,“The Adventure Of Tokyo Kid” is an ongoing, regularfeature, with Tomiko, a pre-pubescent tomboy wholives in an amusent park and explores her emergingtelekinetic powers with similarly-powered friends!Special Introductory price! For mature readers. B&W,$3.95, avail. in July.

STAR WARS (cy-*Dt-çcy-*Dt-çcy-*Dt-çcy-*Dt-çcy-*Dt-ç): A NEW HOPE #1.It’s Star Wars: A New Hope like you’ve never seen itbefore! Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, Obi-wan, and DarthVader all drawn manga style! Taken directly fromGeorge Lucas’ script for Episode IV of Star Wars, thisbook is masterfully drawn by Tamaki Hisaro. Coverby Adam Warren. Dark Horse, b&w, 96 pg., 1 of 4,$9.95 US, avail. on 7-8-98.

Latest French manga releases (May to July): Dynamic Vision: Cobra #1; Glénat: AstroBoy #5-6, Bastard! #10-12, Black Jack # 5-6, Dr Slump #15-16, Dragonball #31-32, Gunnm#9, Histoires Courtes (A. Toriyama), Macross 7 Trash #1-2, Michael #2, Neon GenesisEvangelion #2, Next Stop #2, Ninku #7-9, Noritaka #13-15, Ranma 1/2 #16-17, SailorMoon #17-18 (Final) (Glénat announced Sailor V (3 vol.) to replace Sailor Moon.); J’ai Lu:City Hunter #25-27, Fly #25-27, Tekken Chinmi #5-6, Les Tribulations d’Orange Road #4-

6; Kana (Dargaud): Les Chevaliers du Zodiaque #8-10, DétectiveConan #7-8, Spirit #1, Yû Yû Hakusho #8; Manga Player Coll.: 3 x3 Eyes #4, Ah My Goddess #3-4, Chirality #1, Magic Knight Rayearth#5-6, Ryu Seiki #2-3, Seraphic Feather #3, Wingman #5 (MangaPlayer announced BTX and Flag Fighter as well as 3x3 Eyes #5 and Wingman #6); Tonkam:Bouddha #4-5, Fushigi Yûgi #1-3, X #5-7 (Tonkam announced Un Cadeau de l’Ange (shortstories by T, Hôjô), Cat’s Eye (T. Hôjô, Deluxe Ed. in 10 vol.) and L’Histoire des Trois Adolf (O.Tezuka)). [All those titles can be ordered from Protoculture’s Catalog: www.protoculture.qc.ca/Catalog/] [Sources: Animeland #40-42, Manga Player # 29-31].

Now playing in Mexico (in June), from Monday to

Friday, on TV Azteca (Ch. 7): Saint Seiya (3:00 p.m.),

Candy Candy (3:30 p.m.), Sailor Moon Super S (4:00

p.m.), Slayers (4:30 p.m.), Captain Tsubasa (5:00

p.m.) and Zenki (6:00 p.m.). Detective Conan is also

showing on Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. (Source:

Hector Santillan, gundam03@hotmail.com).

— U S A — U S A —

Thanks to Ricardo Razquin Lapiedra (rrl@alphacom.es) for all the Spanish releases infromation.

Latest Spanish manga releases (May to June): Glenat: Black Jack #1, Ikkyu #1, Raika #3, Sailor Moon #7-8;Norma: Armitage III #5, BT’X #1, Plastic Little, Trigun #3, RG Veda #9 (also announced for the Summer: ExplosiveMilk, Nadesico, Jing, Flag Fighters and Evangelion #4); Planeta (Comics): Alita VI #9, Dragon Ball (Yellow) #56-59,Dragon Ball (Blue) #9-10, Drakuun #3, Eat-Man #5, Explorer Woman Ray #2, Geobreeders #1, Gunsmith Cats III #9,Ranma 1/2 VII #1, 3x3 Eyes III #7; Planeta (Manga Libr.): Dr. Slump #13, Dragon Half II #1, Renka #2, Yugo #7;Planeta (Books): Detective Conan #1, Dragon Ball #37, Ruin Explorers #1 (also announced for the Summer: Flameof Recca, Outlanders, Marmalade Boy, Inu Yasha, Steam Detectives, Bastard!! #19, and the Star Wars manga).

Spanish Video Releases: Manga Films: Evangelion #7, Saint Seiya movie, Dragon Ball GT #1, Tenchi Muyo OVAs#11-12, Goshu The Cellist, Porco Rosso (announced titled also includes Black Jack, Bastard!!, Hakkenden, FinalFantasy); Otaku Vision: Vision Of Escaflowne #1 (announced titled also includes Darkstalkers and Golden Boy).

Sam

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