Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project Volume 4

Evangelion answers the question of ‘what if’ seen at the end of the original series

Ah, Evangelion. An iconic series that frustrated fans with it’s odd ending only to satisfy with movies giving the deserved finale. While FUNimation is releasing the re-make/update to the famed anime Dark Horse is publishing a refreshing ‘what if’ scenario for the franchise. In Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project the series takes the normal life for Shinji seen in those controversial final episodes and says what if to this being more than a scene in an episode. What if Shinji, Rei and Asuka were childhood friends going to school with fairly normal parents (still alive). What if they had to deal with not Angels but crushes and embarrassing situations? Let’s take a closer look at volume 4 of the series and ask ourselves ‘what if I wanted to buy this book?’

As the trio of Shinji, Asuka and Rei continue to go to class and train together the hidden feelings Asuka has been hiding really begin to surface. Is Shinji more than a childhood friend? Why does his relationship with Rei frustrate her so? A day to exchange chocolates leads to awkwardness while a very familiar synchronization test takes place in the school swimming pool followed by a drunken cherry-blossom party that shows the lighter side of Shinji’s father while Dr. Kyoko Soryu makes an appearance surprising her daughter. All of this pales when compared to Asuka’s mistaking a kiss between Rei and Shinji and its results. Things are definitely heating up for Shinji and the Evangelion crew.

Notice something interesting? All of these interactions and encounters seem fairly ordinary, no Angels, no Eva’s … just normal life and this is what makes this series so refreshing. The art style is beautiful and reflects a polished, updated look for the franchise which keeps the main looks of the original, solid, character and setting designs. The story is the star as fans get a different side of these iconic characters, one that is not all doom and gloom. The exploration of feelings between the three pilots … students reeks of many a school age comedy in a flowery fragrant manner (read good folks, its good). The humor is great and the embarrassing situations and new personalities for characters rocks. This really is a world of normalcy, of happiness that’s populated by the characters fans of Evangelion came to know and love.

The Shinji Ikari Raising Project is rock solid. Its beautiful art mixed with characters that fans love in a brand new setting that just needs an anime adaptation. As Full Metal Panic FUMOFU was to the original Full Metal Panic so too is The Shinji Ikari Raising Project to the original Evangelion.

Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone Trailer

Many times when watching an older, from the 90’s, anime I wonder what it would be like if recreated today. Dragon Ball Z for example looks mega sharp in video game form now but the older episodes just don’t’ hold up. Gundam is another great example with the new Seed series vs. the original look and feel. Animation quality changes and it impacts how our beloved series look. Robotech and Transformers come to mind also. For me Evangelion was always one of these series, but no longer. The story of Tokyo-3, NERV, Shinji and the Eva’s is about to get an outstanding makeover in Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone. The trailer is hot and shows off the points I mention above. This series is getting revamped in a great way. The voice work is very familiar but the animation is rock solid with tweaks to the Angels, looks sooooooo good. Anime fans should be very familiar with the series but now noobs can get on board with one of the best anime of all time and hopefully they get to avoid the sad sack original ending (Death and Rebirth was solid). So check out the trailer on Apple and check back with FUNimation for more detail. This is going to be so money!

FUNimations New Show A-Go-Go, What's It Mean?

Twelve. Twelve new acquisitions have been rolled out, announced, from FUNimation over the past few weeks and are highlighted on their New Show A-Go-Go site. Most of these shows have been previously released either by ADV or Geneon, but FUNimation getting them is a good thing. See with the collapse of ADV and the withdrawal of Geneon from the states that left mainly FUNimation, Viz and Bandai as the major players in the anime distro business. Anime had hits its peak and was now coming back down to Earth, but not so fast. FUNimation could have messed up big time by acquiring all these titles, flooding the shelves with releases but something happened on the way to ruin, they are succeeding and saving shelf space. ADV began putting out thinpac box sets, neat full series in the space usually taken by 2-3 DVD's. Now what FUNimation has done is take these series, revamp ones needing it and package them up in very thin, eco friendly packaging where you can get 26 episodes in the space it takes for 1 DVD case, neat! The price point is great also, these are not greatest hits, gold, platinum or some such type of collection, they are just great bargains for the price (and shelf space, did I mention that). Anyway back to the Anime 12.

In quick succession we've seen FUNimation hook up older titles from ADV and Geneon, get them back on shelves in complete collections where they fell short in the past, sometimes broken into part 1 and 2 sets. While these have been more than welcome these new titles are just numbingly tasty, one hell of a way to start the new year. So what is to get excited about, let’s see ... and check out the official sites found on New Show A-Go-Go. (No particular order btw.)

• Samurai Champloo - Love Afro Samurai, this title is legendary, like Cowboy Bebop meets Afro Samurai, HOT!
• Soul Eater - I've not seen this title before, but hot design and slick action, yeah a must buy for me in 09.
• Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone - Eva, nuff said, must have.
• Gungrave - More style, more action and a great anime based on a pretty good video game.
• Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo - A classic piece of literature gets re-imagined. This title is made for HD, beautiful.
• Slayers Revolution - My first eBay purchase was the original Slayers box set. I've been waiting for this for years.
• Oh! Edo Rocket - Zero idea about this, get back to you later.
• Last Exile - Beauty in motion, a classic movie.
• Ikki Tousen - Zero idea about this, get back to you later.
• Nabari No Ou - Zero idea about this, get back to you later.
• Vandread - Own it, love it. CGI meets anime with catchy opening tunes and the ladies, yes me likes the ladies.
• Gad Guard - A throw back to the early days of anime, a boy and his robot but just like Galaxy Railways, brought up to speed with crisp animation.

And to top it all off FUNimation also has a new video portal. Some of the titles you can find here included Darker Than Black, Guyver, Black Blood Brothers, Gunslinger Girl Il Teatrino, Jyu-Oh-Sei, Negima 2, Ouran High School Host Club, Romeo X Juliet, Shigurui: Death Frenzy and more. What FUNimation has done is tackle anime world from the single DVD (traditional) angle, box set angle and online distro. I am excited because FUNimation is hooking us otaku up, ditto for Viz with their collections of hot titles ... Bandai I'll get back to you on, not sure about them just yet. Take care, Happy New Year and here is to a very hopeful future for the world of anime.

FUNimation Lands Geneon & ADV Titles

This past week two announcements hit from FUNimation that confirmed a suspicion I had and also made me very happy. Anyone that reads Anime Insider and PiQ has been privy to a few articles about the decline, possible death of anime in the states. From the shutdown of Geneon in the US to the scaling back at ADV there is a lot of great anime being left untouched, better yet in limbo. When Geneon pulled anchor titles like When They Cry and Law of Ueki were left hanging. ADV Films is still around but I noticed a big time scale back in their website, new titles and of course there was the NewType USA shutdown. This really came to a head when I saw a new release date for Gurren Lagen and a new publisher, Bandai. A shame since I really enjoyed the titles these two companies put out over the years. My sadness is no longer present and my questions have been answered as FUNimation just increased their strength by doing some major acquiring.

FUNimation is strong with titles like Dragonball, xxxHolic and the recently acquired One Piece. They have a great variety of titles, box sets, half season collections and 'best of' collections at great prices. Where ADV and Geneon had issues, FUNimaiton is rolling along with other players such as Viz (Naruto, Bleach, Buso Renkin) and Bandai (Gundam Seed). So first up is Geneon.

The official release reads "FUNimation Entertainment and Geneon Entertainment Sign Exclusive Distribution Agreement for North America." See Geneon did not go out of business, they just shutdown their operations in the states, not surprising due to the cost of anime, competition for shelf space and the fact they had a ton of niche titles. What this acquisition does is allows for a much broader library for FUNimation where they can take those hot titles, revamp them and hook them up proper for fans. What titles are we talking about ... how about Ergo Proxy, Hellsing Ultimate, Black Lagoon, Black Lagoon Second Barrage, Karin, Kyo Kara Maoh Season 2, Lyrical Nanoha, Elemental Gelade, Fate Stay Night, Rozen Maiden, Rozen Maiden Traumend, Shana, Shonen Onmyouji, When They Cry, and The Law of Ueki just to name some of the biggies. I've watched and written about quite a few of these titles but it's going to be great to know their future is secure. Hot announcement, hot titles. Oh, Geneon also has great music, but we shall see more about that in the future ... hopefully.

Now where there is a partnership with Geneon the ADV announcement is more a taking over. The official release reads "FUNimation Entertainment Awarded Rights to Titles Previously Held by AD Vision." So over 30 titles are getting transfered which implies maybe distribution rights were not met? I touched on a few issues with ADV and had suspicion, but this still caught me by surprise. A shame as like I said I worked with these folks and they were top notch. So is life and business I guess. Anyway this agreement is worldwide, not just the states, and since most of these series did see a full run here in the states FUNimation will get stronger with their digital distribution, partnerships and just influence of anime. I believe they hooked up with Apple and I know about YouTube and what it comes down to is FUNimation is in a position to use known anime, published anime, to help build awareness through new avenues. Some of the titles to keep an eye on include 009-1, Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy, Air Gear, Air, Blade of the Phantom Master, Devil May Cry, Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor TV, Jing, King of Bandits: Seventh Heaven, Le Chevalier D'Eon, Sgt. Keroro 1st & 2nd, Tokyo Majin, Welcome to the NHK, and Xenosaga. Gen Fukunaga, President and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment, sums it up best by saying "We are very enthusiastic about these titles. Not only are these excellent series, but they also fuel FUNimation’s major initiatives in social networking, the FUNimation Channel and internet VOD. These new titles cement FUNimation as the leading anime provider for television broadcast and legitimate online content. These shows allow us to increasingly provide the best anime to our fans on their own terms."

Excited, yes. Sad, a bit. I'm excited, and so should every anime fan be, about FUNimation getting hooked up like this. I'm sad to see ADV follow Geneon, but times change. There have been fears that anime is on the decline, I see it as a rebirth. It's like the typical anime hero rising to power then being brought down by a major tragedy just to be reborn with new power, more concentrated power. Hmmm, Gohan obtaining his full power without going Super Saiyan is a good way to look at it. The anime flame was bright and strong, dimmed a bit but is now looking as strong as ever thanks to FUNimations acquisitions. Get excited, the next anime revolution is upon us.

Tokyo Majin vol. 2 Impression

Tokyo Majin volume 2 from ADV Films continues the same stylish demon fighting action kicked off in volume 1. Tatsuma, Kyouichi, Komaki, Yuuya, and Hisui, five students from Magami High each with a unique power to battle an ever increasing horde of demons. New monsters appear, one a girl transformed into an insect demon out for revenge against a certain archery opponent, another an abused and picked on boy who’s stray puppy is killed before his eyes. Both instances show an increase in the demon activity but also tie into the past of two of our young heroes. In addition to these confrontations the roles of Tendo Kozunu and Marie Claire begin to get fleshed out. Just as the action really heats up, it’s over with thoughts of volume 3 dancing in viewer’s heads.

Tokyo Majin’s story is not going to win any awards. Gifted high school students fighting demons that are part of a long known prophecy … been there, done that. Even the individual stories seem very deja-vu’ish. So why do I keep watching, why is this series worth buying? The action and animation. The character designs are stunning, I really dig them in the manner I did Persona. It’s just a sexy look and feel and the action matches. We learn enough about each character and the overall story, but the action is what moves each episode. There is no defacto leader on this team, they really rely on each other and play off each other. Even the bad guys are a bit out of whack leaving the viewer wondering about agendas. Did I mention they are also well designed? Marie Claire, most def not a sweet little girl. Kozunu, close to going off his rocker to satiate his own hunger? Yeah, I think so. There is not too much more I can add about this series. I like it for the action and characters. The story, I wish there was more today but my glazing over plot recap is about as deep as I’ll go and the series will allow me. Volume 1 left so much promise but sad to say the story is just not picking up the slack. Still a good title, one that stands on its design alone, but sadly that may not be enough for everyone (tis for me).

Guyver vol. 7 Impression

Guyver volume 7 from ADV Films is a mixed bag. One year later, both Guyvers still missing after Archanfel destroyed the relic. Tetsuro and Mizuki are in hiding not able to even see their parents and unknown to anyone they are being looked after by Aptom, who has his own motivation, waiting for the Guyver to return. It’s a bleak future where Chronos took over all the worlds’ governments in a matter of weeks thanks to planted zoanoids and now society is promoting optimization, all with no opposition. Almost no opposition that is. Makishima makes an appearance as the head of an anti-Chronos group, his Guyver powers intact but still no match for the zoalords of Chronos. He is searching, searching for Sho, but where is our hero? He was encased, merged with the remains of the relic in a cocoon where the command metals from the relic have merged with his own. Meanwhile Chronos is in possession of this cocoon with no idea what is inside. Before he can make an appearance a rebuilt ZX-Tole wreaks havoc and seeks revenge on Aptom, who he quite nicely kicks all over town, until (cue music) a massive Guyver appears and annihilates ZX-Tole. Seems Sho, who happened to transport half-way around the globe to save the day, has merged with the Relic and is now the most powerful Guyver ever. Reunited with his friends with newfound power it’s time to retake what Chronos took. Right?

I really enjoyed this series. It truly was a new level of violence and reminded me of the live-action Guyver films and earlier anime series. This Guyver was not about happy endings as seen when Sho’s father is transformed and killed and the bad guys actually take over the world. But the good guys win, right? Nope. See just when I get goose bumps about Sho returning and being just a badass, poof, that’s it, series over. Yes, right after the fight with ZX-Tole, after we watch an entire episode of Tetsuro and Mizuki in seclusion the series ends. Yes, Sho is alive which is great, but we never get the rematch with Archanfel, we never get to see what this new Guyver can really do. I could live with society’s issues no being resolved if only the new Guyver had a chance to take on a few zoalords. I feel empty, like there are a few episodes missing, and no move in sight to wrap things up. For a series that evoked so many of my anime roots, emotions I’ve not had since I first got into anime, I’m upset. The action, the character design, the story is unique and has been around for quite a few years now and finally getting to see a new evolved Guyver, yeah it’s just sad to see it end with so many plot points left unfinished. Does this mean the series is bad … no, not by a long shot. It was quite good and very enjoyable, but like the Sopranos it just left something to be desired at the end. As sad end to such a good anime.

Devil May Cry DVD vol. 1 Impression

Take one half demon, half human demon hunter mix in one nasty sword named Rebellion, two guns named Ebony and Ivory along with one deadly Lady, a dash of Trish and a heaping load of action, top off with style and you’ve got Devil May Cry from ADV Films.

Adapted from the video game franchise of the same name, Devil May Cry follows the adventures; I should say cases of hunter-for-hire Dante. The story takes place before the events of Devil May Cry 4 and after the original Devil May Cry. Viewers are introduced to Dante and his Devil May Cry agency where he’ll take on any job for the right price. We start off with some bodyguard action as Dante protects a little girl in transit to a will hearing (she later stays on with our white haired hero) then head into Dante’s dealings with a demon in love, with a human, and her vengeful father … next up a motorcycle ride from hell finished off with a story about the ladies. Four episodes, tons of action and quite an excellent effort for an anime based on a video game.

Before getting into the story and animation know this. If you’ve never played a Devil May Cry video game your enjoyment of the anime will not be hampered in any way. There are plenty of story tid-bits sprinkled within, usually relayed via conversation pieces (like Dante’s demon blood). There is a history with each character viewers may not understand, but many an anime have done this before. The stories in this first volume are all about introduction, characters and their relationships. So far no major plot points revealed but this is just volume one so that’s to be expected. The one constant thus far is the little girl Dante saves, but not sure where that is going yet so maybe that’s a main plot point. The story has impressed so far. The animation works and works well. Dante moves and fights like the badass he is. He does not look out of place or too cheesy when racing down a highway, shooting up a bridge, shooting through a curtain of taking care of a demon in a dark train car, he’s just plain smooth. He’s also a slacker sitting at his desk always ordering pizza and staying behind on his depts. So we have dark, action packed animation mixed with and old 50’s style detective office feel … meaning he just sits around reading and eating. The voice acting is better than the game. Ok, maybe that’s not the greatest comparison but I had true fears when Dante opened his mouth it was going to be like Black Eyed Griffin when the talkies became the norm, and if you watch Family Guy you know what I mean ;) No worries. He moves smooth, fights fierce and talks with a swagger that just fits. Lady and Trish also have a seductiveness to counter Dante.

So where’s that leave us? We are left with a solid story, great animation and character design topped off with superb voice action. The only knock I have on the DVD is its only four episodes deep, I want more. I want to know what main foe will step to the front and face Dante and it’s this want that has me looking forward to volume 2 of Devil May Cry and highly recommending Devil May Cry volume 1 on DVD to any action anime fan, and must have for fans of the Devil May Cry video games.

PiQ Impressions

Alas poor Newtype, you were that beautiful supermodel that was just too expensive to maintain, the one that was easy to approach but nobody ever did for fear of your glamorous look and content. Yes, I’m comparing Newtype to a super model because DAMN I loved this magazine. I don’t speak, read or write Japanese but I would get Newtype for the artistry and content. When it was announced here in the states I was thrilled and signed up from day one.

Imagine my surprise when I received an issue of PiQ with a note about the demise of Newtype. Well, surprise may not be the right word. For a time we’ve, the anime fans, have seen a grand influx of anime of all types, manga too, that was just too much for fans to keep afloat. Geneon goes under, anime companies begin to package series as box sets, and it was a golden era that is now getting slim in a good way, but more on that later. So enter PiQ a new magazine set to incorporate the anime fans of Newtype with a more broad cultural appeal. Anime, Comics, Games, Movies, Music, TV and then some. This is actually how my blog started before I narrowed down to just a few topics, a course I believe PiQ will need to follow. I love the game, anime and manga coverage but I really don’t need in-depth movie, Blu-Ray or not, coverage. Entertainment Weekly will serve the purpose there my friends. Give me what Newtype did, the anime and manga news mixed with a more American gaming coverage and the cool swag you see in any import store. I want to know about cool music, but not mainstream, please leave the mainstream alone. I want to know about gadgets without thinking I’m reading Wired.

I want to know what Entertainment for the rest of us is. Fans of Newtype, me folks, me, will miss the DVD, the giveaways, but PiQ has a chance to serve up the great feature stories, gaming coverage, swag and more. This is a bus of limited size. Not everyone will fit on board so make sure you take care of the Newtype audience and don’t ignore us, or bore us, with mainstream coverage. I please with you PiQ, before time for renewal come up, to listen to some advice from a fan. There is a magazine niche you can fill, a more robust Anime Insider for lack of a better description. The fans are here, we want to love you, but following up a super model like Newtype is not easy to do. Just a few notes from a concerned and interested party. Thanks for listening.