Category: Reviews
Posted by Eric Henrickson on Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 9:54 AM'Batman' goes anime -- and it's not too bad
"Batman: Gotham Knight" (Warner Bros., out July 8) -- I would pay to hear Kevin Conroy read the phone book. Luckily, he has much more interesting dialogue in this direct-to-DVD film, the third from DC Comics' line of older-skewing animated movies.
Why should you care? Well, similar to the "Animatrix," this one comprises six interlocking stories written by Americans but animated by some of today's up-and-coming anime directors. There's no one of the stature of "Cowboy Bebop's" Shinichiro Watanabe, who did an "Animatrix" segment, but they do have some good credits, among them "Tweeny Witches," "Giant Robo," "Sailor Moon" and "Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle."
And like "Animatrix," it's a bit of a mixed bag. Some stories do better than others, but it all supposedly ties the first Christian Bale "Batman" movie to this month's "The Dark Knight." Villains include Killer Croc and Deadshot, and it introduces police detectives Anna Ramirez (who's in the movie) and Crispus Allen (who doesn't appear to be).
It starts off with "Have I Got a Story for You" (Shojiro Nishimi), about a group of skateboarders sharing their Batman experiences, and, not surprisingly, each sees him differently: as a living shadow, as a true bat man and as a robot. This segment has the worst animation but is the most fun. Gradually, the whole thing becomes a story of dueling mobs, a corrupt business man and a couple classic Batman villains (but not the Joker -- they're obviously holding on to him).
"Field Test" (Hiroshi Morioka), "Working Through Pain" (Toshiyuki Kubooka) and "Deadshot" (Madhouse) look the best, and each has an interesting visual take on Bruce Wayne, Batman's secret identity. They range from short-haired bishie to more conventionally masculine, and the first two delve into the Wayne character.
No matter how he's portrayed, though, he's voiced by Kevin Conroy, who's been with the animated "Batman" franchise since "Batman: The Animated Series" and is, in my opinion, the character's definitive voice. The guy they got for the recent "The Batman" animated series wasn't bad, but Conroy is the master. He doesn't disappoint.
With the mix of quality, "Gotham Knight" isn't as good as "Superman: Doomsday" or "Justice League: The New Frontier." As a work of anime, it's a novelty piece, at best, but one that will definitely hold a lot of interest for Batman fans (and anyone who likes the directors involved). And if it gets those Bat fans to give anime a try, more power to it. GRADE: B-
For the curious who've stumbled across this review through a Google search and aren't normally anime fans, I offer a couple recommendations if you enjoy "Gotham Knight": the works of Satoshi Kon (especially "Paranoia Agent") and the "Ghost in the Shell" series. Everyone else is welcome to chime in by leaving a comment.
Category: News
Posted by Eric Henrickson on Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 10:20 AMNew 'Vampire Hunter D' comic on the way
ICv2 is reporting that Devil's Due Publishing has made a deal with Digital Manga Publishing to create a new series of American-style comics based on "Vampire Hunter D."
The "D" franchise started with a series of novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi and beautifully illustrated by Yoshitaka Amano. That series, published here by Dark Horse, spawned a hit anime series, which in turn inspired a manga series published here by DMP.
According to the report, Devil's Due's series will be called "Vampire Hunter D: American Wasteland" and will have a "have a noticeably North American feel," according to the publisher.
So what do you think? While I could appreciate the artistry, I never really got into the series. Devil's Due promises to stay true to the series, so it could be interesting for vampire fans.
Category: News
Posted by Eric Henrickson on Mon, Jun 30, 2008 at 11:21 AMFirst look at Miyazaki's 'Ponyo'
Ain't It Cool News has what's being reported as the first trailer for Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo on the Cliff."
It looks like it comes from a Japanese version of "Entertainment Tonight" and is not subtitled.
After a couple films skewing older, this one appears to head back to "Totoro" territory, with a catchy (and, honestly, a bit annoying) theme that evokes the "Totoro" song.
It looks as cute as you'd expect from Miyazaki, though, so I'm still greatly looking forward to it.
(Warning: User comments are definitely not for kid eyes.)
Thanks to Animated News for the link.
Meanwhile, Ghibli World has the first review, and it's a good one.
Category: News
Posted by Eric Henrickson on Thu, Jun 26, 2008 at 10:12 AMDon't forget Youmacon
A quick reminder to those thinking about attending Metro Detroit's very own anime convention, Youmacon.
I just dropped by their Web site, in addition to seeing announcements about Anime Name That Tune, Otaku Family Feud and a cosplay calendar contest, they have a reminder that the deadline for the cheapest preregistration cost is fast approaching.
To get a three-day badge for $35 (it'll be $45 at the door), you must register by June 30.
And when making travel plans, don't forget that the con has moved to the Hyatt Regency Dearborn.
Category: Reviews
Posted by Eric Henrickson on Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 10:03 AM"Emma: A Victorian Romance" (Right Stuf) -- It's PBS meets anime in the best way with the latest offering from Right Stuf.
I've already got part of the BBC adaptation cast in my head, that's how much I'm enjoying the season one box set, which is being released today. I was only able to watch the first two discs (six episodes of 12) over the weekend, but I'm totally wrapped up in the story.
It probably helps that I'm a sucker for these period dramas, but it definitely shows that anime can transcend boundaries. Here I was watching an animated Victorian drama in Japanese (the set's not dubbed, but please don't let that stop you), and I was totally into it.
"Emma" tells the story of Emma, the maid to a woman who used to be governess to a wealthy merchant family. When one of Mrs. Stownar's former charges, William Jones, pays a surprise visit after several years, he becomes smitten with Emma and starts to slowly woo her, not taking into consideration their class difference. (She returns the affection, and you'd think she'd be more aware of it, but that's young love for you, I suppose.)
Meanwhile, Hakim, an Indian prince, has come to visit his old friend William and also falls for Emma. Then there's the young lady Eleanor, who develops a thing for William and would give him a title should they wed. That's important to William's father, Richard.
So there you have it. Expect lots of sidelong, yearning glances and repressed emotion from the staid English characters. It's not without cliche, but it's some of those cliches that make the genre so popular. And being animated gives it an advantage: When in a movie based on any Jane Austen book has an Indian prince arrived at a manor house with a parade of elephants in tow?
The pacing is leisurely, but steady. I wasn't hollering at the TV, "Just tell her you love her," so that means it's moving along just right. For William to confess that now would be too soon since they haven't known each other that long, and they've opened up just enough to be satisfying.
In addition to the four discs, there is a 96-page "Victorian Gazette" with lots of background material on the setting and era. It was fun to thumb through, but I haven't taken a thorough look at it. I hope it addresses why the Jones family, the father and five kids (no mention of their mother yet), needs the couple dozen servants we see in the background. I know there's a lot to clean without a vacuum cleaner, but sheesh.
Anyway, "Emma" is a Victorian romance well worth curling up in the chair with a nice cup of Earl Grey and a scone to watch. GRADE: B+
Category: News
Posted by Eric Henrickson on Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 7:33 AMAmerican heads next card game sensation
OK, that may be overstating the fact, but it was interesting to read this morning at Anime News Network that Bandai's next big trading card game (launching Sept. 13 in Japan), "Battle Spirits," was designed by American Michael Elliott.
And, of course, there will be anime and manga -- anime in the fall and manga in July.
While there's no U.S. distributor signed on yet, it will no doubt make its way over here if it proves popular.
According to the article, the cards will represent dragons, demons, birds, insects and other spirits that the players will control in battles. Bandai says the game will be distinguished by its fast gameplay and immediate turnarounds.
Category: Giveaways
Posted by Eric Henrickson on Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 8:58 AMBring 'Full Metal Panic' to your home
A bit more than a year after I reviewed the final volume, I have a box set of "Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid: The Complete Series" from Funimation to give away.
There's plenty left open for more "FMP," but this is all we've got for now. From my original vol. 4 GRADE B review:
This series is more a sequel to the original "Full Metal Panic!" than to the second season, "Fumoffu." Like the first, this one is more serious, with a healthy dose of slapstick humor to keep things from seeming too grim. Ultimately, this one is a bit darker than the original, but Kaname and Sosuke's tempestuous relationship keep things interesting. For all of her toughness, Kaname is something of a girly girl inside, and Sosuke is completely clueless. The dynamic plays out well.
If you were a fan of the first "Full Metal Panic!," this is definitely a series to check out, no matter how you felt about "Fumoffu." It's got spirit and spunk.
So for your chance to win, send your name and address to ehenrickson@detnews.com with "Full Metal Panic" in the subject line. Enter once by June 27.
Good luck!
Category: News
Posted by Eric Henrickson on Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 10:34 AM'Voltron: Vehicle Force' on the way
TVShowsonDVD.com has a bunch of info up regarding classic favorite "Voltron."
First up, they cite Amazon in giving the release date for the "Vehicle Force" episodes as Sept. 30 in a three-disc package. Media Blasters itself is mum on the set, the site says.
But they also include a link to a "Voltron" soundtrack CD from WEP, the main licensors. The 50-track CD is available exclusively at the online Voltron store for $14.95.
Category: News
Posted by Eric Henrickson on Wed, Jun 18, 2008 at 10:45 AM'Gon' anime on the way
ICv2.com is reporting that the Gon manga is on its way to the small screen.
Kodansha will produce the series through Korean studio Tewon Media, with a Japanese broadcast scheduled for 2010.
The manga, by Masashi Tanaka and published here by DC Comics and its manga imprint, CMX, doesn't have any words, so it will be interesting to see how they make the "translation."
It's about an "irascible" dinosaur who somehow survived extinction and manages to have adventures around the world.
Category: News
Posted by Eric Henrickson on Tue, Jun 17, 2008 at 9:54 AM'Astro Boy' and 'Ponyo' feature news
A bit of news about a couple animated projects heading to the big screen:
First, according to Animated News, Nicolas Cage, Donald Sutherland, Nathan Lane, Bill Nighy and Eugene Levy are joining the voice cast of Imagi's "Astro Boy," which also features the voice of Freddie Highmore. It's being directed by David Bowers (Aardman's great "Flushed Away") and is due in 2009.
Imagi is the company behind the recent "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" CGI film and the upcoming CGI "Gatchaman."
Also, Animated News points us to Ghibli World for a peek at some new art from Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo on a Cliff," including a look at some of the characters.
I've got high expectations for these films. Keep your fingers crossed.
