It’s been a while since I’ve posted one of these. So without further adeu, here are the details on Kotobukiya’s up and coming figures.

Kaori Kanzaki
The Japanese novel series (and soon to be anime) To Aru Majutsu No Index tells the story of a world where science-based superhumans live side by side with magic-users. The sexy sorceress from Necessarius, KAORI KANZAKI stands ready to draw her katana, with her long, purple hair flowing freely. Uniquely attired, with one leg exposed from her low-rise jeans, tied half-shirt, and detailed cowboy boots, Kaori is as memorable as she is beautiful. Kaori Kanzaki is due to arrive in April.

Louise Fracoise
Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière (or simply LOUISE for short)is a sophmore at the Tristain Academy of Magic, where her dismal success rates as a mage have earned her the nickname “Louise The Zero”. Posed mid-conjouring with spellbook in one hand and wand in another, while standing elegantly on a pentagram adorned base, this pvc statue stands almost 8” tall (1/8th scale) and is sculpted by Masaaki Sanada. Louise will available to order this February.

Nanjyo Ran
Leader of the Nanjyo House, Nanjyo Ran competed with Hojo Soun for control of the Ying Yang dynasty. Though she lost, she fell in love with Hojo and the two began a tempestuous relationship. Sculpted by Yuzo, Nanjyo Ran stands 7 ¼ inches tall (1/8 scale). Nanjyo Ran will come out this April.

MIU KUJYOU
Sculpted by Naoki Nishimura, Kujyou Miu stands provocatively posed, leaning forward at the waist with her left arm held behind her back and her legs crossed. Her skin-tight clothing reveals her gorgeous figure. At 1/8th scale like the other Linebarrels Ani*Statues, Miu is approximately 7 inches tall standing atop her included display base. Miu Kujyou will hit the streets this March.

Bring on the pics!

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As much as I enjoy promoting unknown companies that are starting or branching out, this next post actually hits closer to home than before. Today, IROIROMODE announced that they will be releasing a new magazine called Now Loading. This is an independently published magazine that explore the video game industry and the faces behind its grand success today. The magazine also promises to cover Asian pop-culture trends, gadgets, conventions, and music, making this the all-around gamer lifestyle magazine. Here are two excepts from the press release:

The initial January issue will be available mid-December to kickoff the new 2009 year. The digital copies will be available online at a retail price of $2.99, while offering annual subscriptions at $9.95 – 72% off the cover price. Gamers looking to obtain hard copies can get single issues delivered at the cover price of $5.99 and $19.95 for annual subscription – also 72% off the cover price.

“We recognize that online media, such as blogs and their real-time processing of information, are proving to be the surpassing media over print,” says Cameron Sampson, Editor of Now Loading, “however, the combination of quality editorial and design still can’t be matched. Why not offer the best of both worlds?”

To find out more about the magazine, go to nowloadingmagazine.com

Source: IROIROMODE

While I was roaming around in the Dealer’s Room, I had a brief conversation with Kaila Yu, who was there promoting her fledgling company “Hello DRAMA!!” Based in West Hollywood, the online beauty started her line of jewelry less than a year ago, making this convention her first stop.

Her designs can be summed up in four words, cute, dark, sexy and pink. A combination that has its roots stemmed from the streets of Harajuku and has grown throughout the world. Although it is less than a year old, she already had a modest amount of jewelry available, ranging from frilly bows with skulls to purple hearts laced like lingerie.

To check out Kaila Yu’s store, go to hellodrama.net

When I arrived early to a panel this weekend, I came across this group calling themselves “Just Kidding Films”. They are an all Asian group that makes fun of narrow minded thinking in hopes of bringing people together. They also pride themselves on their improvisation, as most of their material comes to them while they are filming. In the video below the two co-stars take a deep and hilarious stab at gangsters and their way of thinking. Their level of humor can be a little coarse so consider this NSFW.

1. Ambience is the key.
2. Preperation is the key.
3. Sponsorship is the key.
4. Maids & Pocky Rocks.
5. Recognition is the orange.
6. Three round trips from Burbank to LAX on only 30 bucks?  Thank God for deflation.

My lamest joke so far.  With that another convention is in the can.  While I did bear witness to a few issues here and there, I will say in most cases that I did enjoy myself, and that the staff did everything they could to avert several disasters.  I will be saying a few things about the convention for the next few days including what I hope to be a positive if not constructive report on the con.  While I will be saying this again in my future article, I would like to thank the staff for showing me a great time around and I look forward to next year.

JapanFiles.com announced recently that “MUSIC”, a new albuim from the band girugamesh will be available to download on November 5th.  This will be on the same day that their CD will be released in Japan.  They also announced that they will be working with Hot Topic to release the CD Nationwide in their store November 25th.  This will lad on the same day as the MUCC’s will release their second CD in the US “SHION”.

The USA release of “MUSIC” contains 12 songs and the exact same cover art and 24-page booklet as the Japanese standard release. Hot Topic stores will make this CD available to American fans for under $15.00.

Finally a quick reminder girugamesh will be returing to the US next year at Sakura-Con 2009

To listen to their music you can go to www.japanfiles.com/girugamesh or visit their myspace page at www.myspace.com/girugamesh

With November coming up fast Pacific Media Expo has been updating their site more frequently. Here are a few that should spark your interest:

>> Maid Café
It was announced today that PMX will be partnering with Royal/T and Hibaritei to co-host a Maid Café. Attendees will have the choice of being served by a maid from either group. Think all maids are built alike? Think again…

Royal/T is a playful blending of café, concept shop and art exhibition space. The space reflects the interior realm of fantasy that strongly influences the artists included in owner Susan Hancock’s collection.

Hibaritei is a self-described “psychological browser crash” that combines the concept of a maid café with cross-dressing. Hibaritei has its origins in Akihabara and has hosted numerous maid café events.

Whatever your taste may be (hey I’m not judging) the Maid Café will be open on November 8th and 9th from 12 pm to 4 pm.

>> Casino Watanabe and Club Nobumoto
When the programming tab was updated a few days ago, one of the bigger events announced was the Bebop Experience. Taking place on November 7th, attendees will be immersed in the world of Cowboy Bebop when they enter Casino Watanabe and Club Nobumoto.

Judging from the press release, the group organizing the event have made a great deal of effort in order to create this realm of hot jazz, and bounty hunters. For starters The hosts of the party will be cosplaying as the cast of the hit series. Guests will even have a chance to participate in a raffle, where two lucky people will be able to dance with the charming hosts. Something else of interest is that the band Sunrise Swing is set to open the night with hits such as TANK! (cosplay.com). You will also see the impact of jazz and bebop made upon other anime titles such as Gungrave, The Big O, and more.

>> Stephanie Yanez and Cosfest
American Jpop/Anime singer-songwriter Stephanie Yanez will be doing a special performance for half time at Pacific Media Expo’s own Cosfest. Here’s a quick look at her bio:

Since her debut she has been seen across the country, performing at many different Japanese Events, Anime Conventions, and Music Venues. She has opened up for overseas Japanese artists YOUSEI TEIKOKU and shared the same stage with KOTOKO. And has now opened up for Major Record Label Artist NIKKA COSTA.

Recently Stephanie was being seen on Comcast’s ANIME SELECTS documentary “CRAZY SEXY TOKYO” as a TOKYO REPORTER, where she had various assignments given to her for example: dressing up as a Geisha, visiting a manga cafe, Ninja class, etc. Stephanie Yanez is also currently working on an ONLINE SERIES with CARTOONMOGUL ENTERTAINMENT called ANIME POP. The show is about the popular culture of Japan (music/fashion/anime). At this moment she is focusing on her release of her first ever solo DOUBLE EP titled “SIDES”, which has 10 BRAND NEW SONGS written in both Japanese and English inspired by ANIME, JAPAN, LOVE, and LIFE! She is also getting ready for her show in Akihabara, Japan at the IDOL CAFE DEAR STAGE!

Cosfest will be taking place on November 9th.

Source: Pacifc Media Expo, Cosplay.com

In one design Tenma and her sister Yakumo are standing back to back in their brown school uniforms. The second t-shirt features Tenma sitting down in her school uniform and bashfully winking. Athough the MSPR for both designs is set to $17.99 (19.99 for XXL), both are currently avaiable for a discount at the Anime Super Store.

For more information go to rightstuf.com and click the Anime Super Store link at the top of the page.

Source:  Right Stuf International

I’ve been wanting to do something ever since I first encountered this chap.  He seems to be a cross between Shinji Ikari and Anakin Skywalker.  I did a handful based on his personality, but the next few are the only ones that I found remotely funny.

Enjoy!

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It has been two weeks since the release of Aria the Animation, and Nozomi Entertainment has announced that they will be release the first half of Aria the Natural on DVD. As the second season of the Aria TV series, this appears to take place in the same winter that the first season left off.

The box set will consist of 13 episodes divided into four discs. Features are set to include, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo audio for Japanese dialogue, English subtitles and English on-screen translations. There are more features set to be announced in the near future. With an SRP of $49.99, ARIA The NATURAL – Part 1 DVD Collection is scheduled to hit the shelves on January 27th.

Source: Right Stuf International