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January, 2008

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ketchup mania and Japan Nite Tour 2008 Update – Last Three Locations Announced

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ketchup mania

There has been some additional information has been passed down regarding ketchup mania and Japan Nite Tour 2008. The three remaining locations have been officially announced on their myspace page and the tour now includes the following:

  • 3/14 8:00 P.M. – SXSW (Japan Nite) – Austin, TX
  • 3/16 8:00 P.M. – Knitting Factory, New York, NY
  • 3/17 8:00 P.M. – TT The Bears, Boston, MA
  • 3/18 8:00 P.M. – Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL
  • 3/19 8:00 P.M. – Hi-Dive, Denver, CO
  • 3/21 8:00 P.M. – The Independent, San Francisco, CA
  • 3/23 8:00 P.M. – Knitting Factory, Los Angeles, CA
  • 3/28-3/30 – Sakura-Con, Seattle, WA

More updates as it comes.

Source: ketchup mania (myspace)

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How to Build a Better X-Wing – Kotobukiya June/July Product Lineup Featuring X-Wing From Star Wars (Part 2)

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While I am aware of Kotobukiya’s level of craftsmanship in say… female anime characters, it really blows my mind to see how much detail they put into pop icons from overseas. In this case, it their X-Wing Fighter from the Star Wars Universe that has my attention. According to their press release they will be releasing a series of new vehicles from the Star Wars universe with the inaugural release being the X-Wing Fighter. Using the popular 1/35 military scale, this little space station destroyer is 12 2/3″ long. Meant for more than just one pose, the model has “cutaway” parts that remove to reveal the inner workings. And there are over 100 removable parts to help create full “cross section” in three dimensions.

The set has different bonus parts, such as mini figures and diorama base parts to give it a more authentic look. Although there is some assembly required, the set comes fully painted. Also the snap-fit kit makes it easy for anyone without glue or modeling skill to put together. Aside from the removable parts you can also open and close the wings into different positions.

The X-Wing Vehicle set will be available this July.

More: Read the rest of this entry…

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Take It Haruhi! – Video of SOS Brigade Dancing to the Opening Sequence of "Lucky Star"

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Why mommy? Why does this this video clip make me scared for my life? Why are Kyon and Itsuki dancing like that? For those of you who are just barely joining us, this is a video clip that I found on You Tube earlier today. It features the cast of “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya”, dancing to the opening music of a fellow Kyoto Animation series called “Lucky Star”; the moves are also inspired by the opening sequence. It originated from a website called Nico Nico Douga. From what I’ve gathered there was a previous video posted a few months ago that only featured Haruhi. It looks like they extended the length of the video, and the number of figures on screen. Not too shabby.

Enjoy

Source: YouTube

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Mechas Galore – Kotobukiya June/July Product Lineup Featuring Super Robot Taisen and PATLABOR: THE MOVIE 2 (Part 1)

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Kotobukiya sent out a preview of their upcoming June/July products. It was quite the bundle of pictures; so many that I decided to break them down into several different blog entires. The first is a group of vehicles from Super Robot Taisen: OG and PATLABOR: THE MOVIE 2. First we have Alt Eisen Riese (image above). The robot is scaled in the popular 1/144th size (6 1/3″ tall) with articulated side wings, and also comes with the Claymore Avalanche cannon. Next up we have the Dygenguar who stands at 8 1/4″. He comes with two types of swords, a giant broadsword and kitana. For those who want some thing more there is also the Dygenguar with Ausenseiter deluxe fine scale model Kit. Not only do you get the Dygenguar robot, but also his enormous mechanical horse Ausenseiter as well. Measuring at an outstanding 15 3/4″ tall and 14″ long, this Trojan of a horse perfectly proportions his rider (or is it Greek? Whatever). Finally for tonight we have the ADH-02 Hellhound Attack Helicopter from PATLABOR THE MOVIE 2. Here is what the company had to say about it:

This Fine Scale Model Kit of the HELLHOUND includes a special swivel-arm base so that the completed model can be displayed in a “flying” pose. The side wings of the vehicle and rotor blades can be folded back for compact docking purposes, and the Vulcan Canon and rotors are fully articulated. This incredibly detailed kit requires snap-fit assembly of its 300+ plastic parts, and does require painting, although you may choose to customize or detail the chopper as you see fit. Measuring at 1/72 scale, the ship is approximately 7 ½ inches long. Also included are pictorial assembly instructions to guide you in the process of making this wonderful aircraft!

More: Read the rest of this entry…

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BESPA KUMAMERO Released their Newest CD 'Romantic Waves'

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BESPA KUMAMERO

JapanFiles.com announced the release of BESPA KUMAMERO’s newest CD “Romantic Waves”, and is available outside of Japan exclusively on their website. This group of Cyber-punk hit-makers is currently nominated as “Best Rising Star” in the 2008 Shojo Beat Music Awards, highlighting the best in contemporary Japanese music, and fans are encouraged to show their support by voting for them here. BESPA KUMAMERO is also scheduled to make the US debut at Anime Matsuri this March in Houston, TX.

To hear some of their music, click on their image above or go to their MySpace.

Source: JapanFiles.com

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ketchup mania Will Tour Across the US Before Sakura-Con in Part of Japan Nite Tour 2008

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ketchup mania

What originally began as a special engagement for ketchup mania, now appears to have grown into a modest tour. Japanfiles.com just recently announced that the group will be going across the US before stopping at Sakura-Con during the month of March as part the Japan Nite US Tour. Their first show will be in Austin Texas on March 14 as part of SXSW Music Festival, and is followed by several back to back stops across several major US cities. Here is the list of dates as it stands:

  • 3/14 – SXSW (Japan Nite) – Austin, TX
  • 3/16 – Knitting Factory, New York, NY
  • 3/17 – TT The Bears, Boston, MA
  • 3/18 – Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL
  • 3/19 – TBA, Denver, CO
  • 3/21 – TBA, San Francisco, CA
  • 3/23 – TBA, Los Angeles, CA
  • 3/28-3/30 – Sakura-Con, Seattle, WA

Although some of the locations have yet to be announced, you can bet we will post more information as it comes. To hear some of their music, click the image above to go to their myspace page.

Source: JapanFiles.com

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Yarrrr! – Antarctic Press Announces their February Line-up, Featuring the Conclusion of Pirates vs. Ninjas II

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Dude. I don’t care who you are, that is a tight cover. Antarctic Press sent out a press release that featured their line-up for next month, here is a quick look at the starting line-up:

  • Beowulf TBP Volume 1 of 3 – Originally published in black-and-white pocket manga format, Antarctic Press is bringing this cyberpunk back in full size and in full color!
  • Gold Digger #93 – As Gina takes her first step into quasi-space, she gets more than she bargains for. Nothing a visit to the local water park and a space-time inner cube won’t cure.
  • Ninja High School #158 – During his pilgrimage, Tetsuo Rivalsan scales an impassable mountain with his partner Nanashi, only to come across a very peculiar clan of ninja mimes. That’s right ninja mimes.
  • NHS: Shidoshi Pocket Manga Vol. 2 – Featuring a recap of Ricky Feeple’s encounter with the Shidoshi and their ninja vampire Kyonshi, he must now face accelerated training under his mother in order to stand a chance in his rematch with the monster. Just another matter of being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Wrapping up the list is two of their bigger numbers. The first is the grand conclusion of Pirates vs. Ninjas II: Up the Ante. Here are a few words straight from the press release:

Pirates and Ninjas, eternal enemies, fated to battle whenever they meet. At last, they approach the monumental conclusion to their battle, an age in the making! Armed with the monstrous weapons of the gods, the implacable ninja Ryusei, drunken pirate captain Mako, mad half-god Viking Odin, and their crews face off in a final showdown of colossal, earth-cracking, grandiose, apocalyptic proportions! And no matter who wins, the world loses!

As you might of guessed the image above is a screen shot of the cover made by the story artist David Hutchison. It looks like he really went all out on it; I seriously wonder if they ever plan to release it as a poster. Last but far from least is the second release of Rod Espinosa’s Prince of Heroes. Coming at you from Antarctic Press with notable recommendations here is a brief synopsis:

Young Ronen confronts bullies led by a spoiled noble out to bilk helpless townsfolk of their money. But these small acts of heroism pale compared with the challenges ahead. Could a promising but troubled young warrior find his destiny and be the next savior of the universe? Prince of Heroes is an epic story filled with fabulous worlds and creatures, the hallmarks of creator Rod Espinosa. With martial-arts action, poignant drama in grandiose settings, and an online presence that is steadily building, this story is sure to attract readers of classic science fiction and fantasy.

Source: Antarctic Press

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Lessons Learned from Anime Los Angeles 4

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People will always pass in front of me ALWAYS!

Anime Gamers has moved to 1728 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035

When hosting an AMV, watch for falling objects.
-All kidding aside I’m glad that wasn’t a direct hit.

Asking a question during a Q&A is perfectly alright; asking two maybe three is reasonable; having a conversation STILL MAKES BABY JESUS CRY!!!

Consistent rain is now tied with consistent sunshine 2-2.

Moving the convention a few miles east over to Burbank… no problem.

Moving a few more miles south near LAX… alright.

Moving it outside county limits and renaming it the Los Angeles Anime of Anaheim? Now that would be just weird.

Moving it to a convention center that is not designed to be occupied 24 hours a day? BAD!

(And for the love of Belldandy, please don’t take the last two seriously. I really don’t want to open my door and have someone fling cooked sushi at me.)

When debating on whether you should spend your money in the Dealer’s room or to replace a blown tire, just remember, you can’t ride a resin model to work.

When the convention is closer to your house than the local Auto shop (or your job), there’s nothing like taking a nice walk to pick up your badge!

And another con comes to a close, and the next one won’t be until July – as in the one that takes place in San Diego. It has been interesting to see how the convention continues to grow, and to note what has contributed to the growth. I plan to give a brief report soon enough, hopefully by next week.

-Pedro Rodriguez

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From "That" Gaijin's Perspective: Featuring Kanon's Background Characters

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When I picked up a copy of Kanon yesterday, there was something about this scene that stuck out. After a second time I began to take notice the girls in the background. I guess those were some really good cookies!

-B. Gaijin

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