Today Otakon and Madhouse made two big announcements. First they announced that Director Masao Maruyama will be returning to Otakon this year, followed by the announcement that they will be featuring an original anime short that will premiere during opening ceremonies.
Since graduating from Hosei University in 1963. Mr. Maruyama has been involved in the anime industry for almost forty years. He helped establish Madhouse Ltd. in 1972, and about was later inducted into the board of directors in 1980. Being personally responsible for green lighting the projects at the studio, he has helped create titles such as Barefoot Gen, Vampire Hunter D, Trigun, Perfect Blue, and many more.
The studio and convention then sent out another press release officially stating that Madhouse will be releasing another animated short that will premiere at opening ceremonies. Although the short from last year was considered a hit, there were some legal issues the soon followed. This year the convention hoping to play it a bit more safe. Jim Vowles from Otakon’s Guest Relations had this to say:
Last year, we threw in everything but the kitchen sink, and somehow they put most of it in…
..The end result was loaded with in-jokes and geek references but the animators had a bit too much fun making it, and some of the parodies were a little close for comfort. We’re hoping to avoid some of that this time around, without sacrificing any of the fun.”
Although they are concerned about legal reprimands regarding using the likenesses of various characters, there is currently an effort to get the okay to make the short available.
The convention will be taking place at the Baltimore Convention Center. From July 17 – 19. For more information go to otakon.com.