3rd Detective Conan Live Action Special Soon!

On the 10th volume of Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine will announce that the production on a new live-action Detective Conan special is on the works! The last live-action special was a straight to DVD feature called, Shinichi Kudo Returns! Confrontation with the Black Organization (pictured above) which was released last March 23, 2007.

The said special is part of the 15th Anniversary celebration of the television anime series. More details will be in the next volume of the magazine on February 9. It is still not sure if Shun Oguri will reprise his role as Shinichi Kudo nor Nao Fujisaki as Conan. The first live-action special was released for the 10th Anniversary of the said manga/anime series.

Source: 2channel via ANN

I've watched both specials and it revived my interest with the series! Hope that they will add Kaito Kid or Heiji Hattori in the new special!

3rd Detective Conan Live Action Special Soon!

On the 10th volume of Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine will announce that the production on a new live-action Detective Conan special is on the works! The last live-action special was a straight to DVD feature called, Shinichi Kudo Returns! Confrontation with the Black Organization (pictured above) which was released last March 23, 2007.

The said special is part of the 15th Anniversary celebration of the television anime series. More details will be in the next volume of the magazine on February 9. It is still not sure if Shun Oguri will reprise his role as Shinichi Kudo nor Nao Fujisaki as Conan. The first live-action special was released for the 10th Anniversary of the said manga/anime series.

Source: 2channel via ANN

I've watched both specials and it revived my interest with the series! Hope that they will add Kaito Kid or Heiji Hattori in the new special!

Rurouni Kenshin: Saisen Extends till Jinchu Arc

This is for my sister you x-scarred girly man!

It was first hinted on the debut trailer that Kenshin's former brother in-law, Yukishiro Enishi will make appearance on the upcoming Rurouni Kenshin 15th Anniversary game, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan Saisen. Just recently, Famitsu confirms it with more screenshots of Enishi's lackeys, Inui and Otowa!

To those who don't know Enishi, he appeared after the Kyoto Arc in the original manga. His only anime appearance was on the OVA called, Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal. Enishi never made an actual appearance in the original TV series due it to it being canceled because of low ratings due to the amount of filler episodes.

His mission? To take revenge on Kenshin for what he did years ago and give Kenshin his own judgment (in Japanese, jinchu which opposes Kenshin's tenchu which means judgment upon the heavens) and thus, along with his relationship with Enishi, Kenshin's past love affair with his sister, Tomoe and more of Kenshin's dark past are slowly being revealed.

Anyways, here are some screenshots with Enishi's lackeys, Inui and Otowa! Since I haven't started reading the original manga yet, I will leave the judgment on who's who to you.

Special thanks to Siliconera for the info and Wikipedia for the Enishi lowdown!

Buy Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan Saisen (Sony PSP™) at Play-Asia.com

Buy Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan Saisen (Sony PSP™) at Play-Asia.com

Rurouni Kenshin: Saisen Extends till Jinchu Arc

This is for my sister you x-scarred girly man!

It was first hinted on the debut trailer that Kenshin's former brother in-law, Yukishiro Enishi will make appearance on the upcoming Rurouni Kenshin 15th Anniversary game, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan Saisen. Just recently, Famitsu confirms it with more screenshots of Enishi's lackeys, Inui and Otowa!

To those who don't know Enishi, he appeared after the Kyoto Arc in the original manga. His only anime appearance was on the OVA called, Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal. Enishi never made an actual appearance in the original TV series due it to it being canceled because of low ratings due to the amount of filler episodes.

His mission? To take revenge on Kenshin for what he did years ago and give Kenshin his own judgment (in Japanese, jinchu which opposes Kenshin's tenchu which means judgment upon the heavens) and thus, along with his relationship with Enishi, Kenshin's past love affair with his sister, Tomoe and more of Kenshin's dark past are slowly being revealed.

Anyways, here are some screenshots with Enishi's lackeys, Inui and Otowa! Since I haven't started reading the original manga yet, I will leave the judgment on who's who to you.

Special thanks to Siliconera for the info and Wikipedia for the Enishi lowdown!

Buy Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan Saisen (Sony PSP™) at Play-Asia.com

Buy Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan Saisen (Sony PSP™) at Play-Asia.com

Original Chapter 1 One Piece Art Boards Reproduced!

The Japanese publisher, Shueisha announced that it will reproduce the original manga art boards that Eiichiro Oda drew for the first chapter of his One Piece pirate manga! One Piece Chapter 1 Reproduction Art Board Box: Romance Dawn set will replicate all 53 original manuscript pages, including 16 in full color and in their original size.

Wondering what is the original size? Oda and other artists draw their manga on B4-size or 9.84x13.9-inch  sheets before printers shrink the art about 50% for the magazine pages and even more for the book volumes.

It will feature glimpses of Oda's handwritten dialogue, the typeset dialogue affixed on top of his handwriting, and even the color inks seeping through to the reverse side of the sheets.

The box celebrates the fact that 200 million copies of One Piece are now in print. Oda is supervising the design of the box, which will come with a serial-numbered certificate. The print run is limited to pre-orders, and the box will ship on August 4 for 10,000 yen (about US$120).

Source: Neowing, Comic Natalie (link 2) via ANN

Original Chapter 1 One Piece Art Boards Reproduced!

The Japanese publisher, Shueisha announced that it will reproduce the original manga art boards that Eiichiro Oda drew for the first chapter of his One Piece pirate manga! One Piece Chapter 1 Reproduction Art Board Box: Romance Dawn set will replicate all 53 original manuscript pages, including 16 in full color and in their original size.

Wondering what is the original size? Oda and other artists draw their manga on B4-size or 9.84x13.9-inch  sheets before printers shrink the art about 50% for the magazine pages and even more for the book volumes.

It will feature glimpses of Oda's handwritten dialogue, the typeset dialogue affixed on top of his handwriting, and even the color inks seeping through to the reverse side of the sheets.

The box celebrates the fact that 200 million copies of One Piece are now in print. Oda is supervising the design of the box, which will come with a serial-numbered certificate. The print run is limited to pre-orders, and the box will ship on August 4 for 10,000 yen (about US$120).

Source: Neowing, Comic Natalie (link 2) via ANN

Tomomi Itano: Breaking Records on Her Solo Debut!

Asides from Tomomi Itano making her solo debut with the single, Dear J, asides that she is the first member of AKB48 that made a solo debut, it seems that she has other achievements under her sleeve!

According to Oricon’s Weekly Single Ranking, Dear J has sold approximately 163,000 units since its release last January 26th, placing her debut single solidly in second place behind Yamashita Tomohisa’s fourth solo single, Hadakanbo.

Aside from that, Itano is the first female artist to break 150,000 units since Utada Hikaru’s single, Flavor Of Life, nearly four years ago. Also, it makes Tomochin the first singer debuting from a girl group to sell this many units since ex-Morning Musume member Goto Maki debuted with Ai no Bakayarou almost ten years ago. Utada Hikaru and Goto Maki sold 270,000 units and 268,000 units in the first week of sales, respectively.

From all of us here, congratulations Tomochin on your achievement!

Source: Mainichi via Tokyohive

Tomomi Itano: Breaking Records on Her Solo Debut!

Asides from Tomomi Itano making her solo debut with the single, Dear J, asides that she is the first member of AKB48 that made a solo debut, it seems that she has other achievements under her sleeve!

According to Oricon’s Weekly Single Ranking, Dear J has sold approximately 163,000 units since its release last January 26th, placing her debut single solidly in second place behind Yamashita Tomohisa’s fourth solo single, Hadakanbo.

Aside from that, Itano is the first female artist to break 150,000 units since Utada Hikaru’s single, Flavor Of Life, nearly four years ago. Also, it makes Tomochin the first singer debuting from a girl group to sell this many units since ex-Morning Musume member Goto Maki debuted with Ai no Bakayarou almost ten years ago. Utada Hikaru and Goto Maki sold 270,000 units and 268,000 units in the first week of sales, respectively.

From all of us here, congratulations Tomochin on your achievement!

Source: Mainichi via Tokyohive

Bulk is Back on Power Rangers Samurai!

For fans of the classic Zordon Era Power Rangers series and in some extension, Lost Galaxy, rejoice! A classic character from the original Power Rangers series returns. Nope, its not any of the original Rangers but one of the most loved supporting characters in the franchise, Bulk!

In the latest sneak preview found on IGN (below), we saw a glimpse of Bulk (Paul Schrier) training his nephew the ways of the samurai... and his nephew kinda looks like his long time partner, Skull because he is Skull's son as confirmed by Felix Ryan, Spike's actor!

More Power Rangers: Samurai Videos

And Bulk is still... well, good ol' Bulk! Now, where is Skull? Anyways, will this prove that Cole/Wild Force Red Ranger being back as the same old character? Or will he return as someone else considering that it is been hinted by Rick Medina's (Cole's actor) that he is in Australia and doing some filming with the Samurai Cast.

Power Rangers Samurai premieres on Febuary 7th on Nickelodeon in the US.

Bulk is Back on Power Rangers Samurai!

For fans of the classic Zordon Era Power Rangers series and in some extension, Lost Galaxy, rejoice! A classic character from the original Power Rangers series returns. Nope, its not any of the original Rangers but one of the most loved supporting characters in the franchise, Bulk!

In the latest sneak preview found on IGN (below), we saw a glimpse of Bulk (Paul Schrier) training his nephew the ways of the samurai... and his nephew kinda looks like his long time partner, Skull because he is Skull's son as confirmed by Felix Ryan, Spike's actor!

More Power Rangers: Samurai Videos

And Bulk is still... well, good ol' Bulk! Now, where is Skull? Anyways, will this prove that Cole/Wild Force Red Ranger being back as the same old character? Or will he return as someone else considering that it is been hinted by Rick Medina's (Cole's actor) that he is in Australia and doing some filming with the Samurai Cast.

Power Rangers Samurai premieres on Febuary 7th on Nickelodeon in the US.

Tokyo MX to Regulate Anime Due to Youth Ordinance Bill

Freezing, one anime title that is currently airing on Tokyo MX

The February 12th issue of Weekly Gendai published an article that Tokyo MX might self-regulate in terms of airing anime titles due to the recently passed Youth Ordinance Bill because of its ties with the government, to be exact, 4.1% of the stocks of Tokyo MX are held by Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Aside from that, this is the only station that Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara airs his press conference who is responsible of the said bill.

Weekly Gendai's source at Tokyo MX added, "We are popular among students as a station known for its strong presence of anime," but the station may have to reconsider hiring anime fans among new graduates.

For example, the job application sheet may have the question, "If you were to take a foreign friend sightseeing in Japan, where would you take him or her? If the student were to write "Akihabara," the station might ask him or her to leave the application process.

Even if they will regulate the amount of ecchi anime titles, it doesn't mean you can't watch the said late night anime content because there are other stations who can air it in Japan such as Chiba TV, TV Kanagawa and TV Saitama. So those who are watching Rio- Rainbow Gate! or Freezing via keyhole, don't worry!

Source: Karubi, Yaraon! via ANN, MyAnimeList

Tokyo MX to Regulate Anime Due to Youth Ordinance Bill

Freezing, one anime title that is currently airing on Tokyo MX

The February 12th issue of Weekly Gendai published an article that Tokyo MX might self-regulate in terms of airing anime titles due to the recently passed Youth Ordinance Bill because of its ties with the government, to be exact, 4.1% of the stocks of Tokyo MX are held by Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Aside from that, this is the only station that Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara airs his press conference who is responsible of the said bill.

Weekly Gendai's source at Tokyo MX added, "We are popular among students as a station known for its strong presence of anime," but the station may have to reconsider hiring anime fans among new graduates.

For example, the job application sheet may have the question, "If you were to take a foreign friend sightseeing in Japan, where would you take him or her? If the student were to write "Akihabara," the station might ask him or her to leave the application process.

Even if they will regulate the amount of ecchi anime titles, it doesn't mean you can't watch the said late night anime content because there are other stations who can air it in Japan such as Chiba TV, TV Kanagawa and TV Saitama. So those who are watching Rio- Rainbow Gate! or Freezing via keyhole, don't worry!

Source: Karubi, Yaraon! via ANN, MyAnimeList

Accel and Eternal RETURNS Update!

As expected by our source, more news regarding Kamen Rider W RETURNS V-Cinema will come out today! These includes new information regarding Kamen Rider Accel Booster, the Commander Dopant and Daido Katsumi's past.

First up is Kamen Rider W RETURNS: Kamen Rider Accel. Commander Dopant is able to create an endless amount of Masked Soldiers. Commander Dopant calls the criminals of Futo garbage and his "mission" is to clean up this garbage. Aoi Kuzuki's father seems to have some relation to the Commander Dopant.

The Commander Dopant can achieve a stronger form (right) by using the Gaia Memory Enhancing Adapter, which makes any memory 3 times stronger. It gains more speed and strength putting Kamen Rider Accel in a pinch! And as revealed in our previous posts, Ryu can also use this to upgrade into Kamen Rider Accel Booster.

Up next is Kamen Rider W RETURNS: Kamen Rider Eternal. Kamen Rider W is still fighting against the remaining Dopants, and suddenly a woman holding psychic powers appears. Her name is Miina (played by Rin Takanashi). She has come to Futo in order to avenge Katsumi Daido's defeat in W FOREVER: AtoZ/Gaia Memories of Fate.

According to Miina, "Katsumi was going to save us from hell." To her, Katsumi Daido was everyone's hero. She then tells the story of Katsumi Daido's heroic past, which leads to the formation of NEVER and Kamen Rider Eternal.

Kamen Rider W RETURNS: Kamen Rider Accel will be released on April 21 while Kamen Rider W RETURNS: Kamen Rider Eternal will be released on July 21.

Source: DecaEnd of HJU

Accel and Eternal RETURNS Update!

As expected by our source, more news regarding Kamen Rider W RETURNS V-Cinema will come out today! These includes new information regarding Kamen Rider Accel Booster, the Commander Dopant and Daido Katsumi's past.

First up is Kamen Rider W RETURNS: Kamen Rider Accel. Commander Dopant is able to create an endless amount of Masked Soldiers. Commander Dopant calls the criminals of Futo garbage and his "mission" is to clean up this garbage. Aoi Kuzuki's father seems to have some relation to the Commander Dopant.

The Commander Dopant can achieve a stronger form (right) by using the Gaia Memory Enhancing Adapter, which makes any memory 3 times stronger. It gains more speed and strength putting Kamen Rider Accel in a pinch! And as revealed in our previous posts, Ryu can also use this to upgrade into Kamen Rider Accel Booster.

Up next is Kamen Rider W RETURNS: Kamen Rider Eternal. Kamen Rider W is still fighting against the remaining Dopants, and suddenly a woman holding psychic powers appears. Her name is Miina (played by Rin Takanashi). She has come to Futo in order to avenge Katsumi Daido's defeat in W FOREVER: AtoZ/Gaia Memories of Fate.

According to Miina, "Katsumi was going to save us from hell." To her, Katsumi Daido was everyone's hero. She then tells the story of Katsumi Daido's heroic past, which leads to the formation of NEVER and Kamen Rider Eternal.

Kamen Rider W RETURNS: Kamen Rider Accel will be released on April 21 while Kamen Rider W RETURNS: Kamen Rider Eternal will be released on July 21.

Source: DecaEnd of HJU

Chinese Gundam Returns... With Upgrades!

The infamous orange Gundam statue found in China's Chengdu Guosetianxiang Amusement Park returns... with some upgrades! Wondering if it is still orange, yes it is still orange and kinda looks like a love child between the original Gundam and a Zaku!

A photograph posted by a Twitter user, otoutosama featured this upgrade Gundam statue in which earlier reports denied by the said amusement park that the previously erected statue is an original design (!) and not a copy of the original Gundam.

Later on, a public relations representative added that they are working on some modifications. And lo, just recently, we have this image! What can you say about this newly upgraded Gundam statue?

Source: Gadget Tsūshin via ANN

Chinese Gundam Returns... With Upgrades!

The infamous orange Gundam statue found in China's Chengdu Guosetianxiang Amusement Park returns... with some upgrades! Wondering if it is still orange, yes it is still orange and kinda looks like a love child between the original Gundam and a Zaku!

A photograph posted by a Twitter user, otoutosama featured this upgrade Gundam statue in which earlier reports denied by the said amusement park that the previously erected statue is an original design (!) and not a copy of the original Gundam.

Later on, a public relations representative added that they are working on some modifications. And lo, just recently, we have this image! What can you say about this newly upgraded Gundam statue?

Source: Gadget Tsūshin via ANN

Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger Episode 1 Images!

Earlier, we posted the real first three episode summaries and just recently, the first images of the famed Legend War, Super Sentai's answer to Kamen Rider's Great Rider War has just surfaced along with pictures for the first episode!

Years ago, the 34 Super Sentai defended the Earth against Space Empire Zangyakku. The soldiers of legend lost their powers during this battle, but through their sacrifice, Zangyakku was able to be repelled from the Earth.

Top left: The Flashmen fighting some grunts, Top right: ShinkenRed fighting the grunts

Bottom: Big One fighting some grunts, VulEagle posing as one grunt is about to attack him in the back

 Red Falcon, fighting more grunts!

 The two ninja-themed Super Sentai themes, Ninja Sentai Kakuranger and Ninpu Sentai Hurricaneger cooperating with each other! Now, when will I see the Zyurangers and Abarangers fighting together?

Several years later, we meet a group of young pirates who travel aboard the ship, GoukaiGalleon. They are in search of the Uchuu Saidai no Takara (Greatest Treasure in the Universe). They head towards Earth, where it is said the Greatest Treasure rests.

 Captain Marvelous, transforming into GokaiRed

What is the thing that the Gokaigers saw from above? Could it be the Zangyakku? And why is Don doing Sun Vulcan references?!

The possible first monster of the week along with the grunts.

Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger premieres on February 13, on tv-asahi's Super Hero Time!

Special thanks to DecaEnd of HJU for the scans!

Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger Episode 1 Images!

Earlier, we posted the real first three episode summaries and just recently, the first images of the famed Legend War, Super Sentai's answer to Kamen Rider's Great Rider War has just surfaced along with pictures for the first episode!

Years ago, the 34 Super Sentai defended the Earth against Space Empire Zangyakku. The soldiers of legend lost their powers during this battle, but through their sacrifice, Zangyakku was able to be repelled from the Earth.

Top left: The Flashmen fighting some grunts, Top right: ShinkenRed fighting the grunts

Bottom: Big One fighting some grunts, VulEagle posing as one grunt is about to attack him in the back

 Red Falcon, fighting more grunts!

 The two ninja-themed Super Sentai themes, Ninja Sentai Kakuranger and Ninpu Sentai Hurricaneger cooperating with each other! Now, when will I see the Zyurangers and Abarangers fighting together?

Several years later, we meet a group of young pirates who travel aboard the ship, GoukaiGalleon. They are in search of the Uchuu Saidai no Takara (Greatest Treasure in the Universe). They head towards Earth, where it is said the Greatest Treasure rests.

 Captain Marvelous, transforming into GokaiRed

What is the thing that the Gokaigers saw from above? Could it be the Zangyakku? And why is Don doing Sun Vulcan references?!

The possible first monster of the week along with the grunts.

Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger premieres on February 13, on tv-asahi's Super Hero Time!

Special thanks to DecaEnd of HJU for the scans!

Kamen Rider OOO TaJyaDol Combo Debuts

Just a few hours ago, Kamen Rider OOO's full red combo, Kamen Rider OOO TaJyaDol Combo (Ukiya: Which I will use since that is the proper romanization of this combo, Toei really needs to learn more English), also known as the Blazing Combo finally debuts! It utilizes Ankh's Taka (Hawk), Kujaku (Peafowl), and Condor Core Medals.

Kamen Rider OOO TaJyaDol Combo debuts in the recently aired Kamen Rider OOO 20th episode: The Decoy, the Qualifications, and the Blazing Combo. His primary weapon is the TajyaSpinner and his Scanning Charge is called Prominence Drop. His theme song is called, Time Judged All by Eiji Hino and Ankh.

Kamen Rider OOO TaJyaDol Combo Debuts

Just a few hours ago, Kamen Rider OOO's full red combo, Kamen Rider OOO TaJyaDol Combo (Ukiya: Which I will use since that is the proper romanization of this combo, Toei really needs to learn more English), also known as the Blazing Combo finally debuts! It utilizes Ankh's Taka (Hawk), Kujaku (Peafowl), and Condor Core Medals.

Kamen Rider OOO TaJyaDol Combo debuts in the recently aired Kamen Rider OOO 20th episode: The Decoy, the Qualifications, and the Blazing Combo. His primary weapon is the TajyaSpinner and his Scanning Charge is called Prominence Drop. His theme song is called, Time Judged All by Eiji Hino and Ankh.