Top Three Anime & Manga News Stories 2008

2008 was a very strange year for the anime and manga industry. It seemed like both anime and manga took big hits- with publishers closing, reduced selections of titles, the failure of a major live action adaptation and other troubles. But the good news underneath it all is that anime is alive and well online – and it’s about time! Let’s talk about the bad stuff first, then end with some good news for 2009.

#3: Anime and Manga Publishing Woes

2008 has been a rough year for anime and manga publishers. Several companies have not survived the evolution of the industry, while others are casualties of the struggling economy. Here are a few bit hits publishers (and fans) took in 2008:

The Late, Great Newtype USA

Newtype USA Ceases Publication; PiQ To Take It’s Place

“Also earlier this month, ADV contacted retailers to let them know that Newtype USA would be ceasing publication after the February issue.” Continue reading our original article

After Newtype USA was cancelled, their ‘replacement’ magazine ‘PiQ’ was launched. Here’s a quote of the original press release:

PiQ Magazine

“PiQ Magazine, a publication of PiQ, LLC, is devoted to anime and genre entertainment and bringing the best coverage to readers every month, including product reviews, feature stories and interviews with creators and entertainers, as well as columns by industry experts, examinations of fan culture and insider perspectives and opinions.” – PiQ Magazine Press Release

Soon after it’s launch, PiQ Magazine was canceled:

PiQ, the Magazine Formerly Known As NEWTYPE USA Is No More

“PiQ Magazine, which was the ‘next evolution‘ of NewType USA after they ceased publication is ceasing publication with issue #4.” Continue reading our original article

I’m not too sure what happened there, but there are many, many thoughts on PiQ.

After so much turmoil in the magazine publishing industry, fans were hoping there would be better news. There was none to be found:

State of the Anime Industry in the US

“Recently there has been unrest in the US anime industry. Why is this? Not surprisingly, one big reason is money.” Continue reading our original article.

Here’s another look at trouble at ADV Films from earlier in the year.

Well actually, I guess the industry was all out of good news, ’cause Tokyopop ended up handing out layoff notices too:

Tokyopop Splits in Two

“In early June, Tokyopop announced that they would be restructuring their company. Publishing operations would still be handled by Tokyopop, Inc. However, a new company called Tokyopop Media LLC would be created. This company will take over the comics-to-film and digital units (including the Tokyopop.com website).” Continue reading our original article

UPDATE: There’s also an update regarding layoffs at Tokyopop.

Ok, the restructuring of Tokyopop, the largest manga company in North America was bad news in many ways (fewer titles, fired artists and internal layoffs). But at least stronger manga series will survive, right? Well, time will tell. I think it’s time to run away from the publishing industry and see how the film industry is doing, shall we?

#2: Speed Racer Live Action Tanked At Box Office; Dragonball Live Action Pushed Back

Ouch. Even Hollywood got bad news in 2008. Anime had a rough time in the film industry this year. Speed Racer had a disastrous box office and Dragonball got pushed back into 2009. Let’s reflect back on the two big live action anime films that made the news:

Live Action Speed Racer

Speed Racer Live Action Tanked At Box Office

Although we didn’t cover Speed Racer’s tanking…the film had a buget of $120,000,000 (120 million dollars) and big-name directors (of The Matrix) at the helm. It had a multi-million-dollar marketing blitz. It made $44,000,000 (44 million dollars) at the box office, which is literally considered a disaster in Hollywood.

Rachel wrote an outstanding review of the film, which was very positive. Here’s an excerpt:

“The visuals aren’t just a homage to anime, though, they are anime. The beautiful people and creative character designs populating Speed Racer are what make anime so appealing and unique.

But you don’t have to be an anime fan to appreciate a movie this engaging and fun. It’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement of a race, or a fight with ninjas and colorful villains. The theater audience was cheering as Speed flew down the impossible race tracks- everyone was in on the action. The pervading bubblegum feel of the movie didn’t feel childish, however, just fun. Adult fun. Fun like we imagined adulthood would be like but never was. Fun with an edge, sexy fun but not too naughty.” Continue reading Rachel’s Speed Racer review

Why didn’t audiences go to see Speed Racer in theaters? We’re left scratching our heads, because it was a great example of how anime can be adapted for live action.

Dragonball Evolution

Dragonball Live Action Delayed

As for the Dragonball live action film…reports have been all over the place. There have been reshoots, pulled trailers and delays from it’s original August 15, 2008 release to April 3, 2009. Oh, and it’s now called ‘Dragonball: Evolutions‘. If you care, there’s more info at the official Japanese Dragonball: Evolutions website and dbthemovie.com.

So depending on your viewpoint, the Dragonball delay news could be a good thing because it either A) delays it’s enevitable release or B) gives them time to improve it.

Ok, I’m going to sweep away all of the bad news that 2008 brought to the anime and manga fans and the industry. Let’s look to the internet for hope!

#1: Digital Distribution & Legal Anime Downloads

2008 was the year that anime began to blossom online. Thanks to sites like Hulu, Crunchyroll, iTunes (and YouTube) finally playing well with Funimation, Viz and others…we’re seeing the release windows shrink between Japan and North America (and the world!). Let’s talk about the key video players who helped ’save’ anime in 2008:

Digital Distribution of Anime in 2008

Watch Anime On Hulu

Hulu is one of the best places to watch television online. Their anime section is continually growing, so keep an eye out for new show announcements. Current titles include Slayers, Peach Girl, Shuffle!, Black Blood Brothers, Mushi-Shi and XXXHOLiC. You can check out Funimation’s Anime Series on Hulu or visit the Hulu Anime Directory.

Anime Channels On YouTube

Youtube has only recently begun to add official shows to their site, but there are quite a few to choose from. Current shows include Funimation Anime at YouTube.com and Kadokawa Anime at YouTube.com.

Joost Anime

Joost competes with Hulu for viewers, so expect to see shows you wouldn’t find there like Viz Media Anime at Joost.

Digital Downloads

Digital downloads are different than streaming anime because you can purchase individual episodes and series that you then download to your computer. CrunchyRoll went through some major changes in 2008, which will probably grow exponentially in 2009:

CrunchyRoll Anime Shows

CrunchyRoll features lots of anime series and has a unique pricing model. Check out what CrunchyRoll’s Anime Shows have to offer.

Apple iTunes Store

The iTunes Store has a lot of great content, unfortunately it’s a little difficult to navigate directly to their anime titles. Here are a few links that open to various sections of the store that have anime (all links open in iTunes):

• Funimation Series on iTunes
• iTunes Anime Search
• iTunes Animation Category

NetFlix

Netflix has the most complete anime dvd rental library. They also feature lots and lots of streaming titles through their ‘Watch Now’ feature. They’re also Mac and television set-top friendly. Check out their NetFlix WatchNow Anime Series and Films.

In Conclusion

2008 brought a lot of tough changes to the anime and manga industry. With massive changes to well-established companies, it might look like ‘doom and gloom’ for us fans at first. But look at the bright side: legal digital distribution NEEDED full support from the industry, and that is beginning to happen. Let’s hope 2009 has more positive things to talk about this time next year!

Thank you loyal (and new) readers for traveling with us at The Anime Blog on this crazy anime journey during 2008. Have a safe and happy new year!