#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!

Also, some of you may notice that the design has been switching around a bit during the last couple of days. That’s because I’m doing an experiment working on some new features and couldn’t wait to add them to the site. Sorry for the schizophrenic nature of it all, but I promise it will be worth the mess!

Blueberry flavor is great no matter where it comes from. However, I’m a stickler for authenticity when it comes to blueberries. I’ll let fake strawberry slide, and will even welcome the chemical tang of “grape” soda. Just don’t mess with the blueberry. Will Meiji continue its streak of epic wins, or will it lose its mega points over blueberry gone wrong?

Packaging

Meiji’s made it to first base with this classy gold, cream and blue box. The tiny blueberries and picture of the product let buyers know what they’re investing in. The cute postage stamp in the corner and the pic of Hokkaido in the background are also nice imagery and convey the inspiration for the treat. So, are blueberries native to Hokkaido and what makes Hokkaido blueberries so special…?

Each goodie is individually wrapped and is easily accessible through the lift-top, resealable tab on the box.
Score: A+

Appearance

I’ve seen Apollo before, in its mini choco/ strawberry incarnation, but blueberry is far more impressive than its minute sibling. The pretty, purple topped white chocolate confection is about an inch high and has tiny flecks of authentic blueberry embedded inside. It looks like the real deal, i.e. real blueberries (and reading the ingredient list confirms it)!
Score: A+

Texture

The texture is more chewy than melt -in-your-mouth, and reminds me of a very soft caramel melt instead of a chocolate. While smooth, the choco is still oddly chewy. The flecks of blueberry add interesting mouth feel.
Score: A

Flavor

Apollo Blueberry rounds home base with its fantastic true blueberry flavor. The first thing that hits the senses is the fruity, berry aroma. One bite backs up what the nose is saying: this is real blueberry! The white chocolate is almost insignificant compared to the berry-ness but the two are a great combo and taste like berries and cream, a real win for Meiji.

There isn’t an overwhelming sweetness to Blueberry, but it still satisfies the sugar cravings while avoiding knocking a person out from sugar shock. Too much sugar would have drowned out the natural flavor of the berries and the balance in Apollo is just right. Score: A+

Verdict

Apollo Blueberry is a delish, berry-ific offering from Meiji and has made it onto my list of “Get Your Own!” candies. The real blueberries are what made the difference in making this a home run instead of a foul. While it may be seasonal, I’ll be thinking longingly of this goody way after Hokkaido’s blueberries are gone.

Pretty boys and scary girl get mixed up in spooky romantic hilarity in Volumes Two and Three of The Wallflower!

plot summary

The pretty bishonen are still scared (kawai! kawai!) of the dark and tangled mess which is Sunako, but they’ve gotten used to her weird, disturbing ways- mostly. They’re even starting to like her! Well, at least they like her sublime Japanese-style cooking.

All four beautiful boys have given up on ever turning Sunako into a lady, even if that means they have to pay full rent to Sunako’s Aunt. Sunako in turn dislikes ever being with the four if she can help it. More often than naught, however, she’s accompanying the lovely lads on their misadventures. But even though Sunako can’t bear to be around the Creatures of Light, as she calls them, she still has room in her cobweb-covered heart to help them out when they need a hand. And Sunako with her strange and almost brutal manner of “solving” issues, manages to make things easier and brighter, despite her storm-clouded demeanor.

review

This series is such a laugh. The way it pokes fun at the shojo genre, and the idea of bishis in general, is hilarious. It’s even funnier because the characters are in on the joke: (cherry blossoms gently drift down and the clip-clop of geta can be heard) Yuki comments, “What’s with this very Japanesey atmosphere?” (Takenaga makes an entrance amid the flowers).

Even someone who has no idea what bishonen and shojo are and sat down and watched this show, they’d still get the laughs. Handsome men (no matter the archetype) with awkward issues are funny, if done right, and Wallflower is done right.

Character Development

The delicate stereotypes of beautiful young men are shattered as we discover in these two volumes the secrets these four bishis hide behind their lovely faces. Takenaga is inept when it comes to women, Ranmaru is a pervy ladies man who always looks out for himself and Kyouhei is a borderline delinquent who dislikes dating. And poor Yuki, well, he just looks like a girl and that’s trouble enough in the world of anime.

Sunako is “hopeless” when it comes to ever being a lady, but you gotta give her credit for being herself, despite how other people judge her. The boys seem to be warming up to Sunako, so why should she change?

Conclusion

The Wallflower is an accidental romantic comedy in that the romance may or may not be what it seems. There’s more to this series than a run-down goth gal trying to become a refined lady, and more to the bishis than just a pretty face. Who’s to judge when the heart sees one thing and the eyes see something else? For me, I see these two volumes of Wallflower as a really good time, despite the series looking like a page torn from a shojo manga.

Rating

Volumes Two and Three of The Wallflower get 5 outta 5 Hammies!

Retail Info, Volume Two

• Publisher: ADV
• Release Date:February 26, 2008
• Retail Price: $29.98
• Number of discs:1
• Episodes:6-9
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Rating: TV-14 D
• Language: English, Japanese
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Retail Info, Volume Three

• Publisher: ADV
• Release Date:May 27, 2008
• Retail Price: $29.98
• Number of discs:1
• Episodes:10-13
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Rating: TV-14 D
• Language: English, Japanese
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

• Anime Expo – Los Angeles, California (USA)
• CONvergence – Bloomington, Minnesota (USA) – (Primarily a Science Fiction Convention)
• Gen Con Australia – Brisbane, Queensland (Australia) – (Primarily a Game Convention)
• PortConMaine – Portland, Maine (USA)

July 5, 2008

• Chibicon – Utrecht, Netherlands (Site language is Dutch with some English)

July 5 – 6, 2008

• AniMex – Monterrey, NL (Mexico) (Site language is Spanish)
• Mecra Summer – Taipei, Taiwan (Site language is Chinese)

July 10 – 13, 2008

• Portus 2008 – Dallas, Texas (USA) – (Primarily a Harry Potter Convention)

July 11 – 13 & 16 – 20, 2008

• Anime Friends – São Paulo, Brazil (Site language is Portuguese)

July 12 – 13, 2008

• Anime TuCon – Tucson, Arizona (USA)

July 18 – 20, 2008

• AniMix – Killeen, Texas (USA) Note: This is their inaugural Con.
• Daigacon – Bowling Green, Kentucky (USA) Note: This Con has been postponed.
• Ikasucon – Fort Wayne, Indiana (USA)
• Metrocon – Tampa, Florida (USA)

July 19, 2008

• DC Anime Cosplay Party 2008 – Silver Spring, Maryland (USA) – (This is a cosplay event)

July 19 – 20, 2008

• WonderFest – Louisville, Kentucky (USA) – (Primarily a Model and Toy Convention)

July 24 -27, 2008

• Comic-Con International: San Diego – San Diego, California (USA) – (Primarily a Comics Convention)

July 25 – 27, 2008

• Ai-Kon – Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)
• Animecon – São Paulo, Brazil (Site language is Portuguese)
• Fieldcon – Morgan County, Ohio (USA) – (This is an outdoor Convention and Camp-out)
• MACOnvention – Leonding, Austria (Site language is German)

July 25 – 28, 2008

• Tokonatsu – Milton Bryan, England (UK) – (This is an outdoor Convention and Camp-out)

July 26 – 27, 2008

• Animecon – Tampereen, Finland (Site language is Finnish)
• AVCon – Adelaide, South Australia (Australia)
• Otakuthon – Montreal, Quebec (Canada) (Site languages are French and English)

August 1 – 3, 2008

• AnimagiC – Bonn, Germany (Site language is German)
• Animatsuri – Warsaw, Poland (Site language is Polish)
• ConnectiCon – Hartford, Connecticut (USA)
• Convencion Avalancha – Caracas, Venezuela (Site language is Spanish)
• Fandemonium – Nampa, Idaho (USA) – (Primarily a Science Fiction Convention)
• Kakkoi|con – Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)
• Matsuri Con – Herning, Denmark (Site language is Danish) – Note: I believe the site says the Con has been cancelled for this year
• MechaCon – Lafayette, Louisiana (USA)
• Tokyo In Tulsa – Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA)
• Yasumicon – Miami, Florida (USA)

August 2, 2008

• ACG Egg – Taipei, Taiwan (Site language is Chinese)
• Auto Assembly – Birmingham, England (UK) – (Primarily a Transformers Convention)
• SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show – Sydney, New South Wales (Australia)
• OtakuOmaha – Omaha, Nebraska (USA)
• Sci-Fi Summer – Marietta, Georgia (USA) – (Primarily a Science Fiction Convention)

August 2 – 3, 2008

• Ancient City Con – Jacksonville, Florida (USA)
• Ani-Jam – Fresno, California (USA)

August 3, 2008

• Zuiichi – Vancouver, Washington (USA) – (Primarily a Japanese culture event)

August 6 – 10, 2008

• World Science Fiction Convention – Denver, Colorado

August 8 – 10, 2008

• Amecon – Leicester, England (UK)
• Animethon – Edmonton, Alberta (Canada)
• Otakon – Baltimore, Maryland (USA)
• San Japan – San Antonio, Texas (USA)

August 9, 2008

• JAMMCon – Port Huron, Michigan (USA) – Note: Con has been cancelled
• Kin-Yoobi Con – Hayward, California (USA)

August 14 – 17, 2008

• Gen Con Indy – Indianapolis, Indiana (USA) – (Primarily a Gaming Convention)
• Anime Festival Orlando – Orlando, Florida (USA)
• Anime Festival Wichita – Wichita, Kansas (USA)
• AnimeIowa – Coralville, Iowa (USA)
• AniMiniCon – Charlton, Massachusetts (USA) – Note: The event is the last one listed on the website
• Comic Market (aka Comiket) – Tokyo, Japan (Site language is Japanese with some English)
• MahouCon – Huntington Beach, California (USA) – Note: The Con has been postponed.

August 22 – 24, 2008

• Anime Evolution – Burnaby, British Columbia (Canada)
• Fan Expo Canada – Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
• MatsuriCon – Worthington, Ohio (USA)

August 22 – 25, 2008

• PierniCON – Torun, Poland (Site language is Polish)

August 23 – 24, 2008

• Erie Anime Experience – Erie, Pennsylvania

August 28 – 29, 2008

• Kita-Kon – Thunder Bay, Ontario (Canada)

August 28 – 31, 2008

• Gen Con UK – Berkshire, England (UK) – (Primarily a Gaming Convention)

August 29 – 31, 2008

• AniNite – Vienna, Austria (Site language is German)
• Penny Arcade Expo – Seattle, Washington (USA) – (Primarily a Gaming Convention)
• Sac-Anime – Sacramento, California (USA)

August 30 – 31, 2008

• C3xHobby – Chiba City, Japan (Site language is Japanese) – (Primarily a Mecha Event)

August 30, 2008

• Summer Matsuri – Salem, New Hampshire (USA) – Note: This is a re-scheduled event.

August 29 – September 1, 2008

• AnimeFest – Dallas, Texas (USA)
• Con-X-treme – San Mateo, California (USA)
• Dragon*Con – Atlanta, Georgia (USA) – (Primarily a Science Fiction Convention)

August 30 – September 1, 2008

• Anime Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
• Kumoricon – Portland, Oregon (USA)

There are always “herds” of cosplay from popular anime (Naruto and Bleach come to mind), and the occasional “flock” of cosplays from less popular, but still fairly well-known, anime and games, and lastly there are the rarer, seldom seen cosplays from obscure anime and manga. Look! Over there! It’s that snake-guy thing seen on the left-hand corner of page hundred of Random Manga!! OMG! Get a picture before he gets spooked!

Each year offers new opportunities to finally check off the Cosplay-Watch List those cosplays we’ve longed to see, and see done right. Last year for me, it was Pip Bernadette from Hellsing at Anime Expo. That gal was dead on and looked fantastic, down to the tiniest detail. Then there was the absolutely adorable Schroedinger and the creepy Herr Doctor, also from Hellsing. Wow, three in one day! That’s good cosplay watching!

The one cosplay I’m still waiting to snap a photo of is a brilliantly done Alucard (another Hellsing, I know). It would be my greatest pleasure to see a perfect Alucard, cosplayed by a guy. Coming in close second on my wish list is a skillfully done L from Death Note. It’s an easy cosplay to do, but it’s hard to do right. I think it may be difficult to get perfect because people go visually verbatim with the hair. I’d also like to see a guy pull this one off successfully. I have many more minor cosplays I’d like to see, but I’m satisfied with the cosplays I’ve checked off so far.

What cosplays have made it onto your Cosplay-Watch List? Is it a rare character? Or is it a popular one, but one you want to see done perfectly? Is it a character from a video game, anime or manga? Does a group cosplay tickle your interest? Have you been crossing your fingers, hoping this will be the year to finally get a snapshot of that one elusive cosplay? Which cosplays are you hoping to spot at the cons?

But for manga which really get my attention, I put aside my fear of winding up in an endless loop of rereading. One of those series which not only caught my attention but tamed and domesticated it, is the ever popular Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. One volume was all it took to lure me into reading all twelve volumes as quickly as time and money would allow. And then rereading it. Again. And again.

Plot Summary

Boredom can be deadly, at least that’s how it turns out when a shinigami (death god) decides he needs a little excitement in his life. The shinigami in question, Ryuk, casually drops his death note into the human world, with instructions on its use scrawled in English on the inside cover:

* The human whose name is written in this note shall die.

* This note will not take effect unless the writer has the subject’s face in their mind when writing his/her name. Therefore, people sharing the same name will not be affected.

* If the cause of death is written within 40 seconds of writing the subject’s name, it will happen.

* If the cause of death is not specified, the subject will simply die of a heart attack.

* After writing the cause of death, the details of the death should be written in the next 6 minutes and 40 seconds.

The human who picks up Ryuk’s death note, Light Yagami, also happens to be bored. Light, a gifted student, sees the death note as his opportunity to change the world and make it a better place – and to rule it.

But just as Light is hitting his stride in reshaping the world by offing thousands of criminals, his efforts are confounded by the mysterious world renown detective, L.

L, who always solves his case, has taken on the challenge of uncovering the identity of the quasi-benevolent murder dubbed Kira (Killer) by the public. As the two go head to head, a dangerous game unfolds in which one misstep is a sentence of death.

Who will win this cat and mouse, or more appropriately, shinigami and human, game?

Review

The series is a fantastic essay on the meaning of good and evil, right and wrong, and how might may, or may not, make right. It’s scary too. Scary that a teen could do such things, scary that some people actually agree with his methods.

Death Note is one of the most compelling and riveting reads to ever hit manga. The convoluted reasonings, suspenseful moments, and heart pounding action provide enough mental exertion to wear a person out after just two volumes. And yet, the manga is so incredibly hard to put down, it’s easy to dive back into the series after the mind has taken a short breather.

Each chapter compels the reader to to uncover the answers to questions that snowball throughout the manga – Who was that guy? Will Light get caught this time? Has L finally got his man? What’s she got to do with anything? Are you serious?! Really?!! When and how will Light, if ever, get his comeuppance?!!!

The charm and allure of the series is the way it draws a person in – Death Note is a black hole which sucks the reader into its universe and keeps them there. The characters are what drives this phenomena. They’re so interesting and so well developed, people can’t help but feel something towards or with them. It’s impossible to be a bystander in this series. Readers almost immediately “choose sides”: L or Light. For a manga to elicit such definite reactions is nothing short of amazing, and that, in part, can account for its incredible, demographic-spanning popularity.

Character Development

Death Note has fantastic character development, enough so you cheer or boo the characters. Light is portrayed as a smart, handsome, hard-working and honest teen who wants to better the world. The flipside to that are his egomaniacal posturing and highly questionable methods.

L comes across as a brilliant, frumpy, asocial genius who takes on tough, unsolvable cases. His personality is unpredictable and almost undecipherable, and it’s difficult to decide if what he says and does is natural or all part of his master plan. He’s adept at playing on people’s desires and emotions to get what he wants to solve a case, which in its way, is also highly questionable.

L and Light really aren’t so different underneath their veneers, but they’re more like mirror images then exact copies. While their intelligence, true personalties and goals (world peace and justice) are almost a match, it’s hard to imagine two people who are further apart in terms of good and evil. They seem to define the other, and give Death Note that “can’t put it down” appeal.

Character Design

Character designs and style for the series are a good mix of realism and traditional manga. Some scenes have a touch of over-exaggeration, but most are done in an unique style.

The world of Death Note reflects that style and mostly takes place in Japan, with a foray into the world of the Reapers thrown in. The shinigami are the most interesting looking characters in the series, albeit the most undeveloped and boring.

Everyone else that’s a major character is in league with the Beautiful People. Even the bleary-eyed and ruffled L manages to look good in this series. The bad guys and the good guys alike, who share the spotlight, are attractively inked for the reader’s viewing pleasure.

Art

Lines are crisp and details aplenty, making the art on par with the story. The shading is also a win in that it isn’t over done, but is placed effectively to impart the feel of inner darkness and evil thoughts.

Takeshi Obata, the artist responsible for the incredible style of Death Note, did a sublime job conveying all the twisted emotions running through the manga. Light is significantly creepy in his expressions, even though he’s drawn well enough to make fans swoon.

Panel layout is also a plus as the full pages are used only for impact in a dramatic scene. Layout is a language, just like the art, and the usage in Death Note needed no translation.

Amazingly, Obata kept the art strong throughout all twelve volumes of the manga. Some scenes in some chapters may have been a little below the quality line, but overall the art stayed as robust as the story.

Production

The paper quality for the manga is better than most series, and is offset by beautiful covers.

Conclusion

Death Note is a series so good, so dramatic and so fun, it’s the one series I recommend to people who don’t read manga. They too can’t resist reading as Light tries in his crazy, yet well-inked, way to “make the world a better place”. However, I advise all who consider reading Death Note to buy as many volumes at once as possible and to take time off to read them all. Trust me, you won’t want to come up for air.

Rating

Death Note, Full Series gets 5 outta 5 Hammies!

Retail Info

• Publisher:Viz
• Release Date:October 10, 2005 to July 3, 2007
• Retail Price:$7.99
• Episodes: 1-5
• Language: English

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).

The “new” Tokyopop Inc. will be leaner than its predecessor.John Parker, Tokyopop Group President and COO, will take over as Publisher of Tokyopop Inc. and Marco Pavia, formerly the Director of Marketing will be the new Associate Publisher. The former Publisher of Tokyopop Inc., Mike Kiley, will move over to Tokyopop Media in a key senior (though as yet unnamed) position.

The “new” Tokyopop Inc. will be leaner than its predecessor. 39 positions, or about 35% – 40% of the US staff, have been cut. While all departments were affected, Mike Kiley said in an ICv2 (pop culture trade news/information site) interview:

I can tell you that the reduction in force was mainly a function of right-sizing our release schedule, that those people that were closest to the actual production of physical books were more heavily impacted than in more general support categories.

As the above statement implies, the number of releases have also been reduced. The output will now be around 200-225 titles per year, or roughly 50% of the original plan of releasing 500 titles per year.

Information about specific titles has started to become available. Lianne Sentar (freelance rewriter and editor) wrote in her blog that the series she has been working on (Fruits Basket, Saiyuki, Tactics, and Rave Master) have not been canceled. But, she also said that the news was bittersweet since most of the staff editors she worked with have been laid off.

Diamond Comic Distributors Cancels Orders

Diamond Comic Distributors have canceled the July solicitations of over 20 volumes. The list of titles may be found here.

World Manga Impacts

In the area of World Manga (manga produced outside of Japan), Graphic Novelist Rivkah has reported on her blog, that the third and final volume of her Steady Beat series will only be available on the web. There will not, at least for the foreseeable future, be a print version. She also writes that many of Tokyopop’s books will be web-only.

She does mention that she has concerns about how royalties will be calculated for web content. Bettina Marie Kurkoski has bad news. She wrote in her blog that My Cat Loki, Vol. 3 will not be released in web or print form.

Two other World Manga authors have good news. Christy Lijewski says her Re: Play, Vol. 3 will be released in print form. Likewise, Rikki Simons says that Shutterbox, Vol. 6 will be printed.

Why the sudden reduction? In another ICv2 interview, Tokyopop CEO, Stuart Levy said:

The time is now for us to focus our publishing business to overcome current market challenges. Few(er) releases will allow for less cannibalization at retail.

Some of these challenges were mentioned in an ICv2 report released in April. This was presented at their annual Graphic Novel Conference at New York Comic Con…specifically:

Manga sales, including both comics and periodicals, were
about 5% to $210 million in 2007, up from $200 million in 2006. This was the lowest growth rate for manga since ICv2 began tracking sales.

Overall Bookstore Sales

Sales through bookstores were up by a mid-single digit rate, but direct market sales declined 5-10%. The decline in direct sales of manga was due to a reduced emphasis on the category by comic stores, a significant percentage of whom reduced their manga floor space in response to the growing number of releases and the increased difficulty in choosing between them.

Over-all, top manga titles continue to do well, but titles in the lower ranks of releases are having difficulty finding breathing room.

Another factor in the slowing manga growth rate may have been increased competition from publishers of American graphic novel material for space in stores.

Manga Sales Drop In Japan

In Japan, manga sales have been declining for the past 5-6 years. According to a 2007 report from the Tokyo-based Research Institute for Publications (via USA Today), the reasons for the decline are the shrinking pool of potential readers due to falling birthrates, dissatisfaction with the quality of current manga (lack of originality and variety), the print media as a whole has a decline in readership, and the increasing popularity of using the electronic media (cellphones and PCs) as a way of getting manga.

Perhaps the latter influenced Tokyopop’s decision to split their print and digital arms into separate companies…allowing them to position themselves as a leading force in the new medium. Mike Kiley of Tokyopop Media explained the reorganization this way:

I think the most immediate and practical answer is that we wanted to set things up in ways that would very clearly and definitively allow those businesses (Tokyopop Inc. and Tokyopop Media) to focus on what they need to do to succeed. The goals in each company are different and the achievement of those goals is more realistic, more possible if everyone working in each of those companies is very clearly focused.

Tokyopop Japan Updates

On a side note, according to ICv2, Tokyopop’s Japan operation will also be splitting into two. One will be under Tokyopop Media and the other will be under the Tokyopop Group’s holding company. The European operations will be unaffected…at least structurally. After the US division announced their release reductions, Tokyopop UK is planning on cutting their releases by about 20%.

Sources

ICv2 Sources:

• Tokyopop Splits into Two Companies
• Inside the Tokyopop Restructuring
• Graphic Novels Hit $375 Million

ANN Sources:

• Different Fates for Tokyopop’s World Manga Titles
• Tokyopop Manga Volumes Pulled from July Solicitations (Updated)
• Tokyopop to Cut Manga Output in United Kingdom

USA Today Source:

• Manga comics losing longtime hold on Japan

Otaku is one of those words which can either raise the hackles of an anime fan or whip them into a frenzy of appreciation. It’s a divisive word, one which some people use derogatorily while others happily declare themselves such. Some people wear the word like a badge of honor, while others are unfairly labeled with it and still others fill the stereotype of otaku and may not even know it.

My perspective on otaku has changed over the years, and I’ve re-evaluated just what it is that makes an otaku an otaku. To me what makes an otaku who he/she is, is an asocial and obsessive personality. I also strongly feel the term otaku has been unfairly overused in describing fans of anime who really like the medium. Just because a fan of anime decks out their room in merchandise, doesn’t mean they’ve crossed the line into otakudom. Fandoms through the ages have always had their fair share of strange fans, and otaku are just the next wave. In my mind otaku-ism should be weighed on an in depth case by case analysis, if at all.

The below definitions aren’t my definitions of an otaku, but they are some of the perceived characteristics of what is known as the quintessential hardcore anime fan.

The Stereotypical Otaku is a person who’s:

• asocial
• unhygienic
• obnoxious
• obsessive
• unrealistic

The American Otaku may also:

• Have an unhealthy obsession with Japanese culture.
• Identify closely with anime and manga characters.
• Speak broken Japanese in everyday life.
• Talk about nothing but anime and manga.
• Have a skewed perspective on relationships and women.
• Only wear anime logo tees.
• Dress in cosplay outside of conventions.
• Learn martial arts.

However, my definitions of the word, and the persona, are much more individualized.

In the Beginning

There was a time when I was first getting into the fandom that I thought anybody who called themselves otaku was someone who was out of touch with reality. Who would blatantly label themselves an anime fanatic so blithely? I also figured anyone who wore cat ears in public and randomly interjected Japanese words into an unrelated conversation was a moron.

But was I so bitter because I was projecting something I didn’t like about my relationship with the fandom onto these other people? In a word, yes. I was a grown woman getting acquainted with an animated art form and didn’t much expect that I would be accepted anymore in the company I kept, i.e. professionals who weren’t anime fans.

Unless people actually take the time to talk to a person, in depth, they don’t have the right to use the word otaku derisively

Times change, I completely accepted my anime fandom and have balanced my perspective of it and myself. Now, I can better look at the word otaku, those who call themselves otaku and those who supposedly fit the definition.

Asocial and Obsessive

Many times people think otaku are these strange brand of fan, who seldom bathe and who can’t read body language. Fans like these can also range in otaku-ness from being a shut-in living on the internet, to the more adjusted fan who can go out into the world and hold a job, yet nonetheless can’t adeptly interact with the rest of society. This is the stereotype.

Socializing is important in the world, so it’s a priority we know how to interact with people who aren’t like us or who we don’t like. This skill comes with age and experience. A lot of people labeled otaku are just young people who may not necessarily have developed their social skills. This isn’t otakudom, it’s life. That doesn’t mean that being asocial and maladjusted is a part of life, it could be just a stage,something we stutter through on our way to adulthood. Getting through that can be tough, but it needs to be done.

However, there are people for whom it isn’t a stage. It might be a part of their personality, or they might never have thought they needed to change and thus, have never made the effort. These are the type of people who think the world revolves around them. They’re always right, their opinion is the best and quite frankly, the world owes them.

As long as people know who they are, accept who they are and don’t try to morph into something they’re not and will never be, they’re not otaku. Not in my eyes.

These are the “scary” fans. The fans who’ll shout down any naysayers and torch a site that opposes their view on anime. They don’t realize that an opinion on an anime isn’t an opinion of them. This is what people think of when they think negatively about otaku- people who identify too closely with a piece of fiction and take things too personally.

Where’s the Line?

Being a fan of anime means getting to know all about the medium. Watching anime doesn’t automatically make someone an anime fan. Fans take the time to learn about the background of a series, the voice actors, the meaning of an anime, and most importantly, the culture which produced it. The more devoted the anime fan, the more they’ll look into the language, the food and the culture of Japan.

There will always be those people who take this journey into fandom a little too far. But where’s the line? Otaku are those people who are said to have crossed the line from lively interest into unhealthy obsession. Is it crossing the line to wear anime logo tees? To have an anime ringtone? To have anime posters and plushies all over the house? To only eat with chopsticks? To call your friends (insert name)-chan? To learn the language? When’s it too much of a good thing?

For me, the line is crossed into “otakudom” when there’s a profound disconnect and loss of identity. People can still have their plushie collection, learn the language, draw fanart, have their pet names among their anime friends and the like, and still be on the opposite side of otaku. As long as people know who they are, accept who they are and don’t try and morph into something they’re not and will never be, they’re not otaku. Not in my eyes.

Folks who can’t accept that they are Jim Smith living in Nebraska going to Average High School, are at risk for otakudom. Jim Smith is not in an anime, he’s not going to be dating a moe girl (because I believe they, like Tinkerbell, don’t exist), and he’s nowhere near being Japanese, but there’s nothing wrong with being Jim Smith who loves anime

Fanatics of any stripe can be described as having “social blinders”, in that they only see certain parts of society.

Otaku are those who don’t pick up on the clues and mores of society. This is disconnect. It occurs when there’s a lack of awareness of what’s going on all around us. We need know that what we say and do has an effect on the people in our lives. A lack of interaction with people not like us is one reason for the disconnect. Talking too loudly, ignoring body language, not taking care of one’s public appearance, are some of the characteristics of a person who’s out of synch with their surroundings- all of which are things otaku are ascribed to. It’s almost as if they’re wearing blinders.

Social Blinders

Fanatics of any stripe can be described as having “social blinders”, in that they only see certain parts of society. Whether this is by choice, from a chemical or emotional imbalance or lack of experience is highly individualized. And otaku are anime fanatics. They only see anime, moe girls, yaoi action, big breasted figurines, etc. They don’t see they’re making someone uncomfortable when they describe a hentai scene, they don’t notice when someone doesn’t want to talk about anime, they can’t get the hint that bathing improves their aroma, they don’t see that there’s something wrong with never leaving the house or they do and simply don’t care.

Not Just Anime

However, this describes any number of fanatics in any fandom. Before anime hit the States, there was Dungeons and Dragons and LARP-ing (live action role playing). Then of course there are the Sci-Fi/ Fantasy and Ren Faire fanatics, as well as the MORPG (massive online role play gamers). Not to mention the hardcore sports fanatics who can be just as loose with their grip in reality as any otaku.

These fandoms and anime all have one thing in common: projection and escapism. People who are prone to isolation, who don’t like to interact with a harsh judgmental world, will find it easier to relate to anime, science fiction, fantasy and gaming. It only becomes a problem when it becomes their sole interaction.

Overuse of Otaku

Nowadays, the term otaku is a mixed bag. Some American fans have embraced it as a positive, while others slap the term on anyone who gives off a creepy or annoying fan vibe.

Whenever I hear someone being called otaku based on their appearance, it’s usually negative, and I think of the unfairness in labeling someone for how they look. While I think a Naruto headband and cat ears are a poor fashion choice and I may snicker at the fashion faux pas, I don’t feel it’s my right to sit as judge and jury and condemn them to a negative stereotype because of it. Unless people actually take the time to talk to a person, in depth, they don’t have the right to use the word otaku derisively.

While there is much, much more that can be said about obsessive anime fans, to me otaku is just a synonym for someone who wears social blinders and has lost themselves to their hobby. This phenomena happens in any fandom, but we as anime fans are so protective of our fandom, we feel the need to distance ourselves from these people so as not to be guilty by association. Finger pointing and name calling will only go so far, however, and we need to accept that we as individuals are making a positive impact in our fandom, and stop concentrating on the few who are doing so negatively.

• Mei
• Elezend
• Death By Moe
• Calamitous Intent
• Hynavian World
• Hikikimori-chan
• Fujoshi Scribblings
• Simplicity
• Such a Small World this is…
• Gar Gar Stegosaurus

Please share your thoughts on otaku in the comments below!

Packaging

Choco & Coffee has very elegant packaging, with a salmon and burgundy gradient and English script. The kanji is in small gold letters and offsets the colors of the pretty tarts pictured on the bag. Being able to see the product in one way or another is good, and Choco & Coffee tops that with not only displaying pictures of their product, but showcasing the product itself to boot. The elegance is marred, however by two incongruities: A yellow barn and silo sketched in as background plus a tacked on green wheat stamp in the lower corner. That’s just weak. Ignoring the barn is easy, but there’s no getting around that stylized green blob. Score: B+

Appearance

The tarts/cookies are dually wrapped. Each packet contains two thin, wafers filled with either chocolate or coffee flavored cream. The tarts are rather thin, but look good enough to serve at a tea party, fanned out on a pretty silver tray. Score: A

Texture

Choco & Coffee has good texture. A nice crispness of the wafer is followed by a smooth creaminess of the filling. The balance of mouthfeel is good. Score: A

Flavor

The first bite is a tad unexpected: The cookie is lightly sweetened and the coffee variety is slightly bitter, making for an un-cookie like experience. Although it’s light on the sugar, the cookie has a hint of butter. The chocolate and coffee fillings are creamy and are also very lightly sweetened. The coffee flavor, however, is robust and the chocolate is rich, but the minimal sweetness makes this treat a bit lacking.

After partaking of each cookie separately, I ate a coffee and a choco together, the way they’re packaged. The effect is tasty, but still not a full throttle dessert. Although the little “tarts” look like dessert waiting to happen, the experience doesn’t impart much of that feeling. Choco & Coffee doesn’t satisfy a sugar yen yet has a sophistication which I imagine speaks to mature Japanese. I don’t think these lil’ tarts would be a good accompaniment to bitter tea or coffee. Score: B-

Verdict

Choco & Coffee aren’t my idea of a cookie. They make an elegant dessert-esque display, while they have chocolate and coffee included in the ingredients, they just don’t fill that sugar craving. However, they do have a mature taste which may suit those pallets which prefer lightly sweetened treats. For me though, I’ll pass on these next time and reach for the Apollo instead.