Sacred Seven JP BD Releases Contains English Subs

Sunrise's latest anime offering, Sacred Seven is listed in Amazon.jp that its Blu-ray Disc releases will include English subtitles! Previously, Tiger & Bunny has this kind of treatment.

Bandai Visual will release all 12 episodes on six volumes beginning on September 22 in Japan. The show will be released in both Limited Edition and regular edition.

The first Limited Edition volumes contains: an art box to store to store the Blu-ray Discs, a premium event application postcard, character card, 12 page booklet, credit-less ending animation footage, eye-catch collection, a digital gallery, and commentary for episode 1.

Source: Can You Moe? via Anime News Network

Wild Tiger's Cool Hat Soon on Sale!

Tiger & Bunny executive producer Masayuki Ozaki mentioned on his Twitter account that he tried on a sample of the "hunting cap" worn by the anime's main character Kotetsu T. Kaburagi aka Wild Tiger.

According to Ozaki, the sample was made since the hat will eventually be sold as merchandise to the public! Ozaki wrote in the Twitter post that he was looking forward to seeing old men around the world wearing the hat while walking down the street.

Source: Yaraon!, Moe Otanews Sokuho via Anime News Network

Create Your Own Kamen Rider OOO Random Combo Soft Vinyl Figure!

Starting this Saturday, Bandai will allow people to mix and match parts to create one of 119 different Kamen Rider OOO figures, which Bandai will ship directly from the factory.

The OOO Soft Vinyl Factory is the first project in the "OrderMade Bandai" effort. On a special Bandai website, people can choose different heads, torso and leg parts to assemble their own custom-order figure from the ongoing series, Kamen Rider OOO. 119 theoretical random combinations are possible. Bandai will then manufacture the actual figure and ship it to the buyer's doorstep about two weeks later for 1,050 yen (about US$13).

For the ultimate collector, Bandai will sell all 119 different action figures in one 124,950-yen (US$1,548) set, complete with an autograph "signed" by the character Kōsei Kōgami. Only 100 such sets will be sold.

Source: Gigazine via Anime News Network

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Revisited

In preparation for the upcoming release of Code Geass Gaiden: Bokoku no Akito (The Ruined Land of Akito), the two seasons of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion anime series are being re-mixed onto two digest DVDs.

To be entitled "Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion BLACK REBELLION" and "Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 ZERO REQUIEM" revisit the story of the first 25-episode TV series and the 2nd series respectively.

This re-edited version of the Code Geass story will cover the events of the two original anime series from the point of view of the protagonist Lelouch Lamperouge. Bandai Visual will release this new edition on two 120-minute DVDs on September 22 for 2,800 yen each (about US$37).

Pre-order Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Special Edition "BLACK REBELLION" and "ZERO REQUIEM" at CDJapan and get lots of savings!

Source: Presepe News via Anime News Network

Akira Replica Gun on Sale!

Eddie Paul Industries is advertising a replica of a laser gun from Katsuhiro Otomo's anime film Akira on the online classifieds services Craigslist. The company is offering the non-firing replica gun for US$1,000.

Last month, Eddie Paul Industries offered a replica of the motorcycle from Akira for sale. The motorcycle had been used in Kanye West's music video "Stronger," which included several scenes inspired by the anime film. However, the gun currently for sale does not appear in the video, nor does the advertisement state that the gun was used in the filming of the video.

Source: Ani.me via Anime News Network

Lelouch Eye Mask Merchandise Offered!

Cospa, a Japanese character apparel and goods retailer will offer a Lelouch Eye Mask, an item inspired by the titular character of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion in early August!

Like the anime character, the 1,200-yen (about US$15) reversible cotton/urethane mask features the Geass symbol in the left eye; the symbol appears when Lelouch uses his Geass ability to possess people with the power of absolute obedience.

The only thing that this item is missing is the ability to actually command someone to obey your orders while you are asleep!

Source: Yaraon! via Anime News Network

Super Sentai THE MOVIE BluRay Box 1976-1995

In commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the Super Sentai franchise, Toei Video released a BluRay Disc Box Set of Super Sentai movies from 1976 to 1995 called, Super Sentai THE MOVIE BluRay Box 1976-1995!

The set includes three discs with one bonus disc which features two event footage Super Sentai World and Toei Hero Daishugo plus trailers. Comes with a 8-page description and digitally remastered from a new print.

The films that are part in this Box Set asides from the two mentioned above are the following:

Disc 1

1. Himitsu Sentai Goranger Explosive Hurricane
2. JAKQ Dengekitai vs. Goranger
3. Denshi Sentai Denziman the Movie
4. Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan the Movie
5. Dai Sentai Google-V the Movie

Disc 2

1. Kagaku Sentai Dynaman the Movie
2. Chodenshi Bioman the Movie
3. Dengeki Sentai Changeman the Movie

Disc 3

1. Hikari Sentai Maskman the Movie
2. Kousuko Sentai Turboranger the Movie
3. Gosei Sentai Dairanger the Movie
4. Ninja Sentai Kakuranger the Movie
5. Choriki Sentai Ohranger the Movie

Bonus Disc

1. Super Sentai World
2. Toei Hero Daishugo
3. Various Trailers

Super Sentai THE MOVIE BluRay Box 1976-1995 will be released on June 21 and cost 17850 Yen with tax.

Pre-order Super Sentai THE MOVIE Blu-ray Box 1976-1995 [Limited Release]

Kamen Rider THE MOVIE BluRay Box Set 1972-1988

In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Kamen Rider franchise, Toei Video released a BluRay Disx Box Set of Kamen Rider movies from 1972 to 1988 called, Kamen Rider THE MOVIE BluRay Box Set 1972-1988!

The set includes two disc with one bonus disc which includes two 3D Kamen Rider films, Kamen Rider World (which features Kamen Riders J and ZO and the villainous Shadow Moon) and Kamen Rider Stay in the World. The set also includes an 8-page description.

The films that are part in this Box Set asides from the two mentioned above are the following:

Disc 1

1. Kamen Rider vs. Shocker
2. Kamen Rider vs. Ambasador Hell
3. Kamen Rider V3 vs. Destron Monsters
4. Five Riders vs. King Dark

Disc 2

1. Kamen Rider: Eight Riders vs. Galaxy King
2. Kamen Rider Super-1
3. Kamen Rider BLACK: Hurry to Onigashima
4. Kamen Rider BLACK: Fear! Evil Monster Mansion

Bonus Disc

1. Kamen Rider World
2. Kamen Rider Stay in the World

The box set was released on May 21st and debuted on Japan's BluRay charts on the rank 12 along with the Collector's Box set of Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider OOO & W feat. Skull: Movie Wars Core that debuted at #4 and Kamen Rider OOO Vol. 4 that debuted at #17.

Kamen Rider The Movie BluRay Box 1972-1988 [Limited Release]

5 Anime BD Titles Sold 10,000+ Units in Same Week!

Five BluRay Disc volumes from different anime series each sold over 10,000 copies on Oricon's sales chart for the May 23-29 week! Puella Magi Madoka Magica's 2nd Limited Edition Volume topped the chart with 54,000 units sold.

Infinite Stratos Volume 2 debuted at number 2 with 23,000 units sold. Below the top two was the sixth volume of Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai with about 16,000 units sold, followed by Tiger & Bunny's first volume with about 15,000. Finally, the fourth volume of Toaru Majutsu no Index II sold about 11,000.

Source: Mantan Web via Anime News Network

Giant Ika Musume Plushie Invades Japan!

MOVIC is recently offering a doll based on Ika Musume! Called a "Super BIG Plush Ika Musume," the 75-centimeter (about 30-inch) doll will be sold on August 25. It seems that Ika is now conquering the world in a different way!

Reservations by mail-order are currently being accepted through the Animate Online Shop and Movic for 18,900 yen (about US$232 US). To those who are not familiar with the anime, it is about a Ika who swears vengeance on mankind because of them polluting the ocean, only to end up working for a beach house because she destroyed it.

A second season is also in the works titled, Shiryaku!? Ika Musume with the original staff coming back to make this new season.

Source: Comic Natalie via Anime News Network

Rurouni Kenshin OVA & Movie BluRay US Release Announced!

Aniplex's US equivalent, Aniplex of America announced at its FanimeCon panel that they will release the Ruruoni Kenshin OVA and film on BluRay Disc in North America the same days that they will ship it Japan.

Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal OVA costs US$64.98 and will ship from Right Stuf and Bandai Entertainment's online stores on August 24, and the Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection OVA will ship on September 21. Finally, Rurouni Kenshin The Movie will come out on October 26. Both BluRay Disc cost US$54.98.

The BluRay Discs for the anime titles are direct imports from the Japanese edition except that they will add an English-translated booklet. The BD releases will have new cover illustrations by animation director, Atsuko Nakajima (Trinity Blood, Ranma ½, You're Under Arrest!). It was also confirmed last month that the release includes Japanese and English subtitles and the ADV Films' English dub.

During its panel, Aniplex acknowledged that negotiations are ongoing for licensing both Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Bakemonogatari. Aniplex added, "Stay tuned."

Pre-orders for the new Blu-ray Discs releases will start on June 1.

Source: Anime News Network

Pre-order Rurouni Kenshin Tsuioku Hen [Blu-ray] / Animation on CDJapan
Pre-order Rurouni Kenshin Seiso Hen [Blu-ray] / Animation on CDJapan
Pre-order Rurouni Kenshin the Movie [Blu-ray] / Animation on CDJapan

Bandai Wins Gundam Bootleg Suit vs. Hongli

Bandai successfully sued the Chinese toy manufacturer Hongli for violating its trademarks with toys that closely resembled the designs in Mobile Suit Gundam and BB Senshi Sangokuden plastic models. Bandai filed the suit in November of 2009.

As a result, Hongli issued a public apology to Bandai, via an ad in the May 13 edition of the 21st Century Business News newspaper. The Chinese court also ordered Hongli to pay damages and Bandai's legal fees totaling 820,000 yuan (about 10 million yen or US$130,000), and to stop selling of the offending goods.

Hongli appealed the original ruling, but the Beijing High Court upheld the ruling on December 17, 2010. In addition to the apology, Bandai is still working to ensure that the rest of the ruling is carried out.

Source: Inside Games via Anime News Network

Nendoroid Generations PSP Game Trailer

The very first trailer for Bandai Namco and Banpresto's upcoming PSP game based on Good Smile Company's Nendoroid toyline, Nendoroid Generations has been released!


Confirmed rosters includes: Haruhi Suzumiya (TMHS), Mikuru Asahina (TMHS), Yuki Nagato (TMHS), Rin Tohsaka (F/SN), Rider (F/SN), Saber (F/SN), Fate Testarossa (Nanoha), Nanoha Takamachi (Nanoha), Black Gold Saw (BRS), Black Rock Shooter (BRS) and Dead Master (BRS).

Nendoroid Generations has a battle system where your characters can link up for chain combos, which change depending on who is in your group. Namco Bandai also added team attacks, dance mode, and communication mode which lets you tap the nendoroids on their head.

The game is part of Good Smile Company's 10th Anniversary project.

Naruto Shippuden 3D: The New Era 3DS Trailer

The first Naruto game for the Nintendo 3DS has been announced! Called, Naruto Shippuden 3D: The New Era this game was produced by Europe's 505 Games and is slated to be released this June 2011 in Europe.


In this game which featured an original story, Naruto must meet the Five Kages, the strongest ninjas of the five major ninja countries and stop the possible great ninja war.

Tomy released Naruto Shippuden 3D at the end of March. So far, Naruto Shippuden 3D: The New Era has not been announced for North America.

Tiger & Bunny JP BD Releases Contains ENG Subs!

Amazon Japan has just listed 9 BluRay releases for Sunrise's on-going anime, Tiger & Bunny contains both Japanese and English subtitles!

The series takes place in a fictional re-imagined version of New York City called Sternbild City, where 45 years before, individuals with superpowers called "NEXT" started appearing and some of them became superheroes. Each of city's most famous superheroes work for a sponsor company and their uniforms also contain advertising for real-life companies. I am dead serious.

Their heroic activity is broadcasted on the popular television show Hero TV, where they accumulate points by each feat accomplished and the best ranked hero of the season is crowned King of Heroes. The story mainly focuses on veteran hero Kotetsu T. Kaburagi aka Wild Tiger who is assigned with a new partner, a young man named Barnaby Brooks Jr. However, Barnaby and Kotetsu usually have trouble to work together as they have different views on how a hero should be.


The first region-free volume will also include a drama CD, the 12-page booklet "Monthly Hero," the unaired pilot video, the first trailer, a sleeve case illustrated by original character designer Masakazu Katsura, and a special jacket by anime character designer Kenji Hayama. Viz Media is streaming the anime in North America.

Source: The Fandom Post via Anime News Network

Rurouni Kenshin OVA BluRay Details Revealed!

It is confirmed on the official Rurouni Kenshin Twitter account that the upcoming BluRay releases of the two Rurouni Kenshin OVA titles and the feature film will both include Japanese and English subtitles! What's more is that those titles will be remastered in better picture quality. It is also to note that the two OVA titles are not the Director's Cut Editions.

The first OVA, Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal (Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen) is a four-part OVA that serves as a prequel to the anime series. It tells the story of how Kenshin Himura becomes the Hitokiri Battōsai, and of his relationship with a woman named Tomoe, who would become his first wife.

The second OVA, Samurai X: Reflection (Rurouni Kenshin: Seisōhen, pictured) is a two-part OVA that was set after the end of the anime with flashbacks on the main series in Kaori's perspective.

Lastly, the feature film called, Samurai X: The Motion Picture or Rurouni Kenshin: Ishin Shishi e no Requiem (Rurouni Kenshin: Requiem for the Ishin Patriots) which tells a story where Kenshin meets a samurai who was very close to a man Battōsai murdered in the war.

The BluRay editions of the two OVAs and the feature film is set to be released on August 24th (Trust and Betrayal), September 21st (Reflection) and October 26th (Motion Picture).

Pre-order Rurouni Kenshin the Movie [Blu-ray] / Animation on CDJapan!
Pre-order Rurouni Kenshin Seiso Hen [Blu-ray] / Animation on CDJapan!
Pre-order Rurouni Kenshin Tsuioku Hen [Blu-ray] / Animation on CDJapan!

Asides from that, a week ago, the list of tracks for the upcoming compilation CD has been released along with some art for the upcoming anime. Rurouni Kenshin Complete Selection compilation CD features the anime's three opening, seven ending and movie themes from the series. The Limited Edition CD comes with a DVD which includes credit-less opening and ending sequences.

Rurouni Kenshin Complete Selection Tracklist:

1. JUDY and MARY - Sobakasu
2.  THE YELLOW MONKEY - TACTICS
3.  Mayo Suzukaze - Namida wa Shitte iru
4.  TM Revolution - Heart of Sword -Yoake Mae-
5.  Makato Kawamoto - 1/2
6.  L'Arc~en~ciel - Fourth Avenue Cafe
7.  Bonnie Pink - It's Gonna Rain
8.  Siam Shade - 1/3 Junjou no Kanjo
9.  CURIO - Kimi Ni Fureru Dake De
10.  You Izumi - Dame
11.  L'Arc~en~ciel - Rainbow (Movie Theme)

Rurouni Kenshin Complete Selection compilation CD is said to be released on July 27. Still no airdate revealed for the new anime series.

Source: muhootsaver via Anime News Network, natalie via JEFusion

Nendoroid Generations PSP Game Announced!

Good Smile Company's popular toyline, Nendoroid now get's its own RPG according to Famitsu! Called Nendoroid Generations, it will be published by Namco Bandai for the PSP and is part of Good Smile Company's 10th Anniversary project.

The roster of anime characters that will appear in this game in their chibi form are:

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya - Haruhi Suzumiya, Mikuru Asahina, Yuki Nagato
Fate/Stay Night - Rin Tohsaka, Rider, Saber
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha - Fate Testarossa, Nanoha Takamachi
Black Rock Shooter - Black Gold Saw, Black Rock Shooter, Dead Master

The game will cover 10 or so series with 1-3 characters per work. Which leaves room for a sequel in case this game will be a hit says one of the developers in an interview with Famitsu. The game came into development due to the Banpresto president working with the Bandai staff.

Nendoroid Generations has a battle system where your characters can link up for chain combos, which change depending on who is in your group. Namco Bandai also added team attacks, dance mode, and communication mode which lets you tap the nendoroids on their head.

Nendoroid Generations is 20% complete and does not have a release date.

Source: Siliconera (link 2), andriasang

IS: Infinite Stratos BluRay Vol. 1 Tops Sales Chart!

The first BluRay Disc volume of IS: Infinite Stratos anime series has just sold 22,000 copies to top Oricon's overall weekly sales chart for the March 28-April 3 week!

Because of this it has become the sixth anime series with the first volume reaching the number 1 overall ranking. Other anime titles include Macross Frontier, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2, K-ON!, Bakemonogatari, and Angel Beats! Also the first DVD volume of Infinite Stratos also sold 7,794 in its first week of sales as the #5 top-selling DVD of the week overall.

The first volume of the BD contains the show's first and second episodes of the said series along with some extras such as TV spots promo videos, textless opening and ending sequence and a radio show called, Radio IS hosted by Yoko Hikasa and Asami Shimoda.

Source: Mantan Web via Anime News Network

Buy IS <Infinite Stratos> Vol.1 [Blu-ray] / Animation on CDJapan!

K-ON!! BluRay Vol. 9 Tops Sales Chart for 2 Weeks!

The limited first pressing for K-ON!! BluRay Volume 9, the last volume of the K-ON!! BluRay releases has ranked #1 on Oricon's sales chart for two consecutive weeks. It did so by selling an additional 10,000 copies (rounded to the nearest thousand) during the March 21-27 week.

The ninth volume is also the third one in a row and the 10th one in the franchise to rank #1. The K-ON! franchise now holds the sole record for the most #1 Blu-ray Discs of any anime, after sharing it last month with Macross Frontier (nine #1s).

The last volume of the BluRay contains the last episodes of the anime which depicts the last few days of Yui, Mugi, Ritsu and Mio as members of the Light Music Club. Asides from that, it contains extras exclusively available in the official BluRay release.

Source: Mantan Web via Anime News Network

FiguArts Star Driver Coming Soon!

It was revealed on the first week of Tamashii Features Vol. 2 that BONES' on-going mecha series, Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto is now part of Bandai's growing Figuarts toy line! For starters, it is pretty rare for Bandai to include anime characters not produced by Toei in its FiguArts line.

First up, is SH FiguArts Takuto Tsunashi in his Ginga Bishonen (Galactic Pretty Boy) appearance. In relation to this, Robot Damashii [SIDE CB] Tauburn will be released this March.

Aside from Takuto, the female lead members of the Glittering Crux Brigade are also be released in FiguArts Zero toy line! Unlike SH FiguArts, FiguArts Zero has "zero" articulation is merely a statue that's in-scale with the latter toy line.

These members are: Scarlet Kiss/Benio Shinada, the leader of its Filament section and the adviser of all the school dorms and is well known for her act of doing push-ups while wearing a swimsuit because she broke her own set of rules. Professor Green/Midori Okamoto,  the school nurse and the leader of the Glittering Crux's Science Guild who loves pretty boys.  

Ivrogne/Keito Nichi (!), class rep, works in a karaoke bar as a waitress and the leader of Glittering Crux's Bougainvilleae Section and recently revealed on the show's 18th episode that she is the East Maiden who does her duties in secret. Lastly, President/Kanako Watanabe who is married during his high school years to an older man and the leader of Glittering Crux's Adult Bank.

So far, the series which these figures are based upon has just recently aired its 19th episode and this episode is planned to run for 25 episodes. So those who are interested in buying any of these figures, I suggest you watch the series first for you to better appreciate the sculpt of these figures.