In this issue:

~ Editorial
~ Anime Video Review of the Month
~ Anime CD Review
~ Manga Review
~Mononoke Hime News
~ Anime News
~ Game Review

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   E D I T O R I A L
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We started this month a poll, so we can answer those questions that are on our minds. Like the question that we had posted on the Web site which was "Who should marry Akane?" Well here are the results that we got.

44% of those that have voted have decided that Ranma is the one for Akane.

6% of those that have voted have decided that Kuno is the one for Akane.

17% of those that have voted have decided that Ryouga is the one for Akane.

6% of those that have voted have decided that Mousse is the one for Akane.

28% of those that have voted have decided that Tenchi is the one for Akane.

The voting is pretty much what we expected that Ranma is the one for Akane. What we didn't expect is that a number of people have decided that Tenchi might be a good match for Akane. In a way she might be good for Tenchi, all Akane would have to do is cook for everyone once and the population at Tenchi's house would definitely drop.

This months question to vote is: "If you where stranded on a desert isle and only could watch one anime series what would it be?" this includes all the episodes, OVAs and movies.

1. Robotech
2. Ranma 1/2
3. Sailor Moon
4. Marmalade Boy
5. X/1999
6. Gundam series

Go to the web site and make your vote now.

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      Not too long ago we had posted a message to the thread to watch Road Rules on the 27th of this month and watch the group try to do a fan dub of Armitage in Tokyo. I was able to catch Road Rules as they created a story line and dubbed Armitage. What really surprised me was that when they had received their mission, four out of the six members were jumping up and down for joy to be able to do this mission. Amazed to see that half of the RR members are anime otakus OR have brothers who are otakus (Pua's), it again surprised me at how dedicated they were to getting the job done (they had 24 hours to come up with an original story line and then to dub their voices onto the anime). Pawel's scream was perfectly in sync with the anime which is awesome since it was a 30 second scream (power lungs dude!). I wished I could have that opportunity to go to Tokyo and fan dub an anime. Imagine seeing your fan dubbed shown in a small club to the public would have been great!
     As a fan dub it was one of the better one we have seen, of course it helped that they had an experienced team that helped them through it. Unlike most fan dubs this one didn't have any cracks about Carl Macek, which isn't bad since this dubbing was being done for a business. But towards the end of the show it does have two of the cast members doing a very fun if not slightly adult joke to the video. Over all it something I think any anime fan would jump at the chance to do.
     Japanese anime is a trendy, popular AND expensive hobby. It's great to see that there are a lot of people in the West that are otakus at heart. You know how popular Anime has become when the Anime conventions make it onto the 6 o'clock evening news. Not to mention it shows how popular anime has become, which as well all know MTV does tend to set the trends for the youth of america. Which this is a good thing, there are a lot of Otakus out there that find fans coming like this based on a trend is bad. But I continue to maintain that even this is a good thing personally it doesn't matter how it's done as long as it brings more people into the genre. Granted that they will start watching mainstream stuff like Sailor Moon and Dragon Balls but hey most of us have started watching Anime with Voltron and Robotech so it's nice to see how popular anime has become since the early days of the genre.

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      Also Ran Chan and I are going to be away for the next couple of weeks. Which does not mean that your requests or the news letter will suffer, we just might not be able to get you the speedy answers like we usually do. Also don't worry the October issue will be on time, so if you plan to write an article for the October issue go ahead and send it to us and it will be in the news letter.

Co-Editors: Bink and Ran Chan

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Title: Magic Knight Rayearth
Artist: Clamp
Distributed by: Anime Works
Available when: vol. 1 & 2 by Sept. 21, 1999
Price: US $24.95 Subbed and Dubbed versions

      Finally, Magic Knight Rayearth the TV series, will be available to us commercially by the end of this month! The anime is based on the manga by CLAMP who is also known for X/1999, Tokyo Babylon, RG Veda, and Sakura.
     The story begins when 3 jr. high students from 3 different schools are on a field trip out to Tokyo Towers. Umi Ryuuzaki, Fuu Hououji, and Hikaru Shidou hear Princess Emeraude pleading for help to save Cephiro. All three hear the plea and are then transported to the magical land of Cephiro to train and fulfill their destiny of becoming the Magical Knight Rayearths.
     Umi Ryuuzaki, who has long blue hair and blue school uniform, comes from a rich family background and also attends a very prestigious private school. She has a gift in fencing and begins to develop her magical element of Water. A bit of a snob, she is self centered but begins to care for her fellow comrades.
     Fuu Hououji, has short light brown hair and wears big glasses, is the brain of the trio. She wears a green school uniform and is the intelligent, rational one of the group. She is the level headed one of the group. Her magical element is Air.
     Hikaru Shidou, red eyes, red hair AND red school uniform. She is the youngest and the most energetic of the trio. She is gung ho and is willing to do what it will take to help free Princess Emeraude and free Cephiro from the evil that has captured the Princess. Her magical element is Fire.
     The artwork for Magic Knight Rayearth is the signature of CLAMP. The big starry eyes and long flowing hair. Typical artwork for girl manga or shojo (girl's anime in Japan). I like the artwork, ever since I had seen Tokyo Babylon and RG Veda. Very...Pretty.
     The humor is great. There are some serious and touching moments in the series but there are some funny moments as well. A lot of changes from the flowing long hair and starry eyes to the SD (super deformed) characters. There is also a cute little character that is introduced named Mokona. This white looking rabbit that has a red jewel on its forehead and can only say "Puu!", is their guide in the land of Cephiro. Mokona is their link to the magician who helps guide and develop their powers. The one great thing about Mokona is that he has ALL the supplies for them. If they were hungry Mokona lets out a "Puu!" red light emanates from his jewel and the girls have a feast for dinner! Of course Umi does not like Mokona at all so the slap stick comedy comes into play between the two characters. In the beginning of the series, all the girls especially Umi chan, were trying to adjust to the idea of a magical planet as well as being the destined Magic Knight Rayearths who will defeat the evil and bring about peace to Cephiro.
     The story is easy to follow. We see the girls develop their powers as the series goes on. We also see a change in costume as well. Each power up or level up, each girl's armor over their school uniform also changes developing into a high-tech-mecha looking armor that take on the colors of each girl; green, red, and blue.
     This series is reminiscent of sci-fi/fantasy worlds we envision. From Xanth to Dungeons and Dragons. Three young girls grow to become the destine Knights that will drive the evil monsters and evil sorcerer out of Cephiro leaving the planet once again peacefully ruled by Princess Emeraude. The artistry of Clamps, the storyline and the humor makes this a great anime series to collect. This is one great for the family to watch as well as for kids to watch. From what I remembered, there were no nude shots but suggestive costumes that are worn by some of the older evil magicians that may show some chest and backsides. No foul language, some romance, some violence and a lot of fun. I hope you go out and check this series out!

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Title: Escaflowne Original Soundtrack Vol.2
Distributed by: Victor
Price: 3,000 Yen, US $19.95
Time: 54:34

     The 2nd Escaflowne Original soundtrack contains seventeen more songs from the series Visions of Escaflowne. Fourteen songs are BGM (BackGround Music) that are found in the series from the Escaflowne chant to the fighting song between Van and Alan Chezar's Guymelf. Just like the first CD, the songs are all composed and arranged by Yoko Kanno and Hajime Mizoguchi. The orchestra involved is L'Orchestra Dell'Unione Musicisti Di Roma. Chorus provided by members of Teatro Dell'Opera Di Roma. Two of the song that are vocals are sung by Gabriela Robin.
     If you like BGM then you will like this CD. Just like the first, it has a lot of the BGM that make the series either serious, funny or even portray a scene such as the market scene where Hitomi finds a CD from the Phantom Moon that somehow appears in Gaea. One instrumental song that I do like is Hitomi Theme which becomes, in a sense, her song. Which is usually used as she reminisces about home and her friend. The cello solo has a melancholy tone to the song but the duet between the cello and the guitar sounds great.
     The three songs that are vocal are done great. Cat's Delicacy sung by Gabriela Robin portrays a great cat scene with Merle racing off with Hitomi's charm necklace. The insert that comes with the CD only has the lyrics for If You and Love which are sung in English.
     There aren't a lot of up beats songs on this CD but it is a great CD to relax to. The CD is similar to the first soundtrack but there are repeats from the CD. Unfortunately, the only stores that may have the CD on hand would be from actual Japanese Anime stores but you can also go to your nearest comic book store and have them special order the CD for you. You can also check AnimeVillage.com OR Tokyopop.com to see if they have it or can order for you.

Here's the listing of the songs on this CD:

1 The Vision of Escaflowne (4:17)
2 Fanelia (2:14)
3 Ask the Owl (2:05)
4 Charm (1:53)
5 Country Man (1:35)
6 A Mole Man (3:06)
7 Cradle Song (1:28)
8 Machine Soldier (2:29)
9 Shadow of Doubt (4:42)
10 A Far Cry (5:39)
11 Market Place (1:34)
12 Medicine Eater (2:53)
13 Godds Drunk (2:31)
14 Cat's Delicacy (3:19)
15 Love (5:01)
16 Hitomi Theme (4:27)
17 If You (4:42)

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M A N G A * R E V I E W
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Some Mangas that you can Pick up from Viz

NIGHTWARRIORS: DARKSTALKERS' REVENGE (VAMPIRE HUNTER in Japan)!

This graphic novel contains the entire six-issue comic series of the same name. Vampire prince Demitri awakens from his slumber; catwoman Felicia tries to adjust to human society as a 6' tall fur-covered humanoid; the ghoulish Lord Raptor launches an attack on Felicia and J. Talbain; and, in the final storyline, vampire hunter Donovan must come to grips with his past and claim his sword to save a Tibetan monastery from Morrigan, princess of the night.

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Another Pokemon Manga from Viz, is POKEMON ADVENTURES. Join Red and all your other favorite characters! These 48-page, trade-paperback-quality comics follow the story of the original Game Boy game rather than the anime or manga, with plenty of battles and surprises! Each issue is completely self-contained.

In this first issue, MYSTERIOUS MEW, meet our hero, Red of Pallet Town as his Pokemon Training Journey begins! But a quirk of fate will bring Red into contact with Mew, the super-rare 151st Pokemon!

So while it claims that it follows the GameBoy game Red still runs into Mew? I don't seem to remember Red running into Mew in the Pokemon game especially as the first part of your training starts? But I'm sure like all the other Pokemon Mangas out there this one will top the charts as well.

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New Ranma 1/2 Graphic Novel is out Viz continues to bring Ranma fans the need dose of the Gang with, Vol 14. RANMA 1/2 VOL. 14 morphs RANMA 1/2 PART SEVEN #9 (second half) through #14 into one handy volume.

IN THIS VOLUME: Four dumpling-headed assailants travel from China on a sinister mission:steal the legendary "Dragon's Whisker" that ties Ranma's pigtail together! What hair-raising power does it hold? Then, the gang pairs up for a three-legged race competition at a hot springs obstacle course. But with waterfalls, quicksand, and land mines along the course, will anyone cross the finish line?

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Dark Horse comics is planning on issuing some really cool things in time for the holiday season, one of which will be Star Wars the Phantom Menace manga style. So you've seen the movie 100 times, but this will be a whole new format. Think Queen Amadila was cool on the big screen wait and see what a Manga Artist can do with her. The first of the two volume translation of the Star Wars Episode 1, The Phantom Menace Manga will go on sale December 15, 1999. The 88 page volume of the manga by manga artist Kia Asamiya (Silent Mobius and Steam Detectives) will retail for $9.95.

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M O N O N O K E * H I M E * N E W S
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Just want to remind everyone of the Mononoke Hime countdown page. Not sure when the movie is going to be released this is the place to find how long you have till it will be released in the US. So not you don't have an excuse for missing it. Just go to the Xanth Anime Side Thread and follow the link from the main page.

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     We finally have some definite news for you on the release of Mononoke Hime release. Team Ghibli has been told by Miramax that Princess Mononoke will be shown in twenty cities starting on October 29, 1999. The listed cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, St. Louis, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC.
     Of course if if the movie does well in these markets it will of course open to a much larger market. So even if your in a city that isn't listed here, not to worry it should make to you eventually. The expectations are high that the movie will do will but Miramax is still being careful on it's release in case it does not do well. This is a movie however that I would suggest that if you happen to be even a long drive from one of these cities, that you make the drive to see this truly remarkable anime.

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ESCAFLOWNE THE MOVIE

     News for Escaflowne fans! At this years Anime Expo in Anaheim CA, Bandai Entertainment held a panel on the TV series Escaflowne. The reps from the company had slipped some information on the new movie titled, Escaflowne The Movie: A Girl in Gaea.
     From what we have heard, the story is set in Gaea where the earth is visible in the sky (no change there but that's about the only thing that is the same from the TV series). A tribe called the Black Dragons begin invading other territories to conquer and rule the world. A young prince named Van, a descendant of the White Winged Dragon, has dedicated his life to take revenge from the tribe that killed his parents and destroyed his country (Van is under the protection of the ruler in the next country).
     In this version, Dragon armors (guymelfs) are an ancient weapon from wars of long ago that had burned Gaea. The Black Dragons are excavating the ancient weapon to conquer Gaea. Unknown to them, a legendary whit armor resurrects itself to Van . . . Escaflowne.
     The movie will feature the same characters from the TV series but will have a new look (new look to all our favorite characters). The production staff for the TV series will also be working on this project (Director Kazuki Akane; Composer Yoko Kanno; and character design Nobuteru Yuki). The movie is set to premiere in Japan in 2000. As for the US release, there is no word yet so we will keep our ears open for more information.

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Bandai Entertainment Announces the North American Home Video Release of the Most Popular Animated Series in Japan, ``Cowboy Bebop'', Sept. 14, 1999

LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 7, 1999--Home video distributor Bandai Entertainment Inc. Wednesday announced the release of their newest title "Cowboy Bebop."

The English-dub release will hit retail outlets and video stores on Sept. 14, 1999. The two episodes featured on the home video will be the first two episodes of the series, one of which was not originally aired on television and was only released directly to video. The release of "Cowboy Bebop" has been chosen to complement the eagerly anticipated October 1999 theatrical release of Miramax's "Princess Mononoke " ( Mononoke Hime) directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

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NEON GENESIS EVANGELION THE MOVIE, Not just one but three.

     Any Eva fans out there who weren't exactly satisfied on the ending of Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series? Well get ready for this! Manga Entertainment has announced at this years Anime Expo that it has the rights to release all THREE Evangelion movies. Yes ladies and gentlemen more Eva coming our way! The three movies Death, Rebirth and The end of Evangelion is following the tradition of Ghost in the Shell, Perfect Blue and Manga's upcoming release of X: The Movie, Manga will be planning a theatrical release for all the Evangelion films. And due to the fan's request there is a big possibility that they will keep the voice actors from the A.D.V Film's english dubbed version of the TV series. The theatrical releases for the movies are tentatively scheduled for 2000. Stay tuned for more information on the dates!

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GUNDAM AND CARTOON NETWORK

Gundam: The 08th MS Team
Gundam Wing       At the Otakon anime convention 99, Bandai Entertainment announced that they add two to three new Gundam titles to its release for 2000. One will be Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS team OAV series that contains 13 episodes. The story line is set up in the original world of the Gundam series, One -Year War. The story is of a group of "Federation grunts" going through the jungle with their high tech Gundam equipment. Not only do we have mecha scenes that will satisfy any mecha otaku but it will have a romance story line as well.
     The second and third titles are the hit TV series New Mobile Report Gundam W (Wing) and its video series epilogue, New Mobile Report Gundam W: Endless Waltz. Five boy heroes (kind of like a male version of Sailor Moon and the Sailor Scouts), who pilot mechas to fight for the good of mankind.
     One more announcement that was made at the Otakon convention was that Bandai is in negotiations with the cable channel Cartoon Network to release Gundam on TV as soon as this fall! Hopefully more anime series will follow in the footsteps of Gundam. As more information is available to us we will let you know if there are concrete news on this. You may also want to checkout the Cartoon Network's website for any information on Toonami and the hopeful airing of Gundam.

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Now here are some things from TokyoPop, check them out and enjoy.

MANGA

Magic Knight Rayearth Mixx Manga Vol 3--11.95--CLUB MEMBER PRICE = $8.96!
http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/product.asp?sku=1-892213-16-8

IMPORT VIDEOGAME FOR PLAYSTATION

Macross VF-X2--$67.00
http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/product.asp?sku=MACROSS+VF-X2+PSX

IMPORT VIDEOGAME MUSIC CD'S

Dino Crisis for PSX--$26.00
http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/product.asp?sku=CPCA+1029

Legend of Zelda Symphonic Arrange Album--$39.00
http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/product.asp?sku=ZMCX+102

GHOST IN THE SHELL FIGURES

Other recent arrivals include two nifty Motoko Kusanagi Ghost in the Shell figures. The first is a blister-packed doll called 'Hard Disc;' it sells for $14.95. The more elaborate figure is a fully painted and assembled resin entitled 'Gear Up,' which goes for $129.95. We've never stocked either of these beauties before and they are in very short supply; here's where they can be found online:

Hard Disc
http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/product.asp?sku=TEMP013-30

Gear Up
http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/product.asp?sku=TEMP044-150
(Note: The Gear Up is currently out of stock right now but Tokoy Pop say that they are more than happy to order this action figure for you so not to worry)

Also for those of you not familiar with the Manga, the action figures are based on what they look like in the Mange rather the movie, so Kusanagi looks more cute than tuff.

DOMESTIC ANIME ON VHS

Tenchi Movie 3: Tenchi Forever--English Dubbed--$24.98 List--$19.98
Tokyo Pop Price--$14.99 CLUB TOKYO POP MEMBERS' PRICE
http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/product.asp?sku=PIVA+1392D

Tenchi Movie 3: Tenchi Forever--English Subbed--$29.98 List--$23.98
Tokyo Pop Price--$17.99 CLUB TOKYO POP MEMBERS' PRICE
http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/product.asp?sku=PIVA+1392S

Record of Lodoss Wars: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight 2 (Demon
Sword)--English Subbed--$24.99 List--$19.99 Tokyo Pop Price--$14.99 CLUB
TOKYO POP MEMBERS' PRICE
http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/product.asp?sku=USM+1803

Video Girl Ai 3: Love, Ai & Sadness--English Subbed--$29.98 List--$23.98
Tokyo Pop Price--$17.99 CLUB TOKYO POP MEMBERS' PRICE
http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/product.asp?sku=V+VGS03

YEAR 2000 CALENDARS

Yes, it's that time of year again: next time you're on our page, you may want to jet on over to

http://www.tokyopop.com/tokyopop/page_calendar_y2k.asp

That's where we've got all of our Y2K anime and jpop calendars posted for preorder. As always, calendars run out quickly and they are almost impossible to restock once they are gone...so we'd encourage you to get your orders in sooner rather than later. And, this year, Members of Club Tokyo Pop get to take 30% off all Y2K calendars!

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Sony Playstation 2