Oishii Magazine - Issue 1 by Fred Pandabear

2 fred sayso..f .the revolution an evolution

orn 8 mangaka c

feature One Piece: a golddigger, a chef & a rubber man walk into a bar...

the man behind

bankai!

s 14 oishii neaw wesomeness

touka kouka

mad ‘bout a

a be...

i wann w o r g i n e h w 16 nime rofile 18 characteraypof the

Naruto: his w ! ninja dattebayo

reviews 10

Paradise kiss: e a girls prerogativ

Afro Samurai: rai the afro in samu

vangelion: Neon Genesis E even angels fall

Inuyasha: on’s tale once upon a dem

Black Lagoon: shoot’em up

Your baka guide to anime This guide is meant to help you have an appreciation of all things anime and anything that’s Japanese. In each section there are extra tidbits that have been added throughout the magazine: trivia; what seiyuu?; stuff you need to know; commonly used Japanese words or phrases, and so forth. This baka guide is meant for you. Baka!

Important Japanese words in anime. Seiyuu: Shounen: Shoujo: Mangaka: Sensei:

Numero uno, ichiban…It’s finally here, our first issue. Kanpai! Kanpai! And what explodes more than a revolution. Can you picture the flags of the Straw-hat pirates, and Naruto’s printed face on thousands of t-shirts as crowds cheer Bankai! Bankai! Maybe that’s just my version of an anime revolution. Buhahaha. This issue is all about the revolution of anime. How it was something that was boxed in the “geek or kid category”, but has evolved into cult status. In this issue we look at how we as South Africans have experienced anime, our favourite ninja, a rock mangaka, and my personal favourite anime of all time, One Piece. I once read an interview of one of my favourite mangakas, and he said something so profound. He said that his stories are intended for manga and anime, because it gives you the freedom to do amazing fantastical things. I completely agree. The special effects of live-action movies just don’t make me believe! I’m not saying that live action sucks. It’s just my personal preference. We hope that this revolutionary issue of Oishii! meets your expectations. We’ll love to hear from other fans, and are open to feedback, or just regular conversation. So don’t hesitate to email us at oishii@littletokyo.co.za. We love anime, manga and all things Japan, and want to exhibit the art that is anime.

Fred_theNinja editor + wanna be ninja

Japanese voice actor Manga or anime target at boys Manga or anime targeted at girls Japanese authors of mangas A teacher, or someone who one holds in special respect, typically a doctor, lawyer or someone who has achieved a certain level of mastery in art form like a mangaka, for example Kubo sensei.

We’ll help you learn Japanese: Bleach’s Oishiinese Shinigami: Death god or death reaper Zanpakuto: Soul slayer Kakkoi: Cool! Urusai: Shut up Nani: What? Owarida: It’s over Ja ne: See you Baka: Idiot In Japan it is common courtesy to state your family name (surname) first and then your name for example Kurusaki Ichigo (the leading character of Bleach). His name is Ichigo, and surname is Kurusaki. Okay, but this is wher it gets complicated. If you just met Kurusaki Ichigo, you would address him ‘Kurusaki san’, loosely translates as Mr Kurusaki, and is considered polite and formal manner in which to address someone. And when you get to know him better it will change to Ichigo san or Ichigo kun. But that doesn’t suit his personality. Most people address him either Kurusaki or Ichigo, which is okay if you’re friends, but it would be considered impolite if you didn’t know one another.

Here are a few honorifics to help you get the hang of it: -san: -dono: -sama:

-kun:

-chan:

Used when addressing someone formally-this can only be roughly translated as Mr/ Mrs. not used in everyday Japanese conversation, used in Feudal period referring to lords and ladies. used when addressing someone of higher status, someone who you hold much respect for, i.e in the workplace you address your superiors as Tanaka sama. used when affectionately addressing someone whom you’re familiar with or have a friendship. Mostly used to address boys who are the same age or younger. This honorific is used especially when one is familiar with the person or has a friendship with them, refers to women and children.

The writer of this article is not Japanese, and has never been and we doubt that he ever will be. All the content of the article is derived from years of watching anime and is not the opinion of the publication. It’s meant to help anime lovers learn new words for their everyday anime lexicon. All trademarks and copyrights in this issue are recognised, and are acknowledged where possible. All content © Little Tokyo Media.

ctions

I have to tell you that anime’s been around quite a while. I remember my dad watching Robotech, on TV and when it was cancelled, he rented it from the video stores. But if we’re really honest with ourselves, we’d have to admit that our childhood, no our culture, has been defined by anime. Have you heard of a little animation known as ‘Heide van die Berge’, ‘Moomin’ or wait for it… ‘BrakenJan’? Yes, Pieter! Oupa! Schnoekie en Stinkie daarby are all anime. And guess what, almal bly in die Moo Vallei saam met Moomin. When you think about it, we should have known? The attention to detail, the storyline, the memorable characters and the animation was better than anything that was on TV at the time. Almost everything I watched as a kid was anime: ‘Samurai Pizza cats’, Saber Riders *whip* and the Star Sheriffs, ‘Pinocchio’, ‘Maya the Bee’, hey! hey! ‘Vicky the Viking’ and ‘Anne of Green Gables’. This is taking me way back ne. Fast forward to a few years later, SA TV introduces us to ‘Pokemon’, ‘Digimon’ and then the ultimate anime ‘Dragon Ball Z’. The action sequences spanned for weeks on end. That Goku always ends up all torn and tattered, but not before saving the day. But this just gave you a taste of what real anime could be.

Many people say that the anime craze began with ‘Pokemon’. ‘Pickachuuu, I choose you!!!’ I had the tazos, sweaters – you name it, I had it. I was Pokecrazy. But who wasn’t back then. I wasn’t the only one running home from school to catch the next episode. Who woulda thunk that a small TV show would spawn an entire subculture. Back then, the old lady would say, “Ai, you still watching Pokemon”. What’s wrong with a matriculant watching cartoons?

Bulls & Dennis Livson. Licensed .

by Telescreen B.V., The Netherlands

© 2008 BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION. ©1989 TOEI ANIMATION CO., LTD. Licensed by FUNimation® Productions, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Dragon Ball Z and all logos, character names and distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of TOEI ANIMATION.

At this point, you’re aware that it exists, treading the line of ‘I could like it’ versus ‘animation is meant for kids’. That all changes after some guy down the street borrows his prized copies of ‘Ghost in the Shell’, ‘Ninja scroll’ and ‘Vampire Hunter D’. You think, ‘Mmm, maybe I like Japanese animation. I want some more.’ Then you experience the renowned ‘Spirited Away’, winner of the best animation in 2001 at the Oscars and you were just mesmerized by the beauty of Hayao Miyazaki’s genius.

Ten years after Pokemon first graced our screens. We can finally enjoy our very own anime channel, Animax, screening ‘Black Lagoon’, ‘Gundam Seed’, and ‘Angelic Layer’. But it’s okay to sometimes take a peek at the classics, Heidi and Pinocchio that still play on Kyknet. I’m just waiting for the day that the rest of SA will fall in love with Naruto. I hope that we will have advanced to a stage that we have the option of watching it in Japanese with subtitles. I just can’t imagine anyone being Naruto except seiyuu, Junko Takeuchi. My anime collection has evolved quite a bit since the days of Pokemon. If only mum could evolve with the times too. Pokemon’s so 1999, but she’s still saying “Ai, are you still watching Pokemon?” I wonder what she’d say if she knew that there is an entire channel dedicated to what she refers to as ‘Pokemon’?

Down that rabbit hole, I decided to fall and find other good stuff. The anime got stranger and better and I become completely addicted. I began buying DVDs and mangas. Although this experience was all new to me, the entire experience was quite refreshing. You start to realize that anime is just that much better in Japanese, and you’re suddenly fluent in Japanese, or so you believe. Urusai! Nani? Owarida! ja ne! baka!

& f e h c a , r e g g i d d l o g a

n a m r e a r ubb

walk into a bar...

Chasing a legend that’s not marked on any treasure map, Luffy and his happygo-lucky band of pirates are heading to the Grandline, in search of Gold Roger’s undiscovered treasure – One Piece. 22 years ago, on the day of his execution the greatest pirate, Gold Roger left a parting gift for those who dare to challenge his legacy. He said, “My treasure? If you want it, I’ll give it to you! Search for it! I left it in that place.” For wealth, fame and power, pirates scurried to the Grandline to find it. To be the man who would one day be Pirate King. In a world where the seas are controlled by the marines, a small crew and their little ship, Going Merry, set sail to the Grandline – the grave of pirates – to fulfil their dreams. There are men who will try anything to obtain Gold Roger’s Treasure, even eat devil’s fruit. It’s a special fruit that awards whoever consumes it with mindblowing abilities, like being able to manipulate fire, sand, and even smoke. But for the rest of his life he is discarded by the sea, he is weakened and will drown if he ever falls into it. One such man who possesses awesome abilities is the irresponsible captain of the Strawhat pirates, Monkey D. Luffy. His most valued possession is his straw hat, a gift from Shanks, the red haired pirate, promising him that he would one day claim the title of Pirate King. He is by far the strongest member of the crew. His body can stretch and twist, and his smile can literally stretch beyond his ears due to his gomu gomu abilities. He has no sense of direction, and is always hungry. Because he’s a stupid glutton, as a child he mistakenly eats a devil’s fruit and is forever cursed to be a dead weight in the sea. If Luffy was smart and suave One Piece wouldn’t be as freakin hilarious as it is.

Title: One Piece Writer/ illustrator: Eiichiro Oda Genre: action, adventure, comedy Intro: We Are! by Hiroshi Kitadani Outro: Memories by Maki Otsuki Episodes: 24 Licensed by: FUNimation Productions

Monkey D. Luffy Captian of the Straw-hat Pirates and a rubberman.

Zoro, the pirate hunter, is known throughout the East Blue for wielding three swords. He’s more of an accidental pirate hunter, whose reasons for pirate hunting is to challenge those, who he thinks is skilled in swordsmanship, or to pay for his next meal. He’s searching for the greatest swordsman in the world, and joins the crew for that purpose. Who knows… maybe that person resides in the Grandline.

What Seiyuu? Seiyuu, Kazuya Nakai is Zoro in One Piece. Etou Kouzou in ‘Nodame Cantabile’ Mugen in ‘Samurai Champloo’ Shizuka Doumeki in ‘xxxHolic’

Nami is an expert navigator that has a knack for predicting the weather. She hates pirates, because they ruined the town she lived in as a child. As payback she steals their gold to satisfy her greed. No one loves money more than her. Reluctantly she joins the crew, to travel the seas of the Grandline and create her own map of the world. Usopp is not the strongest member of the crew, but when he is faced with strong opponents he exhibits the greatest of courage, using techniques like ‘Usopp noise’. His will and courage can’t be rivalled. He’s the sharp shooter, carpenter and liar of the ship. He repairs Going Merry, the ship given to them by his friend, Kaya. He joins the crew, to become a pirate and one day meet his father. Sanji, the chain smoking love cook, raised by Baratie’s owner, who not only taught him how to make delicious food, but also kicking techniques that can knock out gigantic monsters. To a cook, his hands are everything. That’s why he fights solely with his feet. His love of good food can only be compared to his love of women, a weakness that is regularly exploited by Nami. Nami swan! He joins the crew to find All Blue, a place in the Grandline where there are many different species of fishes from all four seas.

The Straw-hat pirates might not act as your typical plundering pirates. When they’re not partying or making new friends, the captain is always sitting on the ship’s sheep-head bowsprit and his first mate can always be found asleep on deck. But it’s a pirate tale like no other, emphasizing the importance of nakama. We eat together; up the beli on our heads together; and when we’re facing villains, we’ll kick their asses together. And Luffy values his nakama and ship, which is also considered a nakama, more than anything else. With your nakama at your side, you can achieve anything. Each episode just gets better and better. You experience a rollercoaster of emotions, tear-jerking lows and comedic highs. It is one of my favourite animes of all time, particularly because of its unconventional drawing style. Once it gets you hooked, you can’t possibly imagine it being drawn in any other way. It hits all the vital spots: action, comedy, character development and plot. And has one of the catchiest opening songs. “Poketo no coins, you wanna be my friend.” If we lived in ‘One Piece world’, we’d all wanna be part of the Luffy’s crew. But what would your talent be? Luffy’s still looking for a musician…

Fred’s Top Ten Anime of all time: One Piece

Stu

e. rld. e Grandlin Piece wo th e in n O d e f s o urrency world. s that’s u ne Piece Beli: the c d compas O e z e li th ia c r e fo p e of r : as , and som an equato il e a k n Log pose li s g a in e k t looks li posters. e: someth Grandlin r wanted phone tha u le lo te o c a g i: in h mus s, send Den den x machine fa e k li o ls a them are

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to kn d e e n u o ff y

Oishiinese Kaizoku: pirates -hat Mugiwara: straw s de Nakama: comra rocket rocketo: rubber Gomu gomu no Niku: meat

d n i h e b n a the m BANKAI! Buhahaha… I smell evil spiritos. One of the funniest moments in anime, ever. That phrase alone shows how cool Tite Kubo is. He’s like a rock star. Ja, a rock mangaka. He looks so uber Kakkoi with his shades. What else would you expect from the guy who created Ichigo. Mr cool, Ichigo, is too kakkoi for school, and come on, he’s not too bad to look at either. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with admiring 2D characters. Tite decided to be a mangaka in his teens, and was lucky enough to be spotted by a future publisher at a competition. He has this talent to mould these dramatic moments, with a dash of comedy, action and these fantastic illustrations that explode on the page. He’s taken classic Japanese mythology of shinigami, draping them in a simple black kimono, hakama, and sandals, and evolved the concept into a new world. Certain stories only have two new concepts that have been included to give the story line some flair, but Bleach has the Soul Society and it’s thirteen-squad captains, each character with its own vivid history, style and personality. He’s taken these elements and created what one could only describe as one of the best animes of the twenty first century. I can’t put into words or pinpoint why I love Bleach so much. There are so many characters to pick from with rather odd idiosyncrasies- Rukia’s terrible sketches, the perverted stuffed animal Kon and the genius tailor Ishida. These people make you do more than LOL or even LMAO. BANKAI! no! not banzai! Yes, that’s me screaming “BANKAI!” You can’t say it any other way except... BANKAI! I guess this is one reason why I love Bleach. Just that moment when you’re sitting at the edge of your seat, not knowing what to expect. You have your assumptions, but what is unveiled in the next scene is more than you could even fathom. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it. Do you see how I’m avoiding elaborating what BANKAI is…

Cover art of some of our favourite Bleach characters. 8

For those of you who don’t know it, it would be a spoiler, and for those of you who know it, well… I don’t need to explain it. You already have goosebumps, don’t you?! His illustrations are fresh and edgy; and his attention to detail is like no other – giving his characters a variety of funky clothing, that gives the anime a retro look and feel. What else would you expect from the guy who won the 2005 Shogakukan Manga award? A Bleach manga cover featuring Grimmjouw and a Enough of how Bleach rocked my world… Zombie Powder cover featuring Akutabi Gamma In 1999, he released his first manga, Zombie Powder, the story of Akutabi Gamma, and his travels to find a special powder to bring the dead back to life. Bleach was almost chucked at the beginning stages of development, because publishers felt it was too similar to his previous works and he almost gave up. But a little ‘gambatte!’ from the great mangaka Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball Substitute Shinigami Kurosaki creator inspired him to continue the adventures of Kurosaki Ichigo. Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia, ready to slay all their enemies Thank you, Toriyama sensei. Although, you kinda have to admit with their soul slayers. the close resemblance to Akutabi Gamma and Grimmjouw – so much so that there are identical manga covers released. If you don’t believe me check the top right hand corner. Wah! I was right.

Bleach has garnered International success, and is translated into almost every language. In July 2008 Tite Kubo made a rare public appearance at San Diego Comicon as Viz Media’s special guest for an autograph session. Also to promote the release of the Bleach Movie: Memories of Nobody, to celebrate Shounen Jump’s (American publication) 5th anniversary and Weekly Shounen Jump’s (Japanese publication) 40th anniversary. Personally I just can’t get enough of this substitute shinigami, slaying all his enemies before him with his soul. *sigh* There is so much more that I want to know about the characters of Bleach. And yet I want to know how it ends. And so I’ll have to wait till that day, enjoying Tite’s release of his latest artbook– All colour but the black. But when Bleach eventually ends, I wonder what’s next for this rock mangaka? I bet it will be uber kakkoi. Spiritos are always with youuuuuuuuu… buhahaha!

a girls

prerogative

If you follow the stairway leading to a basement, with a pink door, there you will find the place where they, Paradise Kiss, make their dreams happen. Yukari leads a simple life of attending school, studies hard to get into a good university and is in love with Tokumori, the number one student of her class. This is the life that her parents want for her and she does not intend to stray from it. But all of that changes after one encounter with the Paradise Kiss, third year fashion students of Yazawa Art School.

A simple haircut leads to many great things for Yukari. She’s tranformed from an ordinary jaded school girl to a sophisticated wannabe model.

Paradise Kiss consists of George, a bisexual designer with a loud sense of style and the creative mind of the group. Miwako, the seamstress, who looks no older than a middle schooler and wears baby doll type clothing. Arashi’s style is punk, has safety pins in his piercing, ripped T-shirts, spiky blonde hair, and when he’s not sewing, he’s in a rock band. Isabella is the motherly figure of the group. She cuts the patterns, and wears 18th century period pieces accompanied by her signature flower print make up on her left eye. Arashi, a member of Paradise Kiss, scouts Yukari to be a model for their school festival. After fainting on the street, probably caused by her being chased by who she thought was a stalker, Arashi. She wakes in Atelier, a former bar, where Paradise Kiss create their designs and spend most of their days. Fearing what they would do to her, she tries to escape but calms once they explain that they need her to be their model for their school festival.

Stubbornly, she tells them she doesn’t have time to waste and needs to focus on her future. Arashi, irritated by her looking down on them, lashes out at her and says that fashion is what is important to them and she doesn’t even know who she is. She sprints out of Atelier, unknowingly drops her student ID, running away from his harsh but true words. Holding her ID ransom, George tricks her to peek into their captivating world of fashion. As an outsider looking in, she’s envious of their lives but doesn’t have the guts to be part of their world. She wants to live like them, having the freedom to choose their own futures. So, she decides to be their model and see where they take her. Paradise Kiss gives her a make over, new haircut, new name and new life. As the story continues you realise that her life isn’t what you assume it was. Her grades are average, and she’s indifferent about her future, deciding to attend whichever top university that would make her parents happy. Being their model, is the first decision she’s made for herself. George lectures Yukari on many occasions about making her own choices, and taking responsibility for them.

Isabella

George

The charming George striking a pose as usual, while the rest of Paradise Kiss works tirelessly to make dreams happen.

Yukari

The modern illustration style gels well with the theme of fashion, paying meticulous attention to detail. There are clear differences between the two worlds. Yukari’s life is calm, consisting of modest colours and simple furniture pieces. Whereas the fashion world is loud, the colours are bright, especially the outrageous hair colour of the fashion community, compared to Yukari’s school mates with either black or brown. What makes this anime revolutionary is the unapologetic manner in which it’s told. This is real life and you have to deal with it. Sometimes, you need to take a break from watching fantasy and samurais, and enjoy a slice-of-life story. This is a story that anyone can relate to, trying to make your parents happy, being unsure of your future and trying to find someone to love.

Tokumori Miwako

ss dise ki a a r a P : i Yazaw A Title : r o t ra / illust ance Writer a, Rom m a r D : us Genre gorgeo n i y l e 6 Lon Intro: ruary b e f y m t to by Tom u wan o y o D nd Outro: erdina F z n a r by F mation es: 12 , FUNi x e l p i Episod y: An uted b b i r t s i D like: might u o y s ad i like th op Squ h C n If you a i l Mongo Beck injo a, Gok n a N : janai. works nanka i h s Other n e atari, T Monog t the Ar e v a g wa Ai Yaza ame. Facts: rn her su school

Title: Afro Samurai Writer/ illustrator: Takashi Okazaki Genre: action, violence Intro: Afro theme by RZA Outro: Afro outro by RZA Episodes: 5 Licensed by: FUNimation Productions

the afro

i a r u m in sa

In a futuristic yet feudal Japan, there exists the legend of the number one head band. Whoever possesses it is the strongest man in the world. The only man allowed to challenge the number one is the number two, which is why, he’s the most challenged man in the world. This is the world of Afro Samurai. Being the son of the former number one, he watches his father slaughtered before his eyes. Having moved through the ranks, he currently possesses the number two head band and is ready to challenge the current number one. And finally avenge his father.

If you like this you might like: Ninja Scroll, Basilisk, and Samurai Champloo Other media: Afro Samurai game, available on Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3 Afro Samurai Manga Published by: NOU NOU HAU Dojin Magazine

The years of constantly being challenged for the number two head band has made him distant and cold. He rarely speaks. He indulges in lemonade and a rolled cigarette and expresses himself solely with his sword. The only person he allows in his company is his sidekick Ninja Ninja, who is more animated and verbal. He has some of the best lines of the series, “you got some mad skills.” A Teddy-bear-head samurai, robots, and the eggheads of the ‘Empty Seven Clan’, even by anime standards these villains are quite unique. It’s a rather dark, sombre anime, with an artistic drawing style. The afros float about like they’re being swept back and forth by waves. It has an old school feel, bloody and gory with body parts flying about. This anime has the same essence as the classic samurai anime Ninja Scroll.

What is a samurai without his hip hop backbeat? Funky, soulful, hip hop beats set the mood for this hip hop samurai collaboration. The man with the beats is RZA, a Wu Tang clan member, and passionate fan of Asian films and anime. As can be seen in his choices of projects like Unleashed and Kill Bill, each with strong Asian influences. What was originally a doujinshi manga by Takashi Okazaki is now a hit anime, starring one of the coolest Hollywood actors, Mr Samuel L. Jackson. He lends his voices for both Afro Samurai and Ninja Ninja. I have to admit that I had my reservations about the idea of an anime initially being produced in English. All I can say is that within a few seconds of watching it, the collaboration of the two worlds was only the pioneer of great things to come.

s w e n ! oishii

Touka kouka awesomeness

Its official, the second season of Fullmetal Alchemist has been confirmed. The official dates, cast, and staff have yet to be released. It cannot be helped; this season is going to blow our minds. Will it continue from where it left off or will it be a completely new storyline? We’ll keep you posted. ............................................................................

A sad day for anime

On a very gloomy day in early October, D.Grayman, the anime series, came to an end on Japanese television. The manga series still continues, but there is no news if it will return after a hiatus period or if it will end for good. ............................................................................

Joosted up!

FUNimation and Joost have partnered up to bring some of our favourite animes, like xxxHolic and School Rumble, online. It’s free. It’s online. And it’s anime. I think its genius!

Hayao for president

Hayao Miyazaki has done it again! Going back to his roots, he’s come up with a childlike tale of a friendship between a boy and a goldfish. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea remains one of the top ten movies for several weeks in Japanese cinemas. Its success can only be compared to the likes of its predecessor Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. ............................................................................

Return of the mac

At this year’s San Diego Comicon Takashi Okazaki, the creator, and Samuel L. Jackson, Hollywood star and voice of Afro Samurai, confirmed that after a two year hiatus, Afro Samurai will be returning to our screens. Lucy Lui, from Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill fame, and Mark Hamill, from Star Wars fame, will join the line up this time round. Teddybear heads will roll, and the blood will splatter, as the battle for the number one headband continues. February 2009, don’t miss it.

t u o b ‘ d a m anime

when i grow up i want to be...

We all have dreams of being part of the anime industry, even if it’s the tea person for a day. Tim Anderson and Paul Wiegard, Managing Directors of Madman, who were just like you.... are now living their dreams by owning Madman. How boring must their jobs be? I’d hate to have to watch anime all day. Not! Watching anime all day and getting paid for it? That’s just the kinda job I want, and a typical days work for employees of Madman. What started as a bedroom mail order business, is currently dominating approximately 97% of the Australian and New Zealand anime market. Distributing some of the most popular anime titles such as Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Appleseed, Studio Ghibli movies, Naruto, Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist and Neon Genesis Evangelion. d

Tim Anderson and Paul Wiesgar The men behind the madness.

Tim and Paul are involved in every aspect of the production, from the initial stage of getting the rights of select titles, to the voice-overs, sales, distribution and publishing division. What makes their product stand out from others is the option of having both English and Japanese dub with English subtitles. As their motto states, because they are anime fans, they know that their fans prefer the Japanese dub. And yes we do! After 10 years of business, Tim and Paul made the decision to sell their booming company to Funtastic, but still hold the role of managing directors. Funtastic have plans to accelerate distribution, and broaden Madman’s distribution legs, including the sale of graphic novels, DVDs of other genres and TV series. Since the release of the popular shoujo manga, Fruits Baskets, there has been a keen interest in female focussed anime. So these guys will have so much more anime to watch… What a schlep! Constantly flying the flag of anime, these guys have revolutionized anime and made it a common commodity. Madman don’t plan to stand still but intend to leap forward into the realm of digital distribution. They believe that it will probably be the emphasis of the entire industry in the future. But for now, fans should look out for Noein, Darker than Black, and so much more that will be released in 2009. Keep an eye on the website and the bald guy wearing the straightjacket. ‘For the fan, by the fan’. I’m a fan but I wonder if I’m a madman? Where do I send my CV? www.madman.com.au

Hellsing © Kouta Hirano • Shonen Gahosha Co. LTD / Hellsing K.G.

e s ’ n a ie d dem u o y e maanim r fo e b e e s to e v a h you

Fred’s pick: Spirited Away... me likes me some Hayao. Hayao Miyazaki’s fairytale of Chihiro, who is spirited away into a fantasy world of witches, dragons and river deities. Taking a side road, Chihiro and her parents stumble on what they assume is an abandoned carnival. Little do they know, but they are trapped in the world of spirits. It is Chihiro who needs to save them and return them back to their world.

a j n i n e h t f o y a w s hi

! o y a b e t t da

Why do we love Naruto? Is it the fact that he ends every sentence with “dattebayo!”? He is loud, annoying, kind and stupid. Konoha Village’s number one surprise ninja. He’s stupid. Awesome. Cool. Hilarious. Stupid. He’s courageous. And very, very stupid. One can’t even describe his level of stupidity. So much so that when he’s meant to remember any password, the expected reply would be, “nani?!” with that typically confused expression on his face. But that just makes you love him even more. If you’re looking for perfection and intelligence, why don’t you just be a Sasuke fangirl. I’m sure Sakura would be your ideal role model ne. “Sasuke kun! Sasuke kun!”. How annoying. Unlike his number one rival, Sasuke, some day Naruto’s going to be Hokage– the highestranking ninja in all of Konoha village. When that day comes, he hopes to be recognized by his villages who have shunned him his entire life. But what I really want to know is, why no one’s ever asked why he has whiskers and jumps from branch to branch on all fours. Are these characteristics meant to resemble the kyuubi, nine tails demon, sealed within him? There are countless debates about Naruto’s true strength. Is it all his hidden strength the kyuubi’s chakra, or is his chakra so powerful that it suppresses the kyuubi’s? I’ll continue to watch as Naruto battles his inner demons, enemies and the villagers doubt in him. Growing stronger with every journey and encounter, its been known that his way of the ninja changes everyone around him. His will to do his best and one day surpass the great Hokages before him. This makes him a character that is admired and loved by all who know him.

Banzai! Banzai! We should all be grateful for the pen of Masashi Kishimoto, working endlessly to give us a new chapter each week for the much-loved tale of Naruto. One of the most unexpectedly addictive animes. He’s at the forefront of the revolution and will eventually take it global.

Title: Neon Genesis Eva An Original Gainax sto Written and directed b Character Design by: Y Genre: mecha, psycholo Intro: Thesis of a cruel A Outro: Fly me to the mo Episodes: 26 Licensed by: ADV Films Distributed by: Madma

If you like this you mig Code Geass and Zegapa

angelion ory by: Hideaki Anno Yoshiyuki Sadamoto ogical drama, action Angel by Yoko Takahashi oon by Claire

s an Entertainment

ght like: Rahxephon, ain.

evaenngels fall In 2015, when Tokyo 3 is on the brink of destruction at the hands of Angels, monstrous being. The only resistance to these beings are biomechanical mechs, Evangelion, created by the experimental military organization Nerv. Heading the organization is the callous Gendo Ikari, who has recruited his latest Evangelion pilot, his son Shinji Ikari.

Who is Shinji?

Shinji is one of three fourteen year old children selected to pilot an Evangelion. He is the lead in the story, who enters Nerv under the assumption of meeting him. All his life he has been ignored by him and not really acknowledged by anyone else. And now his sole purpose is to be a tool of the military, defeating angels at their request. He doesn’t know whether to stay or runaway. He’s deeply affected by the scars of his past, a distant father and deceased mother. This has turned him into someone who’s depressed, lacks self confidence and is lonely. He’s not your typical hero, but his withdrawn personality sets the tone for this anime.

What

s? are Evangelion

Evangelions or Evas have a human stature and are as tall as buildings. The pilot is submerged in a special liquid LCL, so that his or her thoughts and actions can be synchronized with that of the Eva. With higher synchronization the pilot has better control of Eva. But if the Eva is injured the pilot who is linked to it, suffers mirrored injuries and psychological breakdowns.

watch I d l u o h s y h W

it?

After completing the series, I have to admit that I’m still not quite sure what it’s actually about. But it is the type of anime that has you thinking long after the credits have rolled. When you watch it for a second time, you uncover details that you didn’t pick up on the first time round. This is an anime that heavily deals with sanity, the psychological state of the teenage mind after major trauma. It has the most controversial endings, leaving you feeling incomplete. Evangelion is the type of anime that can’t really be described but has to be experienced. Take this opportunity to check out one of the top anime babes, Rei. You’ve seen the anime fanart and all the figurines. Why not see what all the hype is about.

once upon

s ’ n o m e ad tale Title: Inuyasha hashi or: Rumiko Taka Writer/ illustrat venture, comedy, Genre: action, ad e World by V6 Intro: Change th Dream Outro: My Will by Episodes: 167 Media, Sunrise Licensed by: Viz

gainst the backdrop of feudal Japan, in a village protected by the great miko, Kikyo, resides the shikon no tama, a mystical jewel. Drawing power hungry demons, the jewel is capable of granting any wish they desire. One fateful day a mischievous demon dog, Inuyasha, raids the sacred shrine of the shikon no tama. But before he could fulfil his desires, he is forcibly stopped by Kikyo. Aiming her raised bow, she shoots her magical arrow straight into his heart, binding him for all eternity to a tree. Fatally injured, she has a single request before her untimely death – to be burnt with the cursed jewel. In death she would finally remove the cursed jewel from this world. And Inuyasha would be left to sleep in his forest for all eternity. Present day – a time without demons or the shikon no tama. Kagome, a normal middle school girl, lives in a temple with her mother, grandfather and younger brother. She’s not one to easily believe in silly fairytales about the shikon no tama, even though she is surrounded daily by legendary artefacts. One day, while helping her younger brother search for their lost cat in the old well house, she gets pulled into sealed well. Mistaking it all for a dream, she climbs out, expecting to see the inside of the well house. Instead she finds herself in an unfamiliar forest. The first person she encounters is an odd-looking boy with white hair and dog ears, bound to a nearby tree, asleep.

What Seiyuu?

Seiyuu, Kappei Yamaguchi is Inuyasha in Inuyasha. Shinpachi Nagakuru in Peacemaker Ranma Saotome in Ranma ½ Usopp in One Piece L in Death Note Raimon Tarou in Eyeshield 21

After a nearby village is attacked by a demon drunk on the power of the revived shikon no tama, Inuyasha is woken from his sleep. Kagome is forced to remove his seal that has bound him to a tree for centuries because only he has the power to protect the village from the destructive demon. Soon she realises that he isn’t a hero but a menace. And to curb his demon ways, he’s bound with magical beads. If he steps out of line, she gives a single command, ‘Osuwari!’, and like a dog he is forced to obey. Unlike typical fairytales of the knight in shining armour and refined princess, you have a brash antihero and a leading lady who expresses the attitude of a modern woman whenever the opportunity calls for it.

The lead characters bicker like cat and dog, but are settled with a single command – ‘Osuwari!’ The cog of this adventure is set in motion when an unfortunate event results in the shikon no tama shattering in many pieces and spread across the lands. This forces these two very different individuals to cooperate with the help of a baby demon fox, a demon slayer and a perverted priest. It then becomes a race against time and evil to retrieve the pieces before they fall into the wrong hands. Inuyasha is a classic anime by prolific female mangaka, Rumiko Takahashi. Every story she weaves is so unique to other, the only similarities is perhaps the consistency in having a strong female lead. It’s refreshing to enjoy a story targeted at the younger male demographic but written by a female. Who wouldn’t enjoy an action adventure tale with a twist of romance? Takahashi sensei is one of the most successful female mangakas, with many successful titles to her name. Mangakas could only dream of achieving her success. Her works have inspired some of the anime communities’ favourite titles and will continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

Oishiinese: Youkai: Demon Miko: Priestess Hanyou: Half demon Shikon no tama: jewel of four souls Osuwari!: a command meant for animals especially dogs, it literally means sit.

Shoot ’em u

Title: Black Lagoon Creator: Rei Hiroe Genre: action, adventure, crime. Intro: Red Fraction by MELL Outro: Don’t Look Behind by ED ISON Episodes: 12 Distributed by: Geneon, Funima tion, Madman Entertainment

Everyday is the same for salary man, Rokura Okajima, except the day he’s kidnapped by the Lagoon Company. Day after day he entertains clients or is bullied by his boss. He’s nothing but a meaningless worker bee, droning about each day. On a business trip to the South Pacific, he and the disc he’s meant to transport, is captured by Lagoon Company, a crew of thieves. The crew consists of ‘two hand’ Revy, who needs no reason to shove a gun in your face; Dutch, a hardened ex-Vietnam Vet; and Benny, a laid back computer specialist. Wrenched from the only world he’s ever known, his safety and security is taken away and he’s chucked into Roanupur, a fictional town in Thailand. A town of thieves, assassins and drunken nuns, Roanupur has it all. They’re all outcasts of society. After having lost all sense of humanity, a life of crime is all they know. Today’s friend may be tomorrow’s foe. If you ever face an enemy from this town, it’s advised that you hire someone of equal footing. A hitman is sent by Rokura’s company to destroy any incriminating evidence, which includes the disc and Rokura. Abandoned by his company he has no one to rely on, except the villainous crew of the Black Lagoon.

Revy & Rock

What Seiyuu? Seiyuu Megumi Toyoguchi: Revy Burst Angel: Meg D.Grayman: Miranda Lotto Claymore: Sophia Fullmetal Alchemist: Winry Gundam Seed: Miriallia Haw Macross Frontier: Klan Klan And so casts away Rokura the salary man, and becomes Rock, a thief of Roanupur. Whether the job is kidnapping kids, shooting up a town, or killing hoards of villains, if the money’s good, they’d accept the job. Throughout the story, Rock battles with himself. Should he stay in this world of crime or go back to his ordinary law abiding life. His inner conflict spurs tension between himself and Revy, who was raised on the streets of New York and has a deep love of violence. She shoots before asking any questions. Kill or be killed. Rock on the other hand avoids fighting at all costs. Only time will tell when his heart turn black like everyone else in Roanupur.

One of the best animes on SA TV at the moment. Everyone assumes that anime, because its animation, should be light and fluffy and marketed at kids. But this is something that kids shouldn’t be watching. It’s dark and sadistic and filled with action packed, meaningless killing. Bullet shells flying all over the place. A symphony of gunfire. Loads of dead people, lots of blood and dead bodies. This is why we love anime, because it has this ability to delve into the darkest corners of human nature. This radical anime is meant to shift the mind sets of those who don’t quite grasp the concept of anime. It’s an introduction to animation for a more mature audience.

Benny & Dutch

ÂŠ Little Tokyo Media

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