Anime News - 4/28/08

If you haven't checked out Bandai's website lately, then you may not know that they're apparently revamping things. But even more interesting is the cryptic placeholder that they've put up until the new site is ready. After clicking around, here's what I've found out:

• Bandai has acquired the North American rights for Gundam 00. The latest installation in the Mobile Suit Gundam series, Gundam 00 will have an English dub DVD release as well as a spot on North American television. When will Gundam 00 hit the States? That remains to be seen.
• Bandai has also acquired Aniplex's Gurren Lagann. The 27-ep sci-fi action series won "best television series" and "best character design" at the 2008 Tokyo Animation Fair. While the English dub won't hit the States until 2009, Bandai isn't insensitive to the needs of their fans and are releasing a subtitled release in three parts, with the first volume hitting the streets on July 8, 2008. The pricetag? $29.98.
• And last but not least, Bandai will be releasing Ghost in the Shell 2:Innocence on Hi-Def Blueray and DVD. No release date has been set.

And since we're talking about acquisitions, VIZ Media has announced the debut of Buso Renkin, a fantasy action series based on the popular 10-volume manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki. If you think you know that name, you do - Watsuki is also the brains behind Rurouni Kenshin and Gun Blaze West. Buso Renkin is expected to grace your favorite DVD stores on April 29, 2008. The 3-disc box set contains the first 13 episodes, rated T+ for older teens and is priced at $49.98.

And on a side note, you may have noticed About's new look - in keeping with this fun, new design, I've been doing some re-arranging of content to make your navigation just a little bit easier. The Music & Lyrics category for example, has been moved to the Download Directory under the "Fun Stuff" tab. I've also added a "Getting Started With Anime" for new fans just getting into the anime craze.

You'll see more of these changes but rest assured... all the anime content you're looking for will still be here - now its just going to be a little easier to find :)