Sunday News Bites: October 7th

Hello and welcome to another edition of Sunday News Bites! This week we invited one badass freaking Overlord to join us in the newsroom- that’s right, Zetta himself is here! Let’s see what he thinks of the latest news from the world of anime.

Geneon Saga latest: letter to fans

In our continuing coverage of the protracted Geneon saga, we can reveal that the company president has sent out a message to fans. Although rather generic in nature, the letter thanks fans for their support, and claims that the company is still looking for ways to continue distribution of their DVDs (obviously via an agreeable third party). Black Lagoon, ZnT and Nanoha fans should also take heart, as even though it is unclear when and how the DVDs will get to American fans (and importers), Ocean Studios claims to be proceeding with dubbing with the relevant seasons of these series.Zetta says: No one respects an Overlord who loses his Netherworld, but in order for there to be winners, some people have to lose out.

Tickle the tastebuds with Clannad bread

Although anpan would seem a more suitable product to market with a Clannad label, rabid Key fans will have to make do with a new line of canned bread from Pan Akimoto. Presented in a Clannad-themed packaging, this canned bread is available in seven flavours- chocolate, green tea, strawberry, butter, raisin, blueberry, and milk.

Zetta says: Canned bread, huh? I prefer the ordinary stuff.

Goth goes to HollywoodrnRemember that Goth manga that I reviewed a while ago? Well, the original novel is set to branch out even further with a proposed Hollywood live-action adaptation. Exactly how this dark yet confusing tale will fare on the big screen remains to be seen, but I shall be adopting a cautious pessimism.

Zetta says: Who cares about that? Let’s see Makai Kingdom, the movie, with a handsome guy playing me!

Revisit those Mysterious Cities of Gold

Although I didn’t personally watch it, many fans around my age will most likely have fond memories of Mysterious Cities of Gold, a French-Japanese co-production from DiC and Studio Pierrot. Now you can revisit those nostalgic times thanks to an upcoming and long overdue DVD release, which will hit the UK in February 2008, with US and Australian releases planned for a later date.

Zetta says: Who cares about old series? Stop living in the past!

Higurashi producers take note

Although the producers of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai have posted a note explaining that they have done their utmost to lift the ban on it being broadcast on certain channels, there is no sign that anything will change in the near future. Ever since the infamous Nice Boat week, Higurashi’s run on some channels has been indefinitely terminated, but it should still continue to air on others.

Zetta says: They think that’s violent? They should visit the Netherworld sometime.

Mai-Otome 0: Zero is about how much I care anymore

For those still swept up in the Mai-Otome craze (or like me, follow it for reasons long forgotten), note down February 22^nd, 2008 in your diaries- it’s the release date of the Mai-Otome 0 ~S.ifr~ OVA. If you can’t wait that long, however, fear not, for Sunrise is milking the franchise even more with two 100 minute compilation movies covering the series and Zwei. The movies will be out in late January.

Zetta says: I wouldn’t mind being surrounded by beautiful Otome.

Hello Kitty gets a Gold Card

Got more money than sense? Already bought that Swarovski crystal-embroidered Gundam t-shirt? Then maybe you can spend the $5000 that’s burning a hole in your pocket on some solid gold Hello Kitty playing cards. Just don’t lose them down the back of the sofa.

Zetta says: The most badass freaking Overlord in the cosmos would never touch Hello Kitty merchandise.