Keeping current on the world of anime

A pair of somewhat irate user e-mails pointed out that it has been quite some time since we discussed anime websites here in the Untangled Web. I checked, and found that my loyal otaku readers were correct. I was informed in no uncertain terms that it was time to address this favorite topic again, and I have no choice but to comply.

In case you missed last year’s anime column, we talked about three great websites dedicated to the enjoyment of Japanese animation, also known as anime. The best web reference for fans of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting features is www.nausicaa.net. At www.evaotaku.com, users can attempt to make sense out of Neon Genesis Evangelion, and we looked at www.animeinfo.com as a good source for general information.

Things have changed in the anime world in the past year. The continued availability of relatively current anime on cable TV has had the most significant impact, bringing the art form to a much broader audience in the United States. While many are glad to have more access, other fans complain that these dubbed productions dilute the anime experience. Personally, I never miss “Naruto,” “Inu Yasha,” and any “Dragonball” title if I can help it.

Parents may want to make a note at this time that much of this content is not well-suited to younger viewers due to certain adult situations and occasional violent activity. Still, a great deal of quality family entertainment comes to us from Japan today. Here are a few websites that can help you get an idea of what is going on in the world of anime.

www.animenewsnetwork.com

I actually used this website to check my facts before completing this column. It is one of the best overall sources for general information, late news and juicy rumors concerning Asian entertainment. My first visit in a few months found me spending more than an hour just clicking links and checking things out.

I felt a little smug when I noticed the announcement of the July 4 release of the latest Studio Ghibli film “Gedo Senki Earthsea,” loosely based on Ursula K. LeGuin’s classic “Tales from Earthsea.” It was July 9, and my copy was already in my DVD player. I just love that two-day air shipping. The film will not be available in the states until 2009 due to contractual obligations regarding a Sci Fi Channel production of similar material.

Other hot tips for Ghibli fans included the announcement of a 15th anniversary celebration of “Porco Rosso,” an early Ghibli feature about an enchanted porcine pilot. The beloved feature would be shown on JAL flights to celebrate the event, along with an exceptionally rare feature from 2002, “Kūsō no Sora Tobu Kikai-tachi,” or “The Machines that Fly the Skies of Dreams.” That rarity was both directed and narrated by Studio Ghibli founder Miyazaki Hayao.

I found a news item concerning Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim Fix schedule that I found particularly interesting. Not only would they be streaming my old pal Astro Boy in the near future, “Inu Yasha” movies three and four would also be available online. When I finally closed my browser, I was up to date on all matters anime. For bringing important information both new and old to crazed users, www.animenewsnetwork.com grabs five big-eyed spiders.

www.animeonline.com

There was big news to be read at the Anime Online website that is sure to delight otaku in the 13-and-over set. It had posted a scan from a Japanese newspaper announcing that the supernaturally entertaining anime “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” would be presented for a second season. Definitely not for everybody, this popular series deals with a headstrong teenage schoolgirl obsessed with her search for aliens, UFOs and other phenomena.

Dipping into the Ghibli maelstrom, the Anime Online gang pointed out that “Gedo Senki Earthsea” sold nearly 150,000 copies in its first five days of release and blew the raspberries at critics, especially author LeGuin for her decidedly negative review of the film. There’s a link to her diatribe as well as a release concerning the new “Haruhi” game for PS2.

I was a little saddened to learn of Jerry Ito’s recent passing in the news section. The American-born Japanese actor was noted for his appearances in classic genre films like “Golgo: The Kowloon Assignment,” “Message from Space,” and my personal favorite, the 1961 classic “Mothra.” In the latter feature, he was listed in the credits as Jelly Ito. Rest in peace, Jelly.

As usual, I spent far too much time rooting around this informative website. I looked for the latest news on my favorite current anime and picked up a few hot rumors that may lead to even more new material making the jump across the Pacific. For calling them the way they see them, www.animeonline.com is rumored to have been awarded five spiders. 

www.theotaku.com

The Otaku is one of the most accessible fan sites on the web, with something for everyone. It seems that many new anime fans express their devotion by making drawings of their favorite characters or even creating their own. You can find one of the best organized collections of fan art right here and even submit a few of your own.

Like every well-maintained anime site, the Otaku was quick to weigh in on the “Gedo Senki Earthsea” story. It posted a list of voice actors who appear in the dubbed version, including Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin and Mariska Hargitay. They also included the bad news concerning North American release dates.

Fans of “Bleach” will be happy to read the post concerning the announcement of a second movie from the series. The long-awaited feature, “The Diamond Dust Rebellion,” is slated for release in Japan in December.

Other popular sections on the site were dedicated to fan-generated manga, e-cards, and reports on cosplay events. Cosplay is the name given to the practice of dressing up as one’s favorite anime character and appearing in public. Again, not for the timid, but some cosplay artists are remarkably accurate. Finally, it offered a wide selection of personal computer wallpaper so you can let the guy in the next cubicle know for sure that your heart belongs to Sesshomaru. For leaning toward the fun aspects of anime addiction, www.theotaku.com wins five spiders dressed as Inu Yasha, Kagome, Miroku, Shippo and Sango, carrying Kirara.

Again, there is much content in anime that is not suitable for younger viewers. Adult guidance is strongly suggested whenever the junior otaku in the house wants to surf the web for favorite shows. While online, take a moment to tell me which anime you watch and why you like it. I’m anxious to hear from otaku of all ages, so don’t be shy. As ever, find me at granese@juno.com.