Ima, kore ga hoshiin da! - Hiccup

Sometimes even the best laid out plans can experience a hiccup, much like the plan for this week's column. Throw in a couple of last minute finals and the family suddenly dropping in and the next thing you know, you're writing the column a day later than normal. No problem, it'll all come together somehow!

I'm hoping at some point to make the following section not a permanent part of the column. This is to be expected, but hopefully less frequently in the future. Last week, I spoke about a fun series, Hanaukyo Maid Tai. The series ran for 15 episodes, but only 12 appeared on TV. The last 3 were released via AnimeWorks label.

As everyone knows, it's the start of the Convention season. For many this is a time to hang out with fellow enthusiasts as well as pick up information about new series coming the states. Last year's convention season got off to an interesting start as A.D. Vision announced a great number of new series acquisitions. This was promptly followed by an announcement that they did not have one of the series they had announced. This actually lead to more buzz about the series than was originally present which for them will probably lead to better sales.

The series makes a comeback this year as A.D. Vision announced at ADV. With the little snafu in announcing the series last year, there is a significant amount of buzz to carry the first volume in of opening sales.

Next up is a show that actually appeared as a surprise when A.D. Vision announced it. Gonzo, the studio behind mecha/military plotlines to more mundane fish out of water stories. Lots of serious drama and action punctuated with comic moments hits the screen every week as this story continues to its final episode sometime in July. Gonzo has actually had a string of hits licensed stateside even before they've finished their television run.

The real surprise here was the fact that it was A.D. Vision that acquired the license and not dub won't be handled by Bang Zoom or one of Pioneer's regular studios. While A.D. Vision is free to go with any of those studios, with the 3 studios that they created available, the chances are slim indeed.

How soon can we expect to see these series? With Noir going into pre-production for recording very soon, the first disk might just make it out towards the end of this year. No plans have been announced for Full Metal Panic!, so mid 2003 is most likely.

While on the idea of studios negotiating with a variety of distributors in the U.S., I should note that in my very first column I miswrote that Card Captor Sakura.

Well, yes, I know its short and sweet this week, but I figured something is preferable to nothing. Just so you know, the powers that be at ANN like me to have a column in reserve, just for situations like this. Well, that column was used last week, so now I get to play catch up the next two weeks!

Lastly, I'd like to thank everyone that writes to me every week. I'm often the first to it I don't know everything; so having a bit of help is always appreciated. Also, thanks for the words of encouragement!

Until next time, fellow adventurers!

Allen Divers
Freelance Adventurer