April Fools Stragglers
- Encubed wraps up the English language visual novel action (some true, some not)
- Maritan hijacked by Sena Sena
- Hobby Stock mascot gets a movie
- Trigger Heart Exelica gets an anime
- Akiba Blog lead writer/editor “Geek” gets nearly stabbed to death
- a new set of JAST USA promo cards are on the loose
- Galge.com sums up the eroge pranks
Sekirei Anime Trailer Online!
Sony has been shuffling the URL over the past couple of hours so I’m not sure where it will finally end up, but as of posting it can be accessed here (but only via Internet Explorer, because this is Sony and we know they like their DRM!). They’ve also graciously provided a set of ready-made screen shots, which despite being in Flash are much nicer than any that could be taken from the video at the bitrate it’s offered.
The video is 2 minutes 18 seconds, with enough content to get a feel of where they’re going with the animation (for the first few episodes at least). It’s not the best work I’ve seen but it’s not at all terrible either, and I’m guardedly optimistic – the designs are pretty well adapted from the manga, which is the most important thing, and it doesn’t seem like they’re censoring things much (though the DVD version will be a must, given the amount of nekkid Musubi action that can be expected). I can’t wait to see more, especially once the voice work is in place.
Facts and Figures
Tonight’s acquisitions! Miku, Pocco, and Ryomou, the three stooges of hotness. Or something. Reviews of all will be coming as soon as I can recover some of the enormous sleep deficit I seem to have accumulated over the past several nights. For now, if you’d like to purchase any of them via the links above I would be terribly obliged.
In a final word tonight before I keel over, interesting things are afoot in the world of anime. I have decidedly mixed feelings toward Gonzo, but this is the kind of innovation the industry desperately needs – for the sake of all concerned, fans and creators alike, I hope it succeeds. More on this and other anime and figure stuff soon.
Wow!! That is great news from Gonzo! I really hope other companies follow suit. Not to sure about the “pay what you want” pricing…….but eh, I would probably drop 5-10 bucks if I like them.
Go to bed Shingo!!
I can’t wait for the Sekirei anime! :D I think it looks great..it’s actually better in color since Sakurako Gokurakuin’s art is kinda..flat.
I find it funny that someone who’s known for her BL work would get a hit for something that isn’t BL.
I too applaud Gonzo reaching out like this. Though to be honest, I find watching downloaded shows on my computer to be a bit anticlimactic. Still, I’m glad they are trying something.
Also, the stills of Sekirei look pretty to me.
>>Work_Ethic
I don’t know if the specific idea they’re going to try is a good one in the details, but I’m glad they’re thinking outside the box. This is the sort of thing the industry will need more of if it’s going to adapt to the realities of the current online marketplace – the very fact they’re offering a close to zero hour legitimately subtitled alternative to fansubs is a HUGE step in the right direction, if you ask me.
>>ayaseine
I’m not too familiar with her BL material, but I think one of the big strengths of Sekirei is that Gokurakuin is able to bat for both sides, so to speak. I’d be happy to see even more of the story told from Minato’s sister’s perspective, to tell you the truth; the variety she provides to the narrative is a big redeeming factor, in my opinion.
I’m pretty attached to the original manga designs, but now that you mention it I agree – her work is more grounded in two-dimensional space than that of some other mangaka. It’ll take a talented director to conceive of that in the 2D/3D space of the anime, here’s hoping Kusakawa Keizou is up to the task.
>>Faust
I guess the ideal solution will eventually allow the user to download and view the content on their preferred device (TV, portable media player, etc.), though that doesn’t solve the archival problem. Perhaps a service that allows the buyer to subtract all or some of the download fee from the final purchase price of the DVD version could be an acceptable compromise?
DRM free trailer: http://www.sendspace.com/file/99uuw1