The Vision of Escaflowne is one of my top 5 favorite anime series.
The focus of this month is the Apollo Smile 2 page interview by Carl Gustov Horn (currently Manga Editor at Dark Horse Comics). I remember her from the Sci-Fi channel Anime block and my sister talking about her from cons. She was a pioneer. She branded herself as “Live-Action Anime Girl” If you remember the game Space Channel 5, she was the voice of Ulala. That is pretty awesome.
What is Apollo Smile up to these days? Did you know she was the stunt double for Kim Bauer, daughter of Kiefer Sutherland’s character Jack Bauer on TV’s 24? She currently choreographs and teaches dance in Guilford, Connecticut, her hometown. Here’s the article to read more.
Here are two videos for Apollo Smile – one is a compilation of anime intros from Sci Fi Channel and the other is a performance at Dragon*Con in 1999.
Also, while searching for videos below on YouTube I found this recent interview posted just two weeks ago (Sep 7, 2012) talking about her company: Celebration Presents – a dance theater and music school. About 14:37 into the interview is when she talks about the 90’s.
Other highlights:
I’ve included the Letters to the Editor because this issue marks Animerica’s 5th anniversary. Fun read.
Click on the Escaflowne Tarot card page to get the full size view. All images are 800 pixel width.
Check out the saucy cover for the Tenchi Muyo comic book. (It’s the 90’s they weren’t called manga yet)
Lost of Sailor Moon in this issue of anime fan art.
The CPM ad for Armored Trooper Votoms highlights that a Roleplaying Game is coming out soon.
Samurai Pizza Cats is listed in the TV section
A.D. Vision is really having fun with their branding of A.D.V. in this month’s ad.
Finally a new Ani-Mayhem collectible card game ad from Pioneer to promote a new expansion deck. I wonder what company now has that 1-800 number listed on this ad? I urge you to call to find out.
That Tenchi Muyo comic wouldn’t be called manga even today, I think – it was a US-created comics that ran for 6 issues (commissioned by Pioneer?). The first US Tenchi DVDs had those comics in their entirety IIRC, but at unreadably low resolution.