When going over this issue, I think this August 1998 Animerica is the most formative issue to date. Here are the highlights.
Why formative?
- While Neon Genesis Evangelion has been advertised some by ADV, all the ads promoted other titles as well. It was not until the last VHS volume 13 that Evangelion got a full ad. For this issue the show finally got a cover. I scanned the feature article – a three page discussion about the series and the movies and all interpretations. It’s a must read. Also check out all the Evangelion anime fan art.
- Animexpress reports that during Anime Expo 1998, Bandai Entertainment announced that they are entering the North American market. “Bandai’s plan is an unprecedented fan-oriented, direct sales release strategy. Anime series will be offered exclusively through Bandai’s Anime-Village.com website, bypassing the traditional retail outlets and distribution networks to sell directly to the consumer. All titles will be offered initially in subtitled VHS format.
- The initial launch titles were Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Trilogy Gundam 0080 and Gundam 0083, The Vision of Escaflowne, Saber Marionette J and Clamp School Detectives. All of the titles were first offered for sale September 1, 1998.
- In the middle of the magazine was a full-color insert for Anime-Village. Yes, you did read the phrase “cyberspace community” This is still the ’90s.
- Sailor Moon News! Reported that Sailor Moon got picked up by Cartoon Network for 17 new episodes. -so the spread of Sailor Moon through cable was huge for fandom.
- The “What’s New in Japan” had a preview of Serial Experiments Lain.
- CPM ad for Voltage Fighters Gowcaizer: The Movie
- Had no idea Urban Vision released this amount of anime in the ’90s. I only remember them for Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust. They released Tekkaman Blade II on VHS.
- Toycom has an ad for Queen Emeraldas and Captain Harlock figures.
- I like the Star Wars / Ranma 1/2 mashup fan art.
- “Fun With Porken Beans” shows you have to draw Goku in 5 steps.
- Pioneer ad for El Hazard 2 The Magnificent World.
- Who knew that Fuji released a title in the US called “Dragon League”? I found a fun review of it from Mike Toole.
- Enjoy the odd ad from ADV – especially the quote that only extreme otaku fanboys would get the reference. The main plot for Slayers the Motion Picture is “Boobs”
- I leave you this month with two great pages of cosplay from 1998.
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