Anime Expo 2011: Bandai Panel
In the American anime market Bandai reigns supreme as one of the premiere distributors of quality anime. It was no surprise that they held a panel at this year's Anime Expo to inform fans about their upcoming anime.
The panel started by them reminding attendees that the Bandai store is up and running. We get it: You want our money. You'll have to give us a reason to spend that money first.
A newcomer could have easily left the panel wondering if Bandai had any other properties besides Gundam. Every other announcement dealt with the popular series, and it's release date. Gundam 00 The Movie will be released on July 5th, 2011. Gundam Unicorn, which disappointingly didn't have any unicorns in it's trailer, was also shown. Both series looked completely over-the-top, and gave me reason to believe the stories will be just as cliché as many of the other Gundam series. The trailers left me yearning for the older shows of the popular franchise, that actually had engaging conflicts. Speaking of the original series, Mobile Suit Gundam will be getting a DVD release on September 13th, 2011, under their Anime Legends collection. While I'm excited to hear the original series will be available, I'll hold my ecstasy for when Gundam Wing gets an HD release. Finally, as if there was a shortage of Gundam shows, the distributors announced a new Gundam series, Turn A Gundam, which will have 50 episodes. The trailer showcased underwhelming CGI, but hopefully a unique story will make-up for any lackluster visual effects.
The next trailer to be shown was for Tekkan: The Blood Vengeance. It's a CGI animated film, in the same vein as Resident Evil: Degeneration and Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, based on the popular fighting video game. Both, Resident Evil and Final Fantasy's CGI adventures were popular amongst fans, so I can only assume this one will be too, although I'm certain a role-playing game and a horror survival game are able to offer more than a fighting game in terms of an interesting story. Either way, with the announcements of two new characters that will be in the film, it is shaping up to be one of Bandai's premiere launches.
After showing K-on's very feminine trailer, as well as announcing that vol. 2 will be coming out very soon, they showed the trailer for one of Bandai's most anticipated new series, The Girl Who Leapt Through Space. The trailer gave me the impression that it will be a sexy space adventure, and will have the right amount of originality and risk needed to give Bandai's slate a scent of fresh air. My only concern comes from a question a fan asked to the staff of Bandai. Apparently, the Japanese broadcast of the show featured material that is cut from the American DVD that is now available. Bandai informed the concerned fan that they have no control over what versions of the material they release. While I hope they release the full versions down the road, early reviews proclaim the series to be a new fan favorite.
Two anime films that have picked up a gigantic following in America are getting a blu-ray release: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, and 5 Centimeters Per Second. Despite a name that makes it look like Bandai is running out of titles, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is an amazing film, with an engaging romantic story that puts most Hollywood romance films to shame. With rich characters, and a unique plot execution, it's a guaranteed purchase. 5 Centimeters Per Second isn't just how fast I am able to go on the 405 freeway, it's also the title of a very popular anime film that I can only describe as poetic. The story may leave you wanting more, but the animation offers some of the most beautiful imagery I've ever seen in an anime. I can only imagine seeing it on blu-ray will make that imagery as masterful as a Van Gogh painting.
Other shows getting a release are Tales of the Abyss, which is based on a video game. Star Driver, which is, you guessed it, another mech show. My guess is Bandai is trying to build their own real life mech, and are using all these mech shows as blueprints. Sacred Seven will begin broadcasting on July 8th in Japan, and will be available to watch online at Hulu a week after it's Japanese premiere. Haruhi Suzumiya will be getting a DVD release on September 20th, the trailer gave the impression it will be an elegant and sophisticated show.
Along with these anime announcements came manga announcements as well. A manga based on one of their new shows, Tales of the Abyss, will be getting a manga adaptation. Older properties, such as Code Geass, will be getting multiple mangas, most of them featuring alternate time-lines. Other brand new mangas include Asch The Bloody, Lucky Star, and Kanagi.
As much as I admire Bandai, and what they thrive to achieve, I have to admit their panel felt underwhelming. They offered barely anything that I would consider breaking news, and their fascination with the Gundam series only made me believe they have forgotten how to pick original content. It didn't help that their panel began an half-hour late. While I look forward to learning more about some of their releases, I hope Bandai finds a way to thrive for more original property in the future.
Stay tuned to unWiredTV for more news, footage, and coverage of the Anime Expo 2011.
