First up is the animated adaption of D. Gray man.
Set in an alternate Victorian Europe, the story follows a young alchemists who must battle the evil millenium Eearl's alchemic demons with the aid of the demon's power. I know it sounds like a story you've heard a million times, but trust me, D. Grey man is an amazing story, and overload of gothic goodness. (it might even be better then Full Metal Alchemist, and that's saying something!)
The animated version is 103 episode long and recently concluded its very successful run in Japan. Funimation will be releasing the American version in sets of 13 episodes (for a competitive price) the first set of which is due out March 31st.
Trailer can be found at Funimation's official release site.
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Next up is the first of the four Rebuild of Evangelion movies.
Those of you who know Evangelion are probably already waiting those of you who don't need only know its an amazing deconstructionist Mecha anime that single handedly revived the ailing anime industry in the mid 90s.
Entitled You are (not) alone, the first movie retells the established anime's tale up to the battle with the third angel (the msyterious creatures hell bent on the destruction of humanity) before taking to a completely different story in the subsequent films.
One of the few instances of true literature in animated form, Evangelion is a tale of humanity at its best and worst. Pretty much Anime's Watchmen.
It will be making the Film Festival rounds from March 26th to April 2, with a release to follow soon afterward.
Trailer can be found here...Check it out!
Trust me, this is going to be a hell of a ride!
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Best new for last, Funimation also announced buying the rights to the wonderful (ly twisted) Menmosyne series.
At six 45 minute episodes long, it is easily one of the most beauitful (and graphically violent) anime in recent memories and is concerend with struggle of one seemingly immotal woman (you see her go through a hell of a lot in the first episode alone, and recover Wolverine style) and her quest investigation into a strange world where nothing is what is seems...and the dark desires of man are all she must contend with.Mnemosyne has been floating around for awhile and I was beggining to worryi t was never going to get licsensed due to its graphic content and unusual narritve (you'll see what I mean when you start the second episode) so I'm thrilled and excited, this is going to be awesome!
The langthy trailer can be found Here. All this footage is just from episode one and gives you a glimpse of the action but not the overarching, and brillianty nuanced plotline.
It's going to be a good year for anime... whee
