Got a copy of the FUNimation newsletter the other day. Not suprisingly, they decided to take the time to remind everybody of all the new shows and movies they’ve acquired recently. Overall, there’s a lot of variety to be found among the new releases, which contains everything from re-releases of older fan favorite anime shows like FLCL on Blu-ray to the newest anime series from “Fullmetal Alchemist” creator, Hiromu Arakawa. In addition to all the new anime releases, Funimation hasn’t left fans of live-action martial arts films out in the cold either with titles like Robo-Geisha and Kamui.
For a full breakdown of all the new acquisitions, hit the jump.
Jyushin Enbu Hero Tales
Details:
“Jyushin Enbu Hero Tales” is directed by Osamu Sekita (“Mobile Suit Gundam”). The anime was originally released as a manga written and drawn by Hiromu Arakawa (“Fullmetal Alchemist” TV series) in 2007. The 26 episode series will be released on DVD in half season sets in Fall 2010.
Plot:
Prophesied as the reincarnation of a powerful star, Taitou is unaware of the immense power he welds. After a mysterious man steals a legendary sword, the young man sets out on a journey to recover the weapon. Joined by his two friends, Taitou searches not only for the missing relic, but also for his true destiny.
Official Hero Tales Webpage
Hero Tales Wiki
Master of Martial Hearts
(couldn’t find the opening online and considering how godawful the opening for Master of Martial Hearts was, this fanmade video is a nice palatte cleanser =^_-=)
Details:
Known as “Zettai Shougeki ~Platonic Heart~” in its native Japan, “Master of Martial Hearts” is based on the video game of the same name. The anime is directed by Yoshitaka Fujimoto (“Girl’s High”). FUNimation will release the entire five episode series on one DVD in Spring 2011.
Plot:
Schoolgirl Aya Iseshima is in over her head. Because of unfortunate circumstances, she finds herself as a registered fighter in a royal tournament. It is not all bad news though. The tournament’s grand prize is the sacred Platonic Heart, a jewel that grants one wish for the girl who possesses it. Now Aya must fight her way to the top to win her special wish.
Official Master of Martial Hearts Webpage
Master of Martial Hearts Wiki
Axis Powers Hetalia
Details:
Based on the popular web comic and manga series created by Hidekaz Himayura, the anime is directed by Bob Shirohata (“Gravitation” among others) and is 52 episodes long. FUNimation Entertainment will release the series on DVD in two parts starting in late 2010.
Plot:
The world is on the cusp of war and Italy, a pasta-loving energetic young soldier, is stuck in the middle of it! Join Italy and all of your favorite countries as they re-live the past. Cute, crass, colorful and funny, this series is world history like you’ve never seen it before!
Official Axis Powers Hetalia Webpage
Axis Powers Hetalia Wiki
The Sacred Blacksmith
Details:
Based on the popular Japanese light novel series by Isao Miura, the anime is directed by super star director Masamitsu Hidaka (“Pokemon” series and movies, “Linebarrels of Iron”). The 12 episode series will be released on DVD in the Fall of 2010.
Plot:
Cecily Campbell is making her family proud. She is taking up the family business by becoming the newest Knight Guard of the Independent Trade City of Housman. The only problem is that she is not very good at her new job. Fortunately for her, Luke, the sacred blacksmith, is on her side. Luke has the power to forge powerful swords capable of defeating the demons that plague the land.
Official Sacred Blacksmith Webpage
The Sacred Blacksmith Wiki
FLCL (a.k.a. Fooly Cooly or Furi Kuri)
Details:
“FLCL” is the hugely popular 6 episode OVA series from powerhouse partners Production I.G. (“The Ghosts in the Shell,” “Tsubasa”), Gainax (“Evangelion” series), and Starchild (“The Slayers” movies). It is directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki.FUNimation Entertainment will release all six OVA’S on one DVD and on Blu-ray in late 2010.
Plot:
Bored with his mundane middle school life, Naota longed for a change from his daily grind. However his life completely changes after a pink haired stranger on a Vespa runs him over. Weird things happen when he is around the mysterious girl known as Haruko. Now not only must Naota deal with regular teenage troubles, but also with this new enigmatic woman.
Official FLCL Webpage
FLCL Wiki
Kamui
Details:
Produced by Shochiku Co. Ltd., Japan’s leading studio, “Kamui“ was released as “Kamui Gaiden” in September 2009 in Japan. An adaptation of Sanpei Shirato’s 1965 manga series of the same name, the movie is directed by Japanese Academy Award winner Yoichi Sai (“Chi to Hone”), written by Kankuro Kudo (“Ping Pong”) and stars Kenichi Matsuyama (“Detroit Metal City”, “Death Note”). Kamui is currently slated for release sometime in 2010 according to FUNimation’s website.
Plot:
It is 17th century Japan and Kamui is a Fugitive Ninja on the run. He despises the lethal laws of the Ninja where he must use his skills to kill others, and is in search for true freedom. However, he is now hunted by his fellow ninjas as they must eliminate him for his betrayal. In order to live, he must constantly fight for his life and distrust others. An incident brings him to a fisherman’s family, where he finally starts to open up to other people. Meanwhile, those hunting him are setting their trap.
RoboGeisha
Details:
Produced by RoboGeisha Film Partners (T.O Entertainment, Inc., Pony Canyon, Inc., Movie Gate Co., Ltd., Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.), “RoboGeisha” was released in Japanese theatres in October 2009. Written and directed by Noboru Iguchi (“Machine Girl”), “RoboGeisha” stars Aya Kiguchi, Hitomi Hasegawa, Takumi Saito, Naoto Takenaka, Matsuo Suzuki, Etsuko Ikuta and Asami Kumakiri. Release formats and date have not yet been announced, but expect to see it sometime in 2010.
Plot:
Yoshie is the younger sister and attendant of a geisha . One day, the sisters are invited to a dinner party by a customer, the son of the president of Kageno Iron Corporation. They are kidnapped and then trained to be assassins by the company president. Yoshie, who shows promise as an assassin, then begins to doubt the motives of the group.
Offical RoboGeisha Webpage
RoboGeisha Wiki
The Shaw Brothers Film Collection
Details:
FUNimation as acquired to the rights to 15 different Shaw films that represent a variety of genres, including kung fu, action, social satire, situation comedies, historical epics, horror and suspense, among others.
FUNimation will release “Sword of Swords”, “The Duel”, “The Lady Hermit” , “The 14 Amazons”, “Shaolin Hand Lock”, “Invincible Shaolin”, “Soul of the Sword”, “Life Gamble”, “Shaolin Rescuers”, “Shaolin Prince”, “Bastard Swordsman”, “Opium and The Kung Fu Master”, “The Supreme Swordsman”, “Return of Bastard Swordsman” and “Hong Kong Godfather”. FUNimation Entertainment is bringing these films to DVD in 2010 and 2011.
2 comments ↓
Wow, FLCL just never gets old. Classic work. Kamui looks fun. I’m interested in Hetalia because of all the hubub.
Yeah, I’m curious about Hetalia as well. Kamui looks worth a rental. I’ll probably give Sacred Blacksmith and Hero Tales a try at some point as well.
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