Just a quick preview, Pioneer's panel is later today...

Things we've found out so far:

The rumor is true, Pioneer has Fushigi Yuugi.  I've got the flyer to
prove it.
(No scanner, or I'd put it up.)

Battle Athletes is OVA!!  Sorry, this is also from a flyer.  Looks like
the TV
series will have to wait..

El-Hazard OVA 2:  I saw the first episode yesterday, they're showing the
second
one today.  All I'll say is, if you like OVA 1, OVA 2 has 'much more' of
the same.
The first episode had everyone rotfl.  Can't wait for July 14th when it
comes out.

Big non-Pioneer news.

I went to the Bandai panel yesterday.  They announced that there getting
into the
American market finally, but in a unique and risky way:  First of all,
they're bringing
over Gundam I, Gundam II, Gundam III, Gundam 0080, and Gundam 0083.
Also Saber Marrionette J, and Vision of Escaflowne (YES!).
Here are the unique distribution facts:
   No marketing to retailers, at least at the start.  All sales will be
through their
website!  www.animevillage.com
   I repeat, the ONLY way to buy these will be through their website.
   All their titles listed above will be available in their entirety in
September.
This means ALL the tapes will be available, not just tape one.  Yes, buy
all of
Gundam in one shot!
   At this time, all the releases will be subtitled VHS only.  They are
considering
dubbing, LD's, and DVD's, but have no concrete plans.  Note that they're
leaning
more toward DVD.

I'm hitting Pioneers panel, Viz's panel, and CPM's panel today.  More
news to come,
probably tomorrow night.  Stay tuned...

Brian D.
bdobberp@soca.com