Verne VENNARD

San Diego Comic-Con International 2009
Anime News Network's coverage of San Diego Comic-Con 2009 begins!

Available Now:
Astro Boy
Preview Night Exhibit Hall Photo Gallery
The Anime and Manga Fan's Guide to Comic-Con 2009
2009-07-22

KannagiKannagi 3 & 4 Now Streaming..."/> 3 & 4 Now Streaming...
What happens when goddesses go to school? This and many other burning questions are answered in two brand new episodes of Kannagi: Crazy Shrine Madiens! Watch it now! 2009-07-23

The X Button - My Little Underground
This week, we dig into Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! Then it's on to Valkyria Chronicles 2, a Wizard of Oz RPG, the heavy buildup for The King of Fighters XII, and the hellish torments of Chubby Cherub. 2009-07-22

Anime News Nina! - 2009-07-22
Who says otaku can't appreciate the outdoors? 2009-07-22

Crows x Worst: An Introduction
An in-depth look at the rough and tumble world of Crows x Worst collectible hooligans. 2009-07-21

RIGHT TURN ONLY!! - Oh My Rain Goddess!
Too much divine intervention? Oh My Goddess! and Amefurashi: The Rain Goddess both show up in this week's column. Maybe that's why we need a dose of Blood+ to balance things out. 2009-07-21

Eureka Seven #16 Now Streaming!
Surely you don't need a side panel remark to know there's a new Eureka Seven episode up, do you? I mean, there's a new one every day... Here a Dub, there a Sub. 2009-07-21

Interview: Kurt Hassler
Christopher Macdonald sits down with Yen Press founder and head honcho Kurt Hassler for a discussion of their properties and the manga market in 2009. 2009-07-20

Astro Toy with Rob Bricken - D.Gray-Man Deformed Figure Series
Rob inspects a series of surprisingly impressive D.Gray-Man gashapon. 2009-07-19

Skip Beat! Episodes 1-25 Streaming
Begins as a showbiz shojo confection and ends as full-course feast of fiendishly addictive entertainment for all ages and sexes.

Death Note Re-Light DVD 1
The Death Note TV series gets a condensed movie version in this substantially shortened retooling of the series. Those expecting a completely fresh perspective will be disappointed, as it only mixes a few minutes of new scenes with clips from the original episodes.

Claymore DVD 6
The paths of Clare and Priscilla finally converge as the anime version comes to its controversial conclusion. The appropriateness of what transpires in the final episode may be subject to debate, but the quality of the series is not.

Gurren Lagann GN 1
It's no surprise when a hit anime series gets converted to manga form. So it should also come as no surprise that, after comparing the two, the original is better.

KenIchi the Mightiest Disciple DVD Season 1 Part 2
Upticks in seriousness notwithstanding, it's still very, very silly. The forward strides it takes are only enough to ensure that its mix of silly fun doesn't stagnate. Which is, of course, exactly as intended.

Bleach DVD 17
The Bount arc gets properly underway, and lays a solid foundation, as Ichigo and associates encounter a new threat. The actual course of events is a very typical mix of flashy action, silly comedy, and good old-fashioned angst, but it should keep fan interest.

Night Head Genesis Sub.DVD 5
Remains to the end frustratingly uneven but invariably mature. Worthy of serious consideration by anyone looking for a change of pace in a teen-dominated market.

The Magic Touch GN 1-3
The only thing “magical” about The Magic Touch is how quickly you will be absolutely desperate to get its yucky fingers out of your personal space.

Shikabane Hime: Kuro Episodes 1-12 Streaming
Not a show to sit twiddling its thumbs, it's crammed to the gills with plot revelations and gorgeous violence. Stiff acting dampens the emotional impact, but why quibble when you can enjoy?

King of Bandit Jing in Seventh Heaven DVD
Whether you're a new fan looking for some unexpectedly substantial eye candy, a returning Jing-ite, or simply enjoy watching reality get twisted like a pretzel, Seventh Heaven won't disappoint.

Ponyo
Ponyo is, from its very first frame to its very last, a pure fairytale. And ultimately, that may be why Ponyo may be considered something of a letdown by longtime fans of the artist. If Princess Mononoke was a sumptuous 7-course meal, Ponyo is a well-crafted crème brulee.