Irwin has also entered into a joint-venture with FUNimation to launch a new toyco that will specialize in developing toys based on FUNimation's properties, which include the Dragon Ball Z movie brand and anime properties Yu-Yu Hakasho and Blue Gender. The as-yet-unnamed toyco, of which Irwin owns 50%, is expected to launch later this year.
Looks like FUNimation and Irwin are committed to making some really intricate figures for the future. I can't wait to see what they come up with.
And on an unrelated note, Anime Tourist has posted an article regarding a panel Cartoon Network held at Comic Con (which I somehow missed). They mention Cowboy Bebop and the new Daft Punk video heading to the network. Bebop is an extraordinary series...and a very bloody series. I'm glad they plan to air it in the Adult Swim, but lord knows how much will still need to be cut.
Random News...
First on the agenda, FUNimation has made it official: DB is delayed until August 20th on Cartoon Network.
The airdate for Dragon Ball on Cartoon Network has moved from July 23 to August 20. The change fits well with Cartoon Networks new fall schedule. Remember, Dragon Ball Z is currently scheduled to begin airing September 3, which means that you will be able to catch new episodes of Dragon Ball and DBZ at the same time.
Nothing surprsing, this was reported a while ago by Toonami news sites. The reason for the delay is because Cartoon Network felt this date fit better into their schedule than July.
Next, Bid For Power has made a number of developer journal updates while I was busy at comic con...check those out on their main page.
And lastly, Viz has announced a couple more chapter release dates. Both our release lists have been updated.
Firstly, I would like to apologize if anyone tried to meet me at the FUNimation booth today at 3pm...I did not realize that Kevin Smith was having his panel during that time, and I stayed to watch that. Almost no one showed up yesterday, so I felt I wasn't missing much.
Anyhow, tomorrow is Saturday, the biggest day of the con. So I am assuming the few people that did e-mail me expressing interest will be able to buy some then. Things will be a little different: I'll be at the FUNimation booth around 1 pm rather than 3, and I'll be wearing a Battle Pope t-shirt (and hell, I'll have a name-tag if that's too confusing ^_^). Yes, I promise I will be there this time. All of the shirts I have sold have been to people I know personally, so hopefully I can change that trend tomorrow afternoon. The price is still fifteen bucks for L and XL, sixteen for 2XL. And to those of you wondering what exactly the design is, it's Namek with its moons. Some people just don't see that...go to our universe section and look at New Namek to see what I mean.
The convention has been very fun, better than last year. My main complaint is that they COULD put out a few more chairs to allow people to sit down...you literally have to go up a floor to find any seats. Otherwise, I have had a good time heckling bad kung fu, buying items that tap into my college fund, and watching OTHER people tap into their college funds. I also met Sean Schemmel (Dick! Just kidding Sean...), Eric Johnson (voice of Trunks), and Brianna Garcia (she did that lovely fanart on the right). I saw some of her work in person, and it's truely outstanding. If only more people sent me stuff like that...
And it's only the halfway point! By the way Kaio, paragraphs are your friend...
Well in case anyone is for some reason wondering how things are in the land of manga and video games, they are going very well. Let me tell any of you, that if you want to learn Japanese and experience Japanese culture, a homestay (or any other form of somewhat longterm life in Japan) is the only way to go. Thinking that I was pretty knowledgable about Japanese culture, I was still surprised after a couple days here. For one thing, the Japanese do not use napkins. I had no idea about this seemingly (from an American point of view) peculiar trait. I'm also learning things that my Japanese teacher, who is Japanese, told us people never do, such as refer to others as "takai" without use of the word "sei". My speech has also become possibly irrepparably informal, but I'm definitely picking up the language. If anyone reading is interested in doing a homestay in Japan, I say go for it. It's a great experience, and I highly doubt you'll regret it. And the food here is very different from American Japanese food, but is excellent. I'll see you guys in two weeks!
Thursday, 7/19/2001 @ 7:34 AM PDT by: Mr.E
Small WB Note...
I got an e-mail from Sam about the DBZ episodes airing on the WB July 30th:
I recieved a mail from my source who said that Kid WB's Toonami can only air Dragon Ball Z: Season 1 and 2.. That means only episodes 1 to 53. Although Toonami as a whole, has the rights for all the 180 DBZ episodes on CN. Toonami doesn't have the right to air them all in Kids WB. yet!
In other words, we're going to be seeing some old school dub episodes on that network.
Update:I've heard some conflicting reports on this one, so don't entirely count on it. However, there is plenty of evidence that suggests the WB will only air episodes from the first two seasons. Since the network is not on cable, it's possible that seasons 1 and 2 are the only ones "suitable" for the network because of their heavy editing. But this is just speculation. We'll find out on the 30th.
Interesting.... there's box art for the first two "Babadi" tapes at DBZStore.com, and what's there is intriguing. No, the box art is nothing special, but they are clearly labeled "Babidi," which means that the listing on the site of "Babadi" is some kind of fluke, probably some odd quirk with the webmaster. So, it appears that the dark mage will retain his properly-romanized name. In addition, "Majin Buu" seems to be the official spelling of the blobby, pink evil force, rather than the spelling of "Boo," which has been used in many dubs from other languages, as well as the older action figures from Irwin.
What I really want to know, however, is why we're not seeing any info about DVD releases for these episodes. Whatever happened to "near-simultaneous" releases for the DVDs and VHS tapes, huh? We'll probably see some info popping up about them soon enough, I guess. Things are almost bound to change on Funimation's site, anyways... remember, this is from the same people who still refuse to admit that Dragon Ball has been rescheduled again. I think. My browser seems to have decided not to recognize about half the internet right now, Funimation's official DB and DBZ sites included. Damn ISP... I'm gonna have to get a different one pretty soon, if this keeps up...
*walks away, cursing to himself*
Update: I have found some release dates for the afforementioned Babidi DVDs at Buy.com. Don't know how accurate they are, but they list the first two Babidi DVDs as coming out October 2, and the second two coming out October 30. Between those two is the Freeza DVD, Super Saiyan Goku, for October 16. That's the only one I've really been anticipating since Funimation started putting bilingual DVDs out almost a year ago. So... there you have it. Just keep in mind that these dates are not technically officially announced yet, and as always, they're subject to change. You know how it goes...
As we reported earlier, Toonami is coming to Kids'WB! Batman Beyond will be a part of the block, as well as Pokemon, Cardcaptors (unconfirmed), but the 4:30pm (ET) slot is the kicker. It seems, for now, that time slot will be a rotating slot highlighting Cartoon Network Toonami shows, much like the "Action Block" that aired earlier this summer in that same timeslot. Batman Beyond will remain at 3pm (ET), followed by Pokemon, possibly Cardcaptors (or another Pokemon), then the rotating CN slot. This schedule right now is likely temporary. And the first show to begin in this slot? Well, on Monday, July 30 Kids'WB! will air a week of Dragonball Z episodes at 4:30 p.m. (ET). This is a big milestone in the Toonami block, which will be four hour slong and stretched over two networks. Stay tuned for more news on this later this week!
So there you go...at least for a week, DBZ will be airing on the frog network. Not much else to say about that...yes, they will be repeats. No new episodes until September 3rd, and that will be on Cartoon Network.
And SkullMac, who had said DBZ would probably never come to the WB, is currently eating his own underpants. Chew slowly, SkullMac...savor the flames to come!
There is a new target date for the original Dragonball series to air on Cartoon Network's anime block, Toonami. The new possible date is Monday, August 20th @5:30PM, right after Outlaw Star ends on Friday, August 17th. (Note: This date is only tentative, so there might be more delays.)
This is the official word from TOONAMI Reps.
CNX has posted about the delay before, but now we have a date. From what I have heard, FUNimation keeps trying to send DB to Cartoon Network, but CN keeps sending them back because "you can't say that," or "you can't show that." After seeing some of the uncut videos, I can see why they would be concerned...but damn, they are hilarious. And like I said before, I normally don't like dubs. I'm actually laughing at their humor rather than the usual excessive grunting.
Anyhow, as mentioned above, that date is not final, and there could be even more delays. -More Dbz News-
The airdate for Dragon Ball on Cartoon Network has moved from July 23 to August 20. The change fits well with Cartoon Networks new fall schedule. Remember, Dragon Ball Z is currently scheduled to begin airing September 3, which means that you will be able to catch new episodes of Dragon Ball and DBZ at the same time.
For those of you who want a sneak peak, FUNimation has released Dragon Ball episodes 14-16 on video as Tournament - Roshi's Request, and episodes 17-19 as Tournament - Turtle Hermit Training, both available now. Find them at your favorite DBZ retailer, or at the DBZ Store.
The first 28 episodes of Dragon Ball contain original music from the Japanese series.
Funimation appreciates the Cartoon Network for bringing the first 28 episodes of Dragon Ball to anime fans. Be sure to watch these episodes to entice Cartoon Network to pick up the rest of the series.
Stay plugged in here for updates and news, and get together with your friends and family on August 20th to see how it all started for Goku and the gang.
Anime Expo was a tremendous success. FUNimation would like to thank all of the fans that visited us at the convention and everyone that waited in line for autographs. Fans were in line for more than 2 hours to get autographs from Chris Sabat, voice of Vegeta, Piccolo and Yamcha, and Sonny Strait, voice of Krillin. Other weekend highlights included, Sabat and Hunter Muse of FUNimation answering questions from fans on a panel Friday morning and Gen Fukunaga, the president of FUNimation, participating in a panel Saturday afternoon with Studio Pierrot, the creators of Yu Yu Hakusho. Muse said, It was amazing to see the fans response. DBZ fans have to be the most loyal, greatest fans around.
FUNimations next stop on the convention tour is Comic Con in San Diego, July 19-22. Eric Johnson, voice of Trunks, Sean Schemmel, voice of Goku and King Kai, and Meredith Thompson, voice of Android 18, will be in the FUNimation booth, number 3700, signing autographs. Please make plans to visit us.
Stay plugged in here for more convention updates.
I most of the news about this convention i get from the offical dbz site but i check the news there every day im making a section that will have convention news in it so keep track of the news!
Here are some quistions that you might want to be answerd i got these from dragonballz.com so i want you to know i dident make the questions or awnseared them i could though but it will take a while ;).
Q: When will VHS and DVD have simultaneous release?
A: We are anticipating that the DBZ movie Lord Slug will release both on DVD and VHS August 7.
Q: What is the current release schedule for DVDs?
A: FUNimation will be rapidly releasing DBZ DVDs in the next several months.
July 10: FriezaRevealed
July 31: World TournamentThe Draw; World TournamentBlackout ; Frieza-Death of a Prince
These DVDs are available now at www.dbzstore.com store as presales. The Garlic Jr. DVDs should be available soon. We will let you know the rescheduled release dates as soon as they are available. Z Warriors Prepare has also been rescheduled. We are adding the Episodes 106-108 from the Trunks Prelude to Terror video to the Z Warriors Prepare DVD so it will contain 5 episodes (106-110). Continue to check here for updates on the VHS and DVD release schedule.
Q: What is the VHS release schedule?
A: Here is the schedule for the next 3 months:
July 17: World TournamentThe Draw, World TournamentBlackout
Aug. 7: Lord Slug
Aug. 28: BabidiDescent, BabidiBattle Royal
Sept. 25: BabidiThe Dark Princess Returns; BabidiShowdown
FUNimation provides both uncut and edited versions. The July videos and Lord Slug are available now at www.dbzstore.com as presales. You can find DBZ videos at Musicland, Sam Goodys, SunCoast, Camelot, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Blockbuster, Coconuts, Saturday Matinee, Record Town, Strawberries, the DBZ Store online and many other retailers. Video release schedules are subject to change.
Q: Whats the latest news on DBZ video games?
A: The first video game will be called the Legacy of Goku and will be for Game Boy® Advance. The Legacy of Goku® is an action-adventure game complimented by engaging role-playing elements, that challenges players to defeat enemies throughout various quests in an effort to save Earth from the Saiyans, and save the galaxy from the evil Frieza. As the story unfolds, players explore vast lands and interact with numerous characters as they attempt to complete their quest.
Check out the DBZ Video Game story from the front page of the site for complete details.
Q: What is the status of Blue Gender?
A: The lead voices have been chosen. Eric Johnson will play the voice of Yuji, who is the main character, and Laura Bailey will play the voice of Marlene, the female lead in the series. For more on the latest details on Blue Gender go to www.bluegender.com, where you will find news, teasers, links or give feedback about the site or the series.
Q: What is the status of Movie 5?
A: Movie 5s anticipate release is January 2002.
Q: How will the remaining episodes be released?
A: Expect us to continue to release episodes on VHS and DVD as fast as retailers will take them until we have completed the series. Cartoon Network plans to air approximately 50 episodes beginning September 3 and will finish the remaining episodes starting in September 2002.
Q: Is there a sequel to Dragon Ball GT that is called Dragon Ball AF?
A: No, Dragon Ball AF is just a rumor. FUNimation wants fans to know from the official source that Dragon Ball GT is the last series and AF does not exist. As far as we know, and Toei has confirmed this matter, there are no future plans for any continuance of the Dragon Ball series beyond GT.
Q: What are future plans for Dragon Ball?
A: Dragon Ball will begin airing on Cartoon Network July 23. DB will run in time slot immediately after Dragon Ball Z. The first 28 episodes will be broadcast. These episodes will contain the original music from the Japanese series. Remember, if these episodes are successful CN will pick up the entire series, so tell you friends to watch.
Q: Why does FUNimation censor Dragon Ball Z episodes?
A: There just would not be any Dragon Ball Z in North America without our censoring it because the Japanese company who owns it would never have allowed it into North America without having it broadcast on TV and broadcasters would never take it without censoring. In addition to our uncut versions, we produce a direct translation version on DVD with original music and voice and we subtitle it in English.
Q: When will Dragon Ball GT videos be available?
A: We plan to move forward with GT as soon as we are finished with DBZ. Therefore, the earliest videos would be available is 2003.
Q: What is FUNimations plan for the remaining 10 DBZ movies that are unreleased?
A: Currently we have the rights to Movies 1 6, of which we have released 1-3. Lord Slug will release on August 7, movie 5 is scheduled for release in January 2002 and 6 should also be released within the next 12 months.
Q: When will the History of Trunks Soundtrack be available?
A: Unfortunately, we do not have a clean answer because this project is being handled by an independent third party and is out of our hands. We have been and will continue to contact them to do anything we can to speed the project along.
Q: How is FUNimation progressing with Yu Yu Hakusho?
A: We are working furiously. We are currently holding actor auditions and creation of the Official Yu Yu Hakusho web site is in full force.
Q: What are future plans for Action Figures?
A: New 5.5 figures are scheduled to hit the shelves this spring. These series 17 figures include Android 17, Android 18, Piccolo w/ cape, Goku, and Vegeta. Irwin will also introduce an assortment that includes Morphing Secret Saiyan Warrior and Striking Z Fighter action figures and many others in the traditional 5-1/2-inch size, as well as collectible 9-inch Dragon Ball Z action figures. Dragon Ball Z Energy Blasters, Dragon Ball Z Capsules, Dragon Ball Z Model Kits and Dragon Ball Z Trunks Time Capsule, which comes with an exclusive 5-inch action figure of the popular character Trunks will also be available.
Q: What other DBZ Merchandise will soon be available?
A: Many new exciting products including DBZ Squeezies from Alpi, Assorted DBZ Jewelry form Starline, DBZ Trinket Box from Tri-Star, DBZ 12 Figures from Irwin Toy, Towel Sets from J Franco and Sons, New Wall Scrolls from Great Eastern, New Backpacks from AD Sutton and New Key Chains from Great Eastern. Go to the DBZ Store to see pictures and descriptions of all these new items in the coming soon section.
Q: Will FUNimation bring other Anime to America?
A: Yes, we are actively working to bring the best of anime to the USA. We will soon be releasing 2 new animes Yu Yu Hakusho and Blue Gender. Yu Yu Hakusho is an exciting show about teenagers fighting in spirit worlds to save the Earth. Blue Gender is a cool Sci-fi series where earthlings must survive by fighting a giant bug-like creature called Blue that has taken over the earth. You can get details and pictures about both of these in the News Section of this web site under New Anime. Continue to look for more quality anime from FUNimation. We will keep you updated here.
Q: What are your future plans on this web site?
A: We plan to expand the site in many ways. We will have contests, chat with the actors from DBZ and the producers, games, more downloadable stuff, insider information, etc. The idea is to freshen the site often, keep you updated and to provide fans with a community for the DBZ family.
Q: Will there be subtitled DVD releases of Dragon Ball Z episodes 1-53 that contain the corresponding uncut Japanese episodes 1-67?
A: FUNimation does not control the home video rights to the first 53 English version episodes since we had sublicensed it to Pioneer. Pioneer has no intention of releasing anything new associated with these episodes. Once the Pioneer sublicense expires in 2003, FUNimation will evaluate the possibility of releasing these episodes on DVD, un-edited if demand exists for them.
FUNimation Productions, Ltd. emphatically announces that recent Grammy Award-winners Deftones will head a roster of hot alternative bands featured on the soundtrack to the upcoming Dragon Ball Z movie, "Lord Slug."
Warner Bros. recording artists Deftones took home this year's Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance," and also have been featured on the soundtracks for "The Crow: City of Angels" and "Escape from L.A." Since hitting the national scene with their 1995 debut album, "Adrenaline," this California quartet has become one of the premier punk-grunge alternative bands of the future.
Heavy metal band Disturbed also makes a prominent showing on the "Lord Slug" soundtrack, bringing its visceral rap-metal aggression to the mix. The band, which was formed in Chicago in 1997, grabbed ears nation-wide last year with the release of its Giant Records debut, "The Sickness." The group was named Best New Band in Hit Parader's magazine poll, and will tour on the Ozzfest bill this summer.
"It makes perfect sense for such cutting-edge bands to be included on the new Dragon Ball Z soundtrack," explained Gen Fukunaga, President of FUNimation. "This is one of the most cutting-edge cartoons on television today, and it is a perfect fit with today's hottest new bands."
Joining Deftones and Disturbed on the soundtrack are Wind-Up Records recording artists Boy Hits Car, Dust for Life, Fingers Eleven, American Pearl and Breaking Point. The movie, set to hit the shelves August 7 on home video and DVD formats, is the fourth full-length Dragon Ball Z feature presentation. This time around, Goku must battle an evil overlord, Lord Slug, who has come to Earth inside a deadly asteroid with just one goal - to destroy it. Once Lord Slug discovers the seven magic Dragon Balls, it appears that even Goku may not be able to keep the planet out of his evil clutches.
Stay plugged in here for news and updates about Dragon Ball Z.
FUNimation Productions, Ltd. emphatically announces that recent Grammy Award-winners Deftones will head a roster of hot alternative bands featured on the soundtrack to the upcoming Dragon Ball Z movie, "Lord Slug."
Warner Bros. recording artists Deftones took home this year's Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance," and also have been featured on the soundtracks for "The Crow: City of Angels" and "Escape from L.A." Since hitting the national scene with their 1995 debut album, "Adrenaline," this California quartet has become one of the premier punk-grunge alternative bands of the future.
Heavy metal band Disturbed also makes a prominent showing on the "Lord Slug" soundtrack, bringing its visceral rap-metal aggression to the mix. The band, which was formed in Chicago in 1997, grabbed ears nation-wide last year with the release of its Giant Records debut, "The Sickness." The group was named Best New Band in Hit Parader's magazine poll, and will tour on the Ozzfest bill this summer.
"It makes perfect sense for such cutting-edge bands to be included on the new Dragon Ball Z soundtrack," explained Gen Fukunaga, President of FUNimation. "This is one of the most cutting-edge cartoons on television today, and it is a perfect fit with today's hottest new bands."
Joining Deftones and Disturbed on the soundtrack are Wind-Up Records recording artists Boy Hits Car, Dust for Life, Fingers Eleven, American Pearl and Breaking Point. The movie, set to hit the shelves August 7 on home video and DVD formats, is the fourth full-length Dragon Ball Z feature presentation. This time around, Goku must battle an evil overlord, Lord Slug, who has come to Earth inside a deadly asteroid with just one goal - to destroy it. Once Lord Slug discovers the seven magic Dragon Balls, it appears that even Goku may not be able to keep the planet out of his evil clutches.
Stay plugged in here for news and updates about Dragon Ball Z.
-Check this out!-
We at FUNimaiton have been hard at work on the new Dragon Ball site. Dragon Ball is scheduled to begin airing on Cartoon Network in the time slot immediately following
Dragon Ball Z, starting July 23. Now the official site is here for you at www.dragonball.com. We are still working on the site and have some more things to add, but we wanted to go ahead and give you, the fans, a sneak peek. Stroll through the site and then let us know what you think.
Stay plugged in here for updates and news on Dragon Ball. Have a blast!
FUNimation is pleased to announce that we have cast the two main characters for Blue Gender. The envelope please...and the winners are Eric Johnson and Laura Bailey. Johnson will play the voice of Yuji, who is the star of Blue Gender. Johnson had this to say about his part in the series, "I am excited about the character Yuji because it gives me a chance to play a character who is experiencing emotions different from what I have played in the past. I think Blue Gender is the best thing that FUNimation has produced so far. It is one impressive piece of work." Johnson also plays the voice of Trunks in the series Dragon Ball Z. Bailey will be the voice of Marlene, the female lead in the series. Bailey said, "I am so excited to be a part of something so new at FUNimation. Marlene is such a strong character it is an honor to be able to bring her to life." Bailey is currently the voice of young Trunks in the series Dragon Ball Z. Production on Blue Gender is under way; we will keep you updated as the series progresses and moves toward release.
Listen to previews of Yuji and Marlene.
Here is an official press release from Infogrames about one of the new Dragon Ball Z games. Very exciting news!
INFOGRAMES, INC. REVEALS ITS FIRST DRAGON BALL Z® GAME, THE LEGACY OF GOKU®
Phenomenally Popular Property Headed to Game Boy® Advance This Winter
PLYMOUTH, MN, June 5, 2001 - Unveiling the first details surrounding its lineup of eagerly anticipated video games based on the Dragon Ball Z® property, WizardWorks, a division of Infogrames, Inc. (Nasdaq: IFGM) announced today The Legacy of Goku® for the Game Boy® Advance. Developed by Webfoot Technologies, Inc., The Legacy of Goku® is an action-adventure game complimented by engaging role-playing elements, that challenges players to defeat enemies throughout various quests in an effort to save Earth from the Saiyans, and save the galaxy from the evil Frieza. As the story unfolds, players explore vast lands and interact with numerous characters as they attempt to complete their quest.
"Dragon Ball Z® has a loyal following in the millions, and our primary goal with The Legacy of Goku® is to provide them with a compelling interactive game that stays true to the cartoon series," said Paul Rinde, senior vice president and general manager of WizardWorks. "To that end, we've incorporated the same distinctive visual style and deep character development, and combined them with proven game features such as multi-play and dynamic story telling."
In The Legacy of Goku®, the kidnapping of Goku's son sets off a chain of events that ultimately threatens the safety of the galaxy. Powerful alien forces converge on Earth to acquire the powerful Dragon Balls -- objects which when brought together grant the possessor a single wish. Ultimately, the stage moves to the distant planet of Namek, one of the sources of the Dragon Balls, where an entity of mind-boggling strength, Frieza, is preparing to gain immortality by enslaving the galaxy. It's up to Goku and his friends to stop Frieza before it's too late.
Throughout The Legacy of Goku®, players can build up and maximize their character's powers to aid their quest during future battles. Success in combat depends on mastering the balance of Melee versus Ki fighting. In story mode, the primary mode of single-player action, players move from chapter to chapter, completing quests and fighting battles. However, gamers can also play several chapters at once, simultaneously controlling different characters and accomplishing different tasks.
About Webfoot Technologies
Headquartered in Lockport, Illinois, Webfoot Technologies, Inc. is a leading software developer of 3D engines and entertainment titles for multiple platforms. Webfoot's cross-platform technologies provide extremely fast porting for multiple operating system releases. The company's beyond-the-envelope display, sound and animation engines allow for extremely efficient software development cycles and excellent multimedia integration, along with easy user installs and seamless accommodation of a variety of end-user hardware. For more information, visit Webfoot's Web site at www.webfootgames.com.
About FUNimation®
FUNimation Productions Ltd. is the exclusive licensor of the phenomenally successful anime Dragon Ball Z®, Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball GT in the United States, Canada and Australia and selected other countries. FUNimation is also a full service production company and distributor of Dragon Ball Z® home videos. FUNimation's Dragon Ball Z® has attained a tremendously loyal fan base as the Dragon Ball Z® anime cartoon series sets records on the Cartoon Network; the Dragon Ball Z® website receives millions of hits each day; Dragon Ball Z® videos are consistent top sellers, and its action figure and other toys from master toy licensee Irwin Toys are at record sales levels. Scores of licensees market Dragon Ball Z® products in all major categories, from publishing and toys to videos, interactive video games, trading cards and apparel, among others. Membership in Club Z has surpassed 600,000 children, with between 1,000 and 2,000 more joining each day. Founded in 1994 by Gen Fukunaga, FUNimation Productions Ltd. has introduced the Japanese Dragon Ball Z® anime sensation to America and other countries. FUNimation also represents other properties, such as Chuck E. Cheese. FUNimation is a production, licensing, internet and home video distribution company, providing quality entertainment for children.
About Infogrames
Infogrames, Inc. (Nasdaq: IFGM) is a leading publisher and distributor of video games for consoles (Sony, Sega, Nintendo, and Microsoft), personal computers and Macintosh systems. The company's award-winning franchises include Alone In The Dark, Driver, Deer Hunter, Test Drive, and Unreal. Infogrames Inc.'s Humongous Entertainment division is a leader in children's entertainment software and its Macintosh publishing label, MacSoft, is the number one publisher of Macintosh entertainment software. Based in New York, NY, Infogrames, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of France-based Infogrames Entertainment SA (Euronext 5257) and serves as the headquarters for the company's operations in North America. Founded in 1983, Infogrames Entertainment SA is a global publisher and distributor of video games for all platforms, as well as interactive digital television, mobile smart devices (WAP, HDML) and in-flight entertainment systems. With Infogrames Entertainment SA's recent acquisition of Hasbro Interactive, the company now boasts a line of software based on well-known licenses such as Monopoly, Jeopardy, Tonka, and Atari. For more information, visit Infogrames' US Web site at www.us.infogrames.com.
Included with the first two Dragon Ball videos, titled Tournament - Roshi's Request and Tournament - Turtle Hermit Training, is a special bonus pack of six trading cards. These videos are available now at the DBZ Store as presales. The bonus pack includes Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball trading cards, five are regular and one is a special prism card. Get your copy of the new DB videos now so you can get a sneak preview before they air on TV, and enhance your trading card collection at the same time. Don't forget to start watching Dragon Ball on Cartoon Network June 25th right after Dragon Ball Z.
FUNimation Productions, Ltd. emphatically announces that recent Grammy Award-winners Deftones will head a roster of hot alternative bands featured on the soundtrack to the upcoming Dragon Ball Z movie, "Lord Slug."
Warner Bros. recording artists Deftones took home this year's Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance," and also have been featured on the soundtracks for "The Crow: City of Angels" and "Escape from L.A." Since hitting the national scene with their 1995 debut album, "Adrenaline," this California quartet has become one of the premier punk-grunge alternative bands of the future.
Heavy metal band Disturbed also makes a prominent showing on the "Lord Slug" soundtrack, bringing its visceral rap-metal aggression to the mix. The band, which was formed in Chicago in 1997, grabbed ears nation-wide last year with the release of its Giant Records debut, "The Sickness." The group was named Best New Band in Hit Parader's magazine poll, and will tour on the Ozzfest bill this summer.
"It makes perfect sense for such cutting-edge bands to be included on the new Dragon Ball Z soundtrack," explained Gen Fukunaga, President of FUNimation. "This is one of the most cutting-edge cartoons on television today, and it is a perfect fit with today's hottest new bands."
Joining Deftones and Disturbed on the soundtrack are Wind-Up Records recording artists Boy Hits Car, Dust for Life, Fingers Eleven, American Pearl and Breaking Point. The movie, set to hit the shelves August 7 on home video and DVD formats, is the fourth full-length Dragon Ball Z feature presentation. This time around, Goku must battle an evil overlord, Lord Slug, who has come to Earth inside a deadly asteroid with just one goal - to destroy it. Once Lord Slug discovers the seven magic Dragon Balls, it appears that even Goku may not be able to keep the planet out of his evil clutches.
Stay plugged in here for news and updates about Dragon Ball Z.
Tuesday, 8/14/2001 @ 11:43 PM PDT by: Mr.E
More International News...
This time for the U.K...
The new season of DBZ starts on Cartoon Netowrk on the 3rd of September at 5pm and 9pm, The episodes to be run are the Cell games and Majin Buu saga This can be confirmed @ http://www.cartoonnetwork.co.uk/FAQ/answers/ansj.htm
The new episodes will start airing there the day that was previously announced for the U.S, ironically. Looks like a lot of the world is getting new material all at once.
Monday, 8/13/2001 @ 8:18 PM PDT by: Mr.E
DBZ Germany News...
Well, I don't have many...personal sources to verify this one (Mr.E = dumkopf), so here's the word straight from ANS:
Dragon Ball Z will start in Germany on August 27th, 7:30 pm, on channel RTL II.
Here are all the facts that are known so far:
- starts on August 27th, 2001
- Mo thru Fr at 7:30 pm on RTL II
- all 291 episodes are shown
- it'll be the cut French version of Dragon Ball Z
- however, the French opening has been replaced with the original Japanese opening
- the series has been digitally remastered
- as a special service for fans, the first episode on August 27th will have the ORIGINAL UNEDITED JAPANESE ENDING, including the ending song in Japanese and the original Japanese credits
You can download the German trailers of Dragon Ball Z at http://www.animexx.de/datenbank-artikel.phtml?art_id=62 - there are six of them, and RTL II has made big efforts to make them look as cool as possible, combining anime scenes with real people.
Looks like our German friends will be able to see the whole series before we do. The preceding message was provided for the three German visitors of this site, who probably don't speak English anyway.
Monday, 8/13/2001 @ 1:06 PM PDT by: Mr.E
Finally, a Commercial for the Original Dragon Ball...
And, as we expected, the air date is 5:30 next Monday. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed us about this!
Sunday, 8/12/2001 @ 11:52 PM PDT by: Julian
Community News: WELCOME TO PLANET ME!!! Oh, wait...
Yeah, I had to put in a reference to the strange goings on at Daizenshuu EX. Hopefully, Jon will regain his sanity. Until then, you'll still have good old Planet Namek as the source for all your Dragon Ball news.
Well... tomorrow, we'll (supposedly) be one week away from seeing Dragon Ball on Cartoon Network, though there's no promos to be had. Makes you wonder if it's delayed again, doesn't it? Rescheduling aside, it should be interesting to see how it's received by those used to the DBZ dub, with the original series being focused more on plot and humor, rather than action. But, enough of my rambling... on to the stuff:
Aku no Nawabari has some new fanart, and new info.
DB Daizenshyu is now officially known as DB Collection, and has a new layout. Their address remains the same.
Dragonball Kenkon now has some Fanfiction grammar info stuff up, as well as the first few pages of a new fanmanga.
Dragonball of Japan has some new scans from one of the Daizenshuus, as well as updated info in the "Super Saiyajin" and "Fusions" sections, and new sections like Neat Pics, Artbook Images and Movie Book Images.
Future Foretold has some more Doujinshi Scans, and a new layout.
Ginga Giri Giri has updated its music videos, and Bravo has put up the "GGG Adventures" (kinda like the CMDBZ Adventures, only with Ginga Giri Giri instead).
Goku Central now includes pages 40 to 49 of Daizenshuu 1, as well as more Goku fanart.
Planet Z has a new fanfic, and some more site reviews.
Saiyan Brat's Lair is back up, though Saiyan Brat is still fixing pages, and such.
Toriyama's World has a slew of new manga, but since most of it is not DB-related, I am only obliged to tell you that they now have the Toriyama one-shot Dub & Peter 1 available for download.
Zaph! now has the summaries for Japanese DBZ episodes 206 to 209.
Now, some of you may have noticed that I've dropped my last name from my post... I've decided that, after many people mangling it when writing to me (despite the spelling being right there), I'd just get rid of it on the site. I contemplated calling myself "Mr.G" for a while, but someone didn't like that idea.
Anyway, that's it for this week. Back in 7.
Saturday, 8/11/2001 @ 10:30 AM PDT by: Mr.E
New DBZ September 10th...
The commercials currently airing on Cartoon Network advertise that the new season of Dragon Ball Z will be airing on the 10th of September. This is a week after the previous announced date. I guess they must have had some scheduling conflicts. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed me about it (and sorry this is a little late, was "socializing" last night).
Friday, 8/10/2001 @ 1:01 PM PDT by: Mr.E
The Wedding is OFF!
Well, that's that. Looks like after today, DBZ will no longer be airing on the WB. It appears that many scheduling grids were incorrect, and we're not going to see a third week on the network. Thanks to Sam and several others for submitting this info.
Friday, 8/10/2001 @ 12:23 PM PDT by: Mr.E
Chris Sabat Chat Log...
Many, many thanks go to Corey Primrose of Outer Heaven Online for submitting a chat log of the Chris Sabat event. There's not much exciting material, but it may be interesting if you like that sort of thing. Read it if you dare.
Also, our XXL T-shirt is now sold out. Only four XL's remain. You snooze, you lose.
Thursday, 8/9/2001 @ 9:04 PM PDT by: Mr.E
Quick Wizard World Note...
Chaz from dbzcardgame.com gave us the heads up on some VA appearances at Wizard World:
Hi, Score would like to confirm the attendance of Sonny Strait and Tiffany Vollmer at the score booth, signing limited edition promo cards, giving away an abundance of DBZ CCG prizes every hour, and generally creating trouble. Come on by the Score booth and meet Krillin and Bulma, we promise we won't let Bulma sing.
There were a ton of VA's already attending with FUNimation, so here's your chance to meet two more at the same convention. Read down a few days for more info on Wizard World.
Thursday, 8/9/2001 @ 8:51 PM PDT by: Mr.E
Next Batch of T-Shirts Shipped, Only a Few Left!
All orders that took place after last Friday have been taken care of. There are now only five XL shirts left, and a single XXL. Seeing as I am having so much trouble getting these off my hands, those six shirts will be the last of that design ever sold (and possibly, the last planetnamek.com shirt). So if you've ordered a shirt, you have a real rarity there (Watch out for bleach! You'll hurt my babies! ;_;).
Anyhow, I want to sell these last shirts, and I know there are plenty of you out there who are not totally against buying one. Order one today!
Question: Did anyone stop by the VA chat that was held today on the official site (I just plum forgot)? If so, send me an e-mail of the transcript, or just a small summary of how it went. Thanks in advance!
Thursday, 8/9/2001 @ 1:06 PM PDT by: Mr.E
Bid For Power Has a Release Date...
It's too bad that it will no longer be DBZ-related... :(
Bid For Power is close to being released (about a months time) and we will have a lot more details concerning the release next week. What I can tell you is that we will be removing the DBZ characters but it will still keep it's anime feel plus some extra. Stay tuned.
It's disgusting how Toei/Infogrames/FUNimation have denied this team an easy method to distribute their product.
If the Infogrames games do not kick some SERIOUS ass, I will not be able to describe how irrate I will become. What a sorry treatment of an excellent license.
Thursday, 8/9/2001 @ 9:46 AM PDT by: Mr.E
Official Site Maitanence...
From the horse's mouth:
Greeting coolest fans in the world! Starting Thursday, August 9, at 7:30 pm EST, we will be performing some maintenance to the DBZ, Dragon Ball and Blue Gender web sites. We do not expect any down time and you should not experience difficulties with any of these sites while the maintenance is completed. However Club Z will be closed for the weekend as a result and will reopen Monday, August 13, at 9:00 am EST. Upon maintenance completion there will be little difference in any of FUNimations web sites, except they should run faster. We appreciate your patience as we strive to bring you the best quality and service for all of FUNimations web sites.
Not much else to say about that...
Thursday, 8/9/2001 @ 4:01 AM PDT by: Mr.E
Yamcha and Tenshinhan Figures Coming...
Two of the more neglected characters are going to receive the Irwin treatment:
Dear Mr. Troy,
Thank you for your e-mail and for your interest in our products.
I am glad to hear you are a big fan of Dragonball Z, so are we here at Irwin Toy. Our team of toy developers is working very hard to bring you the character figures you want to see on store shelves, so thank you for your feedback.
You will be able to find Yamcha with Puar in May 2002 and Tien in September 2002. Please keep in mind these are approximate dates only.
Should you have any other questions please do not hesitate to e-mail me at (e-mail removed).
I hope you continue to enjoy watching and collecting Dragonball Z.
The above is from Dragonballtoys.com. After seeing Jon's Piccolo (Over and over again. Please stop, Jon!), I will be awaiting these figures to see what is done with them. I have to admit, their newer stuff can be damn cool.
Wednesday, 8/8/2001 @ 1:05 AM PDT by: Mr.E
Official Site FAQ Update...
From (you guessed it) the official site:
Q: What is the current release schedule for DVDs?
A: FUNimation will be rapidly releasing DVDs in the next several months. Here are the next 3 months schedules for each series:
DBZ
August 7: Lord Slug (uncut)
August 14: Frieza Clash
September 4: Frieza Desperation; Lord Slug (edited)
October 2: Babidi Descent; Babidi Battle Royal
October 16: Frieza SS Goku
October 30: Babibi The Prince Returns; Babibi Rivals
Some of these DVDs are available now at www.dbzstore.com store as presales. The Garlic Jr. DVDs should be available soon. We will let you know the rescheduled release dates as soon as they are available. Z Warriors Prepare has also been rescheduled. We are adding the Episodes 106-108 from the Trunks Prelude to Terror video to the Z Warriors Prepare DVD so it will contain 5 episodes (106-110). Continue to check here for updates on the VHS and DVD release schedule.
Q: What is the VHS release schedule?
A: Here is the schedule for the next 3 months for each series from FUNimation:
DBZ
Aug. 7: Lord Slug
Aug. 28: BabidiDescent, BabidiBattle Royal
Sept. 25: BabidiThe Dark Prince Returns; BabidiShowdown
October 9: Trunks Boxed Set 4 tape set
Dragon Ball
August 21: Tournament Fighters Begin!
October 23: Tournament Semi-Finals; Tournament The Final Test
I omitted the Blue Gender stuff because Planet Namek is STILL Dragon Ball. While the project does interest me, I am not obligated to report it. Anyhow, we have some new dates from this update, and the releases have been synchronized accordingly. However, I did notice something a little odd: There is no DVD release date for Babidi: Showdown, and no VHS release date for Babidi: Rivals. Something tells me that a title changed, but we'll see. For now, I will list the dates as-is.
From Gen Fukunaga, Executive Producer and President -- October 3, 2000:
Thanks for all your interest in DBZ. There are some commonly asked questions which I would be happy to answer to keep you updated.
· MOVIES: We have certain exclusive rights to allow us to acquire the remaining movies but negotiations with the Japanese on this matter take a very long time. We have been negotiating for 12 months and we still have no idea when we will get them. As you may know, the two TV Movie/Specials ("The Trunks Story", "Bardock: Father of Goku") are being released direct to home video this year (personally, I think these are totally awesome movies).
We are in negotiations with some major studios for a theatrical launch in 2001. Most likely, we will utilize a "double feature" of movies 6 and 7.
· HOME VIDEO/DVD: Our plans are to continue to release DVD (which includes subtitle, original music, uncut footage, original Japanese audio) of all episodes past 53 as well as any movies we get so long as we can meet a bare minimum sales level. We have no plans for VHS subtitle releases because sales are dismal for these. Pioneer controls home video rights to episodes 1 53 and the first 3 movies so we are not doing anything with these titles.
· VIDEO GAMES: We are in final negotiations on video games for multiple platforms with a major video game publisher. The hold-up is trying to obtain approvals from Japan.
· ILLEGAL GOODS: We are trying to aggressively stop illegal items including full episodes on the web, "fan subs" whose purpose is to make profits, black-market products, etc. We have launched multiple law suits in this regard.
· ENGLISH DUB: Viewer Response: In general, the overwhelming response to our dub and new music has been positive by the audience which views Cartoon Network.
Voice Actors: We do not plan to use Freddie Prinze Jr. at this time. We do not plan to change our existing voice actors. We have not yet cast the voice of teen Gohan (nor any other actors after the Cell Saga).
· HISTORY: FUNimation started in 1994 through my love of Japanese animation. I remember religiously watching "Space Battleship Yamato" when I was living in Japan as a youngster. Due to Hollywood's "not invented here" attitude, Japanese animation had huge hurdles to overcome. Thanks to the help of many people, we were able to meet with TOEI and we immediately became interested in Dragon Ball. So we raised investment funds and started the company.
· FUTURE: We plan to move to Dragon Ball GT after DBZ and we also want to find a way to give Dragon Ball exposure as well. But, these shows can not be heavily promoted today because the retailers do not want the confusion in the market place of having 3 similar products simultaneously.
Regarding other anime, we are trying to acquire as much good anime as possible and I hope to announce something in the next few months.
As for characters I like, some of my favorite characters include Goku in Dragon Ball (innocent but tough), Android 18 (sexy and self-confident), Pilaf (funny), and Oolong in Dragon Ball (funny). Also, Piccolo and Vegeta's dry sense of humor are great and Bulma has a lot of spunk and is fun.
Included with the first two Dragon Ball videos, titled Tournament - Roshi's Request and Tournament - Turtle Hermit Training, is a special bonus pack of six trading cards. These videos are available now at the DBZ Store as presales. The bonus pack includes Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball trading cards, five are regular and one is a special prism card. Get your copy of the new DB videos now so you can get a sneak preview before they air on TV, and enhance your trading card collection at the same time. Don't forget to start watching Dragon Ball on Cartoon Network June 25th right after Dragon Ball Z.
Dragon Ball Z airing twice a day on Cartoon Network until the premiere of Dragon Ball.
DBZ now airing on the WB network at 4:30 pm for at least a few weeks.
Original Dragon Ball slated to air August 20th on Cartoon Network. More delays are possible.
Season 5 of Dragon Ball Z is currently in production. New episodes to air September 10th.
Movie #5 expected in January 2002, #6 to follow shortly thereafter. Theatrical release is possible.
Infogrames/Wizard Works is currently producing the upcoming DBZ games. First game is "The Legacy of Goku" for Game Boy Advance. No release date as of yet.
FUNimation will blaze the convention trail into Chicago for Wizard World the weekend of August 17-19. We will be in booth #551 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center. Voice actors Chris Sabat, voice of Vegeta and Piccolo, and Eric Johnson, voice of Trunks, will be signing autographs in the FUNimation booth. You can come by for autographs Friday from 2-4 pm, Saturday from 11-1 pm and 2-5 pm, and Sunday 12-2 pm.
After Wizard World, FUNimation will make stops in Toronto for CN Anime, August 24-26 with actors Sabat and Johnson, and in Atlanta for Dragon Con, August 31-September 3 with actors Johnson and Laura Bailey, voice of Young Trunks. We hope to see you and you can look forward to a good time hanging out the actors and FUNimation.
Stay plugged in here for all the latest from FUNimation.
FUNimation will blaze the convention trail into Chicago for Wizard World the weekend of August 17-19. We will be in booth #551 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center. Voice actors Chris Sabat, voice of Vegeta and Piccolo, and Eric Johnson, voice of Trunks, will be signing autographs in the FUNimation booth. You can come by for autographs Friday from 2-4 pm, Saturday from 11-1 pm and 2-5 pm, and Sunday 12-2 pm.
After Wizard World, FUNimation will make stops in Toronto for CN Anime, August 24-26 with actors Sabat and Johnson, and in Atlanta for Dragon Con, August 31-September 3 with actors Johnson and Laura Bailey, voice of Young Trunks. We hope to see you and you can look forward to a good time hanging out the actors and FUNimation.
Stay plugged in here for all the latest from FUNimation.
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