UK anime & manga news from AyaCon *updated*

Thanks to the helpful AnimeOnDVD forum user Danj, we are able to bring you these brief summaries of what has been discussed at today’s panels at AyaCon.ADV UK news
A new anime series will be starting every month for the first six months of 2006. These new series are Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu! (January), Elfen Lied (February), Madlax (March) along with the currently unscheduled Cromartie High School, Gilgamesh and Area 88 TV.An ADV UK fanclub and magazine is planned; called “Anime ADVocates”, membership will include a magazine and free promo DVD (containing anime episodes).ADV are looking at the possibility of bringing ADV Manga to the UK.Despite trying hard, no ADV titles are scheduled to be aired on British TV.The possibility of ADV bringing DVD art boxes to the UK is still an issue of cost, not helped by high street shops being reluctant to stock them. However, they are looking at selling boxes in the UK directly by mail order.

BEEZ news
No new titles have been confirmed, though Beez stated a strong interest in bringing Panda Z, Stratos 4 Advance and Scrapped Princess to the UK.
They are waiting to see how successful the UK release of Crest of the Stars (currently unscheduled) is before making a decision on Banner of the Stars and Banner of the Stars 2.
Beez are planning DVD art-boxes for a lot of their releases (no specific titles confirmed).
The UK release of Wolf’s Rain will feature UK-exclusive limited edition versions.
Beez’s panel also illustrated their buisness priorites; specifically working towards TV in Europe and releasing more anime soundtracks as well as syncronising the UK with the French industry (in terms of DVD releases).

MVM news
Burst Angel, Gunslinger Girl, Samurai 7 and Tenjho Tenge are all planned to hit the UK in 2006.
New UK license acquisitions are Requiem from the Darkness, Saiyuki Reload, Twin Signal and Gestalt.
The first volume of Ikkitousen aka Battle Vixens (due November 2005) will be released in the UK with an art box and the first volume of the manga (from ToykoPop). This limited edition release will be the same price as the stand alone first DVD volume.
MVM are hoping to get Full Metal Alchemist and Yu Yu Hakusho on UK TV.
Next year MVM are planning to cut back their DVD releases to four a month and similiarly expects ADV to cut back their number of UK releases too.
MVM commented that the likes of Geneon are now starting to consult them on which series to license for the UK and also revealed their disappointment in Gantz only managing a 15 certificate from the BBFC since 18 rated anime tends to sell a lot better (triple sales compared with lower age ratings).

Tokyopop UK news
It is probable that Tokyopop UK will start releasing (through a different distributor) Tokyopop US’ anime series (a line-up that includes Great Teacher Onizuka aka GTO, Initial D and Rave Master) in the UK next year (selection based on whatever anime has been popular in the US).
Their manga releases have been doing really well at the smaller high street chain stores (like Borders) and are set to make an impact at the likes of Waterstones and WH Smiths in the future.
TokyoPop UK’s best seller is “Battle Royale, followed closely by Chobits, Fruits Basket and Love Hina”. As with their probable anime releases, TokyoPop UK choose manga series based on their success in the US.More news from AyaCon will be posted as and when it is available.