Expo Oct ’07: new licenses, anime on UK TV, cosplay
Paul •
This past weekend saw the London MCM Expo roll into town, unleashing hordes of cosplayers and anime fans on England’s capital city. Though (compared with previous events) there were slim pickings in terms of new UK anime DVD licenses, EyeonAnime report that the following anime were officially announced for UK release:
- Black Lagoon (MVM)
- Devil May Cry (ADV)
- Love Hina Again (MVM)
- Naruto (more episodes of, Manga Entertainment)
- School Rumble (Revelation Films)
- Strait Jacket OVA (Manga Entertainment)
- [Shakugan no] Shana (MVM)
- Witchblade (MVM)
Also, there will be a limited theatrical release of “Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow” at the London Apollo cinema, screenings on both the 24th and 25th of November at 11AM.
Viewer ratings for anime on UK TV, essentially Anime Network (every evening on Propeller TV) and Anime Central, are quoted as being “much better than expected”. Anime Central reportedly pulled in around 130,000 viewers in it’s first week, which isn’t a spectacular opening audience, but isn’t abysmal either; indeed, the chances are now good that both channels will eventually appear on Virgin Media’s digital TV service.
Anime Central is also planning to start a subtitled block of anime – running every evening from 3AM-6AM. This new block will kick-off once the following new anime starts airing on the channel (though no specific premiere dates have been circulated):
- .hack//SIGN
- Bleach (more episodes)
- Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex – 2nd Gig
- Wolf’s Rain
Be sure to head onto our vibrant community forums if you are interested in browsing through some fun cosplay images or reading enthusiastic reports and experiences of the event itself.
