Black Jack News

CRUNCHYROLL HITS IT BIG WITH TEZUKA PRODUCTIONS AND YOMIURI TELECASTING
CORPORATION (YTV) WITH THE FIRST EVER RELEASE IN ENGLISH-SPEAKING
TERRITORIES OF THE AWARD-WINNING BLACK JACK ANIME

Online Media Distribution Giant, Leading Animation Production Studio and
Major Japanese Broadcaster to Stream Osamu Tezuka¹s 1970¹s Classic Anime
Title

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (March 18, 2009) ‹Crunchyroll, Tezuka
Productions and Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation (YTV) collaborate to bring
Osamu Tezuka¹s award winning original 70¹s manga/anime classic of the
medical adventures of the eponymous doctor BLACK JACK to Crunchyroll anime
members and fans worldwide.  More information can be found at
www.crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com/> .

BLACK JACK was directed by Makoto Tezuka (Osamu Tezuka¹s son) and is
considered one of the top three most famous manga titles by the world famous
manga-ka and anime producer that won the 1st Kodansha Manga Award for the
shonen category in 1977.

"Osamu Tezuka's creations represent one of the greatest masterpieces to have
ever graced both the printed page and silver screen, and we are honored that
we will be able to offer these very special episodes to our community,"
states Rob Pereyda, Crunchyroll Senior Director, "these BLACK JACK  episodes
are especially exciting to us as they have never been released before
outside of Japan. Fans are in for a real treat."
BLACK JACK planner and general manager of Tezuka Productions, Yoshihiro
Shimizu, states, "on behalf of Tezuka Productions, I am very pleased that '4
Miracles of Life' will be presented to anime fans all over the world.  It is
a very special program to us, and we are excited that we can collaborate
with YTV and Crunchyroll on its international release."
"Crunchyroll represents a strategic overseas distribution outlet for YTV in
the digital age," states Shinichiro Nishigaki, Director of YTV's contents
business development division, "we are not only looking forward to the
potential online distribution success of our contents, but deeply appreciate
that Crunchyroll gives us ownership of all the subtitles they create.
Working together, our partnership has no limit."
Title Synopsis:

BLACK JACK

BLACK JACK "Four Miracles of Life" Special Episode 1: Where¹s the Doctor

Akudo, the rich, spoiled son of a wealthy capitalist, is mortally wounded in
an accident while driving recklessly. His father calls in a host of doctors
and promises great rewards if they heal his son, and terrible consequences
if they fail. No doctor is willing to take on the hopeless case, until the
mysterious unlicensed surgical genius Dr. BLACK JACK comes in.

BLACK JACK "Four Miracles of Life" Special Episode 2: The Disowned Son

BLACK JACK and Pinoko are caught in a storm while traveling, and taken in by
an old woman. It is her sixtieth birthday, she says, and while she lives
alone, she is excited because her three sons have promised to visit her
today.

BLACK JACK "Four Miracles of Life" Special Episode 3: U-18 Knew

U-18 is a medical supercomputer, running a fully automated hospital in which
all the functions of all nurses, doctors, pharmacists, are performed by one
central machine with the world¹s most advanced AI. When the computer
malfunctions, it insists stubbornly that it is sick, that it is a human, and
that only the famous Dr. BLACK JACK can heal it, and holds its patients
hostage threatening to kill them if BLACK JACK is not summoned to treat it.

BLACK JACK "Four Miracles of Life" Special Episode 4: Like a Pearl

This story retells, with few changes, what is perhaps the most famous single
BLACK JACK story, portraying BLACK JACK¹s relationship with Dr Honma, his
mentor, teacher and father figure. After many years without contact, BLACK
JACK receives a strange package from Dr. Honma, a long, rounded stone made
of calcium, with a scalpel inside. Black Jack goes to visit Dr. Honma, who
says he has something he must confess, and we hear the story of BLACK JACK¹s
accident, childhood, and the beginning of his medical career.

About Crunchyroll
Headquartered in San Francisco, California ­ Crunchyroll is hailed as a
leading online entertainment brand with the largest international online
community and destination focused on Asian entertainment including anime,
drama, music in addition to electronic entertainment and auto content.
Crunchyroll¹s distribution channel and partnership program delivers content
to over five million passionate fans worldwide. Crunchyroll is funded by the
premiere group Venrock.  More information can be found at its website
http://www.crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com/> .



The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are
"forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on
current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and
uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a
number of important factors could cause Crunchyroll.com¹s actual future
results to differ materially from those expressed in any such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation,
product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and
industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of
relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers,
international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its
intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon
any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The
Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

I thought I would post these for you guys and gals as there's some pretty cool news here, I have never heard of these series, but I'm sure you can make fun of me in the comments for that right?  :)

GLASS MAIDENS ARE FROM VENUS AND CAT MEN ARE FROM MARS: CRUNCHYROLL TEAMS
WITH FUJI CREATIVE CORPORATION

Online Media Distribution Giant to Stream GLASS MAIDEN and CAT MAN from FCC

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (March 18, 2009) ‹Fuji Creative Corporation (FCC) and online media distribution giant, Crunchyroll, announce a digital partnership with the launch of the FCC anime titles GLASS MAIDEN and CAT MAN starting this spring. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com/> .

Fuji Creative Corporation Senior Director Yukio Sonobe states, "Crunchyroll is an exciting platform for FCC to utilize in our efforts to expand the reach of our digital contents which include not only anime but other unique forms of programs and series.  We hope that by tapping into the global online audience, with Crunchyroll as a partner, the reach and popularity of our animation works will reach even more people."

"Fuji Creative Corporation a legendary Japanese content company," states Rob Pereyda, Crunchyroll K.K.¹s Senior Director. "Being able to partner with FCC is truly an honor for Crunchyroll and we look forward to the many successes we will have together for years to come."

Title Synopses:

GLASS MAIDEN
In the near-future...

Lags Town is located in a corner of Asia symbolizing a negative side of false prosperity. A hard-boiled buddy story is staged in this town presenting spectacular gun-battles!

GLASS MAIDEN is a stylish and full-blown animation, and props and gadgets are depicted in meticulous detail whole through the story.

Having gone through 5 years of preparation, this original story is finally about to unfold...

CAT MAN
CAT MAN is a temperamental character with no time for other people. Living in the city, he lives a solitary life and doesn't bother himself with the rest of the world. In his stubbornness, he sticks to his own way of doing things, but can't seem to find any peace of mind.

"Always in pursuit of the greater good... to what end?" he murmurs to himself. He tries to be cool and in control, but he also wants to find deeper meaning in his life. Will CAT MAN ever find any rest for his troubled soul?


Sounds interesting even though I have never heard of either of the series, but hey free anime is free anime right? Can't beat that!

CRUNCHYROLL HITS IT BIG WITH TEZUKA PRODUCTIONS AND YOMIURI TELECASTING CORPORATION (YTV) WITH THE FIRST EVER RELEASE IN ENGLISH-SPEAKING TERRITORIES OF THE AWARD-WINNING BLACK JACK ANIME

Online Media Distribution Giant, Leading Animation Production Studio and Major Japanese Broadcaster to Stream Osamu Tezuka¹s 1970¹s Classic Anime Title

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (March 18, 2009) ‹Crunchyroll, Tezuka Productions and Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation (YTV) collaborate to bring Osamu Tezuka¹s award winning original 70¹s manga/anime classic of the medical adventures of the eponymous doctor BLACK JACK to Crunchyroll anime members and fans worldwide.  More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com/> .

BLACK JACK was directed by Makoto Tezuka (Osamu Tezuka¹s son) and is considered one of the top three most famous manga titles by the world famous manga-ka and anime producer that won the 1st Kodansha Manga Award for the shonen category in 1977.

"Osamu Tezuka's creations represent one of the greatest masterpieces to have ever graced both the printed page and silver screen, and we are honored that we will be able to offer these very special episodes to our community," states Rob Pereyda, Crunchyroll Senior Director, "these BLACK JACK  episodes are especially exciting to us as they have never been released before outside of Japan. Fans are in for a real treat." BLACK JACK planner and general manager of Tezuka Productions, Yoshihiro Shimizu, states, "on behalf of Tezuka Productions, I am very pleased that '4 Miracles of Life' will be presented to anime fans all over the world.  It is a very special program to us, and we are excited that we can collaborate with YTV and Crunchyroll on its international release." "Crunchyroll represents a strategic overseas distribution outlet for YTV in the digital age," states Shinichiro Nishigaki, Director of YTV's contents business development division, "we are not only looking forward to the potential online distribution success of our contents, but deeply appreciate that Crunchyroll gives us ownership of all the subtitles they create. Working together, our partnership has no limit."

Title Synopsis:

BLACK JACK

BLACK JACK "Four Miracles of Life" Special Episode 1: Where¹s the Doctor

Akudo, the rich, spoiled son of a wealthy capitalist, is mortally wounded in an accident while driving recklessly. His father calls in a host of doctors and promises great rewards if they heal his son, and terrible consequences if they fail. No doctor is willing to take on the hopeless case, until the mysterious unlicensed surgical genius Dr. BLACK JACK comes in.

BLACK JACK "Four Miracles of Life" Special Episode 2: The Disowned Son

BLACK JACK and Pinoko are caught in a storm while traveling, and taken in by an old woman. It is her sixtieth birthday, she says, and while she lives
alone, she is excited because her three sons have promised to visit her today.

BLACK JACK "Four Miracles of Life" Special Episode 3: U-18 Knew

U-18 is a medical supercomputer, running a fully automated hospital in which all the functions of all nurses, doctors, pharmacists, are performed by one central machine with the world¹s most advanced AI. When the computer malfunctions, it insists stubbornly that it is sick, that it is a human, and that only the famous Dr. BLACK JACK can heal it, and holds its patients hostage threatening to kill them if BLACK JACK is not summoned to treat it.

BLACK JACK "Four Miracles of Life" Special Episode 4: Like a Pearl

This story retells, with few changes, what is perhaps the most famous single BLACK JACK story, portraying BLACK JACK¹s relationship with Dr Honma, his mentor, teacher and father figure. After many years without contact, BLACK
JACK receives a strange package from Dr. Honma, a long, rounded stone made of calcium, with a scalpel inside. Black Jack goes to visit Dr. Honma, who says he has something he must confess, and we hear the story of BLACK JACK¹s accident, childhood, and the beginning of his medical career.

Ok, so maybe I've heard of Black Jack...but I've never read it.

This seems like another good amount of content for Crunchyroll, is there anyone who still won't watch content on even though it's legal and free now?

Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Talks
ASTRO BOY & Anime With Fred Ladd
“If you like ARIA…,” the AUTOMATICS, contests & more in episode 82!

GRIMES, IA, December 19, 2008 – Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Mr. Fred Ladd – the producer of anime classics including Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion and the author of the upcoming book Astro Boy and Anime Come to the Americas – to episode 82 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new, four-segment interview, Ladd talks about what fans can find in his new book, his recent trip to Japan for the celebration of Osamu Tezuka’s 80th birthday, the similarities between “Kimba” and “Simba,” the history of anime in the U.S., the live-action Speed Racer movie, and his early impressions of Imagi’s CGI Astro Boy movie, which is scheduled to hit theaters in 2009.

Also in episode 82 of ANIME TODAY:

-       Chad tells listeners “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and manga.

-       The Right Stuf staff sings a rousing chorus of “The 12+ Days of Anime” and reminds fans about the last few days the sale. The special items may be ordered through 11:59 p.m. CST on December 21, 2008.

-       Rich and Nick announce the winners of the Black Jack contest and the EMMA: A Victorian Romance contest. Then they kick off two new contests: One for copies of Claymore DVD 1, from FUNimation, and a second for posters and preview DVDs of The Grand Chef, the latest K-drama from YA Entertainment.

-       Christy launches a new segment, If… Then, which suggests titles that fans of the ARIA anime may enjoy.

-       Nick and Rich provide a rundown of upcoming conventions, courtesy of AnimeCons.com.

-       Listen to musical clips from the JapanFiles.com CDs Quietude and Good Melodies by the AUTOMATICS.

-       And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.

Have a question about anime and manga? Want to comment on one of the podcast’s segments? Call our Anime Today Hotline at 1-800-338-6827, ext. 7424. You may hear yourself on a future episode of Anime Today!

Visit www.rightstuf.com and www.animetoday.com for this episode, as well as an archive of all ANIME TODAY episodes and extended liner notes. Listeners can also download and subscribe to ANIME TODAY via the Apple iTunes Music Store.

Meet other anime fans, talk with ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the new ANIME TODAY forums: http://www.rightstuf.com/  .

Follow ANIME TODAY on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ .

ABOUT ANIME TODAY
Released every other week, ANIME TODAY is the first commercially-produced podcast aimed at enthusiasts of Japanese animation and comics (“anime” and “manga”). Each episode features fresh content and gives listeners a glimpse into what's new and what's hot in the world of anime and manga. Segments include reviews of titles from all major anime studios, insights into the industry from anime producers, tips on traveling to and around Japan, interaction with listeners, contests, prizes and more.

“If you’re into anime and what’s happening in the anime market then this is the podcast for you!”
- User review on iTunes

ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.
Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation ("anime") industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.

Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us and ARIA, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.