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VIZ Media launching subscription-based 'Neon Alley' anime channel on consoles this fall
VIZ Media, the localization company responsible for bringing Bleach, Naruto and all things Rumiko Takahashi stateside, has announced that it will be launching a 24-hour anime network called Neon Alley on consoles this fall.Which consoles will actually receive Neon Alley remains to be seen, as the press release (found after the break) does not list specifics. The $6.99 a month service will not be an on-demand streaming app, but rather an actual television channel with a schedule and everything. All content will be uncensored, in HD when possible, but always dubbed in English, which could be good or bad depending on your personal anime sensibilities.The channel will broadcast advertisements, despite the subscription fee, though VIZ says those ads will be "limited" and help keep the monthly cost below 10 dollars. Announced programming includes Naruto Shippuden, Inuyasha: The Final Act, Death Note and quite a few others, as well as original programming.
VIZIO launches latest XVT series HDTVs, new Blu-ray players with 3D today
Say hello to the new VIZIO XVT 3D series, while the XVT Pro line announced earlier this year (and that 72-inch model we were drooling over) were not to be, these 42-, 47- and 55-inch HDTVs are real and on sale today through Amazon, Sam's Club and Target's online shops and should be on shelves later this month. Features like the number of LED backlighting zones (for the 47- and 55-, the 42-inch features edge LED lighting), claimed contrast ratio, WiFi N and VIZIO Internet Apps are consistent with existing models, so the big addition this time around is 480Hz refresh rate and obviously, 3D readiness (active shutter glasses not included). VIZIO's also announced two new 3D compatible Blu-ray players to match for $189, plus a new router and some high priced HDMI cables to fill out the lineup. Full specs and prices are in the press release after the break, but with a premium of $300-$400 on Amazon over the award winning 2D-only XVT3SV lineup (we have one in for review, hint: it's excellent), most will probably want to wait for some kind of package deal unless there's a copy of NBA 2K11 3D or Black Ops burning a hole in their console right now. Update: It appears VIZIO's made one other change since its initial 3D announcement, including RealD technology and using their glasses. We asked if these glasses will be compatible with those from other manufacturers but haven't gotten an answer to that question yet.
Viz brings mainstream manga to the iPad
Viz Media, LLC introduced its first iPad app this past week, Viz Manga, and it's something that I've personally waited a long time to see. I've been a manga fan for years, ever since I saved my allowance as a teen to buy $18 copies of Ranma 1/2 in the mid-90s. A good section of my bookcase is devoted to volumes in both English and the original Japanese. As, first, the Kindle, then the iPad were introduced, I looked at both of these devices as not only a more convenient and cost-effective way of obtaining more series, but also as a chance to hopefully cut down on the frequent pirating that goes on in the manga (and anime) world. Hundreds will take the latest chapters of well-known, licensed series, such as Bleach and One Piece, then translate and release the chapters online within days of the Japanese release. While Viz, one of the larger companies out there, has taken strides toward getting chapters of the English releases done at the same time as the Japanese, it's not fast enough for a very picky community that wants their fix before the releases have even hit the printing press. There is manga out there that's available for the Kindle and iPhone, but these are niche titles. TOKYOPOP took a step in the right direction of making more mainstream work available by releasing Hetalia through the comiXology app. Dark Horse introduced more digital content in October, but that focused more on traditional comic books than their manga titles. There is also an iPad app coming from Yen Press. But by Viz opening its own store on the iPad, we're finally getting to see the mainstream manga releases like Bleach, Naruto, Dragon Ball, and more in a legal, digital format, and I couldn't be happier.
Naruto Shippuden fighter coming to PSP this Fall
It's been a while since we've seen you on PSP, Naruto -- and it looks like you've grown up. PSP will getting its own fighter based on the Naruto Shippuden series later this year, courtesy of Namco Bandai. According to IGN, Naruto Shippuden: Legends: Akatsuki Rising will feature a simplified control scheme that allows players to easily create "ultimate combos" with two support characters and easy-to-use Jutsu attacks. In addition to an Ad-Hoc versus mode, there will also be two-player co-op.The story will take players through the Gaara Retrieval arc while the titular Akatsuki Mode will let you play as the Akatsuki organization. It looks like Naruto fans will have a lot to look forward to.[Thanks, David B.!]
Zelda manga confirmed for North America
Turns out, the rumor is truth. Everyone looking to dive into Link's adventures in Hyrule, this time in paper form, rejoice. Well, you can celebrate if you live in North America. Everyone else, this tidbit of info doesn't really apply to you.But, we digress. Your hands will no longer need hold a controller or some kind of portable gaming device in order to experience Link and the happenings in his world. Word on the Hyrulian fields is that the manga will be available for your reading pleasure come this October.[Via Go Nintendo]
US gets equipped with Mega Man Star Force cartoon
Mega Man series fans have something else to look forward to in the near future, besides the never-ending stream of spinoffs and sequels. Viz Media has licensed the anime adaptation of the latest spinoff, Mega Man Star Force (Ryuusei no Rockman in Japan) for US audiences.The story is some baffling thing about a human kid merging with an alien entity called Omega-Xis to become Mega Man, which we're sure will make more sense after we play the game. It makes us a little nostalgic for the sparse robot vs. robot storyline of the original Mega Man series, but not the original Mega Man cartoon. Do you think the cartoon will be good enough to promote a game with three versions? We make fun of Capcom for all the Mega Man overload, but we're huge fans and will no doubt fill our TiVos with episodes of this series.
